Adventure Motorcycles

2016Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

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The 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS is a versatile sport-touring middleweight designed for riders seeking a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. Known for its upright ergonomics, accessible seat height, and stable handling, it excels at both spirited road riding and long-distance touring. The ABS-equipped braking system and adjustable suspension make it equally suitable for novice and experienced riders exploring varied terrain.

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 206.0 kg
Seat height: 846 mm
Power: 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)

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How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail35%

Cornering70%

City riding65%

Daily riding80%

Touring85%

Two-up75%

Track30%

Best for: Built as a versatile all-rounder for commuting, backroad carving, and long-distance touring rather than outright speed or serious off-roading.
Built for: A practical, easygoing middleweight that favors smooth, predictable handling over aggressive sportiness.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders chasing track-day thrills or serious technical off-road adventure riding.

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 846mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS, 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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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Power: 67.3 HP (49.5 kW)
Torque: 44.8 Nm (4.6 kgf-m) @ 6800 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3267 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: TCBI with electronic advance
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1415 mm
Overall length: 2126 mm
Overall width: 841 mm
Overall height: 1331 mm
Seat height: 846 mm
Dry weight: 206.0 kg
Wet weight: 216.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 170 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload
Rear suspension: Single offset laydown shock with 13-position adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 145 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.0°
Trail: 109 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Two-piston calipers. ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single-piston caliper. ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 120/70-17
Rear tyre: 160/60-17

Other

Color options: Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Matte Orange/Metallic Spark Black
Warranty: 12
Comments: Small windscreen.

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	2016	2018	2021	2024	2026
Capacity	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc
Dry weight	206 kg	206 kg	206 kg	—	—	—
Seat height	846 mm	846 mm	840 mm	840 mm	840 mm	840 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	21 L	21 L	21 L	21 L