How Much Power Does the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT Make?

The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT is a do-it–all middleweight sport-tourer with an emphasis on versatility. A modest punch of power, well-balanced handling, and several upgrades for the new model year make this an approachable, yet entertaining package for a wide variety of riders.

For 2022, Team Green has overhauled the Versys 650 with a number of technological updates aimed at bringing it up to speed with current demands. That includes a two-level Kawasaki Traction Control System (KTRC), a 4.3-inch TFT display with connectivity to Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone app, and various styling improvements with increased wind protection. Kawasaki stuck to the tried-and-true 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engine and its 180-degree crankshaft as the heart of the Versys, which is the same unit as seen in the Z650.

Following our first ride review of the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT, we placed it on our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, recording horsepower and torque measurements. Team Green’s middleweight pumped out 59.32 hp at 8,340 rpm and 41.50 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,140 rpm—right in line with what last year’s model produced. A tabletop-like torque curve is the highlight of its performance, creating usable power at nearly any rpm and flexibility in gear selection. Power delivery is smooth and linear until roughly 7,500 rpm, where it flattens out and begins tapering toward its 10,000 rpm redline.