Kawasaki·Trail·1043cc

Versys 1000

↘ Evolution history · 2012 → 2024
13
Years of production
3
Generations
1043
current cc
120
Horsepower
13
Vintages

Kawasaki's large-displacement trail tourer. Versatile 1043cc, built for long-haul adventures.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 3 · 2019 — 2024
THIRD GENERATION — RIDE-BY-WIRE & IMU

Major overhaul. Ride-by-wire, 6-axis IMU, cruise control, full LED. SE: KECS Showa semi-active, bidirectional KQS, TFT Rideology, cornering lights. S introduced 2021: SE spec without semi-active suspension. Last model year 2024 — replaced by Versys 1100 (1099cc) in 2025.

2024
AAesthetics
Final colour options — model discontinued end of year, replaced by Versys 1100 (1099cc, 135hp) for 2025
Minor
2023
AAesthetics
Colour carryover — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2022
AAesthetics
New S and SE colour options — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2021
MEngine
Euro 5 compliance — revised injection mapping
Major
EElectronics
New S model replaces base — KQS + heated grips + cornering lights + TFT Rideology now standard on S
Major
EElectronics
SE: updated Showa Skyhook EERA semi-active suspension — more reactive and precise algorithm
Medium
2020
AAesthetics
New colour options — mechanicals unchanged — last Euro 4 model year
Minor
2019
EElectronics
Ride-by-wire standard + 6-axis IMU — cornering ABS and lean-sensitive KTRC
Major
EElectronics
Electronic cruise control standard — 4 riding modes (Rain / Road / Sport / Rider)
Major
AAesthetics
Full bodywork overhaul — full LED lighting — adjustable seat height — 255 kg (S) / 257 kg (SE)
Major
EElectronics
SE version: KECS Showa semi-active suspension + bidirectional KQS quickshifter + colour TFT screen + Rideology Bluetooth + LED cornering lights
Major
Buyer radar
2021

S Euro 5: ideal spec-to-price ratio. KQS, TFT, heated grips standard. €9,000–12,000 used.

TOP BUY
2019

First gen3 — ride-by-wire and IMU. SE well-equipped. Good depreciation under €10,000.

GOOD PICK
2023

Second-to-last year — proven mechanicals, growing depreciation. Excellent value under €11,000.

GOOD PICK
Gen 2 · 2015 — 2018
SECOND GENERATION — LT REDESIGN

Complete styling and technical overhaul. Standard ABS, assist & slipper clutch, 3-level KTRC. Integrated LT luggage packs (Tourer, Tourer Plus, Grand Tourer). 250 kg.

2018
AAesthetics
Final Gen2 colour options — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2017
AAesthetics
New colour options — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2016
AAesthetics
New colour options — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2015
AAesthetics
Complete styling overhaul — new fairing — height-adjustable screen — 250 kg
Major
SSafety
Standard ABS — dual 310mm front discs, 250mm rear disc
Major
MEngine
Assist & slipper clutch added as standard — lighter lever pull
Medium
EElectronics
3-level KTRC (vs 2 on gen1) — revised fork and rear shock
Medium
AAesthetics
LT packs available: Tourer (28L panniers), Tourer Plus (+ auxiliary lights), Grand Tourer (+ 47L top case)
Medium
Buyer radar
2017

Best of gen2. ABS, slipper clutch, 3-level KTRC. €6,500–8,500 used.

GOOD PICK
2015

Well-equipped initial gen2. Solid tourer. Prefer a 2017 with reasonable mileage.

OK
Gen 1 · 2012 — 2014
FIRST GENERATION — LAUNCH

Kawasaki's first large-displacement trail. Z1000-derived 1043cc 4-cylinder, retuned for mid-range torque. KTRC traction control standard from launch. Aluminium twin-spar frame, 43mm inverted fork.

2014
AAesthetics
Final colours before redesign — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2013
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2012
MEngine
1043cc 4-cylinder launch — 118hp @ 9,000rpm / 102Nm @ 7,700rpm — Z1000-derived, mid-range torque focus
Major
CFrame
Aluminium twin-spar frame — adjustable 43mm inverted fork — 239 kg — 155 mm ground clearance — 21L tank
Major
EElectronics
KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) 2 levels standard — power mode selection — technology from the ZZR 1400
Medium
Buyer radar
2013

Well-proven gen1. Basic but robust electronics. Very accessible under €4,500 used.

GOOD PICK