What To Know
- The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a comfortable and affordable adventure motorcycle that is equally at home on the road as it is off-road.
- The Versys 650 is a better choice for riders who are looking for a more comfortable and affordable bike, while the V-Strom is a better choice for riders who are looking for a more off-road-focused bike.
- The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more comfortable seat and a larger windscreen than the Suzuki V-Strom, making it a better choice for long-distance riding.
When it comes to adventure motorcycles, two of the most popular and well-respected options are the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom. Both bikes offer a great balance of performance, comfort, and affordability, making them ideal for riders of all skill levels. But which one is the better choice for you?
In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom head-to-head in several key areas, including:
- Performance
- Handling
- Comfort
- Features
- Price
By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which bike is right for you.
Performance
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 is powered by a 645cc V-twin engine that produces 70 horsepower and 52 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the V-Strom has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, in real-world riding conditions, the difference is negligible. Both bikes offer plenty of power for both on-road and off-road riding.
Handling
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more upright riding position than the Suzuki V-Strom, which makes it more comfortable for long-distance riding. The V-Strom, on the other hand, has a more aggressive riding position that is better suited for off-road riding.
Both bikes handle well on both paved and unpaved roads. The Versys 650 is slightly more agile than the V-Strom, but the V-Strom is more stable at high speeds.
Comfort
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more comfortable seat than the Suzuki V-Strom. The Versys 650 also has a larger windscreen that provides more wind protection.
The V-Strom, on the other hand, has a more adjustable suspension that allows riders to customize the ride to their liking. The V-Strom also has a wider range of available accessories, including heated grips and cruise control.
Features
The Kawasaki Versys 650 comes with a number of standard features, including:
- ABS
- Traction control
- Cruise control
- Handguards
- Windscreen
The Suzuki V-Strom comes with a similar set of features, but it also includes:
- Hill hold control
- Suzuki’s Easy Start System
- A larger fuel tank
Price
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a starting price of $8,999. The Suzuki V-Strom has a starting price of $9,499.
Which Bike Is Right for You?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a comfortable and affordable adventure motorcycle that is equally at home on the road as it is off-road.
The Suzuki V-Strom is a great choice for riders who are looking for a more off-road-focused adventure motorcycle that is still comfortable for long-distance riding.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can see for yourself which one is better suited to your riding style and needs.
The Verdict
The Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom are both excellent adventure motorcycles. They offer a great balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. The Versys 650 is a better choice for riders who are looking for a more comfortable and affordable bike, while the V-Strom is a better choice for riders who are looking for a more off-road-focused bike.
No matter which bike you choose, you’re sure to have a great time riding it.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which bike is more powerful, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom has a slight edge in terms of power, with 70 horsepower compared to the Versys 650’s 69 horsepower.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom?
A: Both bikes have similar fuel economy, with the Versys 650 getting an estimated 50 mpg and the V-Strom getting an estimated 47 mpg.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long-distance riding, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom?
A: The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more comfortable seat and a larger windscreen than the Suzuki V-Strom, making it a better choice for long-distance riding.