2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle Review

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle is a touring-ready motorcycle with hand guards and Kawasaki Quick Release 28-Liter Saddlebags as standard equipment. It lets riders travel for as long or as far as they choose on any road.

Conquer your city or leave it far behind with the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle. Its most significant potential comes to life with upgraded touring features, taking you, your passenger, and your belongings to the next big adventure. It was designed to overcome the urban jungle.

Thanks to dedicated features like KTRC traction control, LED lighting, a color TFT meter with smartphone connectivity, and an adjustable windshield, you’ll enjoy every ride. Whether a quick business trip or a weekend getaway, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle may be your go-to travel companion.

2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Satisfying Power

This agile and light street motorbike accelerates smoothly and energetically due to its fuel-injected 649cc parallel twin engine. The engine is tuned to generate robust, fast-revving power, particularly in the low-to-mid range, which gives everyday commuters confidence and makes for enjoyable weekend excursions.

Also Read: 2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Sports Touring Bike Review

Comfort & Style Added Convenience

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle’s potential as a capable touring companion is increased by the windscreen and top cowl, which provide significant wind protection like in 2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT.

The windscreen’s four settings may be readily changed from the comfort of the rider’s seat. There is around 80mm of adjustability, with the four settings separated by 27mm. Adjustments may be easily made by hand without needing tools, such as pushing the release button beneath the instrument panel. When the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle is stopped, the windshield should be adjusted.

All-Day Riding Comfort

A sleek, upright riding position provides the most comfort for trips of any duration. A shorter gasoline tank puts the rider in a more controlled position by positioning them nearer to the front tire, and it also provides more options for forward and rearward seating positions.

The foot pegs, which are low and somewhat forward of the seat, complement the broad handlebar by allowing for a calm stance and sporty riding. The fuel tank’s knee grip features, combined with the thin shape of the seat, provide riders with flexibility in positioning, enabling them to shift positions as needed. The two-piece seat’s stepped form helps to assist the rider while they accelerate.

Useful Information at a Glance

The cockpit looks and feels high-tech and superior thanks to the 4.3-inch all-digital TFT (thin-film transistor) color instruments. You may choose between a black or white backdrop for the screen, and it automatically changes its brightness to fit the available light.

The following are some of the display functions: clock, battery voltage, coolant temperature, outside air temperature, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, and the Kawasaki Economical Riding Indicator.

Take Control

Riders may customize Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) with its two modes to fit their riding style and conditions: the least invasive mode, mode 1, aids in controlling traction when cornering. Mode 2 involves early intervention. Engine power is decreased to restore grip when excessive wheel spin is detected. Passengers have the option to switch the system off.

Everyday Functionality

The quick mounting and removal of the saddlebags are made possible by the clean-mount complex saddlebag system with KQRTM mounts. When the 7.3-gallon saddlebags are installed, they blend in well, and when they are taken off, the bike has a sleek, modern appearance. Hand guards provide additional wind protection, and riding confidently is made possible with a 24-month limited warranty.

Engine

A small 649cc Twin-Cylinder DOHC engine built for maximum performance and agility powers the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle. The Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) radiator fan cover ensures comfort during long rides, which enhances the flow of hot engine air away from the rider.

The small parallel twin engine reduces the motorcycle’s total dimensions, which also produces robust, responsive power between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm, allowing for smooth acceleration from a stop.

The engine is small and has a triangle crank and transmission shaft configuration. Its semi-dry sump oil system minimizes the engine’s total height. A smaller engine width is also a result of the aluminum cylinders with chrome composite plating having a short pitch.

The exhaust pipe and one-piece muffler improve the engine’s performance, lowering the engine’s center of gravity. Weight distribution is more evenly distributed thanks to the muffler’s placement beneath it. It also features a three-way catalyzer.

A balancer shaft and 180-degree crankshaft also guarantee incredibly smooth engine functioning, improving total riding pleasure. The endurance and dependability of the engine are enhanced by the oil jets in the connecting rod’s large ends, which help with more piston cooling.

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle provides a solid and elegant riding experience with these cutting-edge features, making it perfect for urban commuting and adventurous touring.

Digital Fuel Injection

Dual throttle valves are included in the D38mm Keihin throttle body on the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle for maximum performance and readability. With sub-throttles managed by the ECU, these throttle bodies provide an exact throttle response similar to a constant-velocity carburetor.

In addition, the precise fuel injection system and an exhaust catalyzer efficiently lowers emissions in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The bike’s general user-friendliness is improved by the automated quick idle technology, which simplifies starting and warm-up operations. Together, these characteristics help the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle run smoothly and efficiently, providing riders with a seamless and pleasurable riding experience while reducing its environmental effect.

2-Mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)

Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system equips the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle with enhanced sport riding performance and added reassurance, particularly on low-traction surfaces. Riders can tailor settings to their preference and riding conditions by offering two modes.

In Mode 1, designed for sport riding, the system minimizes intervention during cornering, maximizing forward drive for confident acceleration out of turns. Mode 2 provides earlier intervention, reducing engine output when excessive wheel spin is detected. This ensures grip is regained swiftly, allowing riders to confidently navigate challenging patches and extended stretches of poor road conditions.

For added control, a switch on the left switch housing allows riders to turn off the traction control system quickly. However, KTRC is always active upon engine startup, ensuring continuous support for riders in varying conditions.

These features offer riders both performance and peace of mind, enhancing the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle’s versatility and capability on diverse road surfaces.

6-Speed Transmission

With its cassette-style gearbox and shift drum for maximum efficiency, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle has transmission shafts organized compactly. The Positive Neutral Finder, a unique Kawasaki function that makes choosing gear easier, increases user convenience. Rubber front engine mounts reduce vibration and improve rider comfort.

Its innovative double-pipe perimeter frame construction enhances the motorcycle’s light handling characteristics. The backbone-style rear subframe, which keeps the seat profile short for quick ground reach and offers plenty of padding for comfort, balances this out.

Furthermore, the sturdy rear subframe increases traveling capacity by concurrently supporting an optional top case and accessories direct-mount saddlebags.

The swing arm’s gull-wing form on the right side ensures room for the aggressive muffler design, which adds to the bike’s light and simple handling. These characteristics highlight the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle ‘s adaptability, comfort, and practicality, making it an outstanding option for lengthy trips and everyday commuting.

Triple Petal Design Brake Discs

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle has an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), offering enhanced braking assistance in specific conditions. Its compact Bosch control unit conserves space and weight, ensuring optimal performance without sacrificing efficiency.

Nissin brake calipers convey a sporty aesthetic and feature front- and rear-brake-specific pads. The front calipers deliver an initial solid bite, while the rear calipers provide precise control and brake force.

Moreover, the motorcycle boasts a sizeable rear petal brake disc, capable of handling heavier loads when accessories are added. Front brake calipers incorporate large 27mm pistons, ensuring excellent brake feel and responsiveness.

The brake discs’ petal design enhances cooling efficiency and improves warp resistance, contributing to consistent and reliable braking performance in various riding conditions. These braking features underscore the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle’s commitment to safety, control, and rider confidence on the road.

Showa Front Fork

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle incorporates high-spec forks derived from Kawasaki Ninja® sport bikes, featuring a sophisticated design by Showa. These forks separate damping and spring functions into each leg, optimizing suspension performance. Rebound damping adjustability is located in the right fork leg, allowing riders to fine-tune their suspension settings for optimal handling and comfort.

Meanwhile, the spring preload adjustment is conveniently situated in the left fork leg, providing further customization options to suit individual preferences and riding conditions. This advanced fork design ensures precise control and responsiveness, enhancing the overall riding experience on the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle.

Single-shock Rear Suspension

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle features a rear shock with a remote hydraulic preload adjuster, enabling riders to adjust preload without tools and accommodating various load conditions conveniently. Its aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock seamlessly integrates with the frame design, creating a cohesive line from the steering head to the rear hub.

The upper and side cowlings and the tail cowl project a sharp, sporty image, enhancing the motorcycle’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the windscreen enhances rider comfort and is easily adjustable via a release below the instrument panel, allowing riders to customize airflow over a 3-inch range without needing tools.

The bike also incorporates lightweight, stylish LED lighting, which adds to its modern look and provides crisp illumination. These LED lights are housed in lightweight casings designed to enhance functionality and styling while consuming less power than standard lighting systems, contributing to efficiency and aesthetics.

Integrated KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) Colormatched Hard Case Saddlebags

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle comes equipped with color-matched hard saddlebags that offer water-resistant protection for cargo. Designed to integrate with the tail section seamlessly, these saddlebags are spacious enough to accommodate a typical full-faced helmet. The direct-mount system enables quick and effortless removal of the saddlebags, leaving no supporting framework behind to detract from the bike’s design.

For added convenience, the saddlebags feature a one-key lock system, with customized locks matched to the vehicle’s ignition key. It ensures that one key operates all locks on the motorcycle, streamlining security measures.

Moreover, each saddlebag is positioned close to the motorcycle’s centerline, contributing to a narrow profile and enhancing the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle ‘s overall balance and maneuverability.

2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle – Price

The new 2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle is available at $10,999 only.

2023 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Sports Touring Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Suspension and Wheels

Dimension