KTM 890 Adventure 2022 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

KTM 890 Adventure 2022

KTM 890 Adventure 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

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Overview - KTM 890 Adventure 2022 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

The KTM 890 Adventure 2022 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 890 Adventure is equipped with a 2-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 889cc, producing 105 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S features a 4-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 1043cc, delivering 120 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. Both engines offer strong performance, but the Kawasaki has a slight advantage in terms of power output.

When it comes to suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The KTM 890 Adventure offers a longer travel of 200mm for both the front and rear suspension, providing better off-road capability. In comparison, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a slightly shorter travel of 150mm at the front and 152mm at the rear. This makes the KTM better suited for challenging terrains.

In terms of chassis, the KTM 890 Adventure features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S utilizes an aluminum frame. Both frames are lightweight and offer good rigidity, contributing to the overall handling and stability of the motorcycles.

KTM 890 Adventure 2022

KTM 890 Adventure 2022

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The KTM 890 Adventure offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S features ABS and ride by wire technology. Both motorcycles provide excellent braking performance and safety features.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM 890 Adventure has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 180mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the KTM is slightly longer at 1528mm compared to the 1520mm of the Kawasaki. The seat height of the KTM is also slightly higher at 850mm compared to the 840mm of the Kawasaki. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of around 20-21 liters.

In terms of strengths, the KTM 890 Adventure offers a proven and confident engine, comparatively low weight, an improved chassis, a more comfortable seat, and a combination of riding modes and ABS settings. The quickshifter on the KTM also works excellently. Additionally, the KTM is made in Austria, which is known for its high-quality motorcycle manufacturing.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S offers a smooth yet emotional engine, high-quality chassis, terrific wind protection, great seat comfort, and effortless handling. The Kawasaki also exhibits completely neutral behavior when leaned over, making it a stable and predictable ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the KTM 890 Adventure has a non-adjustable windshield, which may limit customization for different riding conditions. Additionally, the suspension travel on the KTM may be insufficient for more challenging off-road terrains. The KTM also offers many useful extras at an additional cost, which may increase the overall price of the motorcycle.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a quickshifter that works poorly at low revs, which may affect the smoothness of gear changes. The windshield adjustment on the Kawasaki cannot be operated while driving, which may be inconvenient for riders who frequently adjust their wind protection. The cruise control on the Kawasaki may also take some getting used to, potentially requiring a learning curve for riders.

In conclusion, both the KTM 890 Adventure 2022 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 are excellent enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a more off-road-oriented experience with its longer suspension travel and additional riding modes, while the Kawasaki provides a smooth and comfortable ride with its powerful engine and high-quality chassis. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications KTM 890 Adventure 2022 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

KTM 890 Adventure 2022
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore90.7 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke68.8 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque100 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement889 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel200 mmTravel150 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel152 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameAluminium
RakeRake63.7 degreeRake63 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Petal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,528 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height840 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 890 Adventure 2022

KTM 890 Adventure 2022

It is still one of the sportiest touring enduros on the market. Hardly any other mid-range adventure bike with a 21-inch front wheel can be moved as fast, hard and precisely as the KTM. For 2023, it has been given a revised and now also adjustable chassis, which still fits the sporty character but provides a little more comfort in the saddle. The engine can now definitely be described as mature. With its powerful character, clean response and hardly any vibrations, the engine from Mattighofen has many fans. With the model update, new electronics have found their way onto the KTM. ABS and traction control now regulate even more sensitively and are better tuned to the riding modes. The new 5-inch display always provides a perfect overview.

Proven and confident engine

comparatively low weight

improved chassis

more comfortable seat

combination of riding modes and ABS setting

quickshifter works excellently

Made in Austria.

Windshield not adjustable

too little suspension travel for hard terrain

many useful extras at extra cost

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Versys stands for "versatile system" and that is exactly what the Kawasaki tourer actually represents. Comfort and sportiness, slow and fast, short and long - the Versys can do it all. The chassis responds superbly, the handling is absolutely effortless, the engine emotional and at the same time sensible. In this price range, it is hard to impossible to find a better compromise.

Engine is smooth yet emotional

high-quality chassis

terrific wind protection

great seat comfort

effortless handling

completely neutral behaviour when leaned over

Quickshifter works poorly at low revs

windshield adjustment cannot be operated while driving

cruise control takes some getting used to.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 890 Adventure vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

There are a few key differences between a KTM 890 Adventure 2022 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 is about 28% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 there are more KTM 890 Adventure 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 30 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a KTM 890 Adventure with 112 days compared to 195 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 16 reviews for the KTM 890 Adventure and 5 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S since model year 2021. The first review for the KTM 890 Adventure was published on 10/22/2020 and now has more than 59,500 views. This compares to more than 49,600 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 S published on 11/4/2020.

Price KTM 890 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

Model year
Current average market prices

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