2010 BMW R 1200RT vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 BMW R 1200RT 2010 BMW R 1200RT

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
81kW / 110 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
210 km/h / 130.5 mph
Weight
571.0 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
Year2010-
MakeBMW-
ModelR 1200RT-
ColoursLight gray, gray, silver, polarRealtree APG HD camouflage
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT-
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Seat Height820 mm - 840 mm / 32.2 in - 33.0 in 780 mm - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench)845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.4 in1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Ground Clearance155 mm / 6.1 in-
Height1,430 mm / 56.3 in.1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2230 mm / 79.9 in2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width905 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors) 980 mm / 38.5 in (incl. panniers)900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)4.2 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.0 l-
Dry Weight229 kg / 485.0 lbs239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity27 Liters / 7.1 US gal21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight259 kg / 570.9 lbs292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs
Performance
Top Speed210 km/h / 130.5 mph-
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)9.8 sec-
Max Power81kW / 110 hp @ 7500 rpm-
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 10400
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4743 HP/kg0.4870 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-100 km3.7 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.2 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
CO283.5 CO-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
Stroke73.0 mm-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves 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 mm-
Compression Ratio12.0:110.3:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Fuel Consumption5.3 L/100 km / 19.0 km/l / 44.7 US mpg-
Fuel InductionBMW engine management, BMS-K-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.0 US gal-
IgnitionDigital engine managementDigital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulicallyWet mDouble disk, manual
Final DriveSystem Enclosed driveshaft with two universal jointsChain
Final Drive Ratio2.62:1-
Gear Ratios1st 2.28 / 2nd 1.58 / 3rd 1.26 / 4th 1.03 / 5th 0.90 / 6th 0.81:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Fork Tube Size (mm)35 mm-
Fork Tube Size (in.)1.38 in-
Frame TypeThree-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unitAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central spring strut, rebound damping electronically adjustable with standard ESA43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad EVO-Paralever, spring preload hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of electronically adjustable ESA, rebound damping with standard ESAHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake26.2°27.0°
Steering Head Angle63.8°-
Trail116 mm / 4.5 in-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in-
Electronics
TachometerStandard-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720 W-
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/60 ZR17180/55-ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2010 BMW R 1200RT and the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2010 BMW R 1200RT - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm - 840 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2010 BMW R 1200RT vs 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 BMW R 1200RT and 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2010 BMW R 1200RT uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 BMW R 1200RT or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2010 BMW R 1200RT has the lower seat at 820 mm - 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 2010 BMW R 1200RT or the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 BMW R 1200RT has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.