To most new and seasoned bikers, adventure bikes, also called dual-sport bikes, are among the popular types. Among the bikes, I find the Kawasaki KLR650 adventure and Yamaha Tenere to be some of the most popular choices.
So, how do the Kawasaki KLR650 adventure and Yamaha Tenere 700 compare? One of the notable features between the two bikes is their different prices, with almost a $3000 difference. The more expensive Yamaha has a 689cc engine. This one is capable of producing 72.4 horsepower, which almost doubles that of the Kawasaki. However, the KLR650 handles way better on long distances.
The above information is just an overview, and there is much I like to use to compare the two bikes. Read on for a full and fair comparison as I help you decide the one you should get.
Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure vs Yamaha Tenere 700 Specs
Before diving into how each bike outdoes the other, I always prefer going through the specs to determine where each bike stands. The following table contains the Kawasaki KLR650 and Yamaha Tenere 700 specifications.
| Specs | Kawasaki KLR650 | Yamaha Tenere 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-stroke, single cylinder | 4-stroke liquid-cooled, twin |
| Displacement | 652cc | 689cc |
| Horsepower | 40 hp | 72.4 hp |
| Torque | 39.1 lb.-ft. @4,500rpm | 49 lb. ft @ 6500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed return shift | 6-speed |
| ABS | Available | Available |
| Seat Height | 34.3 in | 34.4 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.1 gal | 4.2 gal |
| Wheelbase | 60.6 in | 62.8 in |
| Weight | 484.9 lb. | 452 lb. |
| Price (MSRP) | $7,599 (with ABS) | $10,499 |
Kawasaki KLR650 vs. Yamaha Tenere 700: Side-By-Side Comparison
Now that you have an idea of how the two bikes fare, it is time for an in-depth comparison. First off, you may notice from the table that the Yamaha Tenere 700 is the best bike. For a fair comparison, I prefer the comparison to be on price value. In other terms, is the extra cost worth it?
1. Engine
While both engines can achieve high speeds of up to 80mph, the Yamaha engine has a few better advantages. I find its parallel-twin engine to be better than the single-cylinder on the Kawasaki.
The twin engines are capable of more horsepower and torque than the single-cylinder. With a torque of 49 lb. ft at 6500 rpm, the Yamaha Tenure’s engine can make up to 72 horsepower. The Kawasaki KLR650 adventure torque is 39.1 lb.-ft at 4,500rpm, making 40 horsepower.
Both engines are liquid-cooled, which I prefer as it’s ideal for keeping the engine from overheating. The Yamaha superior engine seems to justify its price with quality performance.
2. Handling and Comfort
Handling is also an important features when comparing these two bikes. One thing that affects handling is the bike weight, and with both bikes weighing over 450 lbs, they’re almost the same. However, the Kawasaki is 30 pounds heavier, which makes it slightly less agile.
The Kawasaki is known for its comfortable seats and a taller windshield that contributes to riders’ comfort. The larger fuel tank also qualifies it for long-distance travel with fewer refilling stops.
The Yamaha seat is less comfortable than Kawasaki’s, but the rider can shift their weight quicker. The rider is also exposed to fewer accessories covering them, which allows agile riding.
However, the price is not justifiable in handling and comfort as it lacks the most quality features needed. The KLR650 handling and comfort are better and worth its affordable price.
3. Chassis and Suspensions
The Kawasaki 41mm fork suspension can handle difficult terrains with ease, while the adjustable Uni-Trak rear suspension improves off-road handling. You can stiffen the rear suspensions to match your riding type.
Tenere 700 has a 43mm inverted fork suspension that is fully adjustable. The rear single shock suspension cannot only be adjusted, but can use a remote adjuster.
One thought I notice is that the front tires on the two bikes are almost the same, with the rear tires differing by a few millimeters. The Yamaha Tenere uses Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires with good grip on and off-road. The Kawasaki tires are Dunlop K750s which are knobby and better for loose surfaces.
After comparing the chassis quality of the two bikes, I can say the Tenere 700 is the better choice. The bike can ride faster and more agile on narrow trails and bumpier terrain with fully adjustable suspensions. With the high cost, the bike’s suspensions and other features are worth the price.
Other Features:
Some more features I prefer to use to compare and determine an ideal bike include;
- Brakes
You have the option to get an Ant-lock braking system fitted Kawasaki bike, but they’re not adjustable. On the other hand, the ABS on Yamaha can be disabled with a click of a button.
The brakes on the Kawasaki are however fitted for off-roading as they’re wider. The front wheel gets a 300mm disc dual caliper and a 240mm disc, single caliper on the back. The Yamaha brakes are narrower but the 282mm front and 245mm rear disc can do most of the braking work needed.
- Exhausts
If you fancy louder exhausts, the Tenere is your bike. The exhaust is easy to modify as it features a two-piece exhaust design. However, that doesn’t mean Kawasaki mufflers are not ideal, but for a sportier feel and sound get the Yamaha.
- Touring Capabilities
The Kawasaki, with a comfortable seat, larger gas tank, more bag space, and larger windshield, wins the touring capabilities. The average mileage of the 2022 Kawasaki is 48 mpg, which is better than the 50 mpg of the 2022 Yamaha. I find the smaller non-adjustable windshield and gas tank on the Yamaha not ideal for touring.
4. Common Issues
The two bikes have several common issues that frequent several of their models. The Kawasaki is known for its vibration at high speed, which can loosen some of its parts. I have also heard the shift lever breaking too easily at low mileage on this bike.
The problem is fixable by adding heavier flywheels and handlebars to maintain vibrations. The Kawasaki manufacturers have also changed the quality of the shift levers in the newer models to give them more lifespan.
The Yamaha, on the other side, is known to have a failing transmission and rattling noises when riding. Also, the bike’s transmission may fail, resulting in expensive repairs.
While the manufacturers have already fixed most of the problems, some still require fixing by the owner shortly after purchase. Since both bikes have problems, I don’t feel like comparing the issues is a good choice.
FAQ
The following section covers the frequently asked questions when comparing the two bikes.
Q. Is Yamaha Tenere 700 Better Than Kawasaki KLR650?
Yamaha Tenere is undoubtedly the better bike when comparing it with the Kawasaki KLR650. Its high price also seems to be justified by its quality.
Q. Is The KLR650 Better Than 700 on Long Distances?
The Kawasaki KLR650 is more comfortable than the Tenere 700, which makes it ideal for long distances. Its gas tank is also bigger, which means fewer stops for refueling.
Q. Which Between The Yamaha Tenere 700 and KLR Is Ideal For Off-road?
The better suspension and agility on the Yamaha 700 suit off-road driving. The bike is faster with more horsepower for both trails riding in off-road terrain.
Final Verdict: Which One Wins the Battle?
The two popular adventure bikes, Kawasaki KLR650 adventure and Yamaha Tenere 700, have several differences. The Yamaha engine is high in torque and horsepower seems to justify its extra price. However, I don’t find its handling great, and Kawasaki seems to have an edge on that.
And now to the final question, which one do you buy? The answer depends on your budget and style of riding. If you prefer agile off-road driving and you’re quality-oriented, the Yamaha Tenere is your bike. However, for the best adventure long-distance travel at affordable prices, go for Kawasaki KLR650.