Adventure Motorcycles

2017Kawasaki Versys 1000LT

44 fields on record

The 2017 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort without sacrificing performance. Known for its adjustable suspension, generous fuel capacity, and integrated windscreen, it excels at highway cruising while maintaining agile handling. The horizontal back-link rear suspension and comprehensive ABS braking system make it an ideal choice for adventure-minded touring enthusiasts.

Capacity: 1000.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 249.0 kg
Seat height: 841 mm
Power: 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT

vs the 2016

Spec	2016	2017
Fuel capacity	21.00 litres (5.55 US gallons)	20.80 litres (5.49 US gallons)
Front brakes	Double disc. ABS. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper	Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Rear brakes	Single disc. ABS. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.	Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.

Other years 2015 2016 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail25%

Cornering75%

City riding62%

Daily riding80%

Touring93%

Two-up85%

Track45%

Best for: A sport-touring machine built for covering long distances quickly and comfortably, with enough sporting edge to enjoy a twisty road along the way.
Built for: Refined and versatile, blending inline-four smoothness and midrange torque with touring comfort, wind protection, and standard luggage capability.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking a lightweight commuter, an off-road adventure bike, or a dedicated track weapon.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 841mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2017 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1000.0 ccm
Power: 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Torque: 102.0 Nm (10.4 kgf-m) @ 7700 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4819 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression: 10.3:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1519 mm
Overall length: 2240 mm
Overall width: 1026 mm
Overall height: 1400 mm
Seat height: 841 mm
Wet weight: 249.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.80 litres
Ground clearance: 150 mm
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
Front suspension: KYB 43mm inverted front fork with adjustable rebound and preload
Rear suspension: Horizontal back-link shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload, remote preload adjuster
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 150 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 102 mm