Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
2024 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE: 120 hp adventure tourer, 1,043 cc inline-four, semi-active suspension, 257 kg, €17,749. Full specs and press reviews.
At a glance
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a road-biased adventure bike on 17-inch wheels, powered by a 1,043 cc, 120 hp inline-four, with semi-active suspension and a wet weight of 257 kg. Replaced in Europe by the Versys 1100 from the 2025 model year, it remains in Kawasaki France's range as a 2024 model at €17,749, alongside the Versys 1100 S (€15,899) and SE (€17,999) that succeed it with 1,099 cc and 135 hp, while the S and standard versions of the Versys 1000 have left the range. Reviewers praise its comfort solo and two-up, its smooth engine and its value for the equipment, but criticise a quickshifter that is imprecise at low revs, vibrations between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm and an awkward-to-adjust screen.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
Neither a sports bike nor an off-roader, but a hugely capable tourer, smooth and comfortable two-up; spongy quickshifter and no storage under the SE's seat.
Convincing electronic suspension, the best-handling Versys yet; smooth engine but vibrations around 6,000 rpm, screen hard to adjust.
An unusual tall road bike, fast, easy and comfortable; unappealing side stand, vibrations at times and unsheathed fork tubes.
An endearing bike, forgiving, extremely comfortable and reassuring, with high-quality suspension and rich equipment; midrange torque a little weak, and the weight.
Comfort and equipment deliver; vibrations above 5,000 rpm, screen best adjusted when stopped, high price in fully equipped form and an intrusive top-box backrest.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review has been published of the 2024 model year, which has had no documented technical change since 2021. The overall score of 80/100 is based on the only two numeric scores available, both from MCN: 4/5 for the 2019 Versys 1000 SE and 4/5 for the 2021 Versys 1000 S, the sister version without electronic suspension. Bennetts BikeSocial, RevZilla Common Tread, Le Repaire des Motards (2019 SE and 2021 S) and Moto-Net tested it without a numeric score.
What reviewers like: long-distance comfort, solo and two-up (Bennetts BikeSocial, Le Repaire des Motards), a smooth and responsive engine (MCN, Bennetts), effective semi-active suspension (RevZilla Common Tread, MCN), rich equipment (Le Repaire des Motards, Moto-Net) and good value for the equipment (MCN).
What they criticise: a spongy or imprecise quickshifter at low revs (MCN, Bennetts, Moto-Net), vibrations between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm (Bennetts, RevZilla Common Tread, Le Repaire des Motards, Moto-Net), an awkward-to-adjust screen (RevZilla Common Tread, Moto-Net), slightly under-damped suspension (MCN), the weight (Le Repaire des Motards) and no storage under the seat (Bennetts). MCN even advises choosing the already well-equipped base model.
Key quotes
"But the Kawasaki has always been about big touring thrills for little money, so save yourself a fortune and go for the still well-equipped base model, because once you’ve stripped away all of that electronic tinsel it’s still a cracker of a motorcycle underneath."
"The Versys 1000 S isn’t as sexy or thrilling to ride as rivals like the Ducati Multistrada V4, the shock isn’t great and the dash underwhelming, but if you are talking a value for money mile-muncher, the Versys S still hits the mark and that’s exactly what its buyers are looking for."
"The Versys is no sports or enduro bike, but it is a hugely capable tourer."
"Bottom line, the electronic suspension works. It makes it easy to make adjustments in seconds, whether because conditions have changed or because you've added a passenger or luggage. Handling has been one of the strong points of the Versys line and the 1000 SE LT+ is the best handling Versys yet."
"Competitively priced, this new version of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE asserts its style and its effectiveness on the road. For riding fast, differently and far, in complete comfort."
"The Versys 1000 S's now generous equipment makes it even more appealing. It remains an endearing motorcycle because it is forgiving, extremely comfortable and reassuring, yet also playful on small roads despite its weight."
"As the designer of this 2019 newcomer intended, comfort is very much there and the many items of equipment prove genuinely useful."
Pros
- Long-distance comfort, solo and two-up
- Smooth, responsive four-cylinder
- Effective KECS semi-active suspension
- Comprehensive standard equipment (quickshifter, cruise control, heated grips, cornering lights, centre stand)
- Range of about 380 km from 21 litres
Cons
- Replaced by the more powerful Versys 1100, only €250 more in SE form
- Quickshifter imprecise at low revs
- Vibrations between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm
- Screen awkward to adjust on the move
- 257 kg wet weight
- No storage under the seat
Our review
Is the Versys 1000 still on sale?
Yes, but only as the SE and as a 2024 model. On 26 September 2024 Kawasaki announced the Versys 1100, which succeeds it from the 2025 model year: a 3 mm longer stroke takes capacity from 1,043 to 1,099 cc and power from 120 to 135 hp. Kawasaki France’s range has since offered the Versys 1100 S at €15,899 and the Versys 1100 SE at €17,999, but it still lists the 2024 Versys 1000 SE at €17,749. The S and standard versions of the Versys 1000 have left the range, and no other European Kawasaki website still lists the Versys 1000.
How much does it cost?
The 2024 Versys 1000 SE costs €17,749 in both colours: Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Phantom Silver and Metallic Matte Dark Gray / Metallic Diablo Black. Kawasaki France offers three accessory packs: Tourer (€900, 2 × 28-litre panniers), Tourer Plus (€1,600, adding a GPS mount, LED fog lights and frame sliders) and Grand Tourer (€2,100, adding a 47-litre top box). The Versys 1100 SE costs only €250 more than the 1000 SE.
How good is the engine?
The 1,043 cc inline-four (77 x 56 mm) makes 120 hp (88.2 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 102 Nm at 7,500 rpm. It is fed by four 38 mm throttle bodies with electronic throttle valves and drives a six-speed gearbox through an assist and slipper clutch. MCN describes it as smooth and fast, and Bennetts BikeSocial praises its smoothness. Common Tread, Bennetts and Le Repaire des Motards note vibrations between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, and Le Repaire des Motards finds midrange torque a little weak on the 2021 S.
How does it ride?
The twin-spar aluminium frame carries a 43 mm Showa inverted fork and a horizontal Back-Link shock, with damping controlled by the KECS semi-active suspension, enhanced since 2021 with Showa Skyhook technology. Braking relies on twin 310 mm petal discs and four-piston radial monobloc calipers, with cornering ABS; original-fit tyres are Bridgestone Battlax T31. For Common Tread, it is the best-handling Versys yet. MCN finds the electronic suspension hard to fault, but less refined than good manually adjustable suspension.
What electronics does it have?
The SE comes with an up/down quickshifter, cruise control, four riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Rider), three-level traction control, two power modes and a Bosch IMU. Add to that a colour TFT screen paired with an analogue rev counter, Bluetooth connection to the Rideology app, full LED lighting with cornering lights, heated grips, a 12 V socket and a centre stand. MCN, Bennetts and Moto-Net find the quickshifter imprecise at low revs.
Who is it for?
The Versys 1000 SE is aimed at riders who travel far, often two-up, and want a flexible engine with comprehensive equipment. The seat is 840 mm high (a seat 20 mm lower is optional). Bennetts BikeSocial describes a bike made for two-up touring and mentions a 220 kg payload. The screen is adjusted with knobs: Common Tread and Moto-Net find it awkward to adjust on the move.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Kawasaki France quotes 5.5 L/100 km and 128 g/km of CO2, giving a range of about 380 km from the 21-litre tank. The foreign press recorded from 5.8 L/100 km (MCN, S version) to 6.6 L/100 km (Bennetts BikeSocial). Kawasaki France’s maintenance schedule specifies an oil change every 12,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check at 42,000 km. A Versys 1000 SE bought new is covered by a 4-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
Where does it come from?
The Versys 1000 appeared in 2012 with an inline-four derived from the Z1000’s. It was restyled in 2015, then thoroughly revised in 2019: ride-by-wire, cruise control, cornering ABS and traction control and, on the SE, semi-active suspension, a TFT screen and a quickshifter. The S version arrived in 2021. No technical change has been documented since.
Recalls
No recall affects the 2019-2024 generation Versys 1000 (RappelConso, Safety Gate, NHTSA).
Specifications
| Displacement | 1043 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 120 hp (88.2 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 102 Nm (10.4 kgf·m) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Weight | 257 kg (wet) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.14 |
| Seat height | 840 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.5 L/100 km — 128 g/km CO2 (WMTC cycle, Kawasaki France figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 1 year — Valves: check at 42,000 km (Kawasaki France maintenance schedule for the MY2021 Versys 1000 S, same engine) |
| Engine type | Inline four-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, assist and slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €17,749 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 77 x 56 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 10,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection, four 38 mm throttle bodies, electronic throttle valves |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 9000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 7500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Aluminium twin-spar |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 27 ° |
| Trail | 106 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1520 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm Showa inverted fork, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, adjustable preload, 150 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-Link BFRC-Lite shock, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, adjustable preload, 152 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 310 mm semi-floating petal discs, four-piston radial monobloc calipers, radial master cylinder |
| Rear brake | Single 250 mm petal disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) |
| Rear tire | 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) |
| ABS system | KIBS cornering ABS (KCMF, Bosch IMU) |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Sport, Road, Rain, Rider |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Up/down, standard (KQS) |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Dashboard | Colour TFT (black or white background, automatic brightness) paired with an analogue rev counter |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Rideology app |
| Other features | KECS semi-active suspension with Showa Skyhook technology, Bosch IMU (cornering ABS and traction control, KCMF), 3-level KTRC traction control, can be switched off, 2 power modes (Full, Low at 75-80%), Assist and slipper clutch, LED cornering lights, Full LED lighting, Heated grips, 12 V socket (40 W), Centre stand, Economical riding indicator |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Road adventure: upright, wide handlebars |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Very good, two-up comfort praised by reviewers |
| Wind protection | Tall screen with continuous knob adjustment, hand guards |
The Versys 1000 SE offers a road-adventure position, upright with wide handlebars, and an 840 mm seat (a seat 20 mm lower is optional). The tall screen adjusts continuously with knobs; Kawasaki says it can be adjusted from the riding position, but Common Tread finds it hard to adjust and Moto-Net prefers to set it when stopped. Hand guards are standard. The passenger is very well catered for: Bennetts BikeSocial makes it its two-up touring bike of choice and mentions a 220 kg payload. Le Repaire des Motards finds the side stand awkward to use.
Ownership & maintenance
5.8 to 6.6 L/100 km (foreign press, converted from UK mpg: MCN on the Versys 1000 S, Bennetts BikeSocial on the SE)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~380 km (calculated: 21 L tank / 5.5 L/100 km WMTC)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 42,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Checked, lubricated and adjusted at every service and at least once a year |
Average service cost
About £360 a year in the UK for the SE (MCN estimate, 2019)
Warranty
4 years / Unlimited (2-year manufacturer warranty + 2-year extension for new purchases since 1 July 2023)
The owner’s manual could not be consulted. Kawasaki France’s maintenance schedule covers the 2021 Versys 1000 S (KLZ1000E), which shares its engine with the SE. It specifies a first oil change at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 12,000 km or every year. Spark plugs and air filter are replaced every 12,000 km, the fuel filter at 24,000 km, and valve clearance is checked at 42,000 km. Coolant is changed every 3 years, brake fluid every 2 years, and the chain is checked and lubricated at every service and at least once a year. MCN estimates the SE’s annual servicing cost at around £360 in the UK. A Kawasaki bought new since 1 July 2023 is covered by a 4-year (2 + 2) warranty with unlimited mileage.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE | €17,749 | 120 hp (88.2 kW) @ 9,000 rpm | 257 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE2027 | €17,999 | 135 hp | 259 kg (wet) |
| Suzuki GSX-S1000GX2026 | €15,999 | 152 hp | 232 kg (kerb, Suzuki UK figure for the GX+) |
| Yamaha Tracer 9 GT2025 | €15,799 | 119 hp | 227 kg (wet) |
| BMW S 1000 XR2026 | €20,800 | 170 hp | 227 kg (wet) |
| Ducati Multistrada V2 S2025 | €19,490 | 115 hp | 202 kg (without fuel) |
Generations
- Versys 1000 (1re génération)2012 – 2014
1,043 cc · 118 hp · 102 Nm · —
Launched with a Z1000-derived 1,043 cc inline-four, quirky adventure styling, 17-inch wheels with dual-purpose tyres and a 19-litre tank.
- Versys 1000 (2e génération)2015 – 2018
1,043 cc · 120 hp · 102 Nm · —
New styling, 21-litre tank, slipper clutch, traction control, road tyres and 310 mm front discs; 120 PS.
- Versys 1000 / S / SE (3e génération)2019 – 2024
1,043 cc · 120 hp · 102 Nm · 257 kg (road-ready)
Ride-by-wire, cruise control, cornering ABS and traction control (Bosch IMU), radial monobloc calipers and LED lighting; the SE gets semi-active KECS suspension, a TFT screen, quickshifter and cornering lights; in 2021, Skyhook technology on the SE and a new S version.
- Versys 1100 / S / SE2025 – today
1,099 cc · 135 hp · 112 Nm · 259 kg (road-ready)
Capacity up to 1,099 cc (3 mm longer stroke) and 135 PS, quickshifter from 1,500 rpm, taller upper gears, oil cooler, 260 mm rear disc and standard USB-C socket; 259 kg wet for the SE.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versys 1000 (1re génération)2012 – 2014 Launched with a Z1000-derived 1,043 cc inline-four, quirky adventure styling, 17-inch wheels with dual-purpose tyres and a 19-litre tank. | 1,043 cc | 118 hp | 102 Nm | — |
| Versys 1000 (2e génération)2015 – 2018 New styling, 21-litre tank, slipper clutch, traction control, road tyres and 310 mm front discs; 120 PS. | 1,043 cc | 120 hp | 102 Nm | — |
| Versys 1000 / S / SE (3e génération)2019 – 2024 Ride-by-wire, cruise control, cornering ABS and traction control (Bosch IMU), radial monobloc calipers and LED lighting; the SE gets semi-active KECS suspension, a TFT screen, quickshifter and cornering lights; in 2021, Skyhook technology on the SE and a new S version. | 1,043 cc | 120 hp | 102 Nm | 257 kg road-ready |
| Versys 1100 / S / SE2025 – today Capacity up to 1,099 cc (3 mm longer stroke) and 135 PS, quickshifter from 1,500 rpm, taller upper gears, oil cooler, 260 mm rear disc and standard USB-C socket; 259 kg wet for the SE. | 1,099 cc | 135 hp | 112 Nm | 259 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.