The Honda NX500
For years, luxury motorcycles felt like a distant category—machines built for long-distance comfort and smooth power but priced far above what most riders wanted to spend. In 2026, that old assumption no longer holds. Rising prices across the motorcycle market have blurred the line between entry-level and premium, and depreciation has quietly reshaped what counts as a good deal.
You now live in a market where a brand-new Honda NX500 sits near the $7,400 mark before fees, while certain once-flagship touring motorcycles have slid into the same price territory. That shift changes the conversation. Instead of asking whether you can afford a luxury bike, you’re now asking whether it makes sense not to consider one.
How Depreciation Changed the Game
Motorcycles age differently depending on where they sit in the market. Entry-level and midweight bikes tend to hold their value because demand stays strong. High-end touring machines, on the other hand, take a steeper depreciation hit—especially once newer, tech-heavy successors arrive.
That’s exactly what happened with Kawasaki’s Versys 1000 LT. What began as a premium, liter-class sport tourer has quietly become one of the strongest value buys in the used market. And today, it undercuts the price of a brand-new NX500 while offering a completely different riding experience.
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT’s Luxury Roots
When Kawasaki launched the Versys 1000 LT in the U.S. back in 2015, it marked the brand’s first serious push into liter-class sport touring for American riders. With a sticker hovering around $12,800, it wasn’t meant to be a budget machine. The “LT” name stood for Light Touring, but the bike itself was full-sized, feature-rich, and positioned well above the Versys 650.
By 2018, the model received its final refinement before Kawasaki shifted attention to the electronically enhanced Versys 1000 SE LT+. Fast forward to today, and the current Versys 1100 SE LT ABS starts near $19,500, packing advanced rider aids, electronic suspension, and smartphone connectivity. That evolution pushed older models down the value ladder—right into bargain territory.
Why the 2018 Versys 1000 LT Costs Less Than an NX500
On today’s used market, a clean 2018 Versys 1000 LT typically lists between $5,000 and $7,500 depending on mileage and condition. Kelley Blue Book places its typical listing price around $7,270, which puts it directly below the NX500’s base MSRP.
The NX500 is a capable 2026 midweight adventure bike, but when you compare it to a former $13,000 touring flagship, the difference in presence, power, and comfort becomes clear. You’re choosing between a modern entry-level ADV and a proven luxury machine designed for long days and big miles.
An Inline-Four That Still Feels Effortless
At the heart of the Versys 1000 LT is a 1,043cc inline-four engine shared with the Ninja 1000 and Z1000. Instead of chasing peak performance, Kawasaki tuned it for usable torque and smooth delivery—exactly what you want when riding loaded or covering long distances.
With roughly 118 horsepower and 75 pound-feet of torque, passing on highways feels relaxed rather than rushed. The engine’s liquid-cooled design, fuel injection, and six-speed gearbox work together seamlessly, while the slipper and assist clutch reduces fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT
A Chassis Built for Distance and Stability
Luxury touring isn’t just about power; it’s about how a bike behaves hour after hour. The Versys 1000 LT uses a twin-tube aluminum frame that keeps weight in check while maintaining rigidity. The engine acts as a stressed member, helping the bike feel planted at speed.
Suspension duties are handled by 43mm inverted forks and a horizontal back-link rear shock, offering nearly six inches of travel. Combined with 17-inch wheels at both ends, the setup balances comfort with sport-touring precision. You get confidence-inspiring braking too, thanks to triple Tokico discs with standard ABS.
Comfort and Safety That Still Matter in 2026
Even without modern Radar Cruise Control or Cornering ABS, the Versys 1000 LT doesn’t feel outdated. Kawasaki’s traction control offers multiple modes, power delivery can be adjusted, and its intelligent ABS system accounts for throttle and gear position.
From a comfort standpoint, it delivers where it counts:
- Upright seating with a supportive saddle
- Tool-free adjustable windscreen
- Standard handguards for cold mornings
- Factory hard saddlebags designed for real touring
- A stable wheelbase that keeps highway cruising calm
It’s the kind of bike that makes long stretches feel shorter, whether you’re riding solo or two-up.
Conclusion
The real appeal of the Versys 1000 LT isn’t nostalgia—it’s value. In a market where prices continue to climb, this Kawasaki proves that depreciation can work in your favor. Instead of stretching for a new entry-level adventure bike, you can step into a machine built for comfort, performance, and longevity.
If you value smooth power, real touring capability, and a premium feel without paying premium money, this luxury motorcycle doesn’t just compete with the Honda NX500—it quietly outclasses it.