2009 BMW K 1300GT vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 BMW K 1300GT 2009 BMW K 1300GT

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four
Power
127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
252.2 km/h / 156.7 mph
Weight
634.9 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2009-
ColoursBeige, blue, redRealtree APG HD camouflage
Make ModelBMW K 1300GT-
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)33.1 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)840 mm-
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Seat Height820 - 840 mm / 32.3 - 33.1 in (low seat 800- 820 mm / 31.5 - 32.3 in)845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1,572 mm / 61.9 in.1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1,438 mm / 56.6 in.1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2,318 mm / 91.3 in.2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width965 mm / 38.0 in.900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight255 kg / 562.2 lbs239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 L / 5.0 US gal21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight255 kg / 562 lbs292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs
Performance
Top Speed252.2 km/h / 156.7 mph-
Max Power127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm-
Max Torque140 Nm / 14.3 kgf-m / 103 lb-ft @ 8250 rpm102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 10400
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6275 HP/kg0.4870 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.4 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Engine TypeIn-line fourIn-line four, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Stroke4-
Displacement1298 cc / 79.2 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K)Injection
Bore x Stroke80 x 64.3 mm / 3.15 x 2.53"-
Compression Ratio13.0:110.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Exhaust managementFully controlled three-way catalyst-
Fuel Consumption6.2 L/100 km 16.1 km/l / 37.9 US mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, Digital Motor Electronics with integrated knock control (BMS-K)-
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-plate clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operatedWet mDouble disk, manual
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.398 / 2nd 1.871 / 3rd 1.525 / 4th 1.296 / 5th 1.143 / 6th 1.015:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge frame, aluminium, load-bearing engineAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut, Paralever; central spring strut with lever system43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swing arm with BMW Motorrad, spring pre-tension with infinite hydraulic adjustmentHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake29.4°27.0°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.5 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in-
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)294 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 BMW K 1300GT

The 2009 BMW K 1300GT edges out the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its lower seat height and liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 BMW K 1300GT - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 - 840 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

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

2009 BMW K 1300GT vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 BMW K 1300GT and 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2009 BMW K 1300GT uses In-line four, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 BMW K 1300GT or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2009 BMW K 1300GT has the lower seat at 820 - 840 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.
Which should I buy, the 2009 BMW K 1300GT or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 BMW K 1300GT has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.