Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 vs. Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

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Overview - Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 model year 2023 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 model year 2016 are both popular motorcycles from Kawasaki, but they have some notable differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

In terms of engine and drive train, both motorcycles have the same inline engine type with a bore of 83 mm and a stroke of 60 mm. The Ninja 650 2023 has an engine power of 68.2 HP and a torque of 65.7 Nm, while the Versys 650 2016 has a slightly higher engine power of 69 HP and a torque of 64 Nm. Both motorcycles have a compression ratio of 10.8 and an electric starter. They also share the same transmission type, which is chain-driven. Additionally, they have 2 cylinders and a displacement of 649 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the Ninja 650 2023 features a telescopic fork front suspension, while the Versys 650 2016 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension. The rear suspension of the Ninja 650 2023 has preload adjustment, while the Versys 650 2016 has rebound adjustment.

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Both motorcycles have a steel frame and double disk front brakes with petal technology. They also have the same front and rear tire dimensions, with a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Ninja 650 2023 is slightly shorter at 1410 mm, compared to the Versys 650 2016 which has a wheelbase of 1415 mm. The seat height of the Ninja 650 2023 is 790 mm, while the Versys 650 2016 has a higher seat height of 840 mm. In terms of weight, the Ninja 650 2023 has a kerb weight of 193 kg with ABS, while the Versys 650 2016 is slightly heavier at 216 kg with ABS. The fuel tank capacity of the Ninja 650 2023 is 15 liters, while the Versys 650 2016 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Ninja 650 2023 is suitable for touring and offers a comfortable riding experience. It also has a safety package and is very accessible for riders. The Ninja 650 2023 is also ergonomically versatile and has the typical Ninja look.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

On the other hand, the Versys 650 2016 has adjustable brake and clutch levers, which allows riders to customize their riding experience. It also has a wide range of use and a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. Additionally, the Versys 650 2016 has a sporty look.

However, both motorcycles have some weaknesses. The Ninja 650 2023 has average chassis and brake performance, and the adjustment of the rear shock absorber can be laborious. The Versys 650 2016 has narrow handlebars, which may not be comfortable for some riders. It is also somewhat sluggish in bends and has a high seat, which may not be suitable for shorter riders.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ninja 650 2023 is suitable for touring and offers a comfortable riding experience, while the Versys 650 2016 has adjustable levers and a larger fuel tank capacity. Riders should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two motorcycles.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2016

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023
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
WidthWidth740 mmWidth840 mm
HeightHeight1,135 mmHeight1,400 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,415 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)193 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 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 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 Ninja 650 vs Kawasaki Versys 650

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and a Kawasaki Versys 650 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 is about 12% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2016 there are more Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 112 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 650 with 101 days compared to 137 days for the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 20 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 39 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 650 since model year 2007. 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 3,900 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 650 published on 25/07/2006.

Price Kawasaki Ninja 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

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