The finest experiences in life are those on a bike. There are new obstacles to face every day. There are entirely new views beyond the familiar pathways. The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike makes traveling on unknown routes simpler and distant locations closer. You and the Versys 1000 have the answers when adventure calls. ANY ROAD, ANY TIME.
2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike – Features and Specs
Electronic Cruise Control
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike features an Electronic Cruise Control system that allows riders to maintain a desired speed with a button, reducing the need for constant throttle modulation during long journeys and enhancing overall riding comfort.
Also Read:Â 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Sports Touring Bike Review
Engine output is automatically adjusted by the Electronic Throttle Valves to maintain the set speed, even when encountering inclines or declines, with adjustments possible using the designated buttons.
Disengagement of the cruise control occurs intuitively when braking, clutching, shifting gears, or closing the throttle beyond its zero position, ensuring rider control and safety.
Additionally, the system automatically disengages during significant traction control intervention, providing reassurance during dynamic riding situations.
Engine
The engine of the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike is meticulously tuned to deliver robust low and mid-range torque with a seamlessly smooth power delivery. Adding to the riding experience is an alluring intake howl that enhances the engine feel, particularly enjoyable during acceleration.
Moreover, it maintains good over-rev characteristics, ensuring power remains consistent even at high rpm. A secondary balancer is strategically integrated to mitigate excess vibration while preserving the bike’s character. The generator provides ample power output at low rpm for various accessories.
Lastly, the engine’s versatility enables equally satisfying performance, whether cruising at low rpm or pushing aggressively in the mid-high range.
Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
Electronic throttle valves (ETV) are included in the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike to optimize fuel and air delivery, guaranteeing a smooth and natural engine response.
In contrast to conventional systems, the Kawasaki ETV system places the accelerator sensor at the handlebar, removing the need for throttle cable maintenance and offering a tactile sensation similar to traditional throttles.
Precise fuel injection settings improve low-speed agility and roll-on power by enabling linear power delivery and fast throttle response. Longer intake funnels maximize the thrill of street riding, while downdraft throttle bodies reduce the length of the air route for better performance. Oval sub-throttle valves and 38mm throttle bores add to the engine’s low profile and smooth responsiveness.
The bike’s capability for sports riding is increased with Denso long-type injectors, which improve combustion efficiency and provide linear power delivery and accurate throttle control.
Exhaust System
Large connector pipes are used by the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike to link exhaust headers 1-4 and 2-3, reducing exhaust resistance and guaranteeing excellent flow and performance over the whole rpm range. Three-way catalyzers inside the exhaust collector preserve performance while adhering to pollution rules.
A lightweight, sleek muffler adds to the bike’s visual appeal and helps reduce weight overall. The under-engine pre-chamber also makes it possible to utilize a smaller-volume silencer, contributing to mass centralization. Compared to dual mufflers, the single-side muffler arrangement cuts weight even more, improving the motorcycle’s handling and agility.
Assist & Slipper Clutch(KP)
The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike clutch system has an assist feature that uses rotational forces from the pressure plate and clutch hub during acceleration to lessen the need for hefty clutch springs, which makes the clutch feel lighter at the lever.
Furthermore, in high back-torque scenarios—like forceful downshifts—the Slipper function activates, allowing regulated clutch slippage to avert rear wheel hop, engine lock-up, and stalling. A judder spring component is included to ensure smooth functioning during gear changes and decrease the judder when removing the clutch.
Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
With its contactless rapid shifter, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike offers smooth clutchless upshifts and downshifts for adequate deceleration and smooth acceleration. To provide clutch-less gear engagement, the system senses shift lever actuation during acceleration and instructs the ECU to turn off the ignition briefly.
On the other hand, as the vehicle slows down, the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) technology automatically controls engine speed to allow for clutchless downshifting. Notably, the KQS feature ensures optimum performance and dependability at lower engine speeds by inactive below 2,500 rpm.
6-Speed Transmission
Gear ratios of the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike are designed to accommodate a variety of riding conditions. While the lengthy third through sixth ratios support comfortable highway cruising and aggressive sport riding, the short first gear facilitates smooth starts with big loads. It ensures adaptability and excellent performance in a range of riding scenarios.
Frame
With its aluminum twin-tube frame, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike ensures agile handling and improved knee grip thanks to beams that cross over the engine.
The lightweight yet sturdy frame helps with planted feel, stability, and agile turning by using the engine as a stressed component. It has a smooth surface finish and is made of five cast aluminum sections, including the steering stem and significant frames.
The welds were positioned deliberately to create an aesthetic effect. Chassis stiffness is increased by reinforcing pipes for the lengthy suspension configuration. The steel pipe trellis rear sub-frame supports the motorcycle’s large cargo capacity. Engine mounts improve handling and reduce vibration, such as the rubberized upper rear crankcase and front cylinder mounts.
While the Horizontal Back-link connection above the swing arm enhances mass centralization and fits the exhaust pre-chamber, the traditional center stand makes maintenance easier.
2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE Touring Bike – Technical Specifications
Power
Engine | 1,043cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four |
Bore x Stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 4 |
Ignition | Digital |
Starting | Electric |
Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
Transmission | 6-speed, return |
Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
Final Drive | Chain |
Performance
Frame | The twin tube, aluminum |
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | ø43 mm inverted fork including KECS-controlled compression & rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability, & top-out springs / 150mm (5.9 inches) |
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock including piggyback reservoir, KECS-controlled compression, & rebound damping, and electronic spring preload adjustability / 152mm (6 inches) |
Rake / Trail | 27-degree / 106mm |
Steering Angle (L/R) | 34-degree / 34-degree |
Front Tire | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
Rear Tire | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
Front Brakes | Dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs including radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers |
Rear Brake | ø250 mm petal disc inclusingle-piston caliper |
Details
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,270mm x 950mm x 1,530/1,490mm (high/low) (89.4 inches x 37.4 inches x 60.2/58.7 inches (high/low)) |
Wheelbase | 1,520 mm (59.8 in) |
Road Clearance | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Seat Height | 840mm (33.1 inches) |
Curb Mass | 257 kg (567 lb) without saddlebags |
Fuel Capacity | 21 litres |
Instrumentation | Analog-style tachometer + full-colour TFT screen including digital speedometer, gear position indicator, odometer, fuel gauge,dual trip meters, current & average fuel consumption, remaining range, coolant temperature, bank angle display, and max bank angle recording function, average speed, total time, intake air temperature, ice warning, clock, Economical Riding Indicator, and IMU indicator |
Warranty | 24 months |
Kawasaki Protection Plus | 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months |