MotoSpecs

2025 BMW R 1300RT vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 BMW R 1300RT 2025 BMW R 1300RT

Sport touring

Engine
Four 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 cylinder, intake 44mm, outlet 35.6 mm
Power
107kW / 145hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
281 kg / 619 lbs
2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Sport touring

Engine
Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Power
206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252020 - 21
Make ModelBMW R 1300RTKawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja
Dimensions
Seat Height780/860 mm / 30.7/33.9 in835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1500 mm / 55.1 in1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height-1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in
Length2229 mm / 87.8 in1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in
Width971 mm / 38.2 in775 mm / 30.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity24 Litres / 6.3 US gal19 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight281 kg / 619 lbs256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Performance
Max Power107kW / 145hp @ 7750 rpm206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque149 Nm / 110 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1300 cc / 79 cu-in998 cc / 60.9 cub 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 cylinder, intake 44mm, outlet 35.6 mmFour Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Bore x Stroke106.5 x 73 mm76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio13.3:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU5+-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve Fuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injection
Fuel TypeUnleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)-
Ignition-Digital
Lubrication-Forced, wet sump with oil cooler
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 10Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activatedWet multi-disc, manual.
Final DriveShaftChain
Final Drive Ratio-2.444 (44/18)
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.906 6th 0.7941st 3.077 (40/13) 2nd 2.471 (42/17) 3rd 2.045 (45/22) 4th 1.727 (38/22) 5th 1.524 (32/21) 6th 1.348 (31/23)
Primary Drive Ratios1.4791.480 (74/50)
Secondary Drive Ratio2.818-
Transmission / DriveClaw-shift 6-speed gearbox6-speed, return, dog-ring
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, two-section with bolt on rear frame, load bearing engineTrellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad EVO Telelever43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), springUni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake-24.7°
Steering Angle64°30° Right / 30° Left
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front149 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear158 mm / 6.2 in139 mm / 5.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipersDual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating
Brakes - RearSingle 285mm disc, 2-piston floating caliperSingle 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipers
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (full-integral, lean angle optimized)-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)
WheelsCast light alloy-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17″-
Wheels - Rear6.00 x 17″-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 BMW R 1300RT

The 2025 BMW R 1300RT edges out the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja thanks to its larger fuel tank, lower seat height, standard ABS, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel, 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

2025 BMW R 1300RT - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 780/860 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 1300 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 158 mm vs 139 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 149 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - Advantages

  • Lighter: 256 kg vs 281 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2025 BMW R 1300RT vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 1300RT and 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2025 BMW R 1300RT uses Four 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 cylinder, intake 44mm, outlet 35.6 mm, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.
Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 1300RT or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is lighter at 256 kg compared to 281 kg for the 2025 BMW R 1300RT - a difference of 25 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 1300RT or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2025 BMW R 1300RT has the lower seat at 780/860 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2025 BMW R 1300RT or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
The 2025 BMW R 1300RT has the larger tank at approximately 24 litres vs 19 litres for the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 400-480 km vs 316-380 km between stops.
Does the 2025 BMW R 1300RT or 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja have ABS?
The 2025 BMW R 1300RT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 1300RT or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 1300RT has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja 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.

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