Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

The Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are both enduro motorcycles that offer unique features and capabilities.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Versys 650 has an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 649cc. It produces 69 horsepower and 64 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin also has an in-line, 2-cylinder engine but with a larger displacement of 998cc. It offers more power with 95 horsepower and 98 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

When it comes to suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. The Kawasaki Versys 650 only has rebound adjustment for the front suspension and rear suspension.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames, providing durability and stability. The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a steel frame, while the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin also features a steel frame.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. This ensures effective stopping power and control.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, there are some notable differences. The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 160mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1415mm and a seat height of 840mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 216kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. On the other hand, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a longer wheelbase of 1575mm and a slightly higher seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 232kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Versys 650 offers a lively engine, a comfortable seating position, an effective adjustable windshield, a comfortable chassis, and a sporty look. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, on the other hand, offers a comfortable yet engaging riding experience, a well-dimensioned engine, and a slightly lower seat height which may be more suitable for riders of a certain height.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Versys 650 lacks a gear indicator, sways a little in fast bends, and requires a lot of hand force for the brakes. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has suspension elements that are too comfortably tuned at high speeds and a traction control system that needs to be readjusted after every short break when riding off-road.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific preferences and riding style when choosing between the two.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore92 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke75.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power69 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque64 NmTorque98 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement998 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,335 mm
WidthWidth840 mmWidth875 mm
HeightHeight1,400 mmHeight1,475 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)216 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity18.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015

Kawasaki Versys 650 2015

The new Versys 650 is truly more than just a revamped old lady - in addition to the contemporary look, the engine, chassis and equipment list have also been revised. It remains true to its sporty line, the 5 hp more benefit the mid-range for increased sovereignty - however, even the predecessor was a wonderfully lively fun machine. Instead, comfort is increased enormously by clever solutions such as the larger and now height-adjustable windshield. Finally, the optional features are also up to date: nice and roomy panniers, heated grips, LED fog lights, frame guard, gear indicator and a 12 V socket.

Lively engine

comfortable seating position

effective, adjustable windshield

comfortable chassis

sporty look

Gear indicator costs extra

sways a little in fast bends

brake needs a lot of hand force

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Still sensational. It scores with the familiar Honda virtues, but never gets stale. A motorbike that goes with you through thick and thin and doesn't tire even on extra-long tours. Very robust off-road, also copes with really tough passages without any problems. Still the benchmark for touring enduros in 2017.

Comfortable but not boring

Pleasant and perfectly dimensioned engine

Seat height a tad lower than on the KTM- from 175cm height it could work

Suspension elements do everything off-road, but are too comfortably tuned at high speeds

traction control is annoying off-road - always has to be readjusted after every short break.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is about 56% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 there are less Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 4 compared to 13. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 650 with 85 days compared to 91 days for a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. Since model year 2007 1000PS.de editors have written 39 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 650 and 47 reviews for the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin since model year 2015. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 650 was published on 25/07/2006 and now has more than 3,900 views. This compares to more than 13,600 views for the first review on Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin published on 12/05/2015.

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Model year
Current average market prices

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