MotoSpecs

2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver vs 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
69.3 kW / 95 hp @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
224.3 km/h / 139.5 mph
Weight
189 Kg / 445 lbs
2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
197 km/h / 122.4 mph
Weight
181 kg / 399 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20082007 - 08
Make ModelAprilia SL 750 ShiverKawasaki KLE 650 Versys
Dimensions
Seat Height810 mm / 31.6 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1440 mm / 5.6 in1415 mm / 55.7 in
Height1135 mm / 44.6 in (at instruments)1315.7 mm / 51.8 in
Length2100 mm / 89 in2126 mm / 83.7 in
Width800 mm / 31.8 i in (at handlebars)840 mm / 33.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight189 Kg / 445 lbs181 kg / 399 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 3.9 US gal19 Litres / 5.0 gal
Performance
Top Speed224.3 km/h / 139.5 mph197 km/h / 122.4 mph
Max Power69.3 kW / 95 hp @ 9000 rpm47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque81 Nm / 8.25 kgf-m / 59.7 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm61 Nm / 6,2 kgf-m @ 6800 rpm
Standing Start 0-1000 m23.5 sec / 204.6 km/h / 127.1 mph25.7 sec / 178.2 km/h
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec / 176.2 km/h / 109.4 mph13.1 sec / 160.4 km/h
Engine
Displacement749 cc / 45.7 cu-in650 cc / 39.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke92 x 56.4 mm83 X 60mm
Compression Ratio11.0:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10-40-
ExhaustTwo in one system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and Lambda probe-
Fuel Consumption5.1 L/100 km / 19.7 km/l / 46.3 US mpg19.3 km/lit
Fuel InductionIntegrated engine management system. Injection with Ride by Wire technology control of the throttle bodiesFuel injection: Ø38 mm
IgnitionDigital electronic, integrated with the injection, two spark plugs per cylinderDigital CBI
LubricationDry sump system with separate oil tank-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Final DriveChain Transmission ratio: 16/44Chain
Gear Ratios1st 36:14 (2.57) / 2nd 32:17 (1.88) / 3rd 30:20 (1.5) / 4th 28:22 (1.27) / 5th 23:26 (0.88) / 6th 24:25 (0.96)-
Primary DriveSpur gears, transmission ratio: 60/31 (1.75)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDismountable steel trellis connected with high strength bolts to aluminium side plates. Dismountable rear frame.Diamond, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Frontø43 mm upside-down fork.41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
Suspension - RearAluminium alloy swingarm with reinforcement truss. Hydraulic shock absorber adjustable in spring preload and rebound damping.Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload
Rake 25.9°25°
Trail109 mm / 4.17 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in-
Electrical Systems
Alternator450 W @ 6000 rpm.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x Ø320 mm discs, 4 piston caliper2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle Ø245 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17160/60ZR17M
Wheels - FrontIn aluminium alloy 3.50 X 17"-
Wheels - RearIn aluminium alloy 6.00 X 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver

The 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver edges out the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 81 Nm vs 61 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 810 mm vs 840 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 749 cc vs 650 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver vs 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver and 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver uses Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is lighter at 181 kg compared to 189 Kg for the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver - a difference of 8 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver has the lower seat at 810 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys sits higher at 840 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 15 litres for the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 250-300 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys stands out for larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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