Kawasaki KLE 650 Versys

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.

The Versys’ powerband will quickly silence the skeptics who think that a 649cc parallel-twin engine can't pump out this much power. Aggressive styling complements the Versys' dynamic flexibility and strength, and an adjustable windscreen accommodates a variety of riders. To add to rider comfort while in the saddle, rubber bushings on the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber inserts atop the footpegs help to isolate the rider’s feet from engine vibration, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed ride.

The Versys’ compact, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 649cc, parallel-twin engine was the perfect powerplant for this light and nimble do-anything bike right from the start: it’s lively enough for advanced riders and predictable enough to inspire confidence in rank novices. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the lower and middle parts of its rev range, making the Versys a great commuter and relaxed traveling companion. Its surprising genius becomes readily apparent once the roads turn twisty, because despite its comfort and civility, the fun-to-ride Versys also offers genuine sportbike handling and excellent fuel economy. With its big, 5-gallon fuel tank you can go a long way between fill-ups.

Long-travel high-tech suspension is critical to the Versys’ multi-role mission. A Showa rear shock with two-stage damping firms up progressively as the wheel moves through its stroke, providing an initially plush ride that firms to near-sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. The bike’s short, compact engine makes it possible to use a longer than average gull-wing swingarm to reduce throttle-induced suspension movement and excellent handling. A dual-sport-inspired, adjustable 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork soaks up bumps big and small, and like the rear end, firms up nicely as the pace increases.

Absolutely key to the Versys’ success is a comfortable, carefully designed cockpit that provides a mostly upright, natural seating position and features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort for both rider and passenger. The comfort theme is further enhanced by the adjustable windscreen, which offers three different positions. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and keep their eyes on the road. Possibly the most versatile motorcycle out there, the Versys excels at almost any task it’s given, from gridlock traffic jams to canyon carving to long-distance touring.

Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

Bike of many talents

The Versys ABS refuses to be restricted to any one classification. Why? … Because it’s great at so many things! Long travel suspension for outstanding around-town manoeuvrability, highly comfortable riding position for long-distance comfort, sharp handling with excellent road holding, smooth power delivery with high levels of usability – the Versys ABS really delivers on so many levels.

The ideal motorcycle for commuting around town through the week and covering large distances on the weekend, the Versys ABS is a highly talented performer indeed.

Kawasaki Versys 650 Features and Benefits

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