Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Overview - Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 compared to Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	92 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	81.5 mm
Engine power	Engine power	69 HP	Engine power	102 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	8,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	64 Nm	Torque	105 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.8	Compression Ratio	10.1
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Digital	Ignition	Transistor
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	1,084 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Adjustment	Adjustment	Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Adjustment	Adjustment	Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel

Brakes Front

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

Brakes Rear

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch
Length	Length	2,165 mm	Length	2,330 mm
Width	Width	840 mm	Width	960 mm
Height	Height	1,400 mm	Height	1,395 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,415 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	840 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	216 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	238 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	24.8 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

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 CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

The Africa Twin is a true Enduro with tough handling qualities. It looks robust and is well equipped for almost any application. The engine is good, but won't blow adrenaline junkies away. The wind protection is great, but too good in summer. Components and attachments are of a high standard. The overall build quality is superior and the mobile phone integration is a great solution. Even after many test rides, the switches still seem illogical and confusing. In direct comparison, it somehow floats above things. It simply drives confidently and well, but cannot shine with spectacular values.

Very good chassis - both mechanical and electronic

DCT option makes it a superior touring bike

high quality and practical electronic ride aids

fundamentally good wind protection

high quality overall impression

flawless engine with great response and linear torque curve

accessible handling

very pleasant ride

wonderfully versatile bike.

Wind protection too good in the heat - even the lowest position of the wind shield hardly lets any wind through

operation via the numerous switches seems complex overall even after 2 days of testing

seat seems a bit too soft after a long day.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

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Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021

Overview - Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2021