Adventure Motorcycles

2023Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

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The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 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 comfortable long-distance travel without sacrificing performance, it excels as an all-around machine combining sporty handling with practical ergonomics and fuel efficiency. Its liquid-cooled DOHC engine and advanced fuel injection make it equally at home on highways and challenging mountain roads.

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 257.0 kg
Seat height: 840 mm
Power: 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM

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

Other years 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail25%

Cornering75%

City riding65%

Daily riding85%

Touring92%

Two-up85%

Track40%

Best for: Built primarily as a sport-touring allrounder that blends comfortable long-haul capability with strong four-cylinder performance.
Built for: Refined, torquey, and gadget-laden, it feels like a smooth, planted grand tourer with sporty reserve power on tap.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking a lightweight off-road adventure bike or a 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?

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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 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE, 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: 120.0 HP (87.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 126 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: PKAXC1.04AAH-001
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.37 L/100km (43.8 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 0.3 CO 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: 0.4669 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
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
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. 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, Metallic Matte Sovereign Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black
Comments: Kawasaki's Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). Traction control. Electronic cruise Ccontrol. Windscreen.
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Capacity	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc
Seat height	840 mm	840 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

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MotorcycleDB

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a top-of-the-line adventure touring motorcycle that offers riders an exceptional balance of performance, comfort, and technology. With a powerful 1,043cc engine and advanced electronics, this bike provides an exhilarating riding experience on both paved roads and off-road trails. The SE model comes equipped with Kawasaki's proprietary electronic suspension system, which allows riders to easily adjust the suspension settings to suit their riding preferences and road conditions. Additionally, the Versys 1000 SE features a host of rider assists such as traction control, cornering ABS, and a quick shifter, making it a highly capable and safe touring machine.

Overall, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a premium adventure touring motorcycle that delivers impressive performance and versatility. Its advanced features and comfortable ergonomics make it a great choice for riders who enjoy long-distance touring and want a bike that can handle a variety of road conditions with ease. Whether you're cruising on the highway or exploring challenging terrain, the Versys 1000 SE offers a thrilling and confidence-inspiring ride that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning adventure enthusiasts.

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