Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which has more power?

Kawasaki Versys 650 produces 69 hp @ 8,500 rpm; Honda Africa Twin produces 102 hp @ 7,500 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present). Honda Africa Twin wins by 33 hp.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which is faster?

Top speed: Kawasaki Versys 650 195 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not publish official top speed), Honda Africa Twin 200 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not officially publish top speed). Honda Africa Twin is the faster of the two.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which is lighter?

Weight: Kawasaki Versys 650 216 kg (wet/curb weight), Honda Africa Twin 226 kg (curb weight, standard CRF1100L; DCT version is approximately 232 kg). Kawasaki Versys 650 is lighter by 10 kg.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which is more reliable?

Motoryk rates Kawasaki Versys 650 7.8/10 and Honda Africa Twin 8.5/10. Honda Africa Twin scores higher on the overall verdict. Kawasaki Versys 650 caveat: You crave excitement over dependable practicality. Honda Africa Twin caveat: You want lightweight technical trail riding only.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which is better for beginners?

Neither is a typical first-bike pick — Kawasaki Versys 650 69 hp, Honda Africa Twin 102 hp. Consider a smaller-displacement bike for licensing year one.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which should I commute on daily?

Kawasaki Versys 650 — Commuters wanting weekend touring capability too.

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin

Q: Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin — which is more fuel-efficient?

Fuel use: Kawasaki Versys 650 5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average), Honda Africa Twin 5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, real-world average for CRF1100L). Real-world economy varies by rider weight, traffic, and how hard the throttle gets twisted.

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Honda Africa Twin. Kawasaki Versys 650: 69 hp @ 8,500 rpm hp, 216 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 195 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not publish official top speed), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Honda Africa Twin: 102 hp @ 7,500 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present) hp, 226 kg (curb weight, standard CRF1100L; DCT version is approximately 232 kg) weight, top speed 200 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not officially publish top speed), Motoryk rating 8.5/10.

Kawasaki Versys 650

Honda Africa Twin

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Kawasaki Versys 650 Honda Africa Twin

Horsepower (hp)

69 hp

102 hp

Torque (Nm)

64 Nm

105 Nm

Top Speed (km/h)

195 km/h

200 km/h

Weight (kg) — lower is better

216 kg

226 kg

Type

Adventure

Horsepower

69 hp @ 8,500 rpm

102 hp @ 7,500 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present)

Torque

64 Nm @ 7,000 rpm

105 Nm @ 6,250 rpm (CRF1100L, 2020–present)

Top Speed

195 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not publish official top speed)

200 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer does not officially publish top speed)

Weight

216 kg (wet/curb weight)

226 kg (curb weight, standard CRF1100L; DCT version is approximately 232 kg)

Fuel

5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)

5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, real-world average for CRF1100L)

Fairing

Yes

Individual Reviews

Kawasaki Versys 650

7.8/10

"The sensible adventurer's choice that quietly does everything well."

Pros

+Extremely reliable parallel twin

+Comfortable upright ergonomics

+Strong parts availability

Cons

−Soft suspension needs upgrading

−Uninspiring visual presence

−Wind protection merely adequate

Full Kawasaki Versys 650 review →

Honda Africa Twin

8.5/10

"The benchmark adventure bike that actually earns its mud-splattered reputation."

Pros

+Bulletproof engine reliability

+Genuinely capable off-road

+Comfortable long-distance ergonomics

Cons

−DCT servicing gets expensive

−Heavy for tight singletrack

−Spoke wheels need attention

Full Honda Africa Twin review →

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

Affiliate · we may earn

SW-Motech · Crash Bars

SW-Motech Engine Guard Crash Bars Kawasaki Versys 650

View on Amazon →

SW-Motech · Crash Bars

SW-Motech Engine Guard Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L

View on Amazon →

Brake Pads

Front and Rear Brake Pads for Kawasaki 650 Z650 ER 650 2017-2020 Z750 ZR 750 2007-2011 KLE650 Versys 650 2016-2020 for Honda 600 CB600F Hornet 1998-2006 CB600 Hornet S 2000-2004 CB750 1992-2002

View on Amazon →

🛒

Touratech · Skid Plate

Touratech Skid Plate Alu Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L

View on Amazon →

Battery

YTX12-BS Battery Replacement (10Ah, 12v, Sealed) Factory Activated, Maintenance Free Battery Compatible with - 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

View on Amazon →

Brake Pads

Sintered Front and Rear Brake Pads for Honda CRF1000L CRF1100L CRF1000 CRF 1100 Africa Twin 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

View on Amazon →

Chain & Lube

NICHE Drive Sprocket Chain Combo for Kawasaki Ninja 650 Versys Front 15 Rear 46 Tooth 520 X-Ring 114 Links

View on Amazon →

Battery

TYKOOL LFP14S-PRO Lithium Motorcycle Battery 360 CCA 6Ah for Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L KTM 1290 Super Adventure Yamaha Bolt V-Star 950 ST1300 FJR1300 | Digital SOC Display IP67 Replaces YTZ14S

View on Amazon →

Tires

Continental Conti Motion Rear Motorcycle Tire 160/60ZR-17 (69W) for Kawasaki Versys 650 KLE650A 2007-2018

View on Amazon →

Chain & Lube

Primary Drive 525 ADV/Street Performance Gold Chain 525x124 for Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT CRF1100 2020-2022,2024

View on Amazon →