MotoSpecs

2013 BMW R 1200R vs 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 BMW R 1200R 2013 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h / 137 mph
Weight
491.6 pounds
2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
491.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year20132015
ColoursBlue, Beige, Black/white, SilverGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black
Make ModelBMW R 1200RKawasaki Z 1000 ABS
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-125 mm
Seat Height800mm / 31.5 in (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7 in (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9 in (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5 in (OE, low slung)815.3 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1495 mm / 59.1 in1440 mm / 56.5 in.
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)1054 mm / 41.5 in
Length2145 mm / 84.4 in2045 mm / 80.5 in
Width906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)790 mm / 31.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight223 kg / 492 lbs221 kg / 487.3 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM9000-
Top Speed220 km/h / 137 mph-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)3.4 sec-
Acceleration (60-100 / 100-140 / 140-180 km/h)3.9 sec / 4.0 sec / 5.0 sec-
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)7.9 sec-
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm111 Nm / 11.3 kgf.m @ 7300 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4394 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-140 km/h6.4 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h15.0 sec-
Engine
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
CO295.1 CO-
Fuel ControlDOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu in1043 cc / 63.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignitionInjection
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio11.0:111.8:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil-cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel Consumption5.2 L/100 km / 19.2 km/l / 45.2 US mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake manifold injection BMS-KDFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
IgnitionDigital engine managementTCBI with digital advance / electric
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System24
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftX-ring chain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.800 (43/15)
Gear Ratios1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.8481st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 1.950 (39/20) 3rd 1.600 (24/15) 4th 1.389 (25/18) 5th 1.238 (26/21) 6th 1.107 (31/28)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveConstant meshX-Ring Chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engineAluminum Backbone
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut41 mm inverted SFF-BP fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
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 adjustableHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload
Rake27.1°24.5°
Steering Angle- 31° / 31°
Steering Head Angle62.9°-
Trail119.1 mm / 4.7 in103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in122 mm / 4.8 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, ABS2x 310mm discs etal-type rotors with radial-mount 4 piston monobloc calipers and ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, ABSSingle 250mm disc petal-type rotor with 1 piston caliper and ABS
RimsCast aluminium wheels-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17'-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17'-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR 17120/70 -R17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR 17190/50 ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 BMW R 1200R

The 2013 BMW R 1200R edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS thanks to its higher torque, fuel injection, dual front discs, 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

2013 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 120 Nm vs 111 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • 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 1043 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 122 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2013 BMW R 1200R vs 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 BMW R 1200R and 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS?
The 2013 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS is powered by In-line four, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2013 BMW R 1200R is a two-stroke engine while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which should I buy, the 2013 BMW R 1200R or the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 BMW R 1200R has the edge in higher torque and fuel injection, while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS stands out for 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 ABS years
Build your own comparison →