Kawasaki Versys 1000 already driven

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Premiere Kawasaki Versys 1000

Versys with a snappy inline four-cylinder

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A snappy inline four-cylinder in a touring chassis. With the concept and the new Versys 1000, Kawasaki is now poaching in the area of ​​Triumph Tiger 1050 and Honda Crossrunner.

The Kawasaki product range now covers pretty much every area of ​​application, with the new one Versys 1000 is now an all-rounder suitable for touring with a sporty drive. The in-line four-cylinder of the Z 1000 was revised for use in the Versys: A lower compression ratio, different cam profiles and a redesigned combustion chamber ensure more torque in the lower speed range. This is noticeable, but the Versys is only really fun at speeds above 6000 rpm. Even in the Z 1000, the engine impresses with its linear power delivery. In the Versys, too, the engine pulls up cleanly from the rev range to the limiter, with the footrests vibrating quite clearly only between 5000 and 7000 rpm.

So that the roughly 20 kilograms more and around 20 hp less than with the Z 1000 are not too noticeable, the technicians made a compromise with the precisely shiftable transmission: first and second gears have a shorter gear ratio than the Z, while gears three to six are longer to keep the consumption suitable for long distances. During the species-appropriate test drives on Tenerife, the engine sucked around 6.2 liters from the 21-liter tank every 100 kilometers.

At 239 kilograms, the Versys is not a lightweight. Once on the move, however, it seems to shed the pounds by the minute. Agile and handy, it swings through curves and quickly conveys so much security that the notches soon have regular contact with the ground. The road winds up the mountain, short straights lead to tight bends – the easily controllable brakes grip hard, the fine ABS makes the foot brake lever pulsate. Step down two gears, bend, let the notches scratch, in the back of your mind the safety of the three-stage traction control, which is unique in this class. 118 HP is not exactly crying out for this electronic intervention, but the main aim of the system is to prevent slips on wet roads, gravel or leaves. For such road conditions, the Versys also offers a low-power mode in which between 25 and 30 percent of the power is cut depending on the engine speed, throttle position and gear selection. With up to 35 hp less, the Kawa looks downright constricted, the fun destroyer mode is actually only suitable for highly problematic conditions. For the technology offered, the extensive equipment and good touring suitability, Kawa calls for 11,995 euros for the Versys. About the optics only this much: In real life the Versys looks better than the pictures suggest – honestly. 

Gargolov

The ABS-equipped brakes grip hard and can be easily controlled.

Technical specifications

drive  

Four-cylinder in-line engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 86.8 kW (118 PS) at 9000 / min *, 102 Nm at 7700 / min *, 1043 cm3, bore / stroke: 77.0 / 56.0 mm, compression: 10, 3 : 1, ignition / injection system, 38 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain

landing gear  

Light metal double tube frame, steering head angle: 63 degrees, caster: 107 mm, wheelbase: 1520 mm, inner fork tube Ø: 43 mm, spring travel v./h .: 150/150 mm

Wheels and brakes  

Light alloy cast wheels, 3.5 x 17 / 5.5 x 17, front tires: 120/17 ZR 17, rear: 180/55 ZR 17, 300 mm double disc brake with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 250 mm single disc with single-piston floating caliper at the rear, SECTION

Weight (full tank) 239 kg *

Tank capacity: 21 liters super

Base price  11,995 euros (plus ancillary costs) * 

PS judgment

Triumph Tiger 1050 and Co. should dress warmly, because the new Versys 1000 with traction control and ABS as standard offers more technology and safety at a lower price. Despite all prophecies of doom, the four-cylinder is a lot of fun and ensures good performance with acceptable fuel consumption – a real all-rounder. If Kawasaki works on the look a bit, the Versys should sell well. 

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