Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive performance and advanced features. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043cc. It produces 120 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V2 engine with a displacement of 1301cc. It delivers a higher power output of 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. This gives the KTM a significant advantage in terms of power.

Both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm suspension with a monoshock for the rear. However, the KTM offers a greater travel distance for both the front and rear suspension, providing better off-road capabilities. Additionally, the KTM features electronically adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike's performance to their preferences.

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 has an aluminum frame, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a chromium-molybdenum frame. The KTM's frame is known for its strength and durability, making it more suitable for off-road riding.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, ensuring reliable stopping power. The KTM also features cornering ABS, enhancing safety during cornering maneuvers.

When it comes to rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer advanced features such as ABS and ride-by-wire technology. However, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 goes a step further by offering additional features such as suspension adjustment, riding modes, cruise control, and traction control. These features provide greater control and customization options for riders.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the KTM has a slightly longer wheelbase and a higher seat height compared to the Kawasaki. However, the KTM is lighter, weighing 243 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 257 kg.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with cornering lights and LED headlights. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 offers heated grips and LED headlights, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 adds a TFT display and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 offers high riding comfort, great wind and weather protection, and a well-controllable engine with strong pull. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 boasts a sporty yet refined V2 power plant, accessible handling, and a comprehensive electronics package with a large display.

As for weaknesses, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 suffers from a windshield that may be too large in high temperatures and a display that lags behind the competition. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has slightly sluggish turn-in behavior, a less appealing design and pricing policy, and dashboards and switches that feel less high quality.

In conclusion, while both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are impressive enduro motorcycles, the KTM offers more power, advanced features, and off-road capabilities. However, the Kawasaki provides a comfortable riding experience and a well-adjustable chassis. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore77 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque138 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio13.1
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDual ignition
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel150 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameChromium-molybdenum
RakeRake63 degreeRake65.3 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter267 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, QuickshifterAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsSuspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, 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 diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height849 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)243 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

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.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

All in all, the long-distance capable KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is made for a trip for two, whereby the rider hardly ever has to think about where it is going. It likes motorway sections, fast country road passages or winding mountain passes in the tightest of corners just as much as unpaved roads with the occasional rough gravel section, where it is primarily the rider or their routine that decides how far they can go. The handling, which is improved compared to the predecessor due to the lower tank (and thus centre of gravity), also scores points here. The electronic chassis copes perfectly with the changing surfaces of a journey and always conveys transparency, the engine sovereignty in every situation. Ready to race - or also: Ready for long-distance racing!

Very sporty, but also cultivated V2 power plant

extremely accessible handling despite high weight

comfortable, driving-friendly seating position

good brakes including cornering ABS

comprehensive electronics package

clear, well-structured instrumentation with huge 7-inch display.

Turn-in behaviour in bends somewhat sluggish

Opaque package design and pricing policy

Dashboards and switches do not feel very high quality

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 and a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 is about 15% higher. Compared to KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 26. It takes less time to sell a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with 91 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 31 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S since model year 2017. 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 32,200 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Adventure S published on 10/12/2016.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Model year
Current average market prices

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