2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Specifications

Name: 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000
Brand: Kawasaki

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Overview

Kawasaki Versys 1000 is an all-round motorcycle, displacing 1043 cc. Power comes from an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.3:1. Bore and stroke come in at 77 x 56 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 102 Nm @ 7700 Revolutions of torque. On the road, 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. That's roughly 31.5 kg heavier than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. The full 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2015 Versys 1000 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Large fuel range: A 21-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 845 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

Fuelling & injector care

The fuel injection on the Versys 1000 needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.

Valve clearance checks

With Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve gear, the Versys 1000 needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from Double disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The Versys 1000's suspension runs 43 mm inverted fork with stepless at the front. The rear uses Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged,. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The Versys 1000 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 Aluminium twin-tube, the Versys 1000's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

Handling the weight at a standstill

239 kg puts the Versys 1000 toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

Versys 1000 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Versys 1000 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a Versys 1000's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Fuel system care

Fuel injection on the Versys 1000 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.

Valve clearance service

Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used Versys 1000 since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's 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. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 350-420 km between stops.

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

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity

21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons

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

Max Torque 102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions

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

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