2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

All-Round

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
2017 KTM 1090 Adventure 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure

All-Round

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen.Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Traction control with different modes.
ColoursOrange/black, black, grey/blackOrange/black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm220 mm
Seat Height845 mm / 33.3 in.850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1,520 mm / 59.8 in.1,560 mm / 61.4 in.
Height1,405 mm / 55.3 in.-
Length2,235 mm / 88.0 in.-
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons
Wet Weight239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6098 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm103.0 x 63.0 mm
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc1050.00 cc
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches64.07 cubic inches
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches4.1 x 2.5 inches
Engine Detail-75° V arrangement
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection
Compression Ratio10.3:1-
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpForced oil lubrication with 3 oil pump
IgnitionDigitalKeihin EMS with RBW, twin ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSealed chain5/8 x 5/16 X Ring. Primary drive: 40:76.
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium twin-tubeChromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with steplessWP upside-down ? 43 mm
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,WP monoshock
Rake27.0°26.0°
Trail106 mm / 4.2 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in.185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in.190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches10.5 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm267 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliperDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. Brembo
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Brembo.
Rims-Metzeler Tourance Next tires
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17-
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 1090 Adventure

The 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2017 KTM 1090 Adventure - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 220 mm vs 155 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 185 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has its own strengths, while the 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure stands out for greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.