
Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT: NEW ADVENTURES. NEW VISTAS.
Introducing the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT…
The Kawasaki Versys® 650 LT allows riders to ride as long or as far as they want, on any type of road, and with
Kawasaki Quick Release 28-Liter Saddlebags and hand guards as standard equipment it’s touring ready straight
off the showroom.
The Versys 650, created to conquer your city or leave it far behind. Designed to conquer the urban jungle, its ultimate potential comes to life equipped with enhanced touring features, transporting you, your passenger and luggage to the next big adventure.
Dedicated features like an adjustable windscreen, colour TFT meter with smartphone connectivity, LED lighting and KTRC traction control ensure you enjoy every ride. Short office trip or weekend away, let the Versys 650 be your ultimate travel guide.
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT KRT Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- POWERFUL FUEL-EFFICIENT TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE TUNED FOR STRONG LOW TO
- MID-RANGE POWER
- KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (KTRC
- LED HEADLIGHTS
- 4-WAY ADJUSTABLE WINDSCREEN
- FULL-COLOR TFT INSTRUMENTATION WITH SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY
- STANDARD ABS
- LONG TRAVEL SUSPENSION
- 2-YEAR FACTORY WARRANTY
- Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
- TFT colour instrumentation with smartphone connectivity
- Windscreen with 80 mm of adjustability
- Versys family styling with LED lighting
- Hard saddlebags featuring KQR mounts
- Hand guards for increased wind protection
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2023 STREET MOTORCYCLES
Over the course of the past several years, the powersports industry has witnessed a significant increase in popularity with novice and experienced riders alike, turning to motorcycles, ATVs, side-x-sides, and personal watercraft. To continue to meet this growing demand Kawasaki has announced that select adventure touring, sport, and cruiser model year 2023 motorcycles will arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months giving riders the chance to “Let the good times roll.”
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT KRT Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
PERFORMANCE
SATISFYING POWER
The dependable fuel-injected 649cc, parallel twin engine powers this light and nimble street motorcycle with its lively performance and smooth acceleration. Tuned to deliver strong, quick-revving power, especially in the low- to mid-range, the engine inspires confidence for daily commuters and provides fun on weekend trips.
COMFORT & STYLE
ADDED CONVENIENCE
The windscreen and upper cowl offer considerable wind protection and add to the Versys® 650 motorcycle’s potential as a capable touring partner.
The windscreen’s four positions can conveniently be adjusted from the rider’s seat. The total range of adjustability is approximately 80mm, with the four positions spaced at 27mm intervals. Conveniently, adjustments can be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below the instrument panel.
*Windshield adjustment should be done when the bike is stopped.
ALL-DAY RIDING COMFORT
A slim, upright riding position offers maximum comfort for rides of any length. A short-style fuel tank positions the rider closer to the front wheel for increased controllability and offers a greater choice of forward-rearward sitting positions. Complementing the wide handlebar, the footpegs are positioned low and slightly forward of the seat, offering a relaxed position while also enabling sporty riding. The seat’s slim design in addition to the knee grip characteristics of the fuel tank afford freedom of movement, allowing the riders to change sitting position if needed. The stepped shape of the two-piece seat also provides support for the rider when accelerating.
USEFUL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
The 4.3-inch all-digital TFT (thin-film transistor) color instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, high-grade appearance and visibility. The screen’s background color is selectable (black or white), and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light.
Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, external air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder and the Kawasaki Economical Riding Indicator.
TAKE CONTROL
Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) features two modes that allow riders to adjust settings to suit the riding situation and rider preference. Mode 1, the least intrusive, helps to manage traction during cornering. In Mode 2, intervention occurs earlier. When excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained. Riders may also elect to turn the system OFF.
EVERYDAY FUNCTIONALITY
The clean-mount hard saddlebag system, featuring KQR™ mounts, makes mounting and removing the saddlebags quick and easy. The 7.3 gallon saddlebags are well integrated when mounted and the bike looks clean and sharp when the saddlebags are removed. Hand guards offer added wind protection and a 24-month limited warranty helps you ride with confidence.
ENGINE
Compact 649cc Twin-Cylinder, DOHC Engine
• Kawasaki Air Management System(KP) (KAMS) radiator fan cover helps direct hot engine air down to the ground and away from the rider.
• Compact parallel twin engine helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
• Tuned to deliver strong, responsive power from 3-6,000 rpm for greater acceleration from a stop.
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height, while the narrow pitch of the chrome composite(KP) plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width
• One-piece muffler and exhaust pipe helps boost top-end engine performance.
• Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullet-tip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization.
• 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation.
• Oil jets in the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling.
Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
• D38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature dual throttle valves(KP) for optimum performance and rideability. The sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the DFI® system has more precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor.
• Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
• Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy.
2-Mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) (KP)
• Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and reassurance under certain conditions to allow riders to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. Two modes allow riders to adjust settings to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
– Mode 1, the least intrusive, helps to manage traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, it facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel.
– In Mode 2, intervention occurs earlier. When excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, challenging patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement,
cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.
– A switch on the left switch housing gives the rider the option to turn the system off. KTRC is always on when the engine is started.
6-Speed Transmission
• Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shift drum into a compact layout.
• Positive Neutral Finder, a Kawasaki exclusive user-friendly feature.
• Rubber front engine mounts help reduce vibration for rider comfort.
• Double-pipe perimeter-frame(KP) is simple and unique and contributes to light handling character. A backbone-style rear subframe keeps the seat narrow for an easy reach to the ground while allowing a thick cushion for comfort.
• Strong rear sub-frame accommodates accessory direct-mount saddlebags and optional accessory top case can be mounted at same time for increased touring capacity.
• Swingarm contributes to light, easy handling. Gull-wing shape on the right side allows clearance for the aggressive muffler design.
Triple Petal Design Brake Discs
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps assist braking under certain conditions and features a compact Bosch control unit to save space and weight.
• Nissin brake calipers convey a sporty image and contain front and rear brake specific pads; the front providing strong initial bite and the rear offering optimum control and high overall brake force.
• Large rear petal brake disc helps handle heavier loads when accessories are added.
• Front brake calipers have large 27mm pistons for excellent brake feel.
• Petal design offers improved cooling and warp resistance.
Showa Front Fork
• Derived from high-spec forks on Kawasaki Ninja® sportbikes, the Showa fork separates damping and spring functions into each fork leg. Rebound damping adjustability is in the right fork leg and spring preload in the left leg.
Single-shock Rear Suspension
• The rear shock has a remote hydraulic preload adjuster that allows the rider to conveniently change preload, without tools, for various load conditions.
• Aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock complement the frame design to create an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub.
• Upper and side cowlings combine with tail cowl to provide a sharp sport image.
• Windscreen adds to rider comfort and uses a release below the instrument panel so that the operator can easily move the windscreen over its 3-inch range without using tools.
• Lightweight, stylish and bright LED lighting enhance the modern look with crisp light, and lightweight housings designed for both enhanced functionality and exceptionally sharp styling while consuming less power than standard lighting.
INTEGRATED KQR (KAWASAKI QUICK RELEASE) COLORMATCHED HARD CASE SADDLEBAGS
• Color-matched hard saddlebags are water resistant to protect cargo.
• Saddlebag design integrates with the tail section and is large enough to hold a typical full-faced helmet.
• Direct-mount system allows the saddlebags to be quickly and easily removed. When removed there is no supporting framework to detract from the Versys’ design.
• Convenient one-key lock system. Customized saddlebag locks are matched to the vehicle’s ignition key so that one key operates all locks on the bike.
• Each bag is close to the motorcycle’s centerline for a narrow profile
• Hand guards add to the long-range comfort and capability.
TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION
• 4.3-inch all-digital TFT (thin-film transistor) color instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, highgrade appearance.
• TFT delivers a high level of visibility. The screen’s background color is selectable (black or white), and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light.
• Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital barstyle tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder and the Kawasaki Economical Riding Indicator
• A Bluetooth® chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle
ERGONOMICS
• The footpegs are positioned for a relaxed riding position without compromising sport potential. The footpeg mounting plates are rubber mounted to help isolate the rider from vibration resin heel guards help prevent paint wear from the rider’s boots.
• Rubber-mounted handlebars help reduce vibration reaching the rider.
• Passenger grips provide a stylish handhold and accommodate the .KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) 28-liter Saddlebags.
• A Bluetooth® chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.
Available functions:
– Vehicle Info: information such as fuel gauge, odometer, maintenance schedule, etc can be viewed via the smartphone.
– Riding Log: GPS route information as well as vehicle running information can be logged and viewed via the smartphone.
– Telephone notices: when a call or mail is received by the smartphone, this is indicated on the instrument display.
– General Settings: general instrument display settings (such as preferred units, date, date format, etc) can be adjusted via the smartphone.
– Vehicle Settings: Riding Mode (Road, Sport, Rain, Rider) can be set in advance on the smartphone nd uploaded when in proximity of the bike, as can riding support systems (like KQS) and the payload mode.
• Once vehicle information has been downloaded to the app, it can be viewed on the smartphone. Available information includes: odometer, trip A, trip B, fuel gauge, remaining range, average gas mileage, average speed, max lean angle (right/left), battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil
change reminder, etc.
• Detailed riding logs including GPS information and vehicle running information can be recorded. While riding, the app tracks vehicle speed, rpm, gear position, throttle position, front brake fluid pressure, acceleration/deceleration, current mileage, and coolant temperature from moment to moment. Once the riding log has been saved, riders can review these items in a graphic-style display at any point along the route. The app can also display a ride summary, with information that may include: route travelled, total distance, total time, gas mileage (best/average), speed (best/average), max lean angle (right/left), etc. For either display mode, riders can select which items are displayed, and can arrange them in their preferred order.
• When riding with the app ON the bike and smartphone are always connected. When the engine is turned off, the latest riding information stored by the app may be viewed on the smartphone. Any vehicle setting changes made via the app while the engine is off, or while out of range, cannot be uploaded until the ignition is turned on and the smartphone is in range with the app ON. General settings can only be updated via the app when the bike and smartphone are connected.
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $11,699 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £8,349 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Transverse In-Line 4-Cylinder
Displacement 1043 cc
Bore & Stroke 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Maximum Torque 75.2 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.3:1
Fuel System DFI® with Keihin 38mm ETV Throttle Bodies (4)
Transmission 6-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Rake/Trail 27°/4.0 in
Front Wheel Travel 5.9 in
Rear Wheel Travel 5.9 in
Front Tire Size 120/70-17
Rear Tire Size 180/55-17
Wheelbase 59.8 in
Front Suspension 43mm Inverted Fork with KECS-controlled compression
and Rebound Damping and Manually-Adjustable Preload
Rear Suspension Horizontal Back-link, KECS-controlled compression
and Rebound Damping and Electronically-Controlled Preload Adjustment
Front Brake Type Dual 310mm Petal Disc with 4-Piston Caliper, ABS
Rear Brake Type Single 250mm Petal Disc, ABS
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.5 gal
Seat Height 33.1 in
Curb Weight= 568.9 lb.
Saddlebags, Handguards and Hardware weight (approximate) 20 lb.
Warranty 24 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
= Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
Engine 649cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Bore x Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission 6-speed, return
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Frame Diamond, high-tensile steel
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel ø41 mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound damping (right-side) and adjustable spring preload (left-side) / 150 mm (5.9 in)
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability / 145 mm (5.7 in)
Rake / Trail 25.0° / 108 mm
Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35°
Front Tire 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tire 160/60-ZR17M/C (69W)
Front Brakes Dual semi-floating ø300 mm petal discs with dual-piston calipers
Rear Brake ø250 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
DETAILS
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,165 x 840* x 1,420/1,360 mm (high/low) (85.2 x 33.1* x 55.9/53.5 in (high/low)) *Width without hand guards
Wheelbase 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Road Clearance 170 mm (6.7 in)
Seat Height 845 mm (33.3 in)
Curb Mass** 219 kg (483 lb) without saddlebags
Fuel Capacity 21 litres
Instrumentation Full-colour TFT screen with digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, external air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, and Economical Riding Indicator
Warranty 24 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months
2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement649 cm³
Bore x stroke83 x 60 mm
Compression ratio10.8:1
Valve systemDOHC, 8 valves
Fuel systemFuel injection: Ø 38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
IgnitionDigital
Starting SystemElectric
LubricationForced lubrication, semi‑dry sump
Gear Performance & Transmission
Maximum power49 kW {67 PS} / 8,500 rpm
Limited power version35.0 kW {48 PS} / 7,900 min
CO2 emission107 g/km
Power down kit 35 kWAvailable
Maximum torque61 N•m {6.2 kgf•m} / 7,000 rpm
Transmission6-speed
Final driveSealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios 1st2.438 (39/16)
Gear Ratios 2nd1.714 (36/21)
Gear Ratios 3rd1.333 (32/24)
Gear Ratios 4th1.111 (30/27)
Gear Ratios 5th0.966 (28/29)
Gear Ratios 6th0.852 (23/27)
Final reduction ratio3.067 (46/15
ClutchWet multi-disc
Suspensions Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, frontDual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Caliper: Dual piston
Brakes, rearSingle 250 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound damping (right side) and adjustable preload (left-side)
Suspension, rearOffset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability
Dimensions Frame & Dimensions
Frame typeTubular diamond, high-tensile steel
Trail108 mm
Wheel travel front150 mm
Wheel travel rear145 mm
Tyre, front120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Steering angle, left / right35˚/35˚
L x W x H2,165 x 840 x 1,360 mm
Wheelbase1,415 mm
Ground clearance170 mm
Fuel capacity21 litres
Seat height845 mm
Curb mass217 kg
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).