The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 has a smaller engine and also costs less than the Triumph Tiger 660. But which one is better, the Kawasaki or the Triumph?
Both the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Triumph Tiger Sport 660, are the respective entry-level ADV motorcycles with some iconic badge names. However, the newly launched baby Tiger Sport 660 looks quite different compared to the Tiger 1200 and 800. With its underpinnings shared with the naked-Trident 660, the Tiger Sport 660 looks more on-road oriented, especially with those Michelin Road 5 tires.
Similarly, the Versys also feels equally comfortable in a traffic city, and with oozes of low-end and mid-range power, navigating through traffic situations feels effortless. By the way, this shouldnt lead you to believe that both are not off-road capable at all. On the contrary, a frequent venture into the broken path route can be dealt with easily thanks to those long-travel suspensions up-front. So, despite the same level of appeal, which one is the more VFM product?
Triumph Tiger 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Design and Dimensions
Both the Tiger 660 and Versys 650 share underpinnings with their companys respective 650 cc motorcycles (sports, naked). But the Tiger 660 looks more toned down and suited for the road when compared to the Versys 650. The latter feels truer in its design, for it will remind you of its elder sibling, the Versys 1000. The suspension setup is the same in both the motorcycles, with upside-down telescopic forks, and a mono-shock suspension for the rear.
Dual-channel ABS is available in both the motorcycles, but the Tiger 660 gets 310 mm dual-discs with 2 piston calipers for the front and a 255 mm single disc with a single-piston caliper for the rear. The Kawasaki Versys 650 gets smaller 300 mm dual disc brakes with two-piston calipers for the front tyres, and a 250 mm single disc with a one-piston caliper.
| Triumph Tiger 660 | Kawasaki Versys 650 | |
| Length | 2071 mm | 2165 mm |
| Width | 834 mm | 840 mm |
| Height | 1398 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1418 mm | 1415 mm |
| Seat Height | 835 mm | 840 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 179 mm | 165 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 206 kg | 218 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 liters | 21 liters |
Summary: Dimension-wise, the Versys is longer, heavier and taller with more seat height and a bigger fuel tank. The Tiger 660 is designed in a compact manner comparison, and despite a 5 mm lower seat height, manages 14 mm more ground clearance.
Triumph Tiger 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Engine and Transmission
Mechanically, the Triumph Tiger 660 and the Trident 660 get the same engine, but the former gets a slightly bigger bore at 0.04 mm. The 660 cc, liquid-cooled, inline-3 cylinder engine produces 81 Ps of power@10,250 rpm, and 64 Nm of torque@ 6,250 rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed manual transmission.
Similarly, the Versys 650 also uses the same 650 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine found in the naked Z650. But Kawasaki has tuned the engine mapping in the adv to produce less power and torque, at more rpm. With 66 Ps of power @8500 RPM, and 61 Nm of torque @ 7,000 rpm - the Versys 650 produces less power and torque than the Tiger 660. Transmission duties remain the same in the Kawasaki with a 6-speed transmission. The Tiger 660 also gets electronic throttle control, unlike the Versys 650.
| Triumph Tiger 660 | Kawasaki Versys 650 | |
| Engine | 660 c, inline-three cylinder | 649 cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 81 Ps@10,250 RPM | 66 Ps@8500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm@6,250 RPM | 61 Nm@7,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
Summary: The Tiger 660 clearly produces more power in this competition. However, the Versys 650 has its enjoyable mid-range torque as well.
Also Read: 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Launched At Rs 3.37 Lakhs In India
Triumph Tiger 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Features
Feature-wise, both the motorcycles are not the most premium options in the market. However, the Versys 650 in India is still awaiting its 2022 update, and with previous configurations, the Kawasaki does feel a bit dated compared to the Tiger 660. For example, the latter gets LED headlights and taillights, while the Kawasaki still gets halogen headlamps and tail lights. Similarly, the updated TFT screen is also missing in the Versys 650, but the Tiger 660 gets an all-instrument cluster.
Other stand-out features, which are more design-oriented, include adjustable windscreen and grab handlebars in both the motorcycles.
Triumph Tiger 660 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Conclusion and Price
The Tiger 660 gets a bigger and more powerful engine and feels more modern compared to the Versys 650. But the Kawasaki will nudge the enthusiasts, with its bare minimum feature and design similar to its elder sibling. And coupled with the fact that the Versys 650 costs almost a lakh cheaper than the Tiger Sport 660, the green ADV suddenly seems all the more value for money.
| Triumph Tiger 660 | Kawasaki Versys 650 | |
| Ex-showroom Price | Rs. 8.95 lakh | Rs 7.15 lakh |
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