Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

The Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 and the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 are both enduro motorcycles with similar engine types, inline configurations. However, there are several notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 has a larger bore and stroke compared to the Kawasaki Versys 650 2016. This results in a higher engine power of 95 HP and torque of 98 Nm for the Africa Twin, compared to 69 HP and 64 Nm for the Versys 650. The Africa Twin also has a larger displacement of 998cc, while the Versys 650 has a displacement of 649cc.

Both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic fork front suspensions, but the Africa Twin offers more adjustment options including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspensions. The Versys 650 only has rebound adjustment for both front and rear suspensions.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. The braking systems are also similar, with double disk brakes at the front for both models.

There are differences in the dimensions and weights of the two motorcycles. The Africa Twin has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches, compared to the 17-inch front tire diameter of the Versys 650. The rear tire width is also slightly narrower for the Africa Twin at 150mm, compared to 160mm for the Versys 650. The Africa Twin has a larger wheelbase of 1575mm, while the Versys 650 has a wheelbase of 1415mm. The seat height is slightly higher for the Africa Twin at 850mm, compared to 840mm for the Versys 650. The Africa Twin also has a higher kerb weight of 232kg, compared to 216kg for the Versys 650. However, the Africa Twin has a slightly smaller fuel tank capacity of 18.8 liters, while the Versys 650 has a larger tank capacity of 21 liters.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

In terms of strengths, the Versys 650 offers adjustable brake and clutch levers, a wide range of use, a sporty look, and a larger fuel tank capacity. On the other hand, the Africa Twin is praised for its comfortable but not boring ride, a well-dimensioned engine, and a slightly lower seat height.

As for weaknesses, the Versys 650 is criticized for its narrow handlebars, sluggishness in bends, and high seat. The Africa Twin is said to have suspension elements that are too comfortably tuned at high speeds and an annoying traction control system that needs to be readjusted after every short break when riding off-road.

Overall, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 offers a more powerful engine, more adjustable suspension, and a slightly larger wheelbase compared to the Kawasaki Versys 650 2016. However, the Versys 650 has a larger fuel tank capacity and adjustable brake and clutch levers.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016
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 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

When it was first introduced, the Versys 650 was a refreshing, modern concept that combined lots of fun with a lively in-line two-cylinder engine, high everyday utility and a wide range of uses. In the meantime, it has a few years under its belt and, after the visual update, which is very successful, it also deserves a technical overhaul. While the tank should not shrink, a lower seat height would be desirable.

Adjustable brake and clutch levers

wide range of use

21 litre tank

sporty look

Narrow handlebars

somewhat sluggish in bends

high seat

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 2016 and a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 is about 58% higher. Compared to Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin 2017 there are less Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 10 compared to 13. It takes less time to sell a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin with 91 days compared to 101 days for the Kawasaki Versys 650. 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 7/25/2006 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 5/12/2015.

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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