Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 vs. Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 2022 are both enduro motorcycles that offer different features and specifications.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Versys 1000 SE 2020 is equipped with an in-line, 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043cc. It produces a powerful 120 HP and 102 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Versys 650 2022 features a smaller in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 649cc. It generates 67 HP and 61 Nm of torque. While the Versys 1000 SE offers more power, the Versys 650 is more fuel-efficient with a lower consumption rate and higher range.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Versys 1000 SE has a travel of 150mm and offers adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound. The Versys 650 has the same travel but only offers adjustment options for preload and rebound. Both motorcycles have a monoshock at the rear with the Versys 1000 SE offering slightly more travel at 152mm compared to the 145mm of the Versys 650.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the Versys 1000 SE has an aluminum frame, while the Versys 650 has a steel frame. The Versys 1000 SE has a rake of 63 degrees and a trail of 106mm, while the Versys 650 has a rake of 65 degrees and a trail of 108mm. These differences in chassis design and geometry contribute to the handling characteristics of each motorcycle.

Both motorcycles feature double disk brakes at the front for effective stopping power. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Versys 1000 SE comes with ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter. The Versys 650, on the other hand, offers ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Versys 1000 SE has a larger wheelbase of 1520mm compared to the 1415mm of the Versys 650. The seat height of the Versys 1000 SE is 840mm, while the Versys 650 has a slightly higher seat height of 845mm. The kerb weight of the Versys 1000 SE is 257kg, while the Versys 650 is lighter at 219kg. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Now, let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The Versys 1000 SE 2020 offers high riding comfort for both the rider and passenger, thanks to its well-designed chassis and adjustable suspension. It also provides great wind and weather protection, making it suitable for long journeys. The engine is well-controllable and rev-happy, offering strong pull. However, it has some weaknesses such as the standard windshield being too generously dimensioned at high temperatures, and the display and mobile phone app not being up to par with the competition.

On the other hand, the Versys 650 2022 has strengths in its agile handling and adjustable chassis. It offers a comfortable seating position and is absolutely suitable for long journeys. The engine is accessible and the motorcycle has received an electronics update for 2022. Additionally, it has low consumption and a high range. However, the engine struggles with the weight of the motorcycle, the windshield can only be adjusted with two hands, and it lacks cruise control.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and the Kawasaki Versys 650 2022 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 1000 SE offers more power and advanced rider assistance systems, while the Versys 650 is more fuel-efficient and has a more accessible engine. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore77 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power67 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque61 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio10.8
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel150 mmTravel150 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel145 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
RakeRake63 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail108 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, QuickshifterAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

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 width180 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,240 mmLength2,165 mm
WidthWidth950 mmWidth840 mm
HeightHeight1,530 mmHeight1,420 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,415 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height845 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)219 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a particularly well-designed representative of a type that is so difficult to categorise. In the end, it is simply a very good and universal motorbike. At the regulars' table, it will hardly score points with 120 hp. But in practice, all elements of the motorbike are designed and dimensioned in such a way that you enjoy riding it for a long time. On long tours, it has sufficient power, offers dynamic handling and high riding comfort. Compared to the competition, you hardly miss the power. Kawasaki should improve on the integration of a Navigatinos app in the display.

High riding comfort for rider and passenger

Great wind and weather protection

High-quality chassis can be adjusted very precisely to the requirements

Well controllable and rev-happy engine

Strong pull from the engine

At high temperatures, the standard windshield is too generously dimensioned - even at the lowest setting, you hardly get any wind at all

display and mobile phone app cannot keep up with the competition.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Kawasaki Versys 650 2022

Relaxed touring with plenty of comfort and enough potential for cornering fun - the Versys 650 is and remains a good choice among mid-range sport tourers. Although you will reach the top of the pass faster on the competition, you will enjoy getting back on the Kawa every time, which welcomes the rider with a high level of comfort and extensive equipment. If you enjoy touring and can get by with a little less power, the Versys 650 is a good choice!

Agile handling

Adjustable chassis

Accessible engine

Electronics update for 2022

Comfortable seating position

Absolutely suitable for long journeys

Low consumption, high range

Engine struggles with weight

Windshield only adjustable with two hands

No cruise control available

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and a Kawasaki Versys 650 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is about 73% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 650 2022 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 22. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE with 156 days compared to 178 days for a Kawasaki Versys 650. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and 39 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 650 since model year 2007. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 25,500 views. This compares to more than 3,900 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 650 published on 7/25/2006.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

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