2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2015 BMW R 1200 RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
2015 BMW R 1200 RS 2015 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursGreen, blackBlue/grey, grey
Warranty12 Months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches-
Seat Height845 mm / 33.3 in.820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1,527 mm / 60.1 in.
Height1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1,273 mm / 50.1 in.
Length2,235 mm / 88.0 in.2,202 mm / 86.7 in.
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.925 mm / 36.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs
Performance
Max Torque102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6231 HP/kg
Engine
CO2-95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc1170.00 cc
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Fuel ControlDOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Compression Ratio10.3:112.5:1
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpDry sump
Fuel Consumption-4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
IgnitionDigital-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox2-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chainConstant mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium twin-tubeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with steplessTelescopic Upside-Down fork
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake-27.7°
Trail-115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-140 mm / 5.5 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationSpeedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light-
Lighting system30W halogen headlights / 5W taillight / 18W stoplight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm276 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliperDouble disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.Single disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW R 1200 RS

The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS edges out the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2015 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2015 BMW R 1200 RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS is powered by Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is a four-stroke engine while the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
The 2015 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 sits higher at 845 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has its own strengths, while the 2015 BMW R 1200 RS stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.