Summary
- The Kawasaki Versys 650 and KTM Adventure 390 are two of the most popular middleweight adventure bikes on the market.
- The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more traditional adventure bike stance, with a long-travel suspension and a comfortable upright riding position.
- The KTM Adventure 390, on the other hand, has a more dirt-oriented stance, with a shorter-travel suspension and a more aggressive riding position.
The Kawasaki Versys 650 and KTM Adventure 390 are two of the most popular middleweight adventure bikes on the market. Both bikes offer a great balance of performance, versatility, and affordability. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Versys 650 and KTM Adventure 390 in several key areas 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 47 lb-ft of torque. The KTM Adventure 390, on the other hand, is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 43 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Versys 650 has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Adventure 390’s lighter weight (370 lbs vs. 492 lbs) gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This means that the Adventure 390 is actually more nimble and responsive than the Versys 650, especially at low speeds.
Handling and Suspension
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a more traditional adventure bike stance, with a long-travel suspension and a comfortable upright riding position. The KTM Adventure 390, on the other hand, has a more dirt-oriented stance, with a shorter-travel suspension and a more aggressive riding position.
On paved roads, the Versys 650 is more comfortable and stable, thanks to its longer suspension travel. However, the Adventure 390 is more agile and maneuverable, thanks to its shorter suspension travel and lighter weight. Off-road, the Adventure 390 has a clear advantage, thanks to its more aggressive riding position and knobby tires.
Brakes and Safety Features
Both the Kawasaki Versys 650 and KTM Adventure 390 come standard with ABS brakes. The Versys 650 also comes with traction control, which can help to prevent rear-wheel slides.
In terms of braking performance, the Versys 650 has a slight edge, thanks to its larger front brake rotors. However, the Adventure 390’s lighter weight means that it can stop just as quickly, if not quicker.
Fuel Economy and Range
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a larger fuel tank (5.5 gallons) than the KTM Adventure 390 (3.5 gallons). This gives the Versys 650 a longer range, which can be important for long-distance travel.
In terms of fuel economy, the Adventure 390 has a slight edge, thanks to its smaller engine. The Adventure 390 can typically get around 70 mpg, while the Versys 650 typically gets around 60 mpg.
Price and Value
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a starting price of $8,899. The KTM Adventure 390 has a starting price of $5,999.
In terms of value, the Adventure 390 is the clear winner. It’s significantly cheaper than the Versys 650, but it offers comparable performance and features.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice for riders who want a comfortable, versatile, and affordable adventure bike. The KTM Adventure 390 is a great choice for riders who want a more nimble, agile, and off-road-capable adventure bike.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for their performance, handling, and comfort, and decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
The Bottom Line: The Best Middleweight Adventure Bike for You
The Kawasaki Versys 650 and KTM Adventure 390 are both excellent middleweight adventure bikes. They offer a great balance of performance, versatility, and affordability. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
If you want a comfortable, versatile, and affordable adventure bike, the Kawasaki Versys 650 is a great choice. If you want a more nimble, agile, and off-road-capable adventure bike, the KTM Adventure 390 is a great choice.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which bike is more powerful, the Versys 650 or the Adventure 390?
The Versys 650 is more powerful, with 69 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Adventure 390’s 43 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque.
2. Which bike is lighter, the Versys 650 or the Adventure 390?
The Adventure 390 is lighter, with a weight of 370 lbs, compared to the Versys 650’s weight of 492 lbs.
3. Which bike has a longer range, the Versys 650 or the Adventure 390?
The Versys 650 has a longer range, with a fuel tank capacity of 5.5 gallons, compared to the Adventure 390’s fuel tank capacity of 3.5 gallons.
