There’s no going around what is already considered one of the best bike values on the market today. The Kawasaki Versys is an award-winning bike for a reason. It’s a solidly built multi-purpose ride that will have you searching for more reasons to ride and more roads to explore. Customers can’t get enough of it, and surely, the 2012 model will further strengthen that belief.
The bike’s aggressive styling compliments its dynamic flexibility and strength. Adding to the comfort of the rider are rubber bushings on the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber inserts atop the footpegs that also help to isolate the rider’s feet from engine vibration, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed ride. The Versys also has a 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. Last, the Versys has an easy-to-read and informative instrument panel that allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and keep their eyes on the road.
Inside, the heart of the Versys is a 649cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine highlights the bike’s light and nimble do-anything characteristics. 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. As far as its handling and suspension features are concerned, the Versys has a long-travel high-tech suspension to go with a Showa rear shock with two-stage damping that firms up progressively as the wheel moves through its stroke, providing an initially plush ride that almost hits to the level of high-end sports bikes.
Find out more about the Kawasaki Versys after the jump.
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
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
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.
Specifications
Engine
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin
Displacement
649 cc
Bore x Stroke
83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
Cooling System
Liquid
Fuel System
Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition
TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission
6-Speed
Final Drive
O-Ring Chain
Frame
Type Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail
25 degrees/4.3 in.
Front Tire Size
120/70-17
Rear Tire Size
160/60-17
Wheelbase
55.7
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Single offset laydown shock with 13-position adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.7 in.
Front Brakes
Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Fuel Capacity
5.0 gal.
Seat Height
33.3
Curb Weight
454.2 lbs.
Overall Length
83.7 in.
Overall Width
33.1 in.
Overall Height
52.4 in.
Color Choices
TBD
Quotes
kawasaki ninja----"Seat design, handle bar size, display and also suspension and forks looks made for serious comfortable riding style, this is the key point from Versys and you can’t found another Kawasaki bike that the comfortable position bike like 2012 Versys species"
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