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Guide

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The BMW R 1250 RS has a more upright riding position than the Kawasaki Z1000SX.
  • The BMW R 1250 RS comes standard with a number of features that are not available on the Kawasaki Z1000SX, including.
  • It is more powerful and agile than the BMW, and it has a number of features that make it better suited for sport riding.

The BMW R 1250 RS and Kawasaki Z1000SX are two of the most popular sport-touring motorcycles on the market. They offer a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality that makes them ideal for long-distance riding. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the two bikes side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The BMW R 1250 RS is powered by a 1254cc boxer-twin engine that produces 136 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Z1000SX is powered by a 1043cc inline-four engine that produces 142 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Kawasaki has a slight edge in terms of horsepower, but the BMW’s boxer-twin engine provides more torque at low RPMs. This makes the BMW feel more responsive and easier to ride at low speeds.

Handling

The BMW R 1250 RS has a wheelbase of 59.1 inches and a weight of 568 pounds. The Kawasaki Z1000SX has a wheelbase of 58.3 inches and a weight of 556 pounds.

The BMW’s longer wheelbase makes it more stable at high speeds, while the Kawasaki’s shorter wheelbase makes it more agile in corners. Both bikes have excellent suspension systems that provide a comfortable ride even on rough roads.

Comfort

The BMW R 1250 RS has a more upright riding position than the Kawasaki Z1000SX. This makes the BMW more comfortable for long-distance riding, as it puts less strain on your wrists, back, and neck.

The Kawasaki Z1000SX has a more aggressive riding position that is better suited for sport riding. The seat is also firmer than the BMW’s, which can become uncomfortable on long rides.

Features

The BMW R 1250 RS comes standard with a number of features that are not available on the Kawasaki Z1000SX, including:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Hill start assist
  • Keyless ignition
  • Heated grips
  • Tire pressure monitoring

The Kawasaki Z1000SX does have some features that the BMW does not, such as:

  • Quick shifter
  • Traction control
  • Launch control
  • Smartphone connectivity

Price

The BMW R 1250 RS has a starting price of $14,995. The Kawasaki Z1000SX has a starting price of $12,999.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The BMW R 1250 RS is the better choice for riders who prioritize comfort and features. It is more comfortable to ride, especially on long distances, and it comes with a number of features that make it easier to ride.

The Kawasaki Z1000SX is the better choice for riders who prioritize performance and agility. It is more powerful and agile than the BMW, and it has a number of features that make it better suited for sport riding.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which bike is faster?
A: The Kawasaki Z1000SX is faster than the BMW R 1250 RS.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The BMW R 1250 RS is more comfortable than the Kawasaki Z1000SX.

Q: Which bike has more features?
A: The BMW R 1250 RS has more features than the Kawasaki Z1000SX.

Q: Which bike is more expensive?
A: The BMW R 1250 RS is more expensive than the Kawasaki Z1000SX.

Q: Which bike is better for long-distance riding?
A: The BMW R 1250 RS is better for long-distance riding.

Q: Which bike is better for sport riding?
A: The Kawasaki Z1000SX is better for sport riding.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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