2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Silver, Blue | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 780 mm / 30.7 in. | 820 mm / 32.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,500 mm / 59.1 in. | 1,495 mm / 58.9 in. |
| Length | - | 2,082 mm / 82.0 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 236 kg / 520.3 lbs | 182 kg / 401.2 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons | 16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 270.0 km/h / 167.8 mph | - |
| Max Torque | 164.00 | 115.00 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.6780 HP/kg | 0.5968 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 4.0 x 2.9 inches |
| Stroke | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel Control | DOHC | SOHC |
| Displacement (ci) | 71.03 cubic inches | 71.39 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 1164.00 cc | 1170.00 cc |
| Engine Type | In-line four | Two cylinder boxer |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 101.0 x 73.0 mm |
| Fuel System | Carburettor | Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition |
| Compression Ratio | - | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Reserve | - | 2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Final Drive | Chain | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit |
| Suspension - Front | - | BMW Motorrad Telelever |
| Suspension - Rear | - | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Rake | - | 25.7° |
| Trail | - | 104 mm / 4.1 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | - | 110 mm / 4.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | - | 140 mm / 5.5 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 12.6 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 320 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 265 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 10.4 inches |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc | Double disc. ABS |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc. ABS |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 180/55-ZR17 | 180/55-17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 and the 2008 BMW R 1200ST 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
2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2008 BMW R 1200ST - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 and 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 uses In-line four, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 BMW R 1200ST sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
Both are strong choices. The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.