MotoSpecs

2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys vs 2012 BMW F 800ST

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys 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 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
Year20152012
Make-BMW
Model-F 800ST
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.
Ground Clearance170 mm / 6.6 in-
Height1100 mm / 43.3 in1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2165 mm / 85.2 in.1155 or 1225 mm / 45.5 or 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Width840 mm / 33.1 in.860 mm / 33.9 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-187 kg / 412.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity21 Litres / 5.5 gal16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight216 kg / 476 lbs204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-229.0 km/h / 107 mph
Max Power51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque64 Nm / 6.5 kg--m @ 7000 rpm80 Nm / 59 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.4605 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.0 sec
Engine
CO2-81.0 g/km CO2
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control-DOHC
Stroke-75.6 mm
Displacement650 cc / 39.6 cu-in798 cc / 47.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour 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 Stroke83 X 60mm82.0 x 75.6 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 Consumption-5.0 L/100 km / 20.1 km/l / 47 US mpg
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø38 mmElectronic intake injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionDigital CBI Knock control and oxygen sensors
LubricationForced lubrication (semi-dry sump)-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualCable-operated multiplate-plate wet clutch
Final DriveChainBelt
Final Drive Ratio3.067 (46/15)1:2.35
Gear Ratios1st 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 / 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 preload.Showa 43mm conventional telescopic forks
Suspension - RearOffset 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.
Rake25°25.8°
Steering Head Angle-64.2°
Trail110 mm / 4.3 in95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear145 mm / 5.7 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electronics
Tachometer-Standard
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
ABS-Standard
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 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, standard ABS, 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.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • 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.
Does the 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys or 2012 BMW F 800ST have ABS?
The 2012 BMW F 800ST is listed with ABS as standard. The 2015 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
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.

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