Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 vs KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

When comparing the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018, there are several factors to consider. Starting with the engine and drive train, the Versys 1000 has an in-line four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043ccm, producing 120 HP and 102 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure features a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1050ccm, delivering 125 HP and 109 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both bikes are equipped with upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Versys 1000 has an aluminum frame, while the KTM 1090 Adventure features a chromium-molybdenum frame. Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the KTM 1090 Adventure has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1560mm compared to the Versys 1000's 1520mm. The seat height of the KTM is also slightly higher at 850mm, while the Versys 1000 has a seat height of 840mm. The KTM 1090 Adventure is lighter with a kerb weight of 228kg, while the Versys 1000 weighs 250kg with ABS. Both motorcycles have fuel tank capacities of 21 liters for the Versys 1000 and 23 liters for the KTM 1090 Adventure.

Now let's discuss the strengths of each motorcycle. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 has a sporty look and a comfortable seating position. Its in-line four-cylinder engine is powerful and refined, providing a smooth ride. The adjustable windshield allows for customization, and the chassis offers stability. The braking system is well-controlled, and there is a clever range of accessories available. Additionally, the Versys 1000 is comparatively affordable.

On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 boasts a very powerful and refined engine with a wide rev range. It offers performance modes and the ability to switch off the ABS. The adjustable traction control enhances safety, and the motorcycle has agile and safe handling. The ergonomics are adjustable, and the windshield can be adjusted for height. Furthermore, the KTM 1090 Adventure is relatively lightweight and has a competitive price.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

However, there are also weaknesses to consider. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015's windshield can only be adjusted when stationary, and the gear indicator costs extra. As for the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018, its optics may seem outdated compared to the newer 1290 Super Adventures, and the suspension fork is not adjustable.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 have their strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 1000 offers a sporty look, comfortable seating position, and a powerful engine at a comparatively low price. On the other hand, the KTM 1090 Adventure provides a very powerful engine, adjustable ergonomics, and agile handling, also at a competitive price. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015
KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore77 mmBore103 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke63 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque109 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio13
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,050 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameChromium-molybdenum

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)250 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)228 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

The new Kawasaki Versys 1000 is not a completely new model - even if it looks like one from the design point of view. The look has been cleverly adapted to the current aggressive Kawasaki line with two pointed headlights and many edges at the front. Technically, on the other hand, it has been cautiously upgraded - but quite sensibly. Two additional horsepower boost the output to 120 hp, which is excellent to ride thanks to the wonderful in-line four-cylinder characteristics. The chassis corresponds to the sporty demands of a Kawasaki, but the ergonomics and comfortable seating position allow for long journeys - just like a big enduro. With useful accessories such as a pannier set, top case, heated grips and additional headlights, the Versys 1000 becomes a serious long-distance tourer - the comparatively low base price makes these gimmicks quite affordable.

Sporty look

comfortable seating position

powerful and cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

adjustable windshield

stable chassis

well-controlled braking system

clever range of accessories

comparatively low price.

Windshield only adjustable when stationary

gear indicator costs extra

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

The KTM 1090 Adventure is a huge step away from its predecessor, the 1050 Adventure, towards its bigger sisters. The electronics package with adjustable riding modes, traction control and ABS remains at the already high level, but the engine now has 125 hp, around a third (!) more than the 1050. Almost more importantly, it can now rev freely to over 10,000 rpm and thus offers a more usable rev band. You will hardly find a more balanced bike in the class of still reasonably priced large touring enduros.

Very powerful, cultivated engine with wide rev range

performance modes

ABS can be switched off

adjustable traction control

agile and safe handling

adjustable ergonomics

height-adjustable windshield

low weight

comparatively low price.

Optics seem outdated by the new 1290 Super Adventures

suspension fork not adjustable

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs KTM 1090 Adventure

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 and a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 is about 24% higher. Compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 1000 with 86 days compared to 101 days for a KTM 1090 Adventure. Since model year 2012 1000PS.de editors have written 19 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 7 reviews for the KTM 1090 Adventure since model year 2017. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 was published on 11/7/2011 and now has more than 8,400 views. This compares to more than 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1090 Adventure published on 10/12/2016.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1090 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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