Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Versys 650 and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT are among the most cross-shopped touring bikes of 2026. The Kawasaki Versys 650 undercuts the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT by about $3,400, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT leads on power with 119 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Versys 650
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha Tracer 9 GTThe verdict
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Kawasaki Versys 650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Kawasaki Versys 650
66 hp.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
119 hp and 0.54 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Kawasaki Versys 650
Our 7/10 at $10,099, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
220 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Yamaha Tracer 9 GT: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT makes the most power at 119 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,099.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the lightest at 220 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?
For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Versys 650: 66 hp and 220 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
