2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys vs 2012 BMW F 800ST

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys 2014 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
2012 BMW F 800ST 2012 BMW F 800ST

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Weight
449.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Blata is from the Czech Republic.
Year20142012
Colours-Blue, black
Make ModelKawasaki KLE 650 VersysBMW F 800ST
Dimensions
Seat Height840 mm / 33.1 in820 mm / 32.2 in (low seat: 790 mm / 31.1 in)
Wheelbase1415 mm / 55.7 in1,466 mm / 57.7 in.
Height1315.7 mm / 51.8 in1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2126 mm / 83.7 in1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Width840 mm / 33.1 in860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight181 kg / 399 lbs187 kg / 412 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5.0 gal16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight-204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed197 km/h / 122.4 mph229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Max Power47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque61 Nm / 6,2 kgf-m @ 6800 rpm80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4605 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-1000 m25.7 sec / 178.2 km/h-
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.1 sec / 160.4 km/h12.0 sec
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
CO2-78.9 CO
Displacement650 cc / 39.6 cu-in798 cc / 47.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)
Bore x Stroke83 X 60mm82 x 75.8 mm
Compression Ratio10.6:112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption19.3 km/lit5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionDigital CBI Knock control and oxygen sensors
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
Clutch-Cable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.46:1 / 2nd 1.75:1 / 3rd 1.38:1 / 4th 1.17:1 / 5th 1.04:1 / 6th 0.96:1
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Belt drive with shock damper
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond, high-tensile steelBridge-type aluminium frame
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload43mm Telescopic forks
Suspension - RearOffset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preloadDie-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.
Rake25°25.8°
Steering Head Angle-64.2°
Trail110 mm / 4.3 in95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front-140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 400 W
Lighting system-12V 55W headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims-Cast aluminium
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front120/70ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60ZR17M180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW F 800ST

The 2012 BMW F 800ST edges out the 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, fuel injection, 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

2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Advantages

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

2012 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.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • 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.

2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys vs 2012 BMW F 800ST - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys and 2012 BMW F 800ST?
The 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys uses Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2012 BMW F 800ST is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?
The 2012 BMW F 800ST has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 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 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?
The 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 16 litres for the 2012 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 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2012 BMW F 800ST stands out for higher torque and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.