2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2013 BMW F 800GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.9 pounds
2013 BMW F 800GT 2013 BMW F 800GT

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
66 kW / 90 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h
Weight
470.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year-2013
ColoursRealtree APG HD camouflageOrange, white, grey
Make Model-BMW F 800GT
Warranty12 Months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches-
Seat Height845 mm / 33.3 in.820 mm - 765 mm / 32.3 in.- 30.1 in
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1514 mm / 59.6 in.
Height1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1248 mm / 49.1 in. (excl. mirrors)
Length2,235 mm / 88.0 in.2156 mm / 84.9 in
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.905 mm / 35.6 in. (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight239 kg / 526.9 lbs166 kg / 366.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons15 Litres / 4 US gal.
Wet Weight292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs213 kg / 469.6 lbs.
Performance
Maximum RPM-9000
Top Speed-201 km/h / 125 mph
Max Power-66 kW / 90 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 1040086 Nm / 8.8 kgf-m / 63 lbs/ft @ 5800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4870 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm-
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
CO2-79.1 CO
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Displacement-798 cc / 47.7 cub. in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection, digital engine management (BMS-K+)
Bore x Stroke-82 x 75.8 mm
Compression Ratio10.3:112.0:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpDry sump
Fuel Consumption-3.4 L/100 km / 29.4 km/l / 69 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake injection, ∅45mm throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve-5.00 litres / 1.32 gallons
IgnitionDigitalKnock control and oxygen sensors
Lubrication-Dry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet mDouble disk, manualMultiplate-plate in oil bath
Final DriveChainBelt drive
Final Drive Ratio-1:2.6
Gear Ratios-1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.38 / 4th 1.17 / 5th 1.04 / 6th 0.96: 1
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chainConstant mesh
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium twin-tubeBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with stepless43mm Marzocchi Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with eccentric adjustment for rear axle, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake27.0°25.8°
Trail-94.6 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-125 mm / 4.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-125 mm / 4.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting system30W x 2 halogen-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 265 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS
Rims-Cast aluminium wheels
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 BMW F 800GT

The 2013 BMW F 800GT edges out the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2013 BMW F 800GT - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm - 765 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2013 BMW F 800GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 2013 BMW F 800GT?
The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2013 BMW F 800GT is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2013 BMW F 800GT?
The 2013 BMW F 800GT has the lower seat at 820 mm - 765 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.
Does the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or 2013 BMW F 800GT have ABS?
The 2013 BMW F 800GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2013 BMW F 800GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has its own strengths, while the 2013 BMW F 800GT stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.