2007 BMW F 800ST vs 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2007 BMW F 800ST 2007 BMW F 800ST

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Weight
412.3 pounds
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
Year20072007 - 08
ColoursBlue Metallic, Graphitan Metallic-
Make ModelBMW F 800STKawasaki KLE 650 Versys
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in (low seat: 790 mm / 31.1 in)840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1,466 mm / 57.7 in.1415 mm / 55.7 in
Height1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)1315.7 mm / 51.8 in
Length1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)2126 mm / 83.7 in
Width860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)840 mm / 33.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight187 kg / 412 lbs181 kg / 399 lbs
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal19 Litres / 5.0 gal
Performance
Top Speed229.0 km/h / 107 mph197 km/h / 122.4 mph
Max Power62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm61 Nm / 6,2 kgf-m @ 6800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4545 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m-25.7 sec / 178.2 km/h
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.0 sec13.1 sec / 160.4 km/h
Engine
Stroke4-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Displacement798 cc / 47.7 cu-in650 cc / 39.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic fuel injection-
Bore x Stroke82 x 75.8 mm83 X 60mm
Compression Ratio12.0:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg19.3 km/lit
Fuel InductionElectronic intake injectionFuel injection: Ø38 mm
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensorsDigital CBI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System2-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchCable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch-
Final DriveBeltChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.46:1 / 2nd 1.75:1 / 3rd 1.38:1 / 4th 1.17:1 / 5th 1.04:1 / 6th 0.96:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type aluminium frameDiamond, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front43mm Telescopic forks41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with rear wheal axle and eccentric adjustment, central spring stud , spring pre-loaded hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle64.2°-
Trail95 mm / 3.7 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17160/60ZR17M
WheelsCast aluminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2007 BMW F 800ST

The 2007 BMW F 800ST 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

2007 BMW F 800ST - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 80 Nm vs 61 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 820 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: 798 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.

2007 BMW F 800ST vs 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 BMW F 800ST and 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2007 BMW F 800ST uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2007 BMW F 800ST or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is lighter at 181 kg compared to 187 kg for the 2007 BMW F 800ST - a difference of 6 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2007 BMW F 800ST or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2007 BMW F 800ST has the lower seat at 820 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 2007 BMW F 800ST or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 16 litres for the 2007 BMW F 800ST. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 266-320 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2007 BMW F 800ST or the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
Both are strong choices. The 2007 BMW F 800ST 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.