1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 vs 1995 BMW R 1100R
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1981 - 82 | - |
| Make Model | Kawasaki Z 1300 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | - | 780 mm / 30.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1580 mm / 62.2 in | - |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm / 5.7 in | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 297 kg / 654.8 lbs | 217 kg / 478.4 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 27 Litres / US 7.1 gal | - |
| Oil Capacity | 4.5 L / 1.2 US gal | - |
| Wet Weight | 322 kg / 709 lbs | - |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 223.6 km/h / 139 mph | - |
| Acceleration (0-161 km/h) | 9.02 sec | - |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 4.01 sec | - |
| Braking (48 km/h - 0) | 10.4 m / 34 ft | - |
| Braking (97 km/h - 0) | 44.5 m / 146 ft | - |
| Max Power | 87.5 kW / 120 hp @ 8000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 ft. lbs @ 6500 rpm | 95.10 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.1 ft.lbs) @ 5250 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.3687 HP/kg |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 11.9 sec / 185 km/h / 115 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | - | Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 66.21 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 1085.00 cc |
| Displacement | 1286 cc / 78.5 cu in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder. | - |
| Bore x Stroke | 62 x 71 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | - |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled | - |
| Engine Oil Specification | Mineral, 10W/40 | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100 km / 15.3 km/l / 36 US mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 3x 32mm twin choke Mikuni BSW carburetors | - |
| Ignition | Analogue CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ign.) | - |
| Lubrication | Wet sump | - |
| Spark Plug | NGK, CR9E | - |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Valve System | - | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi disc | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gear Ratios | 1st 2.29 (39/17) / 2nd 1.67 (35/21) / 3rd 1.28 (32/25) / 4th 1.07 (29/27) 5th 0.93 (27/29):1 | - |
| Gearbox | - | 5-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Double Cradle | - |
| Suspension - Front | Telescopic forks | - |
| Suspension - Rear | Dual shocks preload adjustable | - |
| Rake | 28.5° | - |
| Trail | 102 mm / 4.0 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 200 mm / 7.9 in. | - |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers | Dual disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliper | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 110/90 -18 | - |
| Tyres - Rear | 130/90 -17 | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
1995 BMW R 1100R
The 1995 BMW R 1100R edges out the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 thanks to its lighter kerb weight. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 - Advantages
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
1995 BMW R 1100R - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 217 kg vs 322 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 vs 1995 BMW R 1100R - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 and 1995 BMW R 1100R?
The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder., while the 1995 BMW R 1100R is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 1995 BMW R 1100R?
The 1995 BMW R 1100R is lighter at 217 kg compared to 322 kg for the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 - a difference of 105 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 1995 BMW R 1100R?
Both are strong choices. The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 1995 BMW R 1100R stands out for lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.