2015 BMW S 1000XR vs 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 BMW S 1000XR 2015 BMW S 1000XR

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
502.7 pounds
2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
199.8 hp / 147 kW @ 13000 rpm
Top Speed
296.6 km/h / 184.3 mph
Weight
198 kg / 436.3 lbs ABS 201 kg / 443.2 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20152015
ColoursWhite, Red-
Make ModelBMW S 1000XRKawasaki ZX-10R Ninja
Dimensions
Seat Height840 mm / 33.1 in812 mm / 32 in
Wheelbase1548 mm / 60.9 in1425 mm / 56.1 in
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1408 mm / 45.4 in1115 mm / 43.9 in
Length283 mm / 85.9 in1115 mm / 43.9 in
Width940 mm / 37.0 in715 mm / 28.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight178 kg / 392.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight228 kg / 502.6 lbs198 kg / 436.3 lbs ABS 201 kg / 443.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-296.6 km/h / 184.3 mph
Max Power121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm199.8 hp / 147 kW @ 13000 rpm
Max Torque112 Nm / 11.4 kgf-m / 83 lb-ft @ 9250 rpm114.3 Nm / 11.62 kg-m @ 1150 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.8890 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile-10.4 sec
Engine
CO2125.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement999 cc / 60.9 cu-in998 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 49.7 mm76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:113.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Engine ManagementBMS-X-
Fuel Consumption5.40 litres/100 km (18.5 km/l or 43.56 mpg)16.4 km/lit
Fuel Induction-DFIØ with four 47mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
Ignition-TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Mixture ControlElectronic injection, throttle valve 48 mm-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-disc anti-hopping oil-bath clutch, mechanically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainSealed Chain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.294 (39/17)
Gear Ratios1st 2.647 / 2nd 2.091 / 3rd 1.727 / 4th 1.500 / 5th 1.360 / 6th 1.2611st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 2.053 (39/19) 3rd 1.737 (33/19) 4th 1.571 (33/21) 5th 1.444 (26/18) 6th 1.348 (31/23)
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveChain 17/45-
Primary Drive Ratios1.652 1.681 (79/47)
Transmission / DriveConstant -mesh 6-speed gearbox, straight-toothed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeConstruction type aluminium perimeter frame, engine self-supportingTwin spar, cast aluminium
Suspension - FrontUpside-down telescopic fork, stanchion diameter 46 mm, adjustable for bump and rebound optional: Dynamic ESA43mm Big Piston Fork (BPF), rebound, compression and spring preload adjustability.
Suspension - RearAluminium double-strut swing arm with central spring strut, adjustable for rebound, optional: Dynamic ESAHorizontal Back-link. High/low-speed compression, rebound and preload adjustable. 4.9in wheel travel
Rake25.5°25.°
Steering Head Angle64.5°-
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in109.9 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in 140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator W 350 Battery V/Ah 12/8, maintenance-free Headlight W low beam H7 12 V 55 W High beam H7 12 V 55 W Starter kW 0.8-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers, ABS Pro (dynamic brake light currently for EU markets only).2x 310 mm petal discs, radial-mount 4-piston calliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm disc, 1 piston caliper, ABS Pro (dynamic brake light currently for EU markets only).Single 220mm petal disc
RimsRim, front 3.50 x 17in.-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17190/55 ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2015 BMW S 1000XR and the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2015 BMW S 1000XR - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - Advantages

  • Lighter: 198 kg vs 228 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 812 mm vs 840 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2015 BMW S 1000XR vs 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW S 1000XR and 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2015 BMW S 1000XR uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja is lighter at 198 kg compared to 228 kg for the 2015 BMW S 1000XR - a difference of 30 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja has the lower seat at 812 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 BMW S 1000XR sits higher at 840 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
The 2015 BMW S 1000XR has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 17 litres for the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 283-340 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW S 1000XR has the edge in larger fuel tank and dual front discs, while the 2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.