What to know
- The V-Strom 800 is a better choice for riders who want a more powerful and sporty bike, while the Versys 650 is a better choice for riders who want a more comfortable and affordable bike.
- The Suzuki V-Strom 800 has more features than the Kawasaki Versys 650, including heated grips, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a center stand.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Kawasaki Versys 650 are two of the most popular adventure bikes on the market. Both bikes offer a great combination of on-road and off-road performance, making them ideal for riders who want to explore both paved and unpaved roads.
But which bike is right for you? To help you make a decision, we’ve compared the Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Kawasaki Versys 650 in detail. We’ll cover everything from engine performance and handling to features and price.
Engine Performance
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 is powered by a 790cc V-twin engine that produces 71 horsepower and 56 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 69 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the V-Strom 800 has a slight edge in both horsepower and torque. However, the Versys 650’s engine is more refined and smoother, especially at low RPMs.
Handling
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Kawasaki Versys 650 are both very capable handlers. However, the V-Strom 800 has a slightly sportier feel, while the Versys 650 is more comfortable and stable at low speeds.
The V-Strom 800’s suspension is also slightly more adjustable than the Versys 650’s, which gives riders more options for fine-tuning the bike’s handling to their liking.
Features
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Kawasaki Versys 650 both come with a wide range of features, including:
- ABS brakes
- Traction control
- Cruise control
- Handguards
- Adjustable windshields
- USB power outlets
However, the V-Strom 800 has a few additional features that the Versys 650 does not, including:
- Heated grips
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Center stand
Price
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 starts at $9,999, while the Kawasaki Versys 650 starts at $8,999. The V-Strom 800 is more expensive, but it also comes with more features.
Which Bike Is Right for You?
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Kawasaki Versys 650 are both excellent adventure bikes. The V-Strom 800 is a better choice for riders who want a more powerful and sporty bike, while the Versys 650 is a better choice for riders who want a more comfortable and affordable 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 each bike’s performance and handling and decide which one is a better fit for your needs.
The Final Verdict
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Kawasaki Versys 650 are both excellent adventure bikes. The V-Strom 800 is a better choice for riders who want a more powerful and sporty bike, while the Versys 650 is a better choice for riders who want a more comfortable and affordable 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 each bike’s performance and handling and decide which one is a better fit for your needs.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which bike has a more powerful engine?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 800 has a more powerful engine than the Kawasaki Versys 650.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Kawasaki Versys 650 is more comfortable than the Suzuki V-Strom 800, especially at low speeds.
Q: Which bike has more features?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 800 has more features than the Kawasaki Versys 650, including heated grips, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a center stand.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Kawasaki Versys 650 is more affordable than the Suzuki V-Strom 800.
