Kawasaki Versys 650 Vs Suzuki V Strom 650

Adventure motorcycles have become increasingly popular in recent years, and two of the most popular models on the market are the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Both bikes offer a great balance of on-road and off-road performance, making them ideal for riders who want a motorcycle that can do it all. But which one is the better choice? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 in terms of their performance, features, and price to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

Engine: The Kawasaki Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 69 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is powered by a 645cc V-twin engine that produces 70 horsepower and 57 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are smooth and powerful, but the V-Strom’s engine has a bit more low-end torque, which makes it better for off-road riding.

Transmission: The Kawasaki Versys 650 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission. The manual transmission is more engaging, but the automatic transmission is easier to use, especially in off-road conditions.

Suspension: The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a non-adjustable 41mm front fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a fully adjustable 43mm front fork and a preload- and rebound-adjustable rear shock. The V-Strom’s suspension is more sophisticated and provides a more comfortable ride, both on-road and off-road.

Features

Brakes: The Kawasaki Versys 650 has dual 300mm front disc brakes and a single 250mm rear disc brake. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has dual 310mm front disc brakes and a single 260mm rear disc brake. Both bikes have ABS as standard, but the V-Strom’s brakes are more powerful and provide better feedback.

Electronics: The Kawasaki Versys 650 comes standard with a basic LCD instrument panel. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 comes standard with a more advanced LCD instrument panel that includes a gear indicator, fuel gauge, and trip computer. The V-Strom also has an optional traction control system, which can be helpful in slippery conditions.

Comfort: The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a relatively upright riding position that is comfortable for long rides. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a more relaxed riding position that is even more comfortable, especially for taller riders. The V-Strom also has a wider seat and a larger windscreen, which provides more protection from the wind.

Price

The Kawasaki Versys 650 starts at $8,899. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 starts at $9,199. Both bikes are competitively priced, but the V-Strom offers more features and a more comfortable ride for a slightly higher price.

Which One Is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile motorcycle that is fun to ride both on-road and off-road. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a better choice for riders who want a more comfortable and feature-rich motorcycle that is still capable of handling off-road riding.

Summary: Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 – The Verdict

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. But if you’re looking for a great all-around adventure motorcycle, you can’t go wrong with either the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom 650.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which bike is more powerful, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom 650?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a slightly more powerful engine than the Kawasaki Versys 650, producing 70 horsepower compared to 69 horsepower.

Q: Which bike has a better suspension, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom 650?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a more sophisticated suspension than the Kawasaki Versys 650, with a fully adjustable front fork and a preload- and rebound-adjustable rear shock.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom 650?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is more comfortable than the Kawasaki Versys 650, with a more relaxed riding position, a wider seat, and a larger windscreen.