2020 BMW R 1250R vs 2020 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW R 1250R 2020 BMW R 1250R

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
2020 Kawasaki Z 900 2020 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.Power Mode Selection. Traction control.
Year20202020
ColoursBlack Storm Metallic, Silver/red/White, Style Exclusive Green, Sparkling Bronze MetallicMetallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver
Make ModelBMW R 1250RKawasaki Z 900
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
StorageSaddle bags-
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1515 mm / 59.6 in1455.4 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance-145 mm / 5.7 in
Height1300 mm / 51.1 in1080 mm / 42.5 in
Length2165 mm / 85.2 in2070 mm / 81.4 in
Width880 mm / 34.6 in825 mm / 32.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.7 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight239 kg / 526.9 lbs212 kg / 467.5 lbs
Performance
Max Power136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
CO2109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle systemInjection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke102.5 x 76 mm73.4 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4-
Engine LubricationWet sump-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Fuel Consumption4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve Fuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded, 95 (RON)-
Ignition-TCBI with electronic advance
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectric 900WElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/12Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftSealed chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.933 (44/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 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 Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engineHigh-tensile steel trellis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelHorizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rake27.7°24.5°
Steering Angle62.3°-
Trail125.6 mm / 4.9 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)-
Instrumentation-TFT Color Instrumentation
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliperSingle 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageableStandard
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17 in-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW R 1250R

The 2020 BMW R 1250R edges out the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 thanks to its higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 BMW R 1250R - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 1254 cc vs 948 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 212 kg vs 239 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2020 BMW R 1250R vs 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW R 1250R and 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW R 1250R or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is lighter at 212 kg compared to 239 kg for the 2020 BMW R 1250R - a difference of 27 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW R 1250R or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW R 1250R has the edge in higher front wheel travel and larger displacement, while the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.