No bike here is slow in absolute terms, although there is a clear hierarchy that has formed in terms of sheer peak output. The supercharged Z H2 and the Streetfighter V4 are a cut above the rest, with their engines making 200hp or more. Where they differ is that the Kawasaki’s inline-four delivers its peak output quite low in the rev band, which should make for some scintillating acceleration. By contrast, the Ducati’s V4 motor is a peaky unit – oh, the irony! – and while it makes the most power in this comparison, there’s no beating the Z H2 in terms of peak torque.
The Triumph is like the “best of the rest” option in this comparison, and with its punchy triple-cylinder motor, it has one of the best power-to-weight ratios, also aided by its lighter weight. BMW’s supernaked has a rather unremarkable engine in this company – only in terms of configuration, there’s nothing unremarkable about 170hp, believe you me – and its output figures can feel a little lacklustre in comparison to some of its rivals. Last but certainly not least, we have Honda’s CB1000 Hornet, which is arguably a notch down in comparison to these top-tier flagship naked bikes, but it is still making respectable power for a Japanese straight-four motor.
All the European options we have here are pretty closely matched in terms of kerb weight, although they do factor in an additional 12-13 kilos for the Ducati if it is to be an apples-to-apples comparison with the others, which would make its kerb weight quite close to that of the Honda. The lightest bike here would be the BMW S 1000 R in its top M Sport guise, followed by the Speed Triple 1200 RS, both coming in just shy of 200 kilos.
Speaking of the Honda, another area where it isn’t as focused as its competitors is in its seat height. Taller seats liberate more cornering clearance, and all three European machines are competent track machines. Honda’s lower perch doesn’t immediately make it less capable on track, but it shows that Big Red has geared the CB1000 Hornet more toward sporty road riding and also to make it more welcoming for shorter riders.
With a perch that’s 845mm tall, the Streetfighter V4 has the tallest seat, and one could argue it is the most track-oriented of all the bikes here, because it is very simply, a pared-back Panigale V4.
The Z H2 is at a significant disadvantage in comparison to the others because the supercharger and its paraphernalia drive up its total weight into full-size sport tourer and ADV bike territory. While the big Z does hold the most fuel, that’s more likely a demand from its thirsty supercharged engine than anything else.
BMW S 1000 R vs rivals: Tyres, brakes and suspension
All five have top-notch cycle parts befitting their stature
| Suspension, tyres and brakes |
|---|
| BMW S 1000 R | Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS | Ducati Streetfighter V4 | Kawasaki Z H2 | Honda CB1000 Hornet SP |
| Suspension (F/R) | USD fork / Monoshock | USD fork / Monoshock | USD fork / Monoshock | USD fork / Monoshock | USD fork / Monoshock |
| Tyres (F/R) | 120/70-ZR17 / 190/55-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 / 190/55-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 / 200/60-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 / 190/55-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm discs / 220mm disc | 320mm discs / 220mm disc | 330mm discs / 245mm disc | 320mm discs / 260mm disc | 310mm discs / 240mm disc |
Since these are top-tier supernakeds from their respective manufacturers, all five machines use excellent cycle parts, although, if we are to split hairs, then – on paper, at least – the Ducati and Triumph come out in front of the others. One thing to note is that all bikes here come with electronic suspension (either as an optional extra or on a higher variant), except for the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP. The Hornet is also the only bike to use a slightly slimmer rear tyre and ever-so-smaller front brake discs – not that it’s any worse for it – in line with its relatively tame output.
BMW S 1000 R vs rivals: Features
Ducati has the most advanced electronic rider aids
Big TFT displays, a comprehensive suite of rider aids and creature comforts such as cruise control and heated grips are all part of these bikes – if not as standard, then at least as an accessory. Again, the European bikes have that extra bit of finesse in the implementation of their electronic rider aids in comparison to the Japanese bikes, with things like switchable ABS and lean-sensitive intervention. In particular, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 really does set the benchmark when it comes to electronic rider aids, and the company’s racing pedigree really does shine through in this regard.
BMW S 1000 R vs rivals: Price
Hornet is by far the most affordable, Kawasaki the most expensive
| Price |
|---|
| BMW S 1000 R | Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS | Ducati Streetfighter V4 | Kawasaki Z H2 | Honda CB1000 Hornet SP |
| Price (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 19.90 lakh | Rs 20.39 lakh | Rs 24.62 lakh - Rs 28 lakh | Rs 24.18 lakh - Rs 28.59 lakh | Rs 12.36 lakh |
There’s no competing with the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP when it comes to sheer bang-for-buck here, although you could argue that in comparison to these bikes, it can feel a little out of its depth in some aspects. The S 1000 R’s starting price undercuts its European counterparts, but if you start going through BMW’s accessory catalogue, the price will firmly be in Ducati territory. Speaking of the Ducati, the Streetfighter V4 that is currently on sale in India is not the latest-generation model, and when that one comes in, expect the prices listed above to rise. But as things stand as of the publishing of this piece, the supercharged Kawasaki Z H2 is the most expensive bike here.