Kawasaki Versys 650 vs. Yamaha Ténéré 700: Adventure Bike Showdown

What To Know

  • The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and affordable adventure motorcycle that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding.
  • The Tenere 700, on the other hand, is a better choice for riders who want a more off-road-oriented motorcycle with a more powerful engine and a more aggressive riding position.
  • The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more comfortable and upright riding position, while the Tenere 700 has a more aggressive and forward-leaning riding position.

When it comes to adventure motorcycles, two of the most popular choices on the market are the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Yamaha Tenere 700. Both bikes offer a unique blend of on-road and off-road capabilities, making them ideal for riders who want to explore both paved and unpaved roads.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at these two motorcycles and compare their features, performance, and overall value. We’ll help you decide which bike is the right choice for your needs and riding style.

Engine and Performance

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 69 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque. The Yamaha Tenere 700, on the other hand, is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine that produces 72 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Tenere 700 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, the Versys 650 is known for its smooth and responsive power delivery, while the Tenere 700 has a more aggressive and powerful feel.

Handling and Suspension

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is known for its agile handling and responsive suspension. The bike is easy to maneuver in both on-road and off-road conditions. The Tenere 700, on the other hand, has a more planted and stable feel, particularly at higher speeds.

Both bikes feature adjustable suspension, which allows you to fine-tune the ride quality to suit your preferences and riding conditions.

Braking

The Kawasaki Versys 650 comes with dual 300mm front brake discs and a single 250mm rear brake disc. The Tenere 700, on the other hand, comes with dual 282mm front brake discs and a single 245mm rear brake disc.

Both bikes offer good braking performance, but the Versys 650 has a slight edge in terms of feel and feedback.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Kawasaki Versys 650 offers a comfortable and upright riding position that is well-suited for long rides. The seat is well-padded and provides good support, and the handlebars are positioned at a comfortable height.

The Tenere 700, on the other hand, has a more aggressive and forward-leaning riding position that is better suited for off-road riding. The seat is narrower and firmer than the Versys 650’s, and the handlebars are positioned higher.

Features and Technology

The Kawasaki Versys 650 comes with a variety of features and technology, including a TFT instrument panel, cruise control, and traction control. The Tenere 700, on the other hand, comes with a more basic instrument panel and no cruise control or traction control.

However, the Tenere 700 does come with a number of off-road-oriented features, such as a bash plate, handguards, and a longer suspension travel.

Price and Value

The Kawasaki Versys 650 starts at $8,999, while the Yamaha Tenere 700 starts at $9,999. Both bikes offer good value for money, but the Versys 650 is a more affordable option.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and affordable adventure motorcycle that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. The Tenere 700, on the other hand, is a better choice for riders who want a more off-road-oriented motorcycle with a more powerful engine and a more aggressive riding position.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will give you a chance to experience their different riding styles and features firsthand.

Q: Which bike is more powerful?

A: The Yamaha Tenere 700 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable?

A: The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more comfortable and upright riding position, while the Tenere 700 has a more aggressive and forward-leaning riding position.

Q: Which bike is more affordable?

A: The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a more affordable option than the Yamaha Tenere 700.