2017 BMW R nineT vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 BMW R nineT 2017 BMW R nineT

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
N/A
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
476.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Small windscreen.
Year2016 - 17-
Colours-Vintage Lime Green
Make ModelBMW R nineT-
Warranty-12 Month Limited Warranty
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Seat Height784.8 mm / 30.9 in Standard820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1470 mm / 58.1 in1,470 mm / 57.9 in.
Height1265 mm / 59.8 in (excl. mirrors)1,190 mm / 46.9 in.
Length2220 mm / 87.4 in2,100 mm / 82.7 in.
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)1760.2 mm / 69.3 in Standard-
Width890 mm / 35.0 in (incl. mirrors)845 mm / 33.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity1817.03 litres / 4.50 gallons
Maximum Load / GVWR430 kg / 948 lbs-
Wet Weight-216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 7550 rpm-
Max Torque119 Nm / 12.1 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm98.50 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.7 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.9 x 2.2 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-73.4 x 56.0 mm
CO2-123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-57.85 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-948.00 cc
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft.-
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio12.0:110.8:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooled-
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel Consumption-5.30 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.38 mpg)
Fuel Reserve3 Litres / 0.8 gal-
Ignition-TCBI with electronic advance
LubricationWet 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 DriveShaftChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeFour-section frame consisting of one front and three rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, removable pillion frame for single ride useTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - FrontUpside-Down telescopic fork with 46 mm diameter41 mm inverted fork with 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 Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rake-25.0°
Steering Head Angle64.5 °-
Trail102.5 mm / 4.04 in98 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in 119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in 140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm floating brake discs, 4 piston radial calipersDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS-
Rims-Dunlop Sportmax tires
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 - ZR17180/55-ZR17
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe edges out the 2017 BMW R nineT thanks to its fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 BMW R nineT - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 BMW R nineT vs 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R nineT and 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
The 2017 BMW R nineT uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counterbalancer shaft., while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Does the 2017 BMW R nineT or 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe have ABS?
The 2017 BMW R nineT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2017 BMW R nineT or the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R nineT has the edge in standard ABS, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe stands out for fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.