Spec Comparo: 2023 BMW S1000RR vs Ducati Panigale V4 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: December 13, 2022, 02:40 PM IST

BMW recently brought the 2023 S1000RR to the Indian market with prices starting at Rs 20.25 lakh (ex-showroom). The Bavarian's flagship is available in three variants - Standard, Pro, and Pro M Sport. From reworked aerodynamics, new electronic rider aids to an upgraded engine, the new S1000RR boasts a wide range of performance updates over the previous model. Depending on the variant, it is offered in a choice of three paint jobs: Passion, Blackstorm Metallic, and Light White Uni/M Motorsport. Here we glance at how the 2023 S1000RR rivals the other supersport giants, such as Ducati Panigale V4 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in India.

2023 BMW S1000RR vs Ducati Panigale V4 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Performance

Although the new S1000RR continues to be powered by the same 999cc, inline-four petrol engine, it now benefits from BMW's ShaftCam technology, thus producing slightly more power than its predecessor. The motorcycle now generates 209.3PS at 13,750rpm and 113Nm of torque at 11,000rpm.

The closest rival of the S1000RR is the Ducati Panigale V4, which gets a 1,103cc V4 motor making 215.5PS at 13,000rpm and 123.6Nm of torque at 9,500rpm. Whereas, the 998cc, four-cylinder engine of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R delivers 203PS (213PS with ram air) at 13,200rpm and 115Nm of torque at 11,400rpm. All motorcycles are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Ducati Panigale V4 emerges as the winner against the two rivals when it comes to power output figures. The S1000RR produces noticeably more power than the Ninja ZX-10R but they deliver similar torque.

2023 BMW S1000RR vs Ducati Panigale V4 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Electronic Rider Aids

BMW has equipped the new S1000RR with several new features. While the slide control function with two preset options, allows the rider to drift the motorcycle while cornering, the 'Slick' setting and Brake Slide Assist are new additions for improved braking performance. Moreover, the German supersport continues to get a 6.5-inch TFT display, traction control, bi-directional quick-shifter, riding modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Race; hill start control pro, among others.

The recently arrived Ducati Panigale V4 is on a level with the S1000RR in terms of features. The V4 and V4 S come with an updated 5-inch TFT display, new MotoGP derived Ohlins NPX25/30 upside-down forks, Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 for electronic adjustment of the suspension; four riding modes: Full, High, Mid, and Low; auto tyre calibration, engine braking control, EVO 2 quick-shifter, launch control, and enhanced wheelie control, cornering ABS, traction control with latest-gen six-axis IMU.

Like the S1000RR and Panigale V4, the Ninja ZX-10R is not brimmed with all the bells and whistles but promises various necessary features, given that it is the most affordable litre-class motorcycle. It comes with traction control, cruise control, Showa's fully adjustable front forks and rear mono shock, Brembo M50 calipers, a 4.3-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire, and four riding modes: Sport, Rain, Road, and Rider.

2023 BMW S1000RR vs Ducati Panigale V4 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Weight

With 207kg of weight, the Ninja ZX-10R is the heaviest motorcycle in its segment, while the Panigale V4, which weighs 175kg, is the lightest among the three. Notably, the S1000RR weighs 197kg or 193.5kg with M Package. Like the performance category, the Ducati Panigale V4 is a clear winner when it comes to weight. It is not only lightweight but is also the most powerful supersport.

Variant-specific prices (ex-showroom) of the 2023 BMW S1000RR, Ducati Panigale V4, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R are as mentioned below: