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Off-road Mavericks: Suzuki Dl 650 Vs Kawasaki Versys – Which One Will Conquer Trails?

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The DL 650 has a slightly longer suspension travel than the Versys, which gives it a bit of an edge when riding off-road.
  • The Kawasaki Versys is also comfortable, but the seat is a bit narrower than the DL 650’s, and the handlebars are a bit higher.
  • The DL 650 is a better choice if you’re looking for a bike that is.

The Suzuki DL 650 and Kawasaki Versys are two of the most popular adventure bikes on the market. Both are known for their versatility, comfort, and affordability. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Suzuki DL 650 and Kawasaki Versys head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

The Suzuki DL 650 is powered by a 645cc parallel-twin engine that produces 67 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Versys is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 69 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Kawasaki Versys has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, in real-world riding, the difference between the two bikes is negligible. Both bikes are capable of providing plenty of power for highway cruising and off-road adventures.

Handling and Suspension

The Suzuki DL 650 has a reputation for being one of the best-handling adventure bikes on the market. It’s nimble and easy to maneuver, even at low speeds. The Kawasaki Versys is also a good handling bike, but it’s not quite as agile as the DL 650.

Both bikes have adjustable suspension, which allows you to customize the ride to your liking. The DL 650 has a slightly longer suspension travel than the Versys, which gives it a bit of an edge when riding off-road.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Suzuki DL 650 is a very comfortable bike to ride. The seat is宽敞and supportive, and the handlebars are positioned in a natural position. The Kawasaki Versys is also comfortable, but the seat is a bit narrower than the DL 650’s, and the handlebars are a bit higher.

Both bikes have adjustable windshields, which can be helpful for reducing wind fatigue on long rides. The DL 650’s windshield is slightly taller than the Versys’s, which provides a bit more protection from the wind.

Features and Technology

The Suzuki DL 650 comes standard with a number of features that are not available on the Kawasaki Versys, including:

  • Traction control
  • Cruise control
  • Handguards
  • Center stand

The Kawasaki Versys does have a few features that the DL 650 does not, including:

  • Electronic throttle control
  • Quick shifter
  • LED headlights

Price and Value

The Suzuki DL 650 has a starting price of $8,999. The Kawasaki Versys has a starting price of $8,499.

In terms of value, the DL 650 is the better choice. It comes with more standard features than the Versys, and it has a slightly lower starting price.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Suzuki DL 650 and Kawasaki Versys are both excellent adventure bikes. The DL 650 is a better choice if you’re looking for a bike that is:

  • More agile and maneuverable
  • More comfortable for long rides
  • More affordable

The Kawasaki Versys is a better choice if you’re looking for a bike that has:

  • More power and torque
  • More features and technology
  • A lower starting price

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 how each bike handles and performs, and you can decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Which bike is more reliable?

Both the Suzuki DL 650 and Kawasaki Versys are known for their reliability. However, the DL 650 has a slight edge in this area. It has a simpler design than the Versys, and it has been on the market for longer.

Which bike is better for off-road riding?

The Suzuki DL 650 is better for off-road riding than the Kawasaki Versys. It has a longer suspension travel, and it is more agile and maneuverable.

Which bike is more comfortable for long rides?

The Suzuki DL 650 is more comfortable for long rides than the Kawasaki Versys. It has a wider seat, and its handlebars are positioned in a more natural position.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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