2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.9 pounds
2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
145 hp / 105.7 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
244.9 km/h / 152.1 mph
Weight
637.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windshield
Year-2013
ColoursRealtree APG HD camouflageStone Gray
Make Model-Yamaha FJR 1300A
Warranty12 Months1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches5.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm130 mm
Seat Height845 mm / 33.3 in.805 mm - 825.5 mm / 31.7 in - 32.5 in.
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1544.3 mm / 60.8 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in.
Height1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1455 mm / 57.3 in.
Length2,235 mm / 88.0 in.2230 mm / 87.8 in.
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.749.3 mm / 29.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight239 kg / 526.9 lbs264 kg / 582 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons25 Liters / 6.6 US gal
Wet Weight292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs292 kg / 644 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-244.9 km/h / 152.1 mph
Max Power-145 hp / 105.7 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 10400125 Nm / 13.7kgf-m @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4870 HP/kg0.1143 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.4 sec
Engine
CO2-151.5 CO
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm-
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc-
Displacement-1298 cc / 79.2 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection
Bore x Stroke-79 x 66.2 mm
Compression Ratio10.3:110.8:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 20W/40
Fuel Consumption-6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Fuel Induction-Electronic Fuel Injection
IgnitionDigitalTCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8E
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet mDouble disk, manualWet, multiple discs, hydraulic operated
Final DriveChainShaft
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium twin-tubeAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with stepless48mm upside-down telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping;
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,Single shock, link-type, w/adjustable preload and rebound damping;
Rake27.0°26.0°
Seat-2-person seat
Trail-102 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-137 mm / 5.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-129 mm / 4.9 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system30W x 2 halogen-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-11.1 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-282 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 283mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55 ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 155 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 805 mm - 825.5 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A?
The 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A has the lower seat at 805 mm - 825.5 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 sits higher at 845 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has the edge in dual front discs and greater ground clearance, while the 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300A stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.