Kawasaki Versys 650

The Kawasaki Versys 650 (codenamed KLE650) is a middleweight motorcycle. It borrows design elements from dual-sport bikes, standards, adventure tourers and sport bikes; sharing characteristics of all, but not neatly fitting into any of those categories.[3] The name Versys is a portmanteau of the words versatile and system.[4] It was introduced by Kawasaki to the European and Canadian markets as a 2007 model and to the US market in 2008.[5] A California emissions compliant version was released in 2009.[6][7] In 2010 new styling was applied to the headlight and fairings and several functional changes made including enlarged mirrors and improved rubber engine mounts.[8] In 2015, a new model was introduced with a new fairing style that abandoned the older, stacked headlights for the more conventional twin headlight style commonly found on sportbikes.[9]

Kawasaki Versys 650
2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT, with rear saddlebags and handguards
ManufacturerKawasaki Motorcycle & Engine Company
Parent companyKawasaki Heavy Industries
Production2007–present
AssemblyRayong, Thailand
Manaus, Brazil
PredecessorKawasaki KLE500
ClassStandard or adventure touring crossover
Engine649 cc (39.6 cu in) liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC parallel-twin
Bore / stroke83 mm × 60 mm (3.3 in × 2.4 in)
Compression ratio10.6:1
Power67 hp (50 kW) @ 8,400 rpm[1]
Torque42 lb⋅ft (57 N⋅m)[1]
Transmission6-speed constant mesh
SuspensionFront: 41 mm (1.6 in) telescopic fork with adjustable rebound and preload, 150 mm (5.9 in) travel
Rear: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload, 145 mm (5.7 in) travel
BrakesFront: Dual-piston caliper with dual 300 mm (11.8 in) discs
Rear: Dual-piston caliper with single 220 mm (8.7 in) disc
TyresFront: 120/70-17
Rear: 160/60-17
Rake, trail25 degrees, 108 mm (4.3 in)
Wheelbase1,415 mm (55.7 in)[2]
DimensionsL: 2,125 mm (83.7 in)[2]
W: 840 mm (33 in)[2]
H: 1,330 mm (52 in)[2]
Seat height845 mm (33.3 in)[2]
Weight206 kg (454 lb)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)[2]
Fuel consumption4.5 L/100 km (63 mpg‑imp; 52 mpg‑US)[2]
RelatedKawasaki Ninja 650R

Technical details

The Versys is based on the same platform as Kawasaki's other 650cc twin motorcycles, the Ninja 650R and the ER-6n. It shares the same electronics, engine, wheels, brakes and main frame as its siblings. Where it differs is in riding position, rear sub frame, suspension components, and engine tuning.[2]

The Versys' 650 cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin engine has been retuned for more bottom-end and mid-range torque. This is achieved with different camshafts and fuel injection mapping. These changes cause peak torque to occur at a lower engine speed and provide better throttle response in the 3,000 to 6,000 rpm range. In addition a balance tube has been added between the exhaust headers to smooth out power delivery. Power is 68 hp (51 kW) at 8,500 rpm, compared with the Ninja's 67 hp (50 kW) at 8,000 rpm.[1] Torque is 47.2 lb⋅ft (64.0 N⋅m), compared with the Ninja's 48.45 lb⋅ft (65.69 N⋅m).[1] Improving the engine's low and mid range response comes at the expense of a slight reduction in peak power however. A similar approach was recently deployed by Honda with their CBF1000 model. The engine uses a 180 degree crankshaft. This in turn requires an uneven firing interval (180 degrees, 540 degrees) which gives the engine note a distinctive "throbbing" sound at idle.[2]

The suspension has greater vertical travel and more adjustability than the suspension on the Versys 650 siblings. On the front thicker/stiffer 41 mm inverted telescopic forks are externally adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The right fork leg carries a damping cartridge while both legs contain springs. The rear shock absorber is adjustable for rebound damping. Suspension preload is adjustable in the rear via a screw collar on the shock. 2015+ models have an external adjuster. The rear shock/spring is directly connected, without linkages, to a non symmetrical, gull wing, aluminium swing arm instead of the more basic steel swing arm used on the Ninja and ER-6.[2]

Local variants

In Australia, the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) is in place for riders on a restricted license during the first period after passing their motorbike test. For this market the Versys 650L is manufactured and sold with output power restrictions put into place using a custom program on the ECU and a screw installed near the throttle wheel on the right-side of the bike which prevents it from fully rotating. The specifications for the Australian LAMS and non-LAMS variants for the 2017 model year are below, but the different RPM measurements should also be noted:[10][11]

Model KLE650 (KLE650FHF) KLE650L (KLE650FHFW)
Power 51 kW @ 8,500 rpm 41.3 kW @ 8,000 rpm
Torque 64 N.m @ 7,000 55 n.m @ 5,500 rpm

In addition to the above differences, Australia marketed Versys 650 and 650L are sold with a fuel capacity of 21 L and have a curb mass of 216 kg (wet) for both the 650L and 650.

2022 update

In 2022 it received a color TFT display, Bluetooth, LED lighting, a 2-level traction control system, and a manually adjustable windshield.[12]

The Tourer Plus was released at a price of ฿329,500 (US$10,303.31) in Thailand.[13] In Germany, the Versys 650 starts at €8,595 (US$10,165.31).[14]

Reception

The Versys was reviewed by motorcycling media and received the following notable reactions.

References
  1. Brissette, Pete (8 January 2008). "2008 Kawasaki Versys Road Test". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  2. White, G. (8 December 2011). "2012 Kawasaki Versys 650 Specifications". Kawasaki.ca. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2011.
  3. "2010 Kawasaki Versys Review". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
  4. "2008 Kawasaki VersysTM Q & A with Product Manager Karl Edmondson" (PDF). Kawasaki. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  5. "2008 Kawasaki Versys - First Look". MotorcycleUSA.com. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  6. Cobb, Jeff (26 May 2010). "2010 Kawasaki Versys Review: A Swiss Army knife among street motorcycles". motorcycle.com. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  7. "Living With Versys-tility". webBikeWorld. 2 August 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  8. "2010 Kawasaki Versys Review". topspeed.com. 13 October 2009.
  9. "2015 KAWASAKI VERSYS – FIRST LOOK". cycleworld.com.
  10. "2017 Versys 650 | Kawasaki Motors Australia". kawasaki.com.au. Retrieved 2017-10-20.
  11. "2017 Versys 650L | Kawasaki Motors Australia". kawasaki.com.au. Retrieved 2017-10-20.
  12. "2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 Review - Versatility At Its Best - ZigWheels". ZigWheels.com.
  13. "Kawasaki Motors Thailand - คาวาซากิ มอเตอร์ เอ็นเตอร์ไพรส์ (ประเทศไทย)". www.kawasaki.co.th.
  14. "Kawasaki Versys 650 für 2022 im Test". Motorradmagazin. April 7, 2022.
  15. "Mag names Versys MC of the year". LondonBikers. 2008-12-02. Archived from the original on 2009-01-03. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
  16. Cashman, Garret (2008-12-02). "Kawasaki Versys Wins Prestigious Award". LondonBikers. Archived from the original on 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
  17. "2015 Comparison: Kawasaki Versys 650 LT vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650XT". Motorcyclist. 2015-10-27. Retrieved 2015-04-21.
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