Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 vs KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 compared to KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	77 mm	Bore	103 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	63 mm
Engine power	Engine power	118 HP	Engine power	125 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	102 Nm	Torque	109 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,700 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.3	Compression Ratio	13
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,043 ccm	Displacement	1,050 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Semi-Schwimmsattel	Shock mount	Fixed caliper
Technology	Technology	radial, Petal	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	110 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	80 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,560 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	845 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	239 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	228 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

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