Q. What is an excellent bike for commuting on the superslab, weekend jaunts over canyon roads or just overall riding fun? A: The Kawasaki Versys®. Introduced to acclaim from both the motorcycling press and the public a few years ago, the Versys was named "Motorcycle of the Year" by Motorcyclist magazine and placed on numerous top 10 lists in enthusiast publications. This solidly built multi-purpose tool will have you searching for more reasons to ride and more roads to explore.
Key Features
• Comfortable, versatile motorcycle fits into a variety of riding conditions, from commuting to backroads
• 649cc parallel twin with digital fuel injection (DFI®) provides smooth, responsive power
• Long-travel fork delivers excellent performance over a wide range of situations
• Adjustable single-shock rear suspension offers progressive damping as suspension load increases
• 3-way adjustable windscreen allows customizable wind protection
• Aluminum swingarm and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight for better ride quality
• Under-engine exhaust promotes better weight centralization
• Aggressive styling gives the Versys a distinctive look
649cc DOHC Parallel Twin-Cylinder Engine
• The most compact engine in its category helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout keeps it short front to back
• A semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height
• The narrow, chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinders help reduce engine width
• Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low to mid-rpm range for exceptional roll-on response – ideal for negotiating city traffic, tight backroads and anything in between
• A 180-degree crankshaft and a balancer shaft produce a remarkably smooth engine
• Oil jets on the connecting rod ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
• An under-engine muffler with 3-way catalyzer aids mass centralization for light handling and great looks
Liquid Cooling
• Engine temperatures stay consistent for long engine life and sustained power in tough conditions
• Closer engine tolerances mean more horsepower
• Coolant routed through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)
• A pair of 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with ECU-controlled sub-throttle valves mean optimum performance and rideability
• Sub-throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, give the Versys precise throttle response and great feel as well
• An automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy, even on cold days
• Precise fuel injection provides great fuel mileage, and the 3-way catalyzer significantly reduces emissions
Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) System
• Microprocessor-controlled timing never requires adjustment and is ultra-responsive to the engine’s needs
• Powerful, spark plug-mounted “stick” ignition coils are compact, light and reliable
Six-Speed Transmission
• Versys’ racing-style cassette transmission uses a compact layout that’s easily removable as a single unit from the engine cases for much easier gearbox maintenance
High Tensile Steel Trellis Frame
• The Versys’ exotic-looking trellis frame is small, light and narrow at the knees and pegs for excellent comfort and control
• 3D computer analysis in the design process achieved optimum stiffness balance for superior ride and handling
Single Shock Rear Suspension
• A distinctive aluminum gull-wing swingarm controlled by a lay-down single shock complements the distinctive frame design, with an integrated line flowing from steering head to rear hub
• The short, compact frame and engine design allow the swingarm to be longer, which improves overall handling
• The Showa shock has adjustable preload and rebound damping, and uses a free piston and two-stage damping valves for smooth action during initial compression that becomes firmer near the end of the stroke for a more planted feel
Long-Travel Fork
• A 41mm long-travel inverted fork combines the best of dual-sport and sportbike-type suspensions, to deliver excellent performance over a wide range of conditions
• Tapered, relatively short outer tubes help provide the ideal stiffness balance to complement frame stiffness and chassis settings
• Fork height, spring preload and rebound damping can be adjusted to fine-tune the suspension to specific conditions, riding styles and loads
Petal Style Brake Discs
• Dual 300mm petal-style discs with two-piston calipers in front and a single 220mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper in back provide plenty of stopping power
• Same rotor design as found on the Ninja® supersport machines; petal design rotors offer improved cooling and warp resistance
Six-Spoke Wheels
• Like the ones you’ll find on the Ninja ZX™-6R and ZX-10R, these six-spoke wheels use less material between spokes so rim thickness is reduced along with overall wheel weight
• Lighter wheels increase overall performance – suspension, handling, acceleration/deceleration and initial turn-in
Comfortable Ergonomics
• Each section of the two-piece seat was designed with a different thickness and firmness of foam to optimize comfort for both rider and passenger
• The passenger seat and grab bars were designed to provide a natural seating position for added comfort
• An easy-to-read instrument panel has a large analog tachometer and digital readout for the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters and clock. White LED backlighting provides increased visibility at night
• Passenger grab rails, seat cover material, and a comfortable seating position make the Versys fun for passengers
• Rubber bushings at the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber-covered footpegs result in reduced engine vibration and a more comfortable ride
Bodywork
• The fairing, stacked dual headlight, front fender and mirrors, and a Z1000-style LED tail light give the Versys a bold high-tech look
• The windscreen provides a large still-air pocket for comfort; three-position adjustability makes it adaptable to fit a variety of riders and climates
