Adventure Motorcycles

2021Kawasaki Versys 1000 Tourer

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The 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Tourer is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort without sacrificing performance. Its 1043cc inline-four engine delivers 118 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque, making it equally capable on highways and winding roads. Known for its upright ergonomics, excellent wind protection, and versatile handling, it excels at covering miles while maintaining sporty dynamics.

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

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What’s new for the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Tourer

vs the 2020

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

Other years 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%

Cornering72%

City riding60%

Daily riding80%

Touring95%

Two-up88%

Track40%

Best for: Built primarily for long-distance touring with the ability to handle spirited road riding when desired.
Built for: A refined, electronically-adjustable sport-tourer that blends inline-four performance with all-day comfort and premium touring amenities.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for off-road adventures, tight urban parking, or riders seeking a lightweight, minimalist motorcycle.

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

Will it fit you?

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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 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 →

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Range and running costs

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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: 1400 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: 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: 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 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	2015	2017	2020	2021	2022	2024
Capacity	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc
Seat height	845 mm	845 mm	840 mm	840 mm	840 mm	840 mm
Fuel capacity	21 L	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

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MotorcycleDB

The 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Tourer is a powerful and versatile motorcycle that is perfect for both city commuting and long-distance touring. The bike's 1,043cc inline four-cylinder engine delivers impressive acceleration and smooth power delivery, while the comfortable seating position and adjustable windscreen make for a relaxed and enjoyable ride. The Tourer variant comes equipped with a set of hard panniers and a top case, offering ample storage space for extended trips. With its advanced suspension and traction control systems, the Versys 1000 Tourer provides excellent handling and stability, making it a great choice for riders seeking a reliable and capable adventure touring bike.

Overall, the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Tourer is a fantastic option for riders looking for a do-it-all motorcycle that can handle any type of road or weather condition. Its powerful engine, comfortable ergonomics, and versatile luggage options make it a top choice for long-distance touring, while its nimble handling and advanced electronics ensure a thrilling experience on twisty backroads. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a commuter seeking a capable and practical bike, the Versys 1000 Tourer is sure to impress with its blend of performance, comfort, and versatility.

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