Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

The Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 are both impressive motorcycles, but they cater to different riding styles and preferences.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 is equipped with a 649cc inline twin engine that delivers 69 horsepower and 64 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 boasts a larger 1043cc inline four-cylinder engine that produces a whopping 142 horsepower and 111 Nm of torque. This makes the Ninja 1000SX significantly more powerful and suitable for those seeking a thrilling and high-performance ride.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Ninja 1000SX offers more adjustability options with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension to their liking. The Versys 650, on the other hand, only offers rebound adjustment. This makes the Ninja 1000SX more versatile and customizable in terms of suspension setup.

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the Versys 650 2020 utilizes a steel frame, while the Ninja 1000SX 2021 features an aluminum frame. The aluminum frame offers better rigidity and lighter weight, contributing to improved handling and maneuverability. However, the steel frame on the Versys 650 provides a comfortable and stable ride, making it more suitable for long-distance touring.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disc brakes at the front. However, the Ninja 1000SX features radial, monoblock, petal technology, which provides better braking performance and heat dissipation compared to the petal technology found on the Versys 650.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ninja 1000SX has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1440mm compared to the 1415mm wheelbase of the Versys 650. The seat height of the Ninja 1000SX is slightly lower at 834.98mm compared to the 840mm seat height of the Versys 650. The Ninja 1000SX also has a larger rear tire width of 190mm compared to the 160mm rear tire width of the Versys 650. However, the Versys 650 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters compared to the 19 liters of the Ninja 1000SX.

In terms of strengths, the Versys 650 2020 offers great travel comfort, a pleasant and comfortable chassis, and an easy-to-use nature. Its seating position is ready for touring, and it boasts agile and light-footed handling. On the other hand, the Ninja 1000SX 2021 offers a silky four-cylinder engine, comfortable yet sporty ergonomics, and excellent wind protection. It also comes with a standard electronics package and provides lots of stability thanks to its full fairing. Additionally, the Ninja 1000SX is very accessible, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Versys 650 2020 experiences vibrations in the footpegs, and its response behavior during the transition from pushing to load operation may not be as smooth as desired. Furthermore, the ABS on the Versys 650 cannot be deactivated, which may limit the control of experienced riders. Additionally, the Versys 650 has a somewhat high weight of 216kg, which may affect its agility and maneuverability.

On the other hand, the Ninja 1000SX 2021 requires higher revs to fully unleash its power, which may not be ideal for riders who prefer low-end torque. The electronics on the Ninja 1000SX could also be more user-friendly, and adjusting the windshield requires the use of both hands, which may be inconvenient for some riders.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 are both impressive motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 650 is more suitable for riders seeking a comfortable and versatile touring experience, while the Ninja 1000SX is geared towards those who crave high-performance and sporty riding. 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 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Versys 650 2020
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore83 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power69 HPEngine power142 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque64 NmTorque111 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque8,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio11.8
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock, Petal

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 width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height50 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth840 mmWidth825 mm
HeightHeight1,400 mmHeight1,190 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,415 mmWheelbase1,440 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height834.98 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)216 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)235 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity19 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

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021

A sports tourer of the old school. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX fulfils all the points you would expect from this bike category. Added to this is a comprehensive electronics package that offers everything you could wish for when travelling - and at no extra charge! The fact that the operation is perhaps not quite as intuitive as the competition already manages, is forgiven at the latest when you take a look at the price tag.

silky four-cylinder

comfortable yet sporty ergonomics

wind protection

standard electronics package

lots of stability thanks to full fairing

very accessible.

Engine needs revs

electronics could be more user-friendly

windshield only adjustable with two hands

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 and a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 is about 80% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 there are less Kawasaki Versys 650 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 11 compared to 14. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX with 118 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 13 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX since model year 2020. 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 40,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX published on 11/5/2019.

Price Kawasaki Versys 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

Model year
Current average market prices

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