2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700

Sport touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
452.0 pounds
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
Year-2016
ColoursTeam Yamaha Blue, Shadow Gray-
Make Model-Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys
Warranty1 Year Limited Factory Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)9.4 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)240 mm-
Seat Height874 mm / 34.4 in.840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase1595 mm / 62.8 in.1415 mm / 55.7 in
Ground Clearance-170 mm / 6.6 in
Height1455 mm / 57.3 in.1100 mm / 43.3 in
Length2370 mm / 93.3 in.2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width904 mm / 35.6 in.840 mm / 33.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)3.00 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)3.17 US quarts-
Fuel Capacity15.90 litres / 4.20 US gallons21 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Wet Weight205.0 kg / 452.0 lbs216 kg / 476 lbs
Performance
Max Power-51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque68.0 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions"64 Nm / 6.5 kg--m @ 7000 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
CO299.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.1 x 2.7 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)80.0 x 68.6 mm-
Displacement (cc)689.0 cc-
Displacement (ci)42.04 cubic inches-
Displacement-650 cc / 39.6 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-83 X 60mm
Compression Ratio11.5:110.6:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationWet sump-
Fuel Consumption4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Fuel injection: Ø38 mm
IgnitionTCIDigital CBI
Lubrication-Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, MultipleWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain   (final drive)Chain
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)
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tube backbone, double cradleDiamond, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front43mm inverted fork, fully-adjustable41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.
Suspension - RearSingle shock, adjustable preload (w/remote adjuster) and rebound dampingOffset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload.
Rake27.0°25°
Trail104 mm / 4.1 in.110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front211 mm / 8.3 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear201 mm / 7.9 in.145 mm / 5.7 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationMulti-function LCD display with gear position, fuel level, two trip meters and estimated fuel range, average and instant fuel consumption-
Lighting systemHeadlight nacelle with quad LED headlights-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Hydraulic. Selectable ABS.2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Hydraulic. Selectable ABS.Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
RimsSpoked wheels. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires-
Tyres - Front90/90-R21120/70ZR17
Tyres - Rear-160/60ZR17M

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700

The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 edges out the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys thanks to its dual front discs, 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

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 240 mm vs 170 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 201 mm vs 145 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 211 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 840 mm vs 874 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 vs 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 and 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has the lower seat at 840 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 sits higher at 874 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 has the edge in dual front discs and greater ground clearance, while the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.