2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2015 Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

The BMW R 12 S records a lower weight than the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic. The Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic has the advantage in recorded torque and displacement where both recorded values are available.

Recorded specification differences

  • Manufacturer: BMW R 12 S BMW, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Kawasaki
  • Model: BMW R 12 S BMW R 12 S, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic
  • Year: BMW R 12 S 2025, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 2015
  • Displacement: BMW R 12 S 1170, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 1700
  • Torque: BMW R 12 S 109.8, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 135
  • Weight: BMW R 12 S 220, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 349
  • Seat height: BMW R 12 S 79.5, Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic 72
BMW R 12 S vs Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic key specifications
SpecBMW R 12 SKawasaki VN 1700 Classic
Year20252015
CategoryCruiserCruiser
Displacement11701700
Power-74
Torque109.8135
Weight220349

Torque

The Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic records 135 Nm of torque, 25.2 Nm (23%) more than the BMW R 12 S at 109.8 Nm.

Weight

The BMW R 12 S records a lower wet weight of 220 kg, 129 kg less than the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic at 349 kg.

Displacement

The Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic records 1700 cc, 530 cc (45.3%) more than the BMW R 12 S at 1170 cc.

Seat height

The BMW R 12 S has a higher recorded seat height (79.5) than the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic (72), a difference of 7.5.

Frequently asked questions

Which motorcycle records more torque, the BMW R 12 S or the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?

The Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic records 135 Nm of torque, 25.2 Nm (23%) more than the BMW R 12 S at 109.8 Nm.

Which motorcycle records the lower weight, the BMW R 12 S or the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?

The BMW R 12 S records a lower wet weight of 220 kg, 129 kg less than the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic at 349 kg.

Which motorcycle records larger displacement, the BMW R 12 S or the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic?

The Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic records 1700 cc, 530 cc (45.3%) more than the BMW R 12 S at 1170 cc.

How do the recorded seat heights of the BMW R 12 S and the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic compare?

The BMW R 12 S has a higher recorded seat height (79.5) than the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic (72), a difference of 7.5.

VS
BMW logo

BMW R 12 S

2025Cruiser

Displacement1170 cc
Kawasaki logo

Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

2015Cruiser

Displacement1700 cc
Power74 hp

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Better
Worse

BMW R 12 S

2025 • Cruiser

Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic

2015 • Cruiser

Engine & Performance

Engine Displacement
1170 cc
1700 cc
Power
-
74 hp
Torque
109.8 Nm
135 Nm
Engine Type
Boxer
V-Twin
Engine Details
Boxer | DOHC | Cylinder: 4
V-Twin | SOHC | Cylinder: 2
Power / Weight
-
0.212 hp/kg
Valves / Cylinder
4
4
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
9.5:1

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
Belt

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension
Inverted
Telescopic
Rear Suspension
Swing-Arm
Twin-Shock

Brake System

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

Tires & Wheels

Front Tyre
120/70-17
130/90-B16
Rear Tyre
180/55-R17
170/70-B16

Dimensions & Weight

Length
212.9 cm
250 cm
Height
87.1 cm
116 cm
Seat Height
79.5 cm
72 cm
Wheelbase
151.9 cm
166.5 cm
Ground Clearance
-
13 cm
Wet Weight
220 kg
349 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.