Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 vs Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 are both popular enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities. While they have some similarities, there are also notable differences between the two models.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 features an inline 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043cc. It delivers a powerful 120 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has a V2 engine with a displacement of 1037cc, producing 101 horsepower and 101 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles come with upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with monoshock absorbers at the rear. However, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 offers a front suspension travel of 150mm and a rear suspension travel of 152mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has slightly higher suspension travel with 160mm both at the front and rear. Both bikes have adjustable suspension settings for compression, preload, and rebound.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

When it comes to the chassis, both motorcycles feature aluminum frames. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 has a rake of 63 degrees and a trail of 106mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has a slightly steeper rake of 64.5 degrees and a trail of 109mm.

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, Ride by Wire, and Quickshifter. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 also has ABS and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire width of 180mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has a larger front tire diameter of 19 inches and a slightly narrower rear tire width of 150mm. The wheelbase of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is 1520mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1555mm. The seat height of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is 840mm, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 has a slightly higher seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is 257kg, while the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 is slightly lighter at 232kg. Both motorcycles have fuel tank capacities of 21 liters and 20 liters respectively.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 offers high riding comfort for both the rider and passenger, along with great wind and weather protection. Its high-quality chassis can be adjusted precisely to meet the rider's requirements, and the engine is well-controllable and rev-happy with strong pull. On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 is praised for its V2 engine that is full of character and mature technology. It offers stable handling, ABS curves, and a comfortable seating position. The instruments are also easy to read, making it a perfect touring enduro for purists.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020's standard windshield is considered too generously dimensioned, providing minimal wind even at the lowest setting. Additionally, its display and mobile phone app cannot keep up with the competition. The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 is criticized for not being technologically up to date, with its electronics package falling behind the competition.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki offers a more powerful engine and adjustable chassis, while the Suzuki provides a characterful V2 engine and comfortable touring capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore77 mmBore100 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke66 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power101 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque101 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque4,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio11.3
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,037 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel150 mmTravel160 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel160 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameAluminium
RakeRake63 degreeRake64.5 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter260 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 width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height80 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,240 mmLength2,280 mm
WidthWidth950 mmWidth930 mm
HeightHeight1,530 mmHeight1,470 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,555 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)232 kg
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 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.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019

Even though Suzuki may not have put as much work into the development of the V-Strom as its competitors in touring enduros, the Suzuki can use this circumstance to its advantage. In a world with extensive electronics packages, it still looks very purist in the 2019 model year, with only the cornering ABS hinting at innovation. Many customers want a simple motorbike, and the V-Strom 1000 appeals to precisely this target group. Its lusty V2 exudes endless character and, thanks to years of testing, is a bulletproof companion. Combined with the potent chassis and relaxed seating position, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 gives you a sporty touring enduro that stands up to the digitalisation of motorbikes in today's world.

V2 full of character

mature technology

stable handling

ABS curves

comfortable seating position

easy-to-read instruments

the perfect touring enduro for purists.

Technically not up to date

electronics package cannot keep up with the competition

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE vs Suzuki V-Strom 1000

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is about 43% higher. Compared to Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2019 there are more Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 with 113 days compared to 156 days for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and 40 reviews for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 since model year 2005. 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 6,300 views for the first review on Suzuki V-Strom 1000 published on 7/23/2002.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

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