2020 BMW R 1250RS vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW R 1250RS 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
535.7 pounds
2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Sport touring

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAdjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.-
Year20202020 - 21
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic-
Make ModelBMW R 1250RSKawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1530 mm / 60.2 in1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in
Length2202 mm / 86.6 in1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in
Width925 mm / 36.4 in775 mm / 30.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)4.00 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.23 US quarts-
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal19 Litres / 5 US gal
Coolant Capacity2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)-
Wet Weight243 kg / 535.7 lbs256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Performance
Top Speed201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph-
Max Power136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke-
CO2109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in998 cc / 60.9 cub in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinderFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system-
Bore x Stroke102.5 x 76 mm76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Fuel Consumption4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve Fuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injection
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Fuel TypeUnleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)-
Idle Speed1050 +/- 100 RPM-
Ignition-Digital
Lubrication-Forced, wet sump with oil cooler
StarterElectric 900WElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/12Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activatedWet multi-disc, manual.
Final DriveShaftChain
Final Drive Ratio-2.444 (44/18)
Gear Ratios-1st 3.077 (40/13) 2nd 2.471 (42/17) 3rd 2.045 (45/22) 4th 1.727 (38/22) 5th 1.524 (32/21) 6th 1.348 (31/23)
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveConstant mesh-
Primary Drive Ratios-1.480 (74/50)
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system6-speed, return, dog-ring
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engineTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake25.5°24.7°
Steering Angle62.3°30° Right / 30° Left
Trail110.9 mm / 4.3 in103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in139 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)-
Lighting systemLED-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipersDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliperSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipers
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable-
Brake Fluid TypeDOT 4-
Tyre Pressure - Front36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)-
Tyre Pressure - Rear42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17 in-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW R 1250RS

The 2020 BMW R 1250RS edges out the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja thanks to its lighter kerb weight, standard ABS, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 BMW R 1250RS - Advantages

  • Lighter: 243 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Larger displacement: 1254 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2020 BMW R 1250RS vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW R 1250RS and 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS is lighter at 243 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - a difference of 13 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja have ABS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW R 1250RS or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW R 1250RS has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 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.