No images available
Tap to enlarge
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Overview
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is an all-round motorcycle built around 1043 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.3:1. The bore and stroke measures 77 x 56 mm. 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 delivers 102 Nm @ 7700 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 Versys 1000 tips the scales at 239 kg, carries a 21-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 845 mm and spans a 1,520 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 Versys 1000 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
-
📏
Tall seat height: The 845 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Versys 1000 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Versys 1000 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Versys 1000. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Versys 1000's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Versys 1000. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 have?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 1043 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 weigh?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 weighs 239 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 make?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 produces 102 Nm @ 7700 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has a 21-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has a seat height of 845 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 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 have?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses Double disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper at the front and Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 use?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 180/55-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 was produced across 10 model years (2012-2023). 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 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2023 |
| Wet Weight |
292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs |
239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs |
239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs |
239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs |
250.0 kg / 551.2 lbs |
250.0 kg / 551.2 lbs |
250.0 kg / 551.2 lbs |
257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs |
257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs |
253.0 kg / 557.8 lbs |
| Engine Type |
In-line four, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
845 mm / 33.3 in. |
845 mm / 33.3 in. |
845 mm / 33.3 in. |
845 mm / 33.3 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. |
| Fuel Capacity |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 US gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 US gallons |
21.00 litres / 5.55 US gallons |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
155 mm |
155 mm |
155 mm |
155 mm |
150 mm |
150 mm |
150 mm |
150 mm |
150 mm |
150 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
6.1 inches |
6.1 inches |
6.1 inches |
6.1 inches |
5.9 inches |
5.9 inches |
5.9 inches |
5.9 inches |
5.9 inches |
5.9 inches |
| Fuel Control |
DOHC |
DOHC |
DOHC |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Displacement (cc) |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.0 cc |
1043.0 cc |
1043.0 cc |
Key Specifications
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Torque
102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions
Weight
239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Advertisement
Full 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Specifications
Comments
Small windscreen.
Colours
Orange/black, black, grey/black
Ground Clearance (mm)
155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
6.1 inches
Seat Height
845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height
1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length
2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width
900 mm / 35.4 in.
Fuel Capacity
21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight
239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
63.64 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1043.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
77.0 x 56.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.0 x 2.2 inches
Fuel System
Injection
Compression Ratio
10.3:1
Engine Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Ignition
Digital
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Sealed chain
Frame Type
Aluminium twin-tube
Suspension - Front
43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - Rear
Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake
27.0°
Trail
106 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
150 mm / 5.9 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
250 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-ZR17
Advertisement