1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 vs 2007 BMW R 1200R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 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
2007 BMW R 1200R 2007 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
219.6 km/h / 136 mph
Weight
436.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year1981 - 822007
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1300BMW R 1200R
Dimensions
Seat Height-800 mm / 31.4 in
Wheelbase1580 mm / 62.2 in1495 mm / 59.1 in
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height-1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length-2145 mm / 84.4 in
Width-906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight297 kg / 654.8 lbs198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity27 Litres / US 7.1 gal18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Oil Capacity4.5 L / 1.2 US gal-
Wet Weight322 kg / 709 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed223.6 km/h / 139 mph 219.6 km/h / 136 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 rpm80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 ft. lbs @ 6500 rpm115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5505 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-1000 m-22.6 sec / 213 km/h / 132 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.9 sec / 185 km/h / 115 mph11.9 sec / 187.2 km/h / 116.3 mph
Engine
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Stroke-4
Displacement1286 cc / 78.5 cu in1170 cc / 71.4 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. Electronic fuel injection
Bore x Stroke62 x 71 mm101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio9.9:111.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir/Oil-cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationMineral, 10W/40-
Fuel Consumption6.5 L/100 km / 15.3 km/l / 36 US mpg7.2 L/100 km / 13.8 km/l / 32.4 US mpg
Fuel Induction3x 32mm twin choke Mikuni BSW carburetorsElectronic intake manifold injection BMS-K
IgnitionAnalogue CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ign.)Digital engine management
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR9E-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi discSingle disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveShaftShaft
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):11st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble CradleTubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forksBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - RearDual shocks preload adjustableCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake28.5°-
Steering Head Angle-62.9°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in.119.1 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 720 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Front2x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers2 x 320mm discs, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 265mm disc, ABS
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17'
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front110/90 -18120/70-ZR 17
Tyres - Rear130/90 -17180/55-ZR 17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

1982 Kawasaki Z 1300

The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 edges out the 2007 BMW R 1200R thanks to its larger fuel tank, liquid cooling, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1286 cc vs 1170 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.

2007 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 198 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 2007 BMW R 1200R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 and 2007 BMW R 1200R?
The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder., while the 2007 BMW R 1200R is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 2007 BMW R 1200R?
The 2007 BMW R 1200R is lighter at 198 kg compared to 322 kg for the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 - a difference of 124 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 2007 BMW R 1200R?
The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 has the larger tank at approximately 27 litres vs 18 litres for the 2007 BMW R 1200R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 450-540 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 or the 2007 BMW R 1200R?
Both are strong choices. The 1982 Kawasaki Z 1300 has the edge in larger fuel tank and liquid cooling, while the 2007 BMW R 1200R 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.