Suzuki V-STROM 650 XT vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Comparison Review

Beach Vibes

Since we were in the beach town of Diveagar, we just couldn’t have missed the chance of kicking up some sand with this Japanese ADV duo. While the V-Strom had struggled on the mountain roads, it was in its element on the beach. The long wheelbase meant that it felt more stable, and the milder throttle also helped in modulating the slides better, even though it was my first occasion riding a bike on the beach. The Versys with its road-spec tyres and smaller wheels was struggling and PD also took few tumbles as he was muscling the bike on the loose surface.

Another aspect in favour of the V-Strom which will help newbie riders is the switchable traction control. However, rear ABS can’t be disengaged on either motorcycle. The Suzuki V-Strom also comes fitted with premium tubeless tyre-friendly spoke wheels, which will be a big boon while touring. Also, in terms of ride quality, the V-Strom felt more pliant over rocks, ruts and trails. While the Versys 650 gets preload and rebound adjustable USD forks, the front suspension has a tendency to bottom-out on the stock setting. Both the bikes feature preload adjustable monoshocks, which can be conveniently adjusted using an external knob.

Living With It

Both the bikes have upright and comfy riding ergonomics. However, it’s the Versys 650 that feels comfier as the handle bar is positioned lower and closer to the rider. On the V-Strom, my hands were stretched out, leaving my shoulders feeling a bit strained. But, the Suzuki has the larger and better seat of the two, for both rider and pillion, which is extremely useful while touring. Saddle height difference between both the bikes is just 5mm, but the V-Strom feels much shorter than the Kawasaki and both my feet were planted on the ground (I am 5ft 10 inches tall). 

So, will I suggest the V-Strom 650 to shorter riders? Not really. You see shorter riders will feel that their upper body is more strained because of the forward-set handlebar. While on the Versys 650, shorter riders might struggle initially owing to the tall seat, but one can get a hang of it rather easily. Also, the Kawasaki felt nimbler in traffic, while the V-Strom felt heavy and cumbersome to ride through traffic. 

Despite riding the ADVs in bumper-to-bumper traffic at times, engine heat never reached scorching levels, which is remarkable, given their displacement. In city, the fuel efficiency figures for the Suzuki and the Kawasaki were 26.46kmpl and 24.95kmpl respectively, which is really commendable for bikes of this size. When it comes to headlights, the V-Strom has a wider spread and throw, but in terms of intensity and sharpness, the Versys 650 has the advantage. So, after completing almost 500km, I can confirm that both the ADVs are proper mile munchers and score really well on the comfort factor, with the Versys 650 feeling slightly comfier owing to its more natural riding posture.

Final Call 

So now it’s time for the verdict and it’s a rather straightforward one. If you’re looking for a proper adventure tourer bike under Rs 10 lakh (on-road), the V-Strom 650 is the clear winner. But, does it justify the almost Rs 77,000 premium? Absolutely. For the extra moolah, you’re getting better off-road compliant hardware and also the benefit of traction control. However, if I had to pick a bike among the two, it would be the Versys 650.

The Kawasaki offering feels much more engaging to ride, especially on winding mountain roads and the rev-happy motor means that you can blast down the highway faster. In fact, the Versys 650, in my opinion, is the perfect sports tourer for our non-existent roads and a better bet than the Ninja 650. Yes, it can’t match the off-road prowess of the V-Strom, but it does everything else better and costs lesser too.