2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2015 BMW R 1200R

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 1200R 2015 BMW R 1200R

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
509.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursGreen, blackBlue, grey, white
Warranty12 Months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches-
Seat Height845 mm / 33.3 in.790 mm / 31.1 in.
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1,515 mm / 59.6 in.
Height1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1,300 mm / 51.2 in.
Length2,235 mm / 88.0 in.2,165 mm / 85.2 in.
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.906 mm / 35.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs231.0 kg / 509.3 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
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc1170.00 cc
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches71.39 cubic inches
CO2-90.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K+ digital enfinemanagement with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Compression Ratio10.3:112.0:1
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpDry sump
Fuel Consumption-3.90 litres/100 km (25.6 km/l or 60.31 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
IgnitionDigital-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox2-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium twin-tubeTwo section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with steplessTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Rake-27.7°
Trail-126 mm / 4.9 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 (in.)9.8 inches10.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm265 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliperDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims-Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW R 1200R

The 2015 BMW R 1200R 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 1200R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

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

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 2015 BMW R 1200R?
The 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 BMW R 1200R is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2015 BMW R 1200R?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R has the lower seat at 790 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 1200R?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has its own strengths, while the 2015 BMW R 1200R 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.