+ Add a photo

Adventure Motorcycles

2021Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer

Rate this bike

42 fields on record

The 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer is a versatile sport-tourer powered by a 1043cc inline-four engine delivering 118 horsepower and 102 Nm torque. Built for riders seeking long-distance comfort without sacrificing performance, it excels at highway touring while maintaining spirited handling and agility. Its balanced nature makes it ideal for adventure-minded riders who value both everyday practicality and dynamic riding experiences.

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 257.0 kg
Seat height: 840 mm
Power: 118.3 HP (86.3 kW) @ 9000 RPM

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

What’s new for the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer

vs the 2020

Spec	2020	2021
Wet weight	250.0 kg (551.2 pounds)	257.0 kg (566.6 pounds)

Other years 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail25%

Cornering68%

City riding60%

Daily riding78%

Touring95%

Two-up88%

Track30%

Best for: Built primarily for long-distance touring and comfortable road covering with a pillion and luggage, blending sport-touring performance with all-day comfort.
Built for: A refined, torquey in-line four with a plush chassis, full electronics suite, and standard hard luggage that rewards smooth, unhurried riding over long distances.
Not ideal for: Not the ideal choice for riders seeking a lightweight city commuter, an off-road adventure bike, or a razor-sharp track-focused sportbike.

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 840mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer, 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 →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based 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.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Power: 118.3 HP (86.3 kW) @ 9000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 132 CO2 g/km
Torque: 102.0 Nm (10.4 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.4603 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: 257.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 21.00 litres
Ground clearance: 150 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Twin-tube, aluminium
Front suspension: 43 mm inverted fork with KECS-controlled rebound and compression damping, manual spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Rear suspension: Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite shock, KECS-controlled compression damping, rebound damping and 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. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rear brakes diameter: 250 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Pearl Storm Grey/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black

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	2012	2015	2018	2021	2024
Capacity	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc
Seat height	845 mm	845 mm	840 mm	840 mm	840 mm
Fuel capacity	21 L	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

—

☆☆☆☆☆

Be the first to rate

MotorcycleDB

The 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer is an impressive motorcycle that offers exceptional performance and comfort for long-distance riding. With its powerful 1,043cc engine and smooth handling, this bike is perfect for those looking for a reliable and capable touring machine. The Grand Tourer edition comes equipped with a range of features such as panniers, handguards, and a center stand, making it ideal for riders who want to hit the road and explore the world in style and convenience.

In addition to its practical features, the Versys 1000 Grand Tourer boasts a modern and stylish design that is sure to turn heads on the road. Its comfortable seating position and advanced suspension system ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride, while its advanced technology, including a TFT display and smartphone connectivity, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall riding experience. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or cruising with a passenger, the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer is a top choice for riders who demand both performance and comfort from their motorcycle.

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.