Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 vs. KTM 790 Adventure 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 vs KTM 790 Adventure 2020

In terms of engine specifications, both the Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 have inline engines with 2 cylinders. However, there are some differences in the bore and stroke measurements. The Versys 650 has a bore of 83 mm and a stroke of 60 mm, while the 790 Adventure has a larger bore of 88 mm and a stroke of 65.7 mm. This difference in measurements may result in variations in power and torque output.

In terms of power, the KTM 790 Adventure takes the lead with 95 HP compared to the Versys 650's 69 HP. The KTM also has a higher torque output of 88 Nm compared to the Versys 650's 64 Nm. This higher power and torque output of the KTM may result in better acceleration and overall performance.

Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions, providing ease of use and efficient power transfer. The Versys 650 has a displacement of 649 ccm, while the 790 Adventure has a larger displacement of 799 ccm. This larger displacement may contribute to the KTM's higher power output.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, there are differences in the rear suspension adjustment. The Versys 650 has rebound adjustment, while the 790 Adventure has preload adjustment. These suspension setups may result in variations in handling and comfort.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

The chassis of the Versys 650 is made of steel, while the 790 Adventure features a chromium-molybdenum frame. The choice of materials may affect the overall weight and rigidity of the motorcycles.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. The Versys 650 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches, while the 790 Adventure has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches. The rear tire width of the Versys 650 is 160 mm, while the 790 Adventure has a slightly narrower rear tire width of 150 mm. The rear tire diameter of the Versys 650 is 17 inches, while the 790 Adventure has a larger rear tire diameter of 18 inches. These differences in tire sizes may result in variations in handling and stability.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the 790 Adventure has a longer wheelbase of 1509 mm compared to the Versys 650's 1415 mm. The seat height of the 790 Adventure is slightly lower at 830 mm compared to the Versys 650's 840 mm. Both motorcycles have fuel tank capacities suitable for long-distance touring, with the Versys 650 having a capacity of 21 liters and the 790 Adventure having a capacity of 20 liters.

Moving on to the strengths of each motorcycle, the Versys 650 offers great travel comfort, thanks to its pleasant and comfortable chassis. It is also easy to use, with a seating position ready for touring. Additionally, it offers agile and light-footed handling, making it suitable for various riding conditions.

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure boasts an engine with both manners and character. It also offers enormously high chassis stability, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The brakes on the 790 Adventure are without reproach, providing reliable stopping power. It also has tremendous off-road capabilities and boasts low average consumption, making it an efficient choice for long rides.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Versys 650 experiences vibrations in the footpegs, which may affect overall comfort. It also has a response behavior issue during the transition from pushing to load operation. Additionally, the ABS on the Versys 650 cannot be deactivated, which may limit its performance in certain situations. The weight of the Versys 650 is also somewhat high, which may affect maneuverability.

As for the KTM 790 Adventure, it has an unattractive surcharge policy, which may affect its affordability. The original seat on the 790 Adventure is not optimally shaped, which may result in discomfort during long rides.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 have their strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 650 offers great travel comfort and easy handling, while the 790 Adventure boasts a powerful engine and off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 compared to KTM 790 Adventure 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020
KTM 790 Adventure 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power69 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque64 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio12.7
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,509 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height830 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

The 2019 model year Kawasaki Versys presented itself as a comfortable, stable yet lively touring machine. The motorbike is versatile and offers high utility value. It is a fully-fledged touring machine that is a pleasure to ride on extended tours. The bike offers a terrific price/performance ratio.

Great travel comfort

pleasant and comfortable chassis

easy to use

seating position ready for touring

agile and light-footed handling.

Vibrations in the footpegs

response behaviour during transition from pushing and load operation

ABS cannot be deactivated

weight somewhat high

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

In my eyes, the KTM is the sportiest of all mid-range touring enduros. If you are looking for a touring machine that is brutally nippy on road and off-road, you will find it here. At the same time, however, the chassis and engine offer sufficient comfort and good manners to keep the rider from going mad even on longer liaison stages.

Engine with manners AND character

Enormously high chassis stability

Brakes without reproach

Tremendous off-road capabilities

Low average consumption.

Unattractive surcharge policy

original seat not optimally shaped

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 650 vs KTM 790 Adventure

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 and a KTM 790 Adventure 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 790 Adventure 2020 is about 28% higher. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure 2020 there are less Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 11 compared to 18. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Adventure with 101 days compared to 137 days for the Kawasaki Versys 650. Since model year 2007 1000PS.de editors have written 39 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 650 and 20 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 650 was published on 7/25/2006 and now has more than 3,900 views. This compares to more than 53,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Adventure published on 10/6/2018.

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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