2016 BMW F 800R vs 2017 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW F 800R 2016 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
2017 Kawasaki Z 900 2017 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
463.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year20162017
ColoursRacing Blue Metallic Matte/Light White, Light White, Black Satin Gloss/Light White, Racing Blue Metallic Matte/Black Satin GlossPearl Mystic Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black
Make ModelBMW F 800R Kawasaki Z 900
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in. (low seat: 775 mm / 30.5 in., high seat: 825 mm / 32.5 in)795 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1450 mm / 57.1 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1160 mm / 45.7 in (excl. mirrors)1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length2145 mm / 84.4 in.2065 mm / 81.5 in
Width905 mm / 35.6 in. (incl. mirrors)825 mm / 32.3 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.210 kg / 463.1 lbs
Performance
Top Speed218 km/h / 135.5 mph-
Max Power64 kW / 87 hp @ 8000 rpm125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque86 Nm / 8.8 kgf-m / 63 lbs/ft @ 6000 rpm98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5085 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.0 sec-
Engine
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
CO283.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)127.6 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.948 cc / 57.8 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
Bore x Stroke82 x 75.8 mm73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.8:1
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-
Fuel Consumption6.1 L/100 km / 16.4 km/l / 38.6 US mpg5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l or 42.77 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic injection, digital engine electronics (BMS-KP)DFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensors.TCBI with electronic advance
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 DriveChainSealed chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.933 (44/15)
Gear Ratios1st 2.462 / 2nd 1.750 / 3rd 1.381 / 4th 1.227 / 5th 1.130 / 6th 1.042: 11st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveO-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hubSealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge frame made aluminium, load-supporting engineTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - Front43mm Telescopic fork 41mm 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 handHorizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rake25°25°
Trail91 mm / 3.6 in.103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear125 mm / 4.9 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches11.8 inches
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

2017 Kawasaki Z 900

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 edges out the 2016 BMW F 800R thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW F 800R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 199 kg vs 210 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 125 hp vs 64 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 98 Nm vs 86 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 948 cc vs 798 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 125 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2016 BMW F 800R vs 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW F 800R and 2017 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2016 BMW F 800R uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2016 BMW F 800R or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2016 BMW F 800R is lighter at 199 kg compared to 210 kg for the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 - a difference of 11 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2016 BMW F 800R or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 produces more peak power at 125 hp, compared to 64 kW for the 2016 BMW F 800R.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW F 800R or the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW F 800R has the edge in lighter kerb weight and fuel injection, while the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.