Naked Motorcycles
2008Kawasaki Versys
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The 2008 Kawasaki Versys is a versatile middleweight sport-tourer designed for riders seeking a practical alternative to traditional sportbikes. Known for its upright riding position, manageable 649cc four-cylinder engine, and nimble handling, it excels at combining everyday comfort with spirited performance. The Versys appeals to commuters and weekend warriors who value accessible power and all-day rideability over extreme sportiness. A factory ABS option was also available.
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 181.0 kg
- Seat height
- 838 mm
- Power
- 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)
What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Versys
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 63.0 HP (46.3 kW) | 67.3 HP (49.5 kW) |
| Torque | 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m or 45.0 ft.lbs) @ 6800 RPM | 64.0 Nm (6.5 kgf-m or 47.2 ft.lbs) @ 6800 RPM |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in. |
| Rear suspension | Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload | Single offset laydown shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload / 5.7 in. |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs | Double disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single 220 mm petal disc | Single disc |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as a versatile all-rounder for mixed commuting, weekend rides, and light touring rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- A friendly, torquey twin-cylinder machine that favors smooth, predictable handling over outright excitement.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders seeking serious off-road capability or track-focused speed.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 649.0 ccm
- Power
- 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)
- EPA Certificate No.
- 8KAXC.649AAB-012
- EPA CO Emissions
- 5.0 CO g/km
- Torque
- 64.0 Nm (6.5 kgf-m) @ 6800 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3718 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 83.0 x 60.0 mm
- Compression
- 10.6:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- CDI
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1415 mm
- Overall length
- 2126 mm
- Overall width
- 841 mm
- Overall height
- 1316 mm
- Seat height
- 838 mm
- Dry weight
- 181.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 206.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 18.90 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in.
- Rear suspension
- Single offset laydown shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload / 5.7 in.
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 25.0°
- Trail
- 109 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 120/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 160/60-17
Other
- Color options
- Passion Red
- Fuel Tank Material
- Metal
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2011 | 2012 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc | 649 cc |
| Dry weight | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat height | 840 mm | 838 mm | 841 mm | 846 mm | 846 mm | 846 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 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?
The 2008 Kawasaki Versys has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Versys have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Versys has a Power of 67.3 HP (49.5 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Versys have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Versys has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Versys?
The 2008 Kawasaki Versys has a Torque of 64.0 Nm (6.5 kgf-m or 47.2 ft.lbs) @ 6800 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Versys weigh?
The 2008 Kawasaki Versys has a Dry weight of 181.0 kg (399.0 pounds).
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