Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is more powerful and lower-seated than the Kawasaki Versys 650; they are very close in specifications. Suzuki V-Strom 650 delivers 70 hp (52 kW), while the Kawasaki Versys 650 has a taller seat and larger tank. Their wet weights are close, and the comparison centers on seat height, tank capacity, and the small power difference. Both are closely matched adventure motorcycles, with distinct priorities for riders choosing between them.
Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2022 | Suzuki V-Strom 650Model year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 645 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 70 hp (52 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 217 kg | 216 kg |
| Seat height | 845 mm | 830 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L — Favorable value | 20 L |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2022 | Suzuki V-Strom 650Model year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 645 cm³ |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 70 hp (52 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 60.8 Nm | 62 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 x 60.0 mm | 81.0 x 62.6 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2022 | Suzuki V-Strom 650Model year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc | Wet multi-plate |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2022 | Suzuki V-Strom 650Model year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 217 kg | 216 kg |
| Seat height | 845 mm | 830 mm |
| Length | 2,165 mm | 2,275 mm |
| Width | 841 mm | 835 mm |
| Height | 1,360 mm | 1,405 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm | 1,560 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm | 170 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L — Favorable value | 20 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2022 | Suzuki V-Strom 650Model year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel | Aluminum twin-spar |
| Front suspension | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in. | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear suspension | Single offset laydown shock with remote adjustable spring preload | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Versys 650Model year 2022 | Suzuki V-Strom 650Model year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Petal-style discs. | Double disc. ABS. Tokico 2-piston calipers. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper. Petal-style disc. | Single disc. ABS. Nissin, 1-piston. |
| Front brake diameter | 300 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 110/80-R19 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-ZR17 | 150/70-R17 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Versys 650 from 2022 and Suzuki V-Strom 650 from 2022.
Power
Kawasaki Versys 650
67 hp (50 kW)
Suzuki V-Strom 650
70 hp (52 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Kawasaki Versys 650
217 kg
Suzuki V-Strom 650
216 kg
Engine capacity
Kawasaki Versys 650
649 cm³
Suzuki V-Strom 650
645 cm³
Torque
Kawasaki Versys 650
60.8 Nm
Suzuki V-Strom 650
62 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Kawasaki Versys 650
845 mm
Suzuki V-Strom 650
830 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Versys 650 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650: which one to choose?
very close in specifications
- Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a 15 mm lower seat, a clear seat-height distinction between these closely matched models.
- Kawasaki Versys 650 has the larger tank, at 21 L.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle makes more power?
- The Suzuki V-Strom 650 makes more power. It produces 70 hp (52 kW), compared with 67 hp (50 kW) for the Kawasaki Versys 650.
- Which motorcycle has the larger fuel tank?
- The Kawasaki Versys 650 has the larger tank: 21 L, compared with 20 L for the Suzuki V-Strom 650.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has the lower seat. Its seat height is 830 mm, compared with 845 mm for the Kawasaki Versys 650.