2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ Review

Apart from the ADV bike category, another motorcycle type attracts many riders. You must have heard about the sports touring motorcycles. They are among the most versatile motorbike types.

Sports touring bikes are capable of taking you long miles in style. They are sporty and aggressive yet comfortable enough for relaxed touring and canyon carving. You will fall in love with these bikes if you can ride them.

Sports touring motorcycles are among the most modern motorcycles with several unique features. They are fully loaded with multiple tech features and accessories, making these bikes fun and thrilling.

Out of these top-class sports touring bikes, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is prominent. This bike takes inspiration from the Ninja series with an overall aggressive look. At the same time, it features saddlebags, a tall windscreen, a luggage rack, and touring-enhanced features for comfortable long rides. Continue reading this article to learn about the detailed 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ review.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is the largest-capacity sports-touring bike of the Kawasaki Versys family. It was first introduced in 2012, and in the U.S., this bike was launched in 2015.

The name “Versys” was derived from the combination of two words, “Versatile” and “System”. It was inspired by the Kawasaki Z1000, a streetfighter-style naked bike powered by a four-cylinder engine.

Initially, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2012-2014) model had a different front end-style. The headlight style was completely different from what it is today. The front end was also relatively wider.

However, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2015-2018) model was completely redesigned with a more aggressive and Ninja-like front-end design. The smaller variant of the Kawasaki Ninja series inspired the headlight design.

In 2019, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 was again redesigned for a meaner and more aggressive look. The front end mimics the current higher-capacity Ninja variants, like the Ninja H2.

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is very stylish. This bike is a sports-touring machine with a slight ADV bike look. If you remove the stock saddlebags and luggage rack, it looks entirely like a sports bike.

However, the taller windscreen and sweptback handlebars make it a comfortable touring bike. It is tall, heavy, and has sharp and aggressive lines throughout the body. Though it also has a glimpse of an ADV touring bike, this bike can only ride on paved roads.

The front-end style resembles that of the current Ninja series. The engine and machinery are also nicely integrated into the frame. This bike is bulkier, taller, and bigger than most competitors.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is among the most phenomenal bikes Kawasaki ever produced. It falls under the sports touring bike category thanks to its sporty design and comfortable features. Nonetheless, this bike is sometimes called an ideal Adventure tourer.

This motorbike can do most of what a versatile rider expects from this bike. It may not be the most perfect when it comes to performance; however, it is closest to perfection.

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ features a refined 1,043 cc inline four-cylinder engine. Most riders may not be familiar with this engine technology, but it is among the smoothest power plants produced by Kawasaki.

The 1,043 cc engine is highly capable, ensuring smooth highway cruising and long-distance rides. You will fall in love with how this bike performs on open roads as you open the throttle to the maximum.

Compared to this bike’s competitors, like the Ducati Multistrada, the BMW S 1000 XR, and the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, it is oriented more towards better touring performance.

Meanwhile, competitors are more geared toward better sports performance. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is ideal for long-distance road traveling. It is perfect for cruising and riding on open roads with a bit of sporty performance.

You will also find this bike to be one of the best sports tourers for canyon carving, thanks to its superior handling and leaning capabilities. It is not designed to rip off race tracks.

Being a sporty tourer, this bike is one of the best when it comes to superior handling. You can confidently take this bike to mountains with twisty roads. This bike may be heavy for most inexperienced riders, but it leans perfectly beyond your expectations.

However, don’t underestimate the Versys 1000, a tall and heavyweight sports touring machine. If you are inexperienced, it can be intimidating to turn a corner on this bike. This bike is best suited to experienced and intermediate riders.

The low-speed handling of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT is also amazing. It can easily maneuver even through the stop-and-go traffic as well.

The saddlebags installed on the Versys 1000 SE LT+ are one of the best features of this bike. Many sports-touring or ADV touring bikes come with stock saddlebags. However, the Versys 1000 SE LT+ is different.

• The stock saddlebags on this bike greatly complement its overall look.

• They make the bike look great without compromising on the overall aggressive look.

• The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000’s saddlebags can easily hold the rider’s helmet.

• Overall, the stock saddlebags collectively have a storage space of 28 gallons.

• You will also find straps within the saddlebags to carry the helmet safely.

• Another unique aspect of these stylish Versys 1000 SE saddlebags is their ease of installation.

• If you want a strip-down look, you can easily remove these saddlebags.

• As you remove the saddlebags, the bike's rear end still looks pretty clean and elegant.

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is one of the flagship Kawasaki models. It features multiple high-tech rider aids and features to make your rides safe and fun.

To start with, we have stock handguards, windscreens, and saddlebags. This bike also comes with standard heated grips, making this bike a premium option for long-distance touring in winter.

The standard Kawasaki cruise control feature is also helpful for a sports-touring bike like this. The standard Kawasaki Intelligent ABS, traction control, and IMU-enhanced chassis management system offer the safest ride experience on this bike.

You also have the stock electronic suspension system to make rides more fun and customizable. You can now adjust the suspension setting depending on the load on the bike:

• Solo riding without the luggage

• Solo riding with the luggage

• Riding with the passenger and luggage 

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ also has all-LED lights, cornering lights, and a TFT color screen display. The screen also offers mobile phone connectivity through the Rideology App.

The standard center stand is also another helpful feature of this bike. It makes lifting the bike easy. Also, it makes maintenance tasks very easy, like changing the rear tire, lubricating and adjusting the chain, and working on the engine.

Like all Versys Models, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is a highly comfortable sports touring bike. The rider can comfortably reach the handlebars without having to lean forward.

The rider can also sit in an upright riding position, ideal for continuous long-distance rides. The legroom is also pretty decent, considering it is a sports touring bike. Your legs will not feel cramped, even if you are a taller rider.

Modern sports-style touring bikes may not be the most comfortable bikes compared to other categories. However, the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is an exception. This bike offers exceptional comfort to the passenger, not only for the rider but also for the passenger.

The passenger seat is wide and comfortable. The legroom and passenger ergonomics are also quite spacious. The passenger doesn't need to worry about the saddlebags interfering with the leg's position. The rider and passenger can comfortably sit and enjoy long-mile journeys on this bike.

The rider seat is softer than a sports bike. However, considering it is a sports touring bike, it is not the ideal option due to its lack of a bit of softness. It is wide and designed perfectly.

The rider seat doesn’t push you forward. It helps you sit comfortably in one place.

Though the saddlebags are stylish and designed to suit the Versys 1000’s style and linings, the saddlebags’ outlines are odd and unsuitable for storing several items.

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ weighs around 566.7 lbs (257.05 kg). It may not be heavy for trained riders, but this bike can be intimidating for someone not used to handling this much weight. You must be careful when moving this bike in the parking or duck walking as it is heavy.

However, if you have experience handling a bike like this, the weight will not be a problem. It doesn’t feel as heavy as it is when you are riding this bike.

The cornering lights installed on the 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ are great additional features. However, these lights are slightly brighter than they should be.

Undoubtedly, this bike is one of the most premium and luxurious sports touring bikes. There are several top-notch features and rider aids installed on this bike, which makes it very pricey.

You can purchase this bike at a base price of $18,899, which is quite hefty. Though the number of premium features and high-quality parts justify the price point of this bike, it still sounds expensive. It is mainly because Kawasaki is known for producing affordable motorbikes.

For most motorcyclists worldwide, Kawasaki, along with the other Big Four Japanese Motorcycle Manufacturers, including Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda, is not perceived as a premium and expensive brand.

Considering this, most riders with a big budget may buy brands like Ducati, BMW, or Harley-Davidson.

Being made by one of the Big Four Japanese Manufacturers, the Kawasaki Versys is highly reliable. The engine technology used in this sports touring bike is among the most well-known and smoothest-performing. It is durable and easy to maintain compared to other motorcycles in the same category.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 looks like an adventure bike, but it is not. It is a sports touring bike geared more towards comfortable cruising and long-distance touring. Though this bike looks sporty and aggressive, it is not designed for race tracks, high-speed performance, and off-road adventure rides.

The Kawasaki Versys series is among the most notable sports-style road bikes. Except for the Versys 1000 SE LT+, a sports touring bike, the smaller-capacity Versys-X 300 and the Versys 650 are suitable for beginners.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is an ideally designed road bike for beginners. It is lightweight and an easy-to-handle bike. Meanwhile, the Versys 650 is focused more on those new riders who have little experience riding a motorcycle.

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is a great bike that many riders and reviewers love. It is a highly admired motorcycle with many premium rider aids and features. This bike is known for its superior value and practical nature.

It is not the type of motorcycle with exceptional peak horsepower and high-speed performance. Instead, it is designed for riders looking for premium electronics and rider aids for a more fun and thrilling riding experience. It makes long-distance touring very comfortable and easy.

Though the Versys 1000 SE LT+ is a very capable bike, it may not be considered an excellent value for the money by most riders. Considering it is not designed for light off-roading and sporty performance. However, the other competitors offer sporty performance and off-road capability at the same price range.

Regardless, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is excellent at what it does, so you will like this. It does not depend on your riding preferences.