2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS vs 2020 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
221 kg / 487 lbs
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
Comments-Power Mode Selection. Traction control.
Year2019 - 202020
Colours-Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver
Make ModelBMW R NineT Urban GSKawasaki Z 900
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in unladen820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1527 mm / 60.1 in1455.4 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance-145 mm / 5.7 in
Height1330 mm / 52.4 in (excl. mirrors)1080 mm / 42.5 in
Length1330 mm / 52.4 in (excl. mirrors)2070 mm / 81.4 in
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)1890 mm / 74.4 in unladen-
Width870 mm / 34.3 in (incl. mirrors)825 mm / 32.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight209 kg / 461 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.8 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR430 kg / 948 lbs-
Wet Weight221 kg / 487 lbs212 kg / 467.5 lbs
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm
Engine
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm73.4 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.8:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-4-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management with overrun cutoff, twin-spark ignitionFuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle
Fuel Reserve3 Litres / 0.8 gal-
Ignition-TCBI with electronic advance
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftSealed chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.933 (44/15)
Gear RatiosIst 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:11st 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)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeThree-part frame concept with front frame and two-part rear frame, load-bearing enginegearbox unit, rear-set frame removeable for one-up ridingHigh-tensile steel trellis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forks, 43 mm fixed-tube diameter41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut,spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingHorizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rake-24.5°
Steering Head Angle61.5 °-
Trail110.6 mm / 4.4 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.7 in 120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in 140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720W-
Instrumentation-TFT Color Instrumentation
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Foating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipers2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABSStandard
Tyres - Front120/70 - R19120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear170/60 - R17180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Wheels - Front3.00 x 19, Cast alloy-
Wheels - Rear4.50 x 17, Cast alloy-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS

The 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS edges out the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 thanks to its 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

2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 948 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS vs 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS and 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft., while the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is lighter at 212 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS - a difference of 9 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS or the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW R NineT Urban GS has the edge in dual front discs and larger displacement, while the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for lower seat height 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.