By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike vs Sport Tourer
Kawasaki Z750 (MY2004) vs BMW F 800 S (MY2006)
Kawasaki Z750 vs BMW F 800 S: different classes, one choice. Here's how to make it.
Wind open the Kawasaki Z750's throttle and the inline-four's still building until it's rushing at the top of the revs. On the BMW F 800 S, the parallel twin's already pulling the moment the grip turns. It's relaxed down low, then spins up freely.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the F 800 S if…
Traveling with luggage
Clearly ahead: F 800 S
The F 800 S suits a life of luggage and long roads much better. What tips it: more comfort on long stints and more range per tank. Plan the road trip around it.
The Z750 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: Z750
Through a string of corners, the Z750 feels a little more eager. Put it down to harder acceleration. The gap is small, so ride both.
What makes each one tick
Z750
Through the bends of the Angeles Crest Highway, the Z750's stiff frame and light steering keep it hunting for the next apex. The suspension can't match the frame. A bump at a brisk pace, or under a heavier rider, sinks the soft fork and bangs back through the harsh rear shock. There's superbike blood in that four.
F 800 S
An aluminum bridge frame keeps the F 800 S planted through a bend, yet it'll swap lines on a whim. The brake lever brings the front down onto a fork that's soft on damping. Early engines clatter when they're cold. Its fuel rides low, tucked beneath the seat.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The F 800 S has the lower wet weight: 450 lb (204 kg) vs 481 lb (218 kg).
- The Z750 makes more peak power: 110 hp (81 kW) vs 86 hp (63 kW).
- The F 800 S makes more peak torque: 63 lb-ft (86 Nm) vs 55 lb-ft (75 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for it: Z750
There's no comfort verdict for the Z750 here. Its job is somewhere else.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Wrong tool: Z750
The Z750 has too much motor for a first bike. Get your basics down on something smaller.
Count commuting as a draw. The deal on the table and the condition of the bike matter more here.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Z750
What owners say
Strengths
- Rev-happy, superbike-derived engine
- Outstanding value for performance
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension lacks composure
- Adequate but wooden front brakes
- Prone to cosmetic corrosion
- Uncomfortable seat for longer trips
F 800 S
What owners say
Strengths
- Belt drive eliminates chain maintenance
- Flexible and characterful parallel twin
Trade-offs
- Piston slap on pre-2009 models
- Premature corrosion of fasteners and engine paint
- Soft front forks and weeping seals
Known problems to check before you buy
Z750
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
F 800 S
- Excessive piston slap (pre-2009 models) Noisy clatter from the cylinders, most noticeable when the engine is cold. BMW acknowledged the issue and made internal changes for 2009-on models. While usually not terminal, the noise is a common owner complaint and can affect resale confidence.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Z750 | F 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.1 in (815 mm) | 32.3 in (820 mm) |
| Wet weight | 481 lb (218 kg) | 450 lb (204 kg) |
| Z750 | F 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 748 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | Parallel twin |
| Power | 110 hp (81 kW) | 86 hp (63 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 55 lb-ft (75 Nm) | 63 lb-ft (86 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,200 rpm | 5,800 rpm |
| Z750 | F 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 US gal (18 L) | 4.2 US gal (16 L) |
| Z750 | F 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Belt |
| Front brake | 300 mm | 320 mm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Z750 | F 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Option |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
