1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 vs 2002 BMW R 1150R vs 2002 BMW R 1150R

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.
Power
87.5 kW / 120 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
223.6 km/h / 139 mph
Weight
322 kg / 709 lbs
2002 BMW R 1150R 2002 BMW R 1150R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
70 kW / 95 hp @ 7250 rpm
Top Speed
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph
Weight
524.7 pounds
2002 BMW R 1150R 2002 BMW R 1150R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
197.0 km/h / 122.4 mph
Weight
524.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year1981 - 822001 - 02
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1300BMW R 1150R
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-31.5 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-800 mm
Seat Height-800 mm / 31.5 in.
Wheelbase1580 mm / 62.2 in1487 mm / 59.4 in
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height-1220 mm / 48.0 in
Length-2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width-940 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight297 kg / 654.8 lbs238 kg / 524.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity27 Litres / US 7.1 gal20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Oil Capacity4.5 L / 1.2 US gal-
Wet Weight322 kg / 709 lbs238 kg / 524.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed223.6 km/h / 139 mph 197.0 km/h / 122.4 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 Power87.5 kW / 120 hp @ 8000 rpm70 kW / 95 hp @ 7250 rpm
Max Torque116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 ft. lbs @ 6500 rpm98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.3 ft-lb / @ 5500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.3571 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 185 km/h / 115 mph12.1 sec
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1130.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-68.95 cubic inches
Stroke-4
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Bore x Stroke (mm)-70.0 x 101.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.8 x 4.0 inches
Displacement1286 cc / 78.5 cu in1130 cc / 69 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke62 x 71 mm101 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio9.9:110.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir/Oil cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationMineral, 10W/40-
Fuel Consumption6.5 L/100 km / 15.3 km/l / 36 US mpg5.56 L/100 km / 18.0 km/l / 42.3 US mpg
Fuel Induction3x 32mm twin choke Mikuni BSW carburetorsBosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionAnalogue CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ign.)Electronic ignition MA 2.2 Bosch Motronic
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK, CR9E-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi discDry, single plate, hydraulic operated
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 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-6-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble CradleThree section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forksTelelever with central spring strut & linear-rate coil spring. Twin-tube gas-filled shock
Suspension - RearDual shocks preload adjustablePatented BMW Paralever swingarm & shaft drive, single tube gas filled shock, variable rebound setting
Rake28.5°-
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in.135 mm / 5.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front2x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 276 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/90 -18120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear130/90 -17170/60-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 and the 2002 BMW R 1150R are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1286 cc vs 1130 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2002 BMW R 1150R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 238 kg vs 322 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 vs 2002 BMW R 1150R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 and 2002 BMW R 1150R?
The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder., while the 2002 BMW R 1150R is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 2002 BMW R 1150R?
The 2002 BMW R 1150R is lighter at 238 kg compared to 322 kg for the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 - a difference of 84 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 2002 BMW R 1150R?
Both are strong choices. The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 has the edge in liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel, while the 2002 BMW R 1150R stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.