Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE versus Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Crossover

Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Adventure

More electronics, more functions, more comfort

"Whether solo or in pairs, whether around the corner or through the whole world: The combination of the high-revving in-line four-cylinder engine tuned for flexibility and the agile chassis with dynamic suspension of this sports motorcycle ensures great driving pleasure.... weiter

KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 / VERSYS 1000 SE Crossover GrandTourer

Gallery

Good and cheap

You have to have this courage to fill the gap: Although it sold well, nobody could buy a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in the years between 2007 and 2013. But it came back, and with success: Suzuki's travel enduro was deliberately not positioned at the top like... weiter

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 / V-Strom 1000XT 2018

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2021 bis 2024

Built von 2002 bis 2019

RRP 17.245 €

RRP 12.599 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

waveform

Competitors

Pros:

extensive equipment
successful semi-active chassis (KECS)
Combination of pointer instrument and TFT well solved and easy to read

Pros:

Service
Comfort
Handling
Torque

Cons:

quite high weight
Windscreen only manual and adjustable with both hands
relatively high price

Cons:

no sports engine

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length : 2.270 mm Height : 1.490 mm
Seat : 840 mm
Weight : 257 (max: 459 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.555 mm
Length : 2.280 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 232 (max: 440 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Motor design: V 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.037 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 226 km/h
Performance: 120 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 102 NM bei 7.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 404 km

Maximum speed: 210 km/h
Performance: 101 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 101 NM bei 4.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 417 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Double profile frame (aluminium)

Front suspension:
43 mm upside-down fork (travel 150 mm)

Rear suspension:
Horizontally arranged back-link gas pressure central strut (travel 152 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Frame type:
Bridges (aluminium)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 160 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 160 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm aluminum

Tyres at the front: 19 M/C x MT 2.50 110/80R19 M/C 59V
Rear tyres: 17 M/C x MT 4.00 150/70R17 M/C 69V

Brakes

Front brake
Semi-floating 310mm double petal brake discs. Brake caliper: Double radially mounted, monobloc, opposite 4 pistons (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc. Brake caliper: Single piston (∅ 250 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 260 mm)

Conclusion - what's stuck?

What remains? Astonishingly, it is the on-board computer that characterizes the Suzi. Never before. The computer is clear: With a switch you can choose additional information such as range or temperature. With the second switch, the pilot chooses from three stages the intervention of the traction control - and finished. There is simply no more. If you feel like some competitors have purchased a mobile Playstation, there is nothing that would be further than the V-current.

Doesn't it sound like love at first sight? Maybe not, but the solid and trouble-free handling of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, which we noticed already at the first encounter, describes the Suzuki everywhere and in every situation. If you want to ride a motorbike fast but relaxed, if you want to study the user manual, who likes the look and who likes to surf on the torque wave: Love does not always arise at first sight, give yourself the chance.

The test machine was kindly provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Tornesch. It can be purchased there as a guide for 10,690 € with about 2,500 km - good offer!