2018 BMW S 1000R vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2018 BMW S 1000R

Naked bike

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

451.9 pounds

2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder

Power

125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

210 kg / 463.1 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Comments	Switchable ABS. Riding Modes Rain and Road.	-
Year	2018	2018
Colours	Motorsport, Catalano Grey, Racing Red/Black Storm	-
Make Model	BMW S 1000R	Kawasaki Z 900
Dimensions
Seat Height	814 mm / 32.0 in.	795 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase	1440 mm / 56.7 in	1450 mm / 57.1 in
Ground Clearance	-	130 mm / 5.1 in
Height	1228 mm / 48.3 in	1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length	2057 mm / 81.0 in.	2065 mm / 81.5 in
Width	845 mm / 33.3 in (incl. mirrors)	825 mm / 32.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	178 kg / 392.4 lbs	-
Fuel Capacity	17.5 Litres / 4.6 US gal.	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight	205 kg / 452 lbs	210 kg / 463.1 lbs
Performance
Max Power	121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm	125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	112 Nm / 84 lb-ft @ 9250 rpm	98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.9270 HP/kg	-
Engine
Fuel Control	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	-
Engine Type	In-line four, four-stroke	-
CO2	155.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	-
Displacement	999 cc / 60.9 cu-in	948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel System	Injection. Electronic injection	-
Bore x Stroke	80 x 49.7 mm	73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio	12.0:1	11.8:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	Two regulated three-way catalytic converters, EU-3	-
Exhaust	HP Slip on Titanium Silencer	-
Fuel Consumption	6.70 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.11 mpg)	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic fuel injection, digital motor electronics BMS-KP	DFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve	4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons	-
Ignition	-	TCBI with electronic advance
Intake / Outlet Valve Diameter	33.5 mm / 27.2 mm	-
Lubrication	Wet sump	Forced lubrication, wet sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multiple disc antihopping clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated	Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive	Chain 17/45	Sealed chain
Final Drive Ratio	-	2.933 (44/15)
Gear Ratios	Ist 2.647 2nd 2.091 3rd 1.727 4th 1.5 5th 1.36 6th 1.261	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)
Gearbox	6-speed	-
Primary Drive	Chain 17/45	-
Primary Drive Ratios	1.652	1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Construction type aluminium bridge frame, enqine self-supporting	Trellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - Front	Upside-down fork, stanchion diameter 46 mm, adjustable for bump and rebound SA DDC: electronically adjustable damping	41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - Rear	Aluminium double-strut swingarm with central spring strut, adjustable rebound, SA DDC: electronically adjustable damping	Horizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rake	24.8°	24°
Steering Head Angle	65.4°	-
Trail	813 mm / 32.0 in	103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7"	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	120 mm / 4.7"	140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Electrical System	Alternator W 350 Battery V/Ah 12/9, maintenance-free (with DWA 12/10) Headlight W low beam 1 x H 7/55 W high beam 1 x H 7/55 W	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	8.7 inches	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	320 mm	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	220 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	12.6 inches	-
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston calipers	2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABS	Optional equipment BMW Motorrad Race ABS (partially integral, disengageable)	-
Rims	Cast aluminium	-
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17	120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear	190/55 ZR17	180/55ZR17
Wheel Caster	98.5 mm / 3.88 in	-
Wheels - Front	3.50 x 17	-
Wheels - Rear	6.00 x 17	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 BMW S 1000R

The 2018 BMW S 1000R edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 thanks to its higher torque, fuel injection, standard ABS, 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

2018 BMW S 1000R - Advantages

Higher torque: 112 Nm vs 98 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
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: 999 cc vs 948 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

Lower seat height: 795 mm vs 814 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2018 BMW S 1000R vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 BMW S 1000R and 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?

The 2018 BMW S 1000R uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.

Which has more power, the 2018 BMW S 1000R or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 produces more peak power at 125 hp, compared to 121 kW for the 2018 BMW S 1000R.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 BMW S 1000R or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 has the lower seat at 795 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 BMW S 1000R sits higher at 814 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2018 BMW S 1000R or 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 have ABS?

The 2018 BMW S 1000R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2018 BMW S 1000R or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?

Both are strong choices. The 2018 BMW S 1000R has the edge in higher torque and fuel injection, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for lower seat height 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.

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