2008 BMW R 1200ST vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | - | Realtree APG HD camouflage |
| Warranty | - | 12 Months |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 155 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 6.1 inches |
| Seat Height | 820 mm / 32.3 in. | 845 mm / 33.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,495 mm / 58.9 in. | 1,520 mm / 59.8 in. |
| Height | - | 1,405 mm / 55.3 in. |
| Length | 2,082 mm / 82.0 in. | 2,235 mm / 88.0 in. |
| Width | - | 900 mm / 35.4 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 182 kg / 401.2 lbs | 239 kg / 526.9 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons | 21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs | 292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs |
| Performance |
| Max Torque | 115.00 | 102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 10400 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.5968 HP/kg | 0.4870 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 2 | - |
| Fuel Control | SOHC | DOHC |
| Engine Type | Two cylinder boxer | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | 71.39 cubic inches | 63.64 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 4.0 x 2.9 inches | 3.0 x 2.2 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 101.0 x 73.0 mm | 77.0 x 56.0 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 1170.00 cc | 1043.00 cc |
| Fuel System | Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition | Injection |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Fuel Reserve | 2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons | - |
| Ignition | - | Digital |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated | Wet mDouble disk, manual |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | - |
| Primary Drive | - | Sealed chain |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit | Aluminium twin-tube |
| Suspension - Front | BMW Motorrad Telelever | 43 mm inverted fork with stepless |
| Suspension - Rear | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, |
| Rake | 25.7° | 27.0° |
| Trail | 104 mm / 4.1 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 110 mm / 4.3 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 140 mm / 5.5 in. | - |
| Electrical Systems |
| Lighting system | - | 30W x 2 halogen |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 12.6 inches | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 10.4 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 320 mm | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 265 mm | - |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc. ABS | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. ABS | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70-17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 180/55-17 | 180/55-ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2008 BMW R 1200ST
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST edges out the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2008 BMW R 1200ST - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2008 BMW R 1200ST vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200ST and 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 BMW R 1200ST or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 sits higher at 845 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW R 1200ST or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200ST has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.