2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer vs 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT - Spec Comparison
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2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer
The 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer is a versatile middleweight sport-tourer designed for riders seeking an accessible blend of touring comfort and agile handling. Its 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable power ideal for both commuting and weekend adventures. Known for its upright seating position, wind protection, and balanced performance, it excels at long-distance riding without sacrificing spirited cornering capability.
2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
The 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT is a capable adventure-sport middleweight powered by a 645cc V-Twin engine delivering 70 horsepower and 69 Nm of torque. Ideal for riders seeking versatility, it excels at both on-road performance and light off-road exploration with its balanced ergonomics and manageable power delivery. Known for reliability and value, this middleweight adventurer suits experienced beginners through intermediate riders exploring diverse terrain.
2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer vs 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT: the key differences
Both are adventure bikes, so this is a like-for-like choice.
- The 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT makes 4 hp more (65.7 vs 69.7 hp).
- The 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT has 8 Nm more torque (61 vs 69 Nm).
2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer: Designed as a versatile all-rounder that excels at comfortable long-distance touring and daily commuting rather than outright performance.
2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT: Built as an adventure-touring machine that balances comfortable long-distance road riding with light-to-moderate off-road capability rather than outright speed or track performance.
Verdict: Choose the 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT if you want more power and more torque. Check the full table below for every figure, and the size comparison for fit.
| Specification | 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer | 2026 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT |
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| Category | Adventure | Adventure |
| Color Options | Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black | Pearl Vigor Blue/Pearl Brilliant White |
| Comments | - | Windscreen. Advanced Traction Control System, Easy Start System, Low RPM Assist. |
| Carrying capacity | - | Rear rack. |
| Spark plugs | - | NGK MR8E-9 |
| Chain size | - | 525 |
| Engine | ||
| Capacity: | 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches) | 645.0 ccm (39.36 cubic inches) |
| Engine Type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 x 60.0 mm (3.3 x 2.4 inches) | 81.0 x 62.6 mm (3.2 x 2.5 inches) |
| Compression | 10.8:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Ignition | Digital | Electronic |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | - |
| Lubrication System | Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump | Wet sump |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 3.50 litres/100 km (28.6 km/l or 67.20 mpg) |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 65.7 HP (48.0 kW) @ 8500 RPM | ✓69.7 HP (51.8 kW) @ 8800 RPM |
| Torque | 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m or 45.0 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM | ✓69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 6300 RPM |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 0.3000 HP/kg (wet) | 0.3272 HP/kg (dry) |
| Top Speed | - | 185.0 km/h (115.0 mph) |
| Chassis & suspension | ||
| Frame | Tubular Diamond, high tensile steel | Twin-spar aluminum-alloy |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound damping (right side) and adjustable preload (left-side) | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Suspension | Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability | Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped |
| Front Wheel Travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 145 mm (5.7 inches) | 160 mm (6.3 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 25.0° | - |
| Trail | 108 mm (4.3 inches) | - |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm (6.7 inches) | 170 mm (6.7 inches) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc | Wet multiplate |
| Brakes & wheels | ||
| Front Brakes | Double disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Petal-style discs. | Double disc. Tokico 2-piston calipers. ABS. |
| Front Brakes Diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) | - |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper. Petal-style disc. | Single disc. Nissin, 1-piston. ABS. |
| Rear Brakes Diameter | 220 mm (8.7 inches) | - |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Front Tyre | 120/70-17 | 110/80-R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60-17 | 150/70-R17 |
| Dimensions & weight | ||
| Wheelbase | 1415 mm (55.7 inches) | 1560 mm (61.4 inches) |
| Overall Length | 2165 mm (85.2 inches) | 2275 mm (89.6 inches) |
| Overall Width | 840 mm (33.1 inches) | 835 mm (32.9 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1450 mm (57.1 inches) | 1405 mm (55.3 inches) |
| Seat Height | 840 mm (33.1 inches) | ✓835 mm (32.9 inches) |
| Wet Weight | 219.0 kg (482.8 pounds) | ✓216.0 kg (476.2 pounds) |
| Fuel Capacity | ✓21.00 litres (5.55 US gallons) | 20.10 litres (5.31 US gallons) |
| Dry weight | - | 213.0 kg (469.6 pounds) |
"Best" (✓) reflects that single spec only, not overall suitability - a bike can win on paper and still be the wrong choice for you. Ties are all marked; specs with no clear better/worse direction (e.g. displacement, wheel size) are never marked, only tinted where bikes differ.
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This tool puts up to four motorcycles side by side across their full specification sheets, drawn from a database of 43,000+ models and 1.60M+ individual specifications. Wherever a spec has a clear "better" direction - more power, less weight - the strongest figure in that row is highlighted automatically.
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