2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys vs 2012 BMW F 800ST

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Sport touring

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Power

51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

216 kg / 476 lbs

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

Differs Same

General
Comments	-	Blata is from the Czech Republic.
Year	2015	2012
Colours	-	Blue, black
Make Model	Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys	BMW F 800ST
Dimensions
Seat Height	840 mm / 33.1 in	820 mm / 32.2 in (low seat: 790 mm / 31.1 in)
Wheelbase	1415 mm / 55.7 in	1,466 mm / 57.7 in.
Ground Clearance	170 mm / 6.6 in	-
Height	1100 mm / 43.3 in	1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length	2165 mm / 85.2 in.	1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Width	840 mm / 33.1 in.	860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	-	187 kg / 412 lbs
Fuel Capacity	21 Litres / 5.5 gal	16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight	216 kg / 476 lbs	204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	-	229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Max Power	51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm	62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	64 Nm / 6.5 kg--m @ 7000 rpm	80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	-	0.4605 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile	-	12.0 sec
Engine
Fuel Control	-	DOHC
CO2	-	78.9 CO
Engine Type	-	Twin, four-stroke
Displacement	650 cc / 39.6 cu-in	798 cc / 47.7 cu-in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System	-	Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)
Bore x Stroke	83 X 60mm	82 x 75.8 mm
Compression Ratio	10.6:1	12.0:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	-	Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication	-	Dry sump
Fuel Consumption	-	5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg
Fuel Induction	Fuel injection: Ø38 mm	Electronic intake injection
Fuel Reserve	-	4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Ignition	Digital CBI	Knock control and oxygen sensors
Lubrication	Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)	-
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	-	4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	-	12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual	Cable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch
Final Drive	Chain	Belt
Final Drive Ratio	3.067 (46/15)	-
Gear Ratios	1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)	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 / Drive	6 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Diamond, high-tensile steel	Bridge-type aluminium frame
Suspension - Front	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.	43mm Telescopic forks
Suspension - Rear	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload.	Die-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.
Rake	25°	25.8°
Steering Head Angle	-	64.2°
Trail	110 mm / 4.3 in	95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front	150 mm / 5.9 in.	140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	145 mm / 5.7 in	140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	-	Three-phase alternator 400 W
Lighting system	-	12V 55W headlight
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 - Front	2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper	Single 265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims	-	Cast aluminium
Rims - Front	-	3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear	-	5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front	120/70ZR17	120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear	160/60ZR17M	180/55 ZR17
Wheels	-	Cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW F 800ST

The 2012 BMW F 800ST edges out the 2015 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

2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Advantages

Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 BMW F 800ST - Advantages

Higher torque: 80 Nm vs 64 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.

2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys vs 2012 BMW F 800ST - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys and 2012 BMW F 800ST?

The 2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?

The 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the larger tank at approximately 21 litres vs 16 litres for the 2012 BMW F 800ST. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 350-420 km vs 266-320 km between stops.

Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys or the 2012 BMW F 800ST?

Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the edge in larger fuel tank and higher front wheel travel, 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.

Related Comparisons

All Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys years All BMW F 800ST years

Build your own comparison →