Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2015-2018) - Review & Buying Guide

The Versatile System (yep, that’s what Versys stands for) 1000 has always been a strong seller for Kawasaki as it delivers exactly what its target audience demand – ease, comfort, value for money and enough tech to satisfy and assist but not overwhelm. Rather than chase the sporty crossover market, Kawasaki instead ensured that their 17in-wheeled adventure bike was built for covering miles with minimal effort. And this sets it aside from the likes of the Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger Sport or BMW S1000XR. If you are looking for a bike to take you and a pillion on a touring holiday, the Versys is a great option. And the 2015-2018 generation features some fairly significant upgrades that make it the pick of the early models before they got considerably more high tech in 2019.

Pros & Cons

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Price

The Versys 1000 models, alongside their sports touring Z1000SX/Ninja 1000SX siblings, have always offered tremendous value for money and this generation is no exception. Although the 2015-2018 model only came in standard trim (the SE arrived in 2019), you still had the option of stock for £9749 or with panniers in Tourer form for £10,399 or with a top box as well in Grand Tourer for £11,099. Nowadays, prices for the standard model start at just under £5000 for one that has seen a bit of action with £5500-£6000 easily securing you a lower-mileage bike with luggage. The absolute top-whack for a fully-loaded GT model built in 2018 is £8500, however at this price point you may want to look at 2019 models instead as they come with some welcome extra mile-munching tech such as cruise control.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Engine & Performance

During the 2015 update, Kawasaki left the Versys’ 1043cc inline four relatively unchanged, which is a good thing as it is a cracking motor and ideally suited to life in a touring-targeted model. That all said, it did gain a bit more power (2bhp) and torque through revised ignition timing and internal tweaks as well as a new Assist and Slipper Clutch.

On the go the thing that strikes you the most about the Versys’ engine is just how smooth and strong it is throughout its mid-range. You tend to assume an inline four will be a bit top-endy but the engine in the Versys is anything but, delivering lots of roll-on performance from low down in its rev range. This tractability is at the expense of the usual top-end rush you get on a sporty model but that doesn’t matter on the Versys as it’s not the kind of bike you go chasing revs on. Instead, enjoy the slick gearbox, light clutch and flexible nature of its motor. Not to mention its reliability...

There are very, very, few reports of a Versys’ engine ever showing signs of issues and aside from the odd sensor going down, all should be well. Obviously you need to check its service history but they soak up miles and it isn’t uncommon to see a Versys advertised that has cleared 50,000 hassle-free miles – with many more ahead of it.

The three-level KTRC (traction control) performs very well considering it is a fairly basic system and the Versys’ easy-going power deliver means there is seldom the need to use the power-reducing feature, although it is handy to have in very wet and slippery conditions when the 25% drop in power and milder throttle map are appreciated.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Considering its fairly hefty 250kg weight and definite focus towards covering miles and practicality rather than sporting prowess, the Versys handles surprisingly well. You need to treat it with a bit of restraint as it can get a touch wobbly on its fairly long travel suspension (which is adjustable, check the shock’s remote preload adjuster moves freely) when you force it, however it’s far from bad and once you get used to how it responds, you can tramp on at a very merry pace. The brakes are more than up to the job and its bulk brings with it a welcome sense of stability. Overall, while it is far from a sports tourer, it is certainly a bike that doesn’t feel out of place on an Alpine Pass.

On straight roads the Versys remains rock-solid at speed - even when fully-loaded with a pillion, top box and panniers – and its suspension’s damping is pleasingly plush, merrily absorbing harsh bumps.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Comfort & Economy

According to Kawasaki, the 2015 Versys delivers better fuel economy than before but that’s debatable. Expect 45mpg, be happy when it records 50mph if you take it easy, and be prepared to fill the large 21-litre tank every 200 or so miles without worrying you are about to run dry. If you push it, 250 miles is possible.

In terms of comfort, the 2015 bike comes with an adjustable screen, whose height can be varied over a stepless range of 75mm, as well as enhanced weather protection and air flow around its fairing and 20mm taller bars. All in all, this results in an extremely comfortable bike you (and a pillion if required) can spend all day on. And with luggage attached!

Sensibly, Kawasaki strengthened the Versys’ frame and subframe in 2015 and that resulted in a payload of 220kg allowed, which is impressive. The official Kawasaki top box is rated for 5kg and has a 47-litre capacity while the panniers are 28-litres with 5kg rating (up from the old model’s 3kg). And yes, you can run a top box and panniers at the same time, which isn’t always the case on rival tourers...

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Equipment

As standard the Versys comes with ABS as well as three-stage traction control (KTRC) and two power modes (Full or Low), none of which are angle-responsive. Away from the tech, you get a host of practical features including an Assist and Slipper clutch, remote preload adjuster on the shock, adjustable span brake and clutch levers, adjustable screen, centre stand and clean-mount panniers. Upping the spec to the Touring or Grand Touring models adds accessories such as panniers, a top box, fog lights, heated grips, taller screen, crash protection, brush guards and more. There is even an accessory gear position indicator, which is a very handy item to have.

Owners tend to buy the variant that suits their needs and as a result aftermarket accessories such as panniers are rare. Ideally, you want a bike with official Kawasaki parts fitted as they integrate much better with the machine. Be a bit wary of any aftermarket electrical items fitted (alarm, heated grips, power supply) and check the loom hasn’t been badly hacked into and they turn off with the ignition.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Rivals

The Versys tends to go head-to-head with practical machines rather than sporty crossover bikes as its owners like to take it touring or on long runs.

Triumph Tiger 1050 (2007-2013) | Approx Price: £3000-£6000

Read more

Power/Torque

123bhp / 72lb-ft

Weight

245kg

Aprilia Caponord 1200 (2013-2017) | Approx Price: £3500-£6999

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Power/Torque

128bhp / 85lb-ft

Weight

239kg

Yamaha Tracer 900 (2015-2020) | Approx Price: £3999 - £7999

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Power/Torque

113bhp / 64lb-ft

Weight

210kg

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Verdict

This generation of Versys 1000 is the last of the ‘analogue’ bikes as the updated 2019-onwards machines come with a stack of tech such as cruise control, a quickshifter, angle-responsive electronics and even the option of semi-active suspension on the SE. To many this more basic spec is appealing as it represents less to go wrong and if that sounds like you, the Versys 1000 makes for a brilliant do-it-all. More than happy to commute, it is a wonderful two-up tourer that has bags of luggage capacity as well as sensible features such as a centre stand and adjustable screen as standard. It’s a touch lardy when compared to some of its rivals, but this isn’t always a bad thing as weight equals stability at speed and also greater creature comforts.

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2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Technical Specification