Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Loading...

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore83 mmBore88.9 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke96.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power69 HPEngine power67 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,000 rpm
TorqueTorque64 NmTorque96 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque3,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio10
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionBelt
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears5
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement1,202 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFloating caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width130 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter16 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height80 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,165 mm
WidthWidth840 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,400 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,495 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height710 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)216 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)255 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity7.9 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

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

If you look up the word bobber in the dictionary, a picture of the Harley-Davidson 48 is likely to come up. In our comparison, thanks to the long Sportster history and clever marketing, it is probably the most authentic bike of the four test motorbikes. And it's the only one that doesn't have the term "bobber" in its name - because it doesn't need it. Nothing about it has been softened to make comfort-consumed customers happy. When stationary, the motorbike vibrates and the gearbox makes a loud "clunk" with every gear change. The Harley-Davidson 48 is raw, uncompromising and simply oldschool - and cool. Unthinkable with other manufacturers, normal with Harley-Davidson - thanks to clever marketing! Nevertheless, the Forty-Eight rides like a relatively modern motorbike. The V2 has powerful pressure, which the brakes can easily handle. Even though the chassis is designed for comfort, we were surprised at how sportily the Sportster can be moved through curvy terrain.

Very successful appearance, available in four paint finishes

Cool peanut tank

Authentic appearance

Characterful features

Little lean angle clearance

Hard shifting

Very short range due to small tank

Unconventional indicator operation

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons