MotoSpecs

2007 BMW R 1200R vs 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2007 BMW R 1200R 2007 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
219.6 km/h / 136 mph
Weight
436.5 pounds
2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
238 km/h / 148 mph
Weight
221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20072007 - 08
Colours-Metallic Diablo Black
Make ModelBMW R 1200RKawasaki Z 1000
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-160 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.4 in820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase1495 mm / 59.1 in1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance-145 mm / 5.7 in
Height1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)1055 mm / 41.5 in
Length2145 mm / 84.4 in2080 mm / 81.9 in
Width906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)770 mm / 30.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight-221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed219.6 km/h / 136 mph238 km/h / 148 mph
Max Power80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5505 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m22.6 sec / 213 km/h / 132 mph-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 187.2 km/h / 116.3 mph11.3 sec / 122 mph
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxerIn-line four, four-stroke
Stroke4-
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu in953 cc / 58.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injectionInjection. EFI, Keihin 36mm throttle body x4
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm77.2 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.2:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil-cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W/40
Fuel Consumption7.2 L/100 km / 13.8 km/l / 32.4 US mpg18.9 km/lit
Fuel InductionElectronic intake manifold injection BMS-K4x 38mm throttle bodies
IgnitionDigital engine managementDigital
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR9EK
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuatedWet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848-
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engineSteel, Backbone frame
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustable
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustableUni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustable
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle62.9°-
Trail119.1 mm / 4.7 in102 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm216 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches8.5 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm268 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches10.6 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, ABS2x 300mm 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, ABSSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front3.50 x 17'-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR 17120/70 R17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR 17190/50 R17
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2007 BMW R 1200R

The 2007 BMW R 1200R edges out the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, fuel injection, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2007 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 198 kg vs 221 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • 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.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 953 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 127 hp vs 80 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2007 BMW R 1200R vs 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 BMW R 1200R and 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2007 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2007 BMW R 1200R is lighter at 198 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - a difference of 23 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 produces more peak power at 127 hp, compared to 80 kW for the 2007 BMW R 1200R.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2007 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 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 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2007 BMW R 1200R has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 stands out for more peak power 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.

Related Comparisons

All BMW R 1200R years All Kawasaki Z 1000 years
Build your own comparison →