MotoSpecs

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 vs 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve
Power
84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
207 kg / 462 lbs
2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
216 kg / 476 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182016
Make ModelYamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys
Dimensions
Seat Height845 mm - 860 mm / 33.3 in - 33.9 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1440 mm / 56.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in170 mm / 6.6 in
Height1338 mm to 1375 mm / 52.9 in to 54.1 in1100 mm / 43.3 in
Length2160 mm / 85.0 in2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width850 mm / 37.4 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal21 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Wet Weight207 kg / 462 lbs216 kg / 476 lbs
Performance
Max Power84.6 kW / 114 hp @ 10,000 rpm51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque87.5 Nm / 8.9 kgf-m @ 8,500 rpm64 Nm / 6.5 kg--m @ 7000 rpm
Engine
Displacement847 cc / 51.6 cu-in650 cc / 39.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 ValveFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke78 x 59.1 mm83 X 60mm
Compression Ratio11.5 :110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel InjectionFuel injection: Ø38 mm
IgnitionTransistorized coil ignition Digital CBI
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet, multiple-discWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio-3.067 (46/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond frameDiamond, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.
Suspension - RearRear Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound dampingOffset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload.
Rake24°25°
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front137 mm / 5.4 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 298mm discs2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm discSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
References
NotesThe Yamaha Tracer 900, in USA known as the FJ-09 until 2017, then known as the Tracer 900, while in Japan, South America, Australia, and New Zealand it is known as the MT-09 Tracer.)-
Wheels & Brakes
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17M/C120/70ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17M/C160/60ZR17M

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys edges out the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 thanks to its larger fuel tank, 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

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 847 cc vs 650 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • More ground clearance: 170 mm vs 135 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 145 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 137 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 vs 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 and 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 uses Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 12 Valve, while the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 is lighter at 207 kg compared to 216 kg for the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - a difference of 9 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the larger tank at approximately 21 litres vs 18 litres for the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 350-420 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 or the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha FJ-09 / MT-09 Tracer / Tracer 900 has the edge in larger displacement, while the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys stands out for larger fuel tank and greater ground clearance. 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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