2012 Kawasaki Versys | Price: $7899 ErgosCloser-coupled than the V-Strom, the Versys’ seating position is racier, but it’s still a far cry from a sportbike. It would suit smaller riders well if it weren’t for its tall seat Height. DynoThe Kawasaki feels faster, but the dynamometer and the dragstrip prove otherwise. Add to that the fact that its torque curve is peaked, whereas the Suzuki’s is plateau-flat. Tech Spec Engine type:l-c parallel-twin Valve train:DOHC, 8v Displacement:649cc Bore x stroke:83.0 x 60.0mm Compression:10.6:1 Fuel system:EFI Clutch:Wet, multi-plate Transmission:6-speed Frame:Steel semi-double cradle Front suspension:Showa 41mm inverted fork with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping Rear suspension:Showa shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping Front brake:Dual Tokico two-piston calipers, 300mm discs Rear brake:Tokico single-piston caliper, 220mm disc Front tire:120/70-17 Dunlop Sportmax Rear tire:160/60-17 Dunlop Sportmax Rake/trail:25.0°/4.3 in. Seat Height:33.1 in. Wheelbase:55.7 in. Fuel capacity:5.0 gal. Weight (tank full/empty):457/427 lbs. Measured horsepower:58.1 bhp @ 8100 rpm Measured torque:42.4 lb.-ft. @ 6900 rpm Corrected ¼-mile:12.92 sec. @ 99.74 mph Top-gear roll-on, 60-80 mph:4.50 sec. Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.):52/38/44 Colors:Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Solar Yellow/Ebony Availability:Now Warranty:12 mo./unlimited mi. Contact:Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA 9950 Jeronimo Rd. Irvine, CA 92718 949.770.0400 www.Kawasaki.com 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 | Price: $8299 ErgosRoomier than the Versys in every way, the V-Strom has a longer reach from the seat to the bars and more legroom. It also offers better wind protection and the seat doesn't angle towards the tank. DynoSuzuki to the winner’s circle here as the V-Strom boasts greater peak horsepower and a broader spread of torque. There’s good power on tap below 4000 rpm and it grows steadily from there. Tech Spec Engine type:l-c 90-deg. V-twin Valve train:DOHC, 8v Displacement:645cc Bore x stroke:81.0 x 62.6mm Compression:11.2:1 Fuel system:EFI Clutch:Wet, multi-plate Transmission:6-speed Frame:Aluminum twin-spar Front suspension:Showa 43mm fork with adjustable spring preload Rear suspension:Showa shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping Front brake:Dual Tokico two-piston calipers, 310mm discs with ABS Rear brake:Tokico single-piston caliper, 260mm disc with ABS Front tire:110/80R-19 Bridgestone Trail Wing Rear tire:150/70R-17 Bridgestone Trail Wing Rake/trail:26.0°/4.3 in. Seat Height:33.0 in. Wheelbase:61.4 in. Fuel capacity:5.3 gal. Weight (tank full/empty):472/440 lbs. Measured horsepower:62.2 bhp @ 8900 rpm Measured torque:41.5 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm Corrected ¼-mile:12.55 sec. @ 100.01 mph Top-gear roll-on, 60-80 mph:4.69 sec. Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.):55/48/50 mpg Colors:Metallic Fox Orange Availability:Now Warranty:12 mo./unlimited mi. Contact:American Suzuki Motor Corp. 3251 E. Imperial Hwy Brea, CA 92821 714.996.7040 www.suzukicycles.com « | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | View Full Article By Brian Catterson Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
jimbo4001 3/22/2013 at 8:15 PM I've been riding my 05 V-strom 650 for 45,000 trouble free miles. I use it for commuting as well as 450 to 600 mile touring days and the occassional week-end, two-up. I especially like the nearly 500 lb. payload capacity, much more then even the new Triumph Trophy Sport Touring ride. I sometimes wish it were an 800 cc ride so I did not lust after a Strom 1000 for 2-up riding. No doubt the Versys is a good ride but just does not fit me or my riding preferences. For the record, I am nearly 70 years old, 240#, 30 in. inseam and ride pavement, graded dirt and gravel.
