Journey to the unknown: kawasaki versys 650 vs royal enfield himalayan head-to-head

What To Know

  • The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more traditional adventure bike stance, with a long-travel suspension and a comfortable riding position.
  • Both bikes are capable of handling both on- and off-road riding, but the Versys 650 is better suited for long-distance touring, while the Himalayan is better suited for technical off-road riding.
  • The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a starting price of $8,999, while the Royal Enfield Himalayan has a starting price of $4,999.

The Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan are two of the most popular adventure motorcycles on the market today. Both bikes offer a great balance of performance, comfort, and affordability, making them ideal for riders who want to explore both on- and off-road. But which bike is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 69 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is powered by a 411cc single-cylinder engine that produces 24 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Versys 650 has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Himalayan’s single-cylinder engine is known for its low-end torque, which makes it well-suited for off-road riding.

Handling and Suspension

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more traditional adventure bike stance, with a long-travel suspension and a comfortable riding position. The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a more upright riding position and a shorter-travel suspension, which makes it more agile in tight quarters.

Both bikes are capable of handling both on- and off-road riding, but the Versys 650 is better suited for long-distance touring, while the Himalayan is better suited for technical off-road riding.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a fuel tank capacity of 5.5 gallons, and it gets an average fuel economy of 50 mpg. The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a fuel tank capacity of 4.0 gallons, and it gets an average fuel economy of 60 mpg.

This means that the Versys 650 has a longer range than the Himalayan, but the Himalayan is more fuel-efficient.

Features and Technology

The Kawasaki Versys 650 comes with a number of standard features, including a TFT instrument cluster, cruise control, and traction control. The Royal Enfield Himalayan comes with a more basic set of features, but it does have a useful trip computer and a USB charging port.

Price and Value

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a starting price of $8,999, while the Royal Enfield Himalayan has a starting price of $4,999. This makes the Himalayan a much more affordable option, but it also means that it comes with fewer features.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan are both excellent adventure bikes, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 650 is more powerful, comfortable, and feature-rich, but it is also more expensive. The Himalayan is more affordable, fuel-efficient, and agile, but it is also less powerful and comfortable.

Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a powerful, comfortable, and feature-rich adventure bike, the Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great option. If you want an affordable, fuel-efficient, and agile adventure bike, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is a great option.

What People Want to Know

1. Which bike is better for off-road riding?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is better for off-road riding than the Kawasaki Versys 650. It has a shorter-travel suspension and a more upright riding position, which makes it more agile in tight quarters.

2. Which bike is better for long-distance touring?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is better for long-distance touring than the Royal Enfield Himalayan. It has a longer-travel suspension and a more comfortable riding position, which makes it more comfortable on long rides.

3. Which bike is more affordable?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is more affordable than the Kawasaki Versys 650. It has a starting price of $4,999, while the Versys 650 has a starting price of $8,999.