Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder - [2017] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder - [2017]

Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder - [2017] image

Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder - [2017]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder
  • Year: 2017 | Type: Sport-Touring
  • Engine: 650 cc (39.6 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: V4 | Cylinders: 2
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection
  • Cooling: Liquid | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed / Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 217 kgs (478 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Power: 69 bhp (51 kW) @ 8500 rpm
  • Torque: 47.2 lb-ft (64.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 317.9 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 217.5 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 11.6 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 11.9 secs
  • Top Speed: 130 mph (209.2 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 13.96 secs @ 100 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki Versys 650 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2017. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo.This particular Kawasaki Versys 650 has a 650cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025] image

An alternative V4 engine, Sport-Touring style motorbike includes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]

The 2017 Versys 650 shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Versys 650's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2009 Yamaha FZ6 S Fazer | 2009cc.2009 Yamaha FZ6 S 2 Fazer | 2009cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 217 kgs (478 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder , give or take 50kg.

Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025] image

The 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 shares the same bhp with the Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025]

In terms of power the 650cc 8 valve V4 2 cylinder engine produces 69 bhp (51 kW) @ 8500 rpm similar to the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 47.2 lb-ft (64.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Versys 650 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Suzuki GSX 400 F Impulse - [1994] image

The 1994 Suzuki GSX 400 F Impulse has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder.

The 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder has a Power to weight ratio of 317.9 bhp per ton and 217.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2017 Versys 650 competing with the 1994 Suzuki GSX 400 F Impulse [341.0 bhp\ton] and the 2004 Suzuki GSX 400 F Impulse [341.0 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki Versys 650 generating around 217.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 [242.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition [242.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 11.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.9 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder similar in acceleration to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F (11.6 secs) and the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT (11.6 secs). This Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Yamaha XVZ 1300 Royal Star Venture Midnight - [2006] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder and the 2006 Yamaha XVZ 1300 Royal Star Venture Midnight

When talking about the performance of the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.6 secs @ 100 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2006 Yamaha XVZ 1300 Royal Star Venture Midnight (13.6 secs) and the 1980 Kawasaki Z 400 J (13.6 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2017 version of the Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder has a maximum speed of 130mph.

Honda CB 1000 Big One Super Four - [1996] image

Top Speed of the 2017 Versys 650 equals the 1996 Honda CB 1000 Big One Super Four

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 Twin Cylinder then how about a 1996 Honda CB 1000 Big One Super Four (141 mph) and the 1995 Honda CB 1000 T2 Super Four (141 mph).

Related Links:

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Kawasaki Models:

Edition:

A1 250

AR 125

AR 50

AR 80

BJ 250

BR 250

EL 125

EL 250

EL 252

Eliminator 400

Eliminator 500

EN 400

EN 450

EN 500

ER-4

ER-5

ER-6

EX 250

EX 400

EX 500

F9 350

FX 400

G3-SS

GPX 250

GPX 400

GPX 600

GPX 750

Gpz 1000

Gpz 1100

Gpz 250

Gpz 305

Gpz 400

Gpz 500

GPZ 550

Gpz 600

Gpz 750

Gpz 900

GTO 125

GTR 1000

GTR 1400

H1 500

H2 750

KDX 125

KDX 175

KDX 200

KDX 220

KDX 250

KDX 400

KDX 450

KE 125

KE 175

KH 125

KH 250

KH 400

KH 500

KL 250

KLE 250

KLE 400

KLE 500

KLR 250

KLR 600

KLR 650

KLV 1000

KLX 125

KLX 230

KLX 250

KLX 300

KLX 400

KLX 450

KLX 650

KMX 125

KMX 200

KR 1

KR 250

KRR

KX 500

KZ 1000

KZ 1100

KZ 650

Ninja 1000

Ninja 125

Ninja 250

Ninja 300

Ninja 400

Ninja 650

Ninja 7

Ninja H2

RMX 250

S1 250

S2 350

S3 400

SL 250

Versys 1000

Versys 650

Versys-X

VN 1500

VN 1600

VN 1700

VN 2000

VN 250

VN 400

VN 500

VN 650

VN 750

VN 800

VN 900

W 250

W 400

W 650

W 800

W1

W2

W3

Xanthus 400

Z 1000

Z 1100

Z 125

Z 1300

Z 200

Z 250

Z 300

Z 305

Z 400

Z 440

Z 450

Z 500

Z 550

Z 650

Z 750

Z 800

Z 900

Z H2

Z1

Z2 750

Z7

Zephyr 1100

Zephyr 400

Zephyr 550

Zephyr 750

ZG 1000

ZG 1200

ZG 1300

ZL 1000

ZL 250

ZL 400

ZL 600

ZL 750

ZL 900

ZN 1300

ZN 700

ZN 750

ZR 1100

ZR-250

ZR-7

ZRX 1100

ZRX 1200

ZRX 400

ZX 1000

ZX 1100

ZX 400

ZX 600

ZX 750

ZX 900

ZX-10

ZX-12

ZX-14

ZX-25

ZX-4

ZX-6

ZX-7

ZX-9

ZX-R 250

ZX-R 400

ZX-R 750

ZZR 1100

ZZR 1200

ZZR 1400

ZZR 250

ZZR 400

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Quarter Mile: 14.7 secs @ 0 mph


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Quarter Mile List

Quarter Mile | Random Figures and Specs

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Quarter Mile Time
10.9 seconds
14.4 seconds
11.5 seconds

Top Speed List

Top Speed | Random Figures & Specs

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Top Speed

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