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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year2020 - 212020
Colours-Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Make ModelKawasaki H2 SX-SE NinjaBMW R 1250RS
Dimensions
Seat Height835 mm / 32.8 in820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1530 mm / 60.2 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum
Length1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in2202 mm / 86.6 in
Width775 mm / 30.5 in925 mm / 36.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-4.00 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-4.23 US quarts
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5 US gal18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Coolant Capacity-2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs243 kg / 535.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Max Power206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Engine
CO2-109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cub in1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-typeFour 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 cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system
Bore x Stroke76 x 55 mm102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid / Air cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Engine Management-BMS-O
Fuel Consumption-4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel InductionFuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injectionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type-Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)
Idle Speed-1050 +/- 100 RPM
IgnitionDigital-
LubricationForced, wet sump with oil cooler-
StarterElectricElectric 900W
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V/12Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manual.Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final DriveChainShaft
Final Drive Ratio2.444 (44/18)-
Gear Ratios1st 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)-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratios1.480 (74/50)-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, return, dog-ringConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plateTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springsTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out springCast 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 handwheel
Rake24.7°25.5°
Steering Angle30° Right / 30° Left62.3°
Trail103 mm / 4.0 in110.9 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear139 mm / 5.5 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)
Lighting system-LED
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipersSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable
Brake Fluid Type-DOT 4
Tyre Pressure - Front-36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear-42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-5.50 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

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 - 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 vs 2020 BMW R 1250RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja and 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja uses Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type, while the 2020 BMW R 1250RS is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
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 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
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 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja has its own strengths, while the 2020 BMW R 1250RS stands out for lighter kerb weight and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.