MotoSpecs

2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp vs 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp

Super motard

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
59.1 hp / 44 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
173.0 km/h / 107.4 mph
Weight
262.0 pounds
2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650

Super motard

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
432.0 pounds
2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650

Super motard

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
432.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX90X-
Year2011 - 122012 -13
ColoursRed, WhiteRed/gray, black/gray, blue/white
Make ModelHonda XL 700V TransalpKawasaki KLR 650
Warranty1 year. Transferable, unlimited mileage limited warranty12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)177 mm211 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)7.0 inches8.3 inches
Seat Height841 mm / 33.1 in889 mm / 35.0 in.
Wheelbase1,515 mm / 59.6 lbs1,481 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance177 mm / 7.0 in210 mm / 8.3 in
Height1305 mm / 51.3 in1,349 mm / 53.1 in.
Length905 mm / 35.6 in2,296 mm / 90.4 in.
Width905 mm / 35.6 in960 mm / 37.8 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight214 kg / 472 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17.5 Litres / 4.6 US gal23.09 litres / 6.10 gallons
Wet Weight118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs194 kg / 432 lbs
Performance
Top Speed173.0 km/h / 107.4 mph-
Max Power59.1 hp / 44 kW @ 7750 rpm42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque60 Nm / 44.3 ft.lbs @ 5500 rpm 47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2713 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.5 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-100.0 x 83.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 3.3 inches
Displacement (ci)-39.72 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-651.00 cc
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
Displacement680.2 cc / 41.5 cu-in651 cc / 39.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 52o V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI electronic fuel injectionCarburettor. Keihin CVK40
Bore x Stroke81 x 66 mm100 x 83 mm.
Compression Ratio10.0:19.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption19.2 km/lit-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection 40mm throttle bodiesKeihin CVK40
IgnitionDigital transistorized Transistorized
LubricationWet sump Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Spark PlugNGK, DPR8EA-9-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operated Wet multi-disc, cable operation
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.867 (43/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.266 (34/15) 2nd 1.444 (26/18) 3rd 1.136 (25/22) 4th 0.954 (21/22) 5th 0.791 (19/24)
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary DriveO-ring sealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios- 2.272 / 75/33
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium, Trellis frameSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front41 mm leading-axle fork41mm telescopic fork / 7.9 in.
Suspension - RearPro-Link with adjustable compression dampingUni-Trak single-shock system with 5-way preload and stepless rebound damping / 7.3 in.
Rake-28.0°
Trail-112 mm / 4.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Front177 mm / 7.9 in200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear173 mm / 6.8 in185 mm / 7.2 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Neutral indicator, reverse indicator
Lighting system-Dual removable 30w headlights / LED taillight / brake light
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)256 mm280 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.1 inches11.0 inches
Brakes - Front2x 256 mm discs 2 piston calipersSingle disc. Petal-type disc, two-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. Single-piston caliper
Tyres - Front100/90 -1990/90-21
Tyres - Rear130/80 -17130/80-17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp and the 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 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 Honda XL 700V Transalp - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 60 Nm vs 47 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 841 mm vs 889 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 210 mm vs 177 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 185 mm vs 173 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 177 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp vs 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp and 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp or the 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp has the lower seat at 841 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 sits higher at 889 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 Honda XL 700V Transalp or the 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda XL 700V Transalp has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 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.

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