Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs. Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

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Overview - Kawasaki Z650 2020 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

The Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 are both popular models from Kawasaki, but they have some notable differences in terms of specifications and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both bikes have an in-line, liquid-cooled engine with the same bore and stroke measurements of 83 mm and 60 mm, respectively. However, there is a slight difference in engine power and torque. The Z650 2020 has a slightly lower engine power of 68.2 HP compared to the Versys 650 2016 which has 69 HP. Similarly, the Z650 2020 has a torque of 65.7 Nm, while the Versys 650 2016 has a torque of 64 Nm. Both bikes have an electric starter and a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Z650 2020 features a telescopic fork at the front, while the Versys 650 2016 has an upside-down telescopic fork. The rear suspension of the Z650 2020 can be adjusted for preload, whereas the Versys 650 2016 allows for rebound adjustment.

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Both bikes have a steel frame and double disk brakes with double piston technology at the front. They also share the same tire specifications, with a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 160 mm. The tire diameters are also the same at 17 inches.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the Z650 2020 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1410 mm compared to the 1415 mm of the Versys 650 2016. The seat height of the Z650 2020 is lower at 790 mm, making it more suitable for riders with shorter legs. On the other hand, the Versys 650 2016 has a higher seat height of 840 mm, which may be more comfortable for taller riders. The Z650 2020 has a kerb weight of 185 kg (187.1 kg with ABS), while the Versys 650 2016 is heavier at 214 kg (216 kg with ABS). Additionally, the Versys 650 2016 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters, providing a longer range compared to the Z650 2020's 15-liter tank.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

In terms of strengths, the Z650 2020 offers a powerful two-cylinder engine, aggressive intake noise, compact dimensions, low seat height, stable chassis, TFT display with connectivity, and a grown-up look. On the other hand, the Versys 650 2016 boasts adjustable brake and clutch levers, a wide range of use, a 21-liter fuel tank, and a sporty look.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses as well. The Z650 2020 has been criticized for its front brake pressure point, which may not be to everyone's liking. It is also potentially uncomfortable for tall riders, and the Rideology App is not considered 100% sophisticated. The Versys 650 2016, on the other hand, has narrow handlebars, can feel somewhat sluggish in bends, and has a high seat, which may not be suitable for shorter riders.

In conclusion, while both the Kawasaki Z650 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 have their own strengths and weaknesses, they are both reliable and versatile bikes that cater to different riding preferences. The Z650 2020 is more suitable for riders who prefer a compact and sporty naked bike, while the Versys 650 2016 is better suited for those who want a more versatile and adventure-oriented motorcycle.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z650 2020 compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Z650 2020
Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power69 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque64 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio10.8
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentRebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,165 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,415 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb WeightKerb Weight185 kgKerb Weight214 kg
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)187.1 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)216 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z650 2020

Kawasaki Z650 2020

It's simply marvellous what Kawasaki has put together in a complete package with the new Z650. The technical components may not knock your socks off individually, but in combination they make for a pleasantly neutral motorbike that everyone will enjoy. No bitchy idiosyncrasies - simply a naked bike that works really well on winding country roads. Of course, the TFT display, which we don't find in the competition at the moment, is a plus, as is the grown-up look, which is strongly oriented towards the larger Z models. Only the pressure point of the front brake could have been more clearly defined - but you can't have everything in this price range.

powerful two-cylinder engine

aggressive intake noise

compact dimensions

low seat height

stable chassis

TFT display with connectivity

grown-up look

Front brake pressure point

probably uncomfortable for tall riders

Rideology Appn och not 100% sophisticated.

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

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z650 vs Kawasaki Versys 650

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z650 2020 and a Kawasaki Versys 650 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 is about 3% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 there are more Kawasaki Z650 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 21 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z650 with 80 days compared to 101 days for a Kawasaki Versys 650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the Kawasaki Z650 and 39 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 650 since model year 2007. The first review for the Kawasaki Z650 was published on 11/8/2016 and now has more than 25,000 views. This compares to more than 3,900 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 650 published on 7/25/2006.

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

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