| Kawasaki Versys 650 | |
| Manufacturer: | Kawasaki Motorcycle & Engine Company |
| Parent Company: | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
| Production: | 2007–present |
| Assembly: | Rayong, Thailand Manaus, Brazil |
| Predecessor: | Kawasaki KLE500 |
| Class: | Standard or sport touring crossover |
| Frame Type: | Steel diamond |
| Engine: | 6491NaN1 liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC parallel-twin |
| Power: | 670NaN0 @ 8,400 rpm[1] |
| Torque: | 42lbft |
| Bore Stroke: | 83mm60mm |
| Compression: | 10.6:1 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed constant mesh |
| Suspension: | Front: 411NaN1 telescopic fork with adjustable rebound and preload, 150mm travel Rear: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload, 145mm travel |
| Brakes: | Front: Dual-piston caliper with dual 3001NaN1 discs Rear: Dual-piston caliper with single 2201NaN1 disc |
| Tires: | Front: 120/70-17 Rear: 160/60-17 |
| Rake Trail: | 25 degrees, 108mm |
| Wheelbase: | 1415mm[2] |
| Length: | 2125mm |
| Width: | 840mm |
| Height: | 1330mm |
| Seat Height: | 845mm |
| Wet Weight: | 206kg (454lb) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 19L |
| Fuel Consumption: | 4.5L/100 km |
| Related: | Kawasaki Ninja 650R |
| Sp: | uk |
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]
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 680NaN0 at 8,500 rpm, compared with the Ninja's 670NaN0 at 8,000 rpm.[1] Torque is 47.2lbft, compared with the Ninja's 48.45lbft.[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]
In Australia, the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) is in place for riders on a restricted licence 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 programme 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 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 in Thailand.[13] In Germany, the Versys 650 starts at .[14]
The Versys was reviewed by motorcycling media and received the following notable reactions.