By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer
Kawasaki Versys 650 (LE E) vs Yamaha Tracer 7 GT (MTT690)
Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Yamaha Tracer 7 GT: long days, loaded bags, one choice to make.
Tip into a bend and the Kawasaki Versys 650's wide bars fold it in without a fight, and it's neutral once it's leaned over. The Yamaha Tracer 7 GT's front bites straight onto its line.
So which one do you buy?
The Versys 650 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: Versys 650
The Versys 650 comes out a little ahead on upkeep. Only a little.
The Tracer 7 GT has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Slight edge: Tracer 7 GT
Deep into a long ride, the Tracer 7 GT asks slightly less of your back and shoulders. Put it down to better wind protection. A small margin, and seat fit can overrule it.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: Tracer 7 GT
The Tracer 7 GT nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. Credit harder acceleration. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
What makes each one tick
Versys 650
Mile after mile, the Versys doesn't buzz through the pegs and mirrors, because its engine mounts soak up nearly all the shake. A roll of the throttle from low revs brings a clean pull, and the twin's still spinning smoothly near the top end. The seat's still soft at sundown.
Nils rode the Versys 650 in the Canary Islands in 2020 (NastyNils Testride).
Tracer 7 GT
The Tracer's crossplane twin piles on torque in the middle of the range and it's still pulling hard up top. The brake lever sheds speed from the 432 lb (196 kg) bike ahead of a tight corner, and the firm suspension holds it steady for the turn. That firmness isn't plush. The compact chassis tracks every tight corner accurately.
Nils rode the Tracer 7 GT in 2023 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Tracer 7 GT has the lower wet weight: 432 lb (196 kg) vs 476 lb (216 kg).
- The Tracer 7 GT makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 69 hp (51 kW).
- The Tracer 7 GT has the larger engine: 689 cc vs 649 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Don't look for a gap on commuting and a first bike: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Versys 650
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile, neutral handling
- Butter‑smooth power delivery
Tracer 7 GT
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful and flexible CP2 engine
What they share
- Seat height
- 33.1 in (840 mm)
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Versys 650 | Tracer 7 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 476 lb (216 kg) | 432 lb (196 kg) |
| Versys 650 | Tracer 7 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 649 cc | 689 cc |
| Power | 69 hp (51 kW) | 73 hp (54 kW) |
| Torque | 47 lb-ft (64 Nm) | 49 lb-ft (67 Nm) |
| Versys 650 | Tracer 7 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 47 mpg (US) / 5.04 L/100 km | 55 mpg (US) / 4.3 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (21 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Versys 650 | Tracer 7 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 300 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 | 180/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Versys 650 | Tracer 7 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard |
| Luggage System | Option | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
