2015 BMW F 800R vs 2016 Kawasaki Z 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 BMW F 800R 2015 BMW F 800R

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
64 kW / 87 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
218 km/h / 135.5 mph
Weight
445.3 pounds
2016 Kawasaki Z 800 2016 Kawasaki Z 800

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year20152015 - 16
ColoursBlue/white, White, Black/white, BlueGreen/Black, Black/grey, White/gray
Make ModelBMW F 800R Kawasaki Z 800
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-150 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in. (low seat: 775 mm / 30.5 in., high seat: 825 mm / 32.5 in)834 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1445 mm / 56.8 in
Ground Clearance-150 mm / 5.9 in
Height1160 mm / 45.7 in (excl. mirrors)1050 mm / 41.3 ib
Length2145 mm / 84.4 in.2100 mm / 82.6
Width905 mm / 35.6 in. (incl. mirrors)800 mm / 31.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight177 kg / 390 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight199 kg / 439 lbs.229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed218 km/h / 135.5 mph-
Max Power64 kW / 87 hp @ 8000 rpm83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm
Max Torque86 Nm / 8.8 kgf-m / 63 lbs/ft @ 6000 rpm83.0 Nm / 8.5 kg-fm @ 8000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5085 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.0 sec-
Engine
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
CO283.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement798 cc / 47.7 cub. in.806 cc / 49.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-KP)Injection. 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves
Bore x Stroke82 x 75.8 mm71 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.9:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Fuel Consumption6.1 L/100 km / 16.4 km/l / 38.6 US mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic injection, digital engine electronics (BMS-KP)Fuel injection: 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensors.Digital
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate clutch in oil bath, mechanically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio-3.000 (45/15)
Gear Ratios1st 2.462 / 2nd 1.750 / 3rd 1.381 / 4th 1.227 / 5th 1.130 / 6th 1.042: 11st 2.571 (36/14) 2nd 1.941 (33/17) 3rd 1.556 (28/18) 4th 1.333 (28/21) 5th 1.200 (24/20) 6th 1.095 (23/21)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveO-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hubSealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.714 (84/49)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge frame made aluminium, load-supporting engineTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front43mm Telescopic fork 41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability,
Suspension - RearCast aluminium double-sided swing arm, central, suspension strut, spring pre-tension by means of handBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability,
Rake25°31.0°
Steering Angle-31° / 31°
Trail91 mm / 3.6 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in.120 mm 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear125 mm / 4.9 in.137 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm310 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17"-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW F 800R

The 2015 BMW F 800R edges out the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2015 BMW F 800R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 199 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 834 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 137 mm vs 125 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2015 BMW F 800R vs 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW F 800R and 2016 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2015 BMW F 800R uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2015 BMW F 800R or the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2015 BMW F 800R is lighter at 199 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - 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 F 800R or the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2015 BMW F 800R has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 sits higher at 834 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2015 BMW F 800R or the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW F 800R has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.