2025 BMW R 12 vs 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S

The BMW R 12 records higher power, higher torque and larger displacement than the Kawasaki Vulcan S. The Kawasaki Vulcan S has the advantage in recorded weight where both recorded values are available.

Recorded specification differences

  • Manufacturer: BMW R 12 BMW, Kawasaki Vulcan S Kawasaki
  • Model: BMW R 12 BMW R 12, Kawasaki Vulcan S Kawasaki Vulcan S
  • Year: BMW R 12 2025, Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015
  • Displacement: BMW R 12 1170, Kawasaki Vulcan S 649
  • Power: BMW R 12 95, Kawasaki Vulcan S 61
  • Torque: BMW R 12 109.8, Kawasaki Vulcan S 63
  • Weight: BMW R 12 226.8, Kawasaki Vulcan S 225
  • Seat height: BMW R 12 75.4, Kawasaki Vulcan S 71
BMW R 12 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S key specifications
SpecBMW R 12Kawasaki Vulcan S
Year20252015
CategoryCruiserCruiser
Displacement1170649
Power9561
Torque109.863
Weight226.8225

Power

The BMW R 12 records 95 hp, 34 hp (55.7%) more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S at 61 hp.

Torque

The BMW R 12 records 109.8 Nm of torque, 46.8 Nm (74.3%) more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S at 63 Nm.

Weight

The Kawasaki Vulcan S records a lower wet weight of 225 kg, 1.8 kg less than the BMW R 12 at 226.8 kg.

Displacement

The BMW R 12 records 1170 cc, 521 cc (80.3%) more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S at 649 cc.

Seat height

The BMW R 12 has a higher recorded seat height (75.4) than the Kawasaki Vulcan S (71), a difference of 4.4.

Power-to-weight

The BMW R 12 has the higher power-to-weight figure at 0.419 hp/kg, compared with 0.271 hp/kg for the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

Frequently asked questions

Which motorcycle records more power, the BMW R 12 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The BMW R 12 records 95 hp, 34 hp (55.7%) more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S at 61 hp.

Which motorcycle records more torque, the BMW R 12 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The BMW R 12 records 109.8 Nm of torque, 46.8 Nm (74.3%) more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S at 63 Nm.

Which motorcycle records the lower weight, the BMW R 12 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S records a lower wet weight of 225 kg, 1.8 kg less than the BMW R 12 at 226.8 kg.

Which motorcycle records larger displacement, the BMW R 12 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The BMW R 12 records 1170 cc, 521 cc (80.3%) more than the Kawasaki Vulcan S at 649 cc.

How do the recorded seat heights of the BMW R 12 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S compare?

The BMW R 12 has a higher recorded seat height (75.4) than the Kawasaki Vulcan S (71), a difference of 4.4.

Which motorcycle has the higher power-to-weight figure, the BMW R 12 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The BMW R 12 has the higher power-to-weight figure at 0.419 hp/kg, compared with 0.271 hp/kg for the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

VS
BMW logo

BMW R 12

2025Cruiser

Displacement1170 cc
Power95 hp
Kawasaki logo

Kawasaki Vulcan S

2015Cruiser

Displacement649 cc
Power61 hp

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Better
Worse

BMW R 12

2025 • Cruiser

Kawasaki Vulcan S

2015 • Cruiser

Engine & Performance

Engine Displacement
1170 cc
649 cc
Power
95 hp
61 hp
Torque
109.8 Nm
63 Nm
Engine Type
Boxer
-
Engine Details
Boxer | DOHC | Cylinder: 4
DOHC
Power / Weight
-
0.271 hp/kg
Valves / Cylinder
4
4
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
10.8:1

Fuel & Capacity

Fuel System
Injection
Injection
Cooling System
Air-cooled
Liquid-cooled
Starter
Electric
Electric

Transmission & Drive

Gearbox
Manual 6-speed
Manual 6-speed
Transmission
Shaft
Chain

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension
Inverted
Telescopic
Rear Suspension
Swing-Arm
-

Brake System

Front Brakes
Disc x2 ABS
Disc x2
Rear Brakes
Disc ABS
Disc

Tires & Wheels

Front Tyre
100/90-R19
120/70-18
Rear Tyre
150/80-R16
160/60-17

Dimensions & Weight

Length
220 cm
231 cm
Height
83.1 cm
110 cm
Seat Height
75.4 cm
71 cm
Wheelbase
151.9 cm
157.5 cm
Ground Clearance
-
13 cm
Wet Weight
226.8 kg
225 kg

Disclaimer: The technical specifications, performance values, ride profile analyses, match scores, and other data presented on this page are compiled for informational purposes and processed through algorithmic calculations. Their source, license, and commercial-use rights are not fully documented. This information does not constitute a definitive, official, or binding reference. Actual values may vary depending on the model year, market, equipment options, riding conditions, and individual use. Before making a purchase decision, we strongly recommend consulting an authorized dealer or the manufacturer for verified and up-to-date specifications. RPMVault assumes no liability for any decisions made based on the information provided on this page.