Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 vs. Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 model year 2012 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 model year 2020 are both enduro motorcycles from Kawasaki, but they have several differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

In terms of engine and drive train, the Versys 1000 2012 has an in-line, 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043ccm. It produces 118 HP of power and 102 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Versys 650 2020 has an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 649ccm. It produces 69 HP of power and 64 Nm of torque. The Versys 1000 2012 has a more powerful engine compared to the Versys 650 2020.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions. However, the Versys 1000 2012 has a slightly larger bore of 77 mm and stroke of 56 mm, while the Versys 650 2020 has a larger bore of 83 mm and stroke of 60 mm. This indicates that the Versys 650 2020 has a longer stroke, which may affect its performance and power delivery.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Versys 1000 2012 offers more adjustment options with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments, while the Versys 650 2020 only has rebound adjustment. This means that the Versys 1000 2012 allows for more fine-tuning of the suspension to suit different riding conditions.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front and 17-inch wheels. The Versys 1000 2012 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire width of 180 mm, while the Versys 650 2020 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire width of 160 mm. This indicates that the Versys 1000 2012 has wider tires, which may provide better stability and grip.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Versys 1000 2012 has a longer wheelbase of 1520 mm compared to the Versys 650 2020 with a wheelbase of 1415 mm. The seat height of the Versys 1000 2012 is slightly higher at 845 mm compared to the Versys 650 2020 with a seat height of 840 mm. The kerb weight of the Versys 1000 2012 is higher at 239 kg compared to the Versys 650 2020 with a kerb weight of 216 kg. This means that the Versys 1000 2012 is slightly larger and heavier than the Versys 650 2020.

Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters, providing a decent range for long rides.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

In terms of strengths, the Versys 1000 2012 is praised for its silky running powerplant, sporty and comfortable chassis, efficient wind protection, and cushioned seat. On the other hand, the Versys 650 2020 is praised for its great travel comfort, pleasant and comfortable chassis, easy-to-use nature, seating position ready for touring, and agile and light-footed handling.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The Versys 1000 2012 has been criticized for its slight tipping in curves, which may take some getting used to, and its arguable design. On the other hand, the Versys 650 2020 has been criticized for vibrations in the footpegs, response behavior during the transition from pushing and load operation, the inability to deactivate ABS, and its somewhat high weight.

Overall, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 1000 2012 offers more power and adjustability, while the Versys 650 2020 provides great comfort and maneuverability.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012
Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore77 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power118 HPEngine power69 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque64 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio10.8
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentRebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentRebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,235 mmLength2,165 mm
WidthWidth900 mmWidth840 mm
HeightHeight1,405 mmHeight1,400 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,415 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height845 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)239 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)216 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

With no other Bigenduro can you ride so hard on the knee and therefore end up way ahead on the grid. If you often feel attacked on your holiday trip, you should fight back with the Versys 1000. Which proves that big enduros and four-cylinders do get along.

Silky running powerplant

sporty, comfortable chassis

efficient wind protection

cushioned seat.

Slight tipping in curves takes some getting used to

arguable design

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

The 2019 model year Kawasaki Versys presented itself as a comfortable, stable yet lively touring machine. The motorbike is versatile and offers high utility value. It is a fully-fledged touring machine that is a pleasure to ride on extended tours. The bike offers a terrific price/performance ratio.

Great travel comfort

pleasant and comfortable chassis

easy to use

seating position ready for touring

agile and light-footed handling.

Vibrations in the footpegs

response behaviour during transition from pushing and load operation

ABS cannot be deactivated

weight somewhat high

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs Kawasaki Versys 650

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 and a Kawasaki Versys 650 2020. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 10 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 1000 with 87 days compared to 137 days for a Kawasaki Versys 650. Since model year 2012 1000PS.de editors have written 19 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 39 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 650 since model year 2007. 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 3,900 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 650 published on 7/25/2006.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

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