Yamaha MT-09 vs Kawasaki Versys 650
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Yamaha MT-09 and Kawasaki Versys 650: three different takes on what a great bike should be. The Kawasaki Versys 650 undercuts the Yamaha MT-09 by about $500, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha MT-09 leads on power with 119 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha MT-09
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Versys 650The verdict
The Yamaha MT-09 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Kawasaki Versys 650 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Kawasaki Versys 650
66 hp.
Yamaha MT-09
119 hp and 0.62 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha MT-09
Our 8.6/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha MT-09
193 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha MT-09
Our top score in this matchup at 8.6/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
Still torn between them?
Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.
Yamaha MT-09 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
The Yamaha MT-09 makes the most power at 119 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,099.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
The Yamaha MT-09 is the lightest at 193 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Versys 650: 66 hp and 220 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
