2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Specifications

Name: 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys
Brand: Kawasaki

Sport touring • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Overview

Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is a sport touring motorcycle, displacing 650 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 10.6:1. On the performance side, it delivers 47 kW @ 8000 rpm of peak power and 61 Nm @ 6800 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 197 km/h. On the road, the 2008 KLE 650 Versys tips the scales at 181 kg, carries a 19-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 840 mm and spans a 1415 mm wheelbase. The full 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys compared with other bikes in the Sport touring category

We checked the recorded figures for the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys against up to 364 bikes in the Sport touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

Only 28 of the other 219 bikes in the Sport touring category have a lower power output than the 47 kW of the KLE 650 Versys.
With 61 Nm, the KLE 650 Versys has the joint 45th lowest torque of 314 bikes in the Sport touring category, 34% below the category average of 93.1 Nm.
Seat height of 840 mm is taller than that of 298 of the other 363 bikes in the Sport touring category.
Narrowing the field to the 72 models within five model years of it, the power output of 47 kW is lower than that of every one of the other 71.

2008 KLE 650 Versys - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 47 kW @ 8000 rpm and 61 Nm @ 6800 rpm of torque on tap, the KLE 650 Versys is no slouch for its class.
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
Large fuel range: A 19-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 840 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

KLE 650 Versys's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.

Fuelling & injector care

The fuel injection: Ø38 mm on the KLE 650 Versys needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from 2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The KLE 650 Versys's suspension runs 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless at the front. The rear uses Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The KLE 650 Versys uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Diamond, high-tensile steel, the KLE 650 Versys's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

KLE 650 Versys - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys with its 650 cc sport touring, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 18 years old, this sport touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy KLE 650 Versys should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the KLE 650 Versys's 650 cc four stroke, parallel twin, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 10.6:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Fuel system care

Fuel injection on the KLE 650 Versys needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.

2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys have?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys uses a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 650 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has a factory-quoted top speed of 197 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys weigh?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys weighs 181 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys make?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys produces 47 kW @ 8000 rpm of power and 61 Nm @ 6800 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has a 19-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.

Is the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys suitable for shorter riders?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has a seat height of 840 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys have?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys uses 2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers at the front and single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys use?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys runs 120/70ZR17 front and 160/60ZR17M rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys have?

The 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys was produced across 7 model years (2008-2016). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2008	2010	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Max Power	47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm	47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm	47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm	47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm	47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm	51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm	51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm
Engine Detail	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Capacity	19 Litres / 5.0 gal	19 Litres / 5.0 gal	19 Litres / 5.0 gal	19 Litres / 5.0 gal	19 Litres / 5.0 gal	21 Litres / 5.5 gal	21 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Suspension - Front	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.	41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.
Suspension - Rear	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload.	Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload.
Height	1315.7 mm / 51.8 in	1315.7 mm / 51.8 in	1315.7 mm / 51.8 in	1315.7 mm / 51.8 in	1315.7 mm / 51.8 in	1100 mm / 43.3 in	1100 mm / 43.3 in
Length	2126 mm / 83.7 in	2126 mm / 83.7 in	2126 mm / 83.7 in	2126 mm / 83.7 in	2126 mm / 83.7 in	2165 mm / 85.2 in.	2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width	840 mm / 33.1 in	840 mm / 33.1 in	840 mm / 33.1 in	840 mm / 33.1 in	840 mm / 33.1 in	840 mm / 33.1 in.	840 mm / 33.1 in

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm

Torque

61 Nm / 6,2 kgf-m @ 6800 rpm

Top Speed

197 km/h / 122.4 mph

Weight

181 kg / 399 lbs

Fuel Capacity

19 Litres / 5.0 gal

Full 2008 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Specifications

Year 2007 - 08

Make Model Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

Seat Height 840 mm / 33.1 in

Wheelbase 1415 mm / 55.7 in

Height 1315.7 mm / 51.8 in

Length 2126 mm / 83.7 in

Width 840 mm / 33.1 in

Dry Weight 181 kg / 399 lbs

Fuel Capacity 19 Litres / 5.0 gal

Top Speed 197 km/h / 122.4 mph

Max Power 47 kW / 64 hp @ 8000 rpm

Max Torque 61 Nm / 6,2 kgf-m @ 6800 rpm

Standing Start 0-1000 m 25.7 sec / 178.2 km/h

Standing Start ¼ Mile 13.1 sec / 160.4 km/h

Displacement 650 cc / 39.6 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke 83 X 60mm

Compression Ratio 10.6:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Consumption 19.3 km/lit

Fuel Induction Fuel injection: Ø38 mm

Ignition Digital CBI

Starter Electric

Final Drive Chain

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Diamond, high-tensile steel

Suspension - Front 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload

Suspension - Rear Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload

Rake 25°

Trail 110 mm / 4.3 in

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70ZR17

Tyres - Rear 160/60ZR17M

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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