Adventure Motorcycles
2023Kawasaki Versys 1000 S
44 fields on record
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is a versatile sport-touring motorcycle powered by a 1043cc inline-four engine delivering 120 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. Built for riders seeking all-day comfort with spirited performance, it excels at long-distance touring while remaining agile enough for engaging road riding. Its liquid-cooled engine and comprehensive chassis make it equally at home on highways or winding backroads.
- Capacity
- 1043.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 255.0 kg
- Seat height
- 840 mm
- Power
- 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM
What’s new for the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S
vs the 2022| Spec | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | 43 mm inverted fork with KECS-controlled rebound and compression damping, manual spring preload adjustability and top-out springs | 43 mm inverted fork with rebound damping (right-side) and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite shock, KECS-controlled compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper | Double disc. ABS. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper. | Single disc. ABS. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper. |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a versatile sport-tourer that blends long-distance comfort with genuine backroad sportiness.
- Built for
- A refined, torquey inline-four allrounder that feels planted, smooth, and eager on twisty roads or motorway miles alike.
- Not ideal for
- Not ideal for riders seeking a lightweight commuter or genuine off-road adventure capability.
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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1043.0 ccm
- Power
- 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 128 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 102.0 Nm (10.4 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.4706 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
- Digital
- 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
- 1520 mm
- Overall length
- 2270 mm
- Overall width
- 950 mm
- Overall height
- 1490 mm
- Seat height
- 840 mm
- Wet weight
- 255.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 21.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 150 mm
- Carrying capacity
- 56L Panniers
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Twin-tube, aluminium
- Front suspension
- 43 mm inverted fork with rebound damping (right-side) and spring preload adjustability
- Rear suspension
- Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 152 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 27.0°
- Trail
- 106 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. ABS. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
- Front brakes diameter
- 310 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. ABS. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Matte Sovereign Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black
- Comments
- Small windscreen. Smartphone connectivity. Sport, road, rain riding modes.
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1043 cc | 1043 cc | 1043 cc | 1043 cc |
| Seat height | 838 mm | 838 mm | 840 mm | 840 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L | 21 L | 21 L | 21 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S?
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a Capacity of 1043.0 ccm (63.65 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S have?
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a Power of 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S have?
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S?
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a Torque of 102.0 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S weigh?
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a Wet weight of 255.0 kg (562.2 pounds).
Shop this bike
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The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is a powerful and versatile adventure touring motorcycle that excels in both long-distance riding and tackling off-road trails. Its 1043cc inline-four engine delivers strong acceleration and impressive top-end power, making it a thrilling ride for both experienced and novice riders. The motorcycle's advanced electronic aids, such as traction control, cornering ABS, and various ride modes, provide added confidence and control in diverse riding conditions. With its comfortable ergonomics, customizable windscreen, and spacious luggage options, the Versys 1000 S is a fantastic choice for riders looking to explore new destinations with ease and comfort.
Kawasaki's attention to detail is evident in the Versys 1000 S, with premium features such as a full-color TFT display, smartphone connectivity, and LED lighting enhancing the overall riding experience. The motorcycle's rugged build quality, adjustable suspension, and generous fuel capacity make it well-suited for extended adventures, while its nimble handling and agile nature ensure enjoyable performance on twisty roads. Whether commuting in the city or embarking on an epic road trip, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S offers a winning combination of power, versatility, and technology for riders seeking a capable and reliable adventure touring motorcycle.
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