Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017 vs. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017 vs Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017 compared to Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	77 mm	Bore	106 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	67.9 mm
Engine power	Engine power	120 HP	Engine power	160 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	102 Nm	Torque	136 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.3	Compression Ratio	12.5
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,043 ccm	Displacement	1,198.4 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Technology	Technology	radial, Petal	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	190 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,240 mm	Length	2,190 mm
Width	Width	895 mm	Width	1,000 mm
Height	Height	1,400 mm	Height	1,495 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,529 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	840 mm	Seat Height	845 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	250 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	235 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2017

The 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

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S 2015

The new Ducati Multistrada 1200 S is a thoroughly successful new edition of the extra-sporty touring enduro. The weaknesses of the predecessor were obviously analysed in detail and corrected: thanks to the DVT system, the engine now also works harmoniously in the lower rev range and the seating position is now also more suitable for comfort-oriented riders. The electronics have been massively upgraded; no other touring enduro is so comprehensively equipped. Starting with the many adjustable modes for power delivery and suspension, the brakes and cornering ABS are also of the highest standard. Although the "normal" Multisrtrada 1200 does without some electronic gimmicks, it is also cheaper and does not ride any worse overall.

Good handling, powerful engine

sensitive, semi-active Skyhook suspension

superb Brembo braking system

cornering ABS

tunable power modes

LED cornering lights

Cruise Control as standard

optional equipment packages can be combined.

Windshield too narrow

not a cheap pleasure