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2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Specifications

Sport touring • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Overview

For 2016, Kawasaki offers the KLE 650 Versys as a sport touring motorcycle with 650 cc on tap. The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys is built around a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 10.6:1. Out on the road, the KLE 650 Versys delivers 51 kW @ 8500 rpm of peak power and 64 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2016 KLE 650 Versys tips the scales at 216 kg, carries a 21-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 840 mm and spans a 1415 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 31.9 kg lighter than the average sport touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys spec sheet below.

2016 KLE 650 Versys - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: Peak output on the KLE 650 Versys is 51 kW @ 8500 rpm and 64 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
  • Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
  • Large fuel range: With a 21-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.

Considerations

  • Tall seat height: A 840 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the KLE 650 Versys comes from fuel injection: Ø38 mm. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Brake disc and pad wear

2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless up front and Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the KLE 650 Versys means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Diamond, high-tensile steel chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

KLE 650 Versys - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept KLE 650 Versys settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a KLE 650 Versys's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the KLE 650 Versys's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys have?
The 2016 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.
How much does the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys weigh?
The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys weighs 216 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys make?
The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys produces 51 kW @ 8500 rpm of power and 64 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys?
The 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys has a 21-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 350-420 km between stops.
Is the 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys suitable for shorter riders?
The 2016 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 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys have?
The 2016 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 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys use?
The 2016 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 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys have?
The 2016 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

51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm

Torque

64 Nm / 6.5 kg--m @ 7000 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

216 kg / 476 lbs

Fuel Capacity

21 Litres / 5.5 US gal

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Full 2016 Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys Specifications

Year 2016
Make Model Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys
Seat Height 840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase 1415 mm / 55.7 in
Ground Clearance 170 mm / 6.6 in
Height 1100 mm / 43.3 in
Length 2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width 840 mm / 33.1 in
Fuel Capacity 21 Litres / 5.5 US gal
Wet Weight 216 kg / 476 lbs
Max Power 51 kW / 69 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque 64 Nm / 6.5 kg--m @ 7000 rpm
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 Induction Fuel injection: Ø38 mm
Ignition Digital CBI
Lubrication Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
Starter Electric
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
Final Drive Ratio 3.067 (46/15)
Gear Ratios 1st 2.438 (39/16) 2nd 1.714 (36/21) 3rd 1.333 (32/24) 4th 1.111 (30/27) 5th 0.966 (28/29) 6th 0.852 (23/27)
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
Wheel Travel - Front 150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 145 mm / 5.7 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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