2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super 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
2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen.Small windscreen. Ride-by-wire system. Switchable Bosch ABS.
ColoursOrange/black, black, grey/blackGrey/silver
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)6.1 inches8.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)155 mm220 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-875 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-34.4 inches
Seat Height845 mm / 33.3 in.860 mm / 33.9 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-229 kg / 504.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons30.00 litres / 7.93 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-0.6987 HP/kg
Engine
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc1301.00 cc
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches79.39 cubic inches
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches4.3 x 3.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm108.0 x 75.0 mm
Engine Detail-75° V arrangement
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection
Compression Ratio10.3:1-
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpForced oil lubrication with 3 pumps
IgnitionDigitalKeihin EMS with RBW and cruise control, double 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 Semi-active suspension USD ? 48 mm
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,WP Semi-active suspension monoshock
Rake27.0°26.0°
Trail106 mm / 4.2 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches10.5 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm267 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliperDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17-
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure

The 2016 KTM 1290 Super 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.

2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 220 mm vs 155 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has the lower seat at 845 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has its own strengths, while the 2016 KTM 1290 Super 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.