Yamaha XSR900 vs Kawasaki Versys 650
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Yamaha XSR900 and Kawasaki Versys 650: three different takes on what a great bike should be. The Kawasaki Versys 650 undercuts the Yamaha XSR900 by about $500, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha XSR900 leads on power with 117 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.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha XSR900
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Versys 650The verdict
The Yamaha XSR900 edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the Kawasaki Versys 650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Kawasaki Versys 650
66 hp.
Yamaha XSR900
117 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha XSR900
Our 8.4/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha XSR900
193 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha XSR900
Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.
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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Yamaha XSR900 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
The Yamaha XSR900 makes the most power at 117 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,099.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
The Yamaha XSR900 is the lightest at 193 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha XSR900 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
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.
