Kawasaki subjected its Versys 650 LT to a fairly major update just one year ago with the 2022 models, so the 2023 version is pretty much a direct carryover. The MY22 buff included the addition of LED lighting for the extra safety it brings to the table, and a color TFT display to handle all the instrumentation. A traction control feature further improves safety and stability, and the windscreen is now adjustable to dial in for preference.
ABS protection joins a long-stroke suspension to act as a bit of insurance for contact-patch integrity at both ends. This Kawasaki Versys comes set up with road use in mind, and to that end it's capable of handling the roughest urban jungle. You can go off-road on sand and gravel, but for any kind of serious terrain-tackling fun, a set of stealth knobbies may be a better choice.
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650
- 4.3-inch TFT Display
- Adjustable Windscreen
- Two-Channel Traction Control
- Tuned For Low- To Mid-Range Power
- Broad Powerband And Tractable Nature
- Model: Versys 650
- Engine:: 649 cc Parallel-Twin
- Power Output: 66 HP
- Torque: 44.8 LB-FT
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
- MSRP: $10,099
- Ample Electronics Support
- Good Design For A Commuter Bike
- Adjustable Comfort
- No Cruise Control
- Lack Of Paint Selection
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 Performance And Capability
Power for the Versys 650 comes from a parallel-twin engine, and since it's liquid-cooled, it has good thermal stamina for use in slow traffic or off-road work under the summer sun. The engine comes with downdraft fans that pull heat down and away from the pilot, so you won't have to roast in slow or stop-n-go scenarios.
Dual over-head cams time the four-valve head with 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies to meter the mixture. Bore and stroke mic out at 83 mm and 60 mm respectively to give it a 649 cc total displacement and 10.8-to-1 compression ratio that should be fairly forgiving at the pump. The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT produces 66 horsepower and 44.8 pound-feet of torque.
For the 2022 update, a dual-mode traction control comes with the stock equipment package to help you get the most out of the power. A slipper clutch adds another layer of safety for the rear contact patch by limiting the backtorque that makes it all the way through the drivetrain to the engine. Power flows through a six-speed transmission with an O-ring chain final drive that turns out an estimated Versys 650 top speed of around 128 mph.
The engine comes with a 180-out firing order that delivers smooth power throughout the range. Plus, an automatic fast-idle system helps stabilize the idle on cold starts for you intrepid cold-weather riders out there.
Design
Sleek and curvaceous, the Versys 650 manages to balance the expected look for an adventure bike. With its body structure and tall fuel tank against that je ne sais quoi that defines the typical Kawi look, its brand-typical spikes and sweeps join the Versys family more in line with the 1000.
Dual LED headlights ride in the angular front fairing to split the night, but unfortunately, the front blinkers are kind of just stuck lower on the fairing where brush strikes or drop damage can easily wipe them off. The windscreen up top offers the pilot some protection and comes vented to mitigate the head-buffet effect. Part of the 2022 update, the screen has four possible positions from which to choose. However, it takes both hands to adjust the height, so you can't safely do it on the fly.
Behind the glass, a 4.3-inch, color Thin Film Transistor display screen displays all the pertinent metrics in one location along with the electronic ride-control interface. Stock hand guards protect your hamburger shovels.
It's impossible to overstate how much utility the stock hard bags add. Not only do they provide secure dry storage, but the Kawasaki Quick Release hardware allows you to quickly remove them. There's also an accessory bag liner that lets you pull the contents out in a convenient tote rather than pulling the 28-liter bags off themselves.
The pillion pad comes with grab rails that can double as an anchor for a bungee net for some added external storage options. If you really want to get serious about luggage, the accessory top case maxes out your cargo capacity.
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Specs | |
|---|---|
Length | 85.2 in |
Width | 33.1 in |
Height (windshield up/down) | 53.5 in/55.9 in |
Seat Height | 33.3 in |
Wheelbase | 55.7 in |
Ground Clearance | 6.7 in |
Fuel Capacity | 5.5 gals |
Curb Weight | 482.9 lb +20 w/ saddlebags & hand guards |
Chassis
A high-tensile steel, double-pipe perimeter frame on the Versys 650 provides the main structure and sports rubber engine mounts up front for effective vibration isolation. The seat and waist are kept narrow through the use of a backbone-style subframe section. Rake and trail measure at 25 degrees and 4.3 inches respectively to put the Versys 650 well into the nimble end of the spectrum.
As for the stems, 41 mm separate-function forks float the front end on 5.9 inches of travel while the lay-down rear shock provides for 5.7 inches of travel. Both ends rock adjustable spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustments, so you can dial in for all that cargo and/or passenger weight.
The symmetrical, 17-inch, cast-alloy wheels round out the rolling chassis in typical streetbike fashion, and come shod with Dunlop Sportmax D222 hoops that perform on both blacktop and brown, though with a bias for the former.
Dual, twin-piston calipers bind 300 mm front discs with a single-pot anchor and 250 mm disc out back. Front and rear, the discs come in a petal-cut design that dissipates waste heat better than a plain round disc. ABS protection helps prevent lockups at both ends.
Chassis & Suspension | |
|---|---|
Frame | Double pipe diamond frame constructed from high-tensile steel |
Front Suspension/ Travel | 41 mm telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and spring preload/ 5.9 in |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Single offset laydown shock with remote adjustable spring preload/ 5.7 in |
Rake | 25° |
Trail | 4.3 in |
Front Tire | 120/70 ZR-17 |
Rear Tire | 160/60 ZR-17 |
Front Brake | Dual 300 mm petal-style discs with 2-piston calipers, ABS |
Rear Brake | 250 mm petal-style disc with single-piston caliper, ABS |
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 Price And Availability
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT costs $10,099. Unfortunately, it only comes in the Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway, but if black-on-black is your favorite, you're in luck.
Pricing & Features | |
|---|---|
Features | TFT display. Traction Control, Smartphone Connectivity, ABS, KQR Saddlebag Mounts |
Warranty | 12-Month Limited Warranty |
Colors | Metallic Spark Black/ Metallic Flat Spark Black |
Price | |
└ 2022 | $9,999 |
└ 2023 | $10,099 |
Competitors
Rather than hitting up one of the Big Four, I decided to look to the West. I found a likely competitor in Triumph's Tiger Sport 660.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
The Tiger is somewhat cleaner looking with less sculpting and more pragmatic features. You can call it stodgy if you want. I call it essential with a different idea about aesthetics.
The triple-cylinder engine is a skosh larger at 660 cc, and it produces 81 horsepower and 47.2 pound-feet of torque against 66/44.8 for an outsized performance increase over the Kawi lump. Trumpet packs in the electronics with switchable traction control and dual riding modes, but holds its quick shifter in reserve on the accessories list.
No bags on the Brit, which means you'll have to go out of pocket to add some luggage. With that in mind, the Tiger Sport 660 rolls for $9,695 stock, but by the time you add bags, you'll break even with the Kawi. At least the Brit comes in more colorways with some nice-looking two-tone packages up for grabs.
He Said
Definitely not your typical adventure bike, though Ducati's Multistrada comes close with its own curvature of design. My only gripe with the looks is the ho-hum paint job; all black over blackout underpinnings is just a little too much for my taste.
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
"Without ride-by-wire, it's more of an effort to include cruise control, but this is the big downside of the Versys 650. It has traction control after the 2022 update, but it still lacks cruise control. That's a basic element for something called a {tourer}. It's a big bike, but not a 'heavy' bike. Adding cruise control without RbW would add a little weight, but you have to pick between adding weight or adding a RbW system."
“The 2022 update brings the look of the 650 in line with the Versys 1000. Performance and handling make it a capable commuter, and if you don't mind not having cruise control, it's a sporty tourer.”
FAQ
Q: How fast can a Kawasaki Versys 650 go?
Top speed of the Kawasaki Versys 650 is 128 MPH (206 km/h)
Q: Is the Kawasaki Versys 650 heavy?
According to cycleworld.com, the fully-fueled weight of the Kawasaki Versys 650 is 500 pounds.
Q: Is Kawasaki Versys 650 powerful enough?
If your expectations aren't high and your adventures aren't taxing, the horsepower and torque produced by the Veryss 650 are enough. Pushing 500 pounds, though, 66 horsepower and not-quite 45 pound-feet of torque aren't impressive.
Q: Is a Kawasaki Versys 650 a touring bike?
Slated as a sporty tourer, the Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT are capable adventure bikes. The lack of cruise control misses a tick-box for basic touring-bike features, but comfort and an ample electronics suite are included in the package.