Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

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Overview - Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Ninja 650 2023 is equipped with a 649cc inline twin engine that produces 68.2 HP of power and 65.7 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Versys 1000 SE 2022 boasts a larger 1043cc inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a powerful 120 HP and 102 Nm of torque. This makes the Versys 1000 SE 2022 more powerful and suitable for riders who crave more performance.

In terms of suspension, the Ninja 650 2023 features a telescopic fork at the front with 125mm of travel and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear with 130mm of travel. On the other hand, the Versys 1000 SE 2022 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with 150mm of travel and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear with 152mm of travel. The Versys 1000 SE 2022 also offers adjustable suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments, providing riders with more customization options for their riding preferences.

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Both motorcycles come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, ensuring a safe and controlled riding experience. The Versys 1000 SE 2022 takes it a step further with additional features like ride-by-wire and a quickshifter, enhancing the overall riding experience.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ninja 650 2023 has a wheelbase of 1410mm and a seat height of 790mm. It weighs 193kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters. On the other hand, the Versys 1000 SE 2022 has a longer wheelbase of 1520mm and a higher seat height of 840mm. It is heavier at 257kg (with ABS) but compensates with a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters, making it more suitable for long-distance touring.

Both motorcycles come equipped with modern features such as LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT displays. However, the Versys 1000 SE 2022 offers additional features like heated grips, cornering lights, and adjustable windshields, enhancing comfort and convenience for riders.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

In terms of weaknesses, the Ninja 650 2023 has average chassis and brake performance, which may not be as impressive for riders seeking more aggressive riding styles. Additionally, adjusting the rear shock absorber on the Ninja 650 2023 can be laborious, requiring more effort and time.

On the other hand, the Versys 1000 SE 2022 has a windshield that is not adjustable with one hand, which may be inconvenient for riders who frequently need to make adjustments on the go.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 are impressive motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ninja 650 2023 is suitable for touring, offers a comfortable ride, and comes with a safety package, while the Versys 1000 SE 2022 provides a very comfortable seating position, a powerful engine, and a full electronics package. Riders should consider their specific preferences and riding style when choosing between these two models.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio10.3
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel125 mmTravel150 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel130 mmTravel152 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake63 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail106 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Petal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter

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 width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,055 mmLength2,240 mm
WidthWidth740 mmWidth950 mm
HeightHeight1,135 mmHeight1,530 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)193 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)257 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-Headlights

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

To judge the Kawasaki Ninja 650 purely on its paper form would be a serious mistake. The two-day test showed once again that performance data carries more weight at the pub table than in the wild. Kawa's sports tourer does exactly what it is supposed to and, thanks to the constant revision and the new features added for 2023, is still an enrichment for the class. Only hobby racers should be warned, as the name Ninja still stirs up a certain expectation that the 650 does not fully meet.

suitable for touring

comfortable

safety package

very accessible

ergonomically versatile

typical Ninja look

Chassis and brakes only average

adjustment of the rear shock absorber laborious

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is more than equipped for the big journey: The many features pull together, because everything good about the SE is aimed at comfort and safety. Whether it's the semi-active electronic Skyhook suspension from Showa, the KIBS cornering ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KMCF), the cornering lights or the easy-to-read TFT colour display, the electronics leave nothing to be desired. Coupled with the comfortable seating position and the high, adjustable windshield, long stages are a pleasure. The engine is certainly not the most powerful, the weight certainly not the lowest, but overall the Versys 1000 SE is an optimal touring motorbike.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension

well-controlled braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 is about 112% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 there are more Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 112 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Ninja 650 with 137 days compared to 145 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 20 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Ninja 650 was published on 04/10/2016 and now has more than 79,600 views. This compares to more than 25,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE published on 06/11/2018.

Price Kawasaki Ninja 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

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