Kawasaki Versys 1000 old versus new in the test

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Kawasaki Versys 1000 in the test

Old against new

For 2015, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 will not only get a new outfit and the color orange, but also changes to the chassis and equipment. So everything is new, everything is better?

The previous outfit of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 was somewhat reminiscent of the first Ducati Multistrada and met with little approval from buyers. The new plastic dress looks much faster. The windshield can be adjusted a full 30 mm higher than its predecessor. Which means that the helmet is much better protected from the frosty wind. You could also expect more wind protection given the more expansive plastic dress. But what else can the new Versys 1000 do? After all, Kawasaki didn’t just leave it with a new look. Handled in many places. You notice that when you drive off.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 in the test

Old against new

Apparently sorry for Kawasaki and gave the Versys a very smooth slipper clutch thanks to the servo function. Not only can it be operated with two fingers, but it is also very easy to dose. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 has always been the domain of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 to purr casually at just above idle speed and, if necessary, to sprint vigorously. The new model can do this just as much as the 2014 model that has traveled with it for comparison. Through the sleepy Spanish villages, the 1043 cm³ four-cylinder hums easily in sixth gear when needed. The current Versys 1000 also masters this discipline. Your four-cylinder purrs even more cuddly through the first half of the engine speed thanks to the rubber-mounted upper engine mounts. As before, the 1000 is made for lazy shifting gliding and pulls out of the speed limit if necessary.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 with a main stand ex works

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 has always been agile. But she is now wagging through the town with even more agility, turning nonchalantly around cars that suddenly slip away. So, out of town to slide the disc up, you have to stop for a moment. The disc can be adjusted without tools, but the knurled screws are still not within reach, but impractical on the outside.

When the disc is fixed at the highest level, it’s time to enjoy: the better wind protection, the smoother clutch, the smoothly running engine. And you feel completely comfortable. Especially since the newly coordinated spring elements promise more comfort. With around 30 percent less cushioning, they have been trimmed for more travel comfort and adapted to the higher weight with a slightly harder spring at the back. Higher weight? The Kawasaki Versys 1000 now comes with a practical main stand ex works. Instead, there are no threads on the swing arm for mounting rollers for assembly stands.

All tests and articles about the Kawasaki Versys 1000

New ones with five kilograms more payload

In the Grand Tourer version, in which the Kawasaki Versys 1000 was tested, it also has hand protectors, additional headlights and frame protectors and a gear indicator in addition to a reinforced rear frame, suitcases and topcase with luggage rack. There is no heat exchanger for the engine oil because the new paneling is supposed to ensure more efficient cooling of the engine. The upper triple clamp with a cast and therefore stiffer one-piece handlebar mount is new. With its butted shape, the handlebar is made of aluminum, but is still made of steel. In addition, the ignition lock is now a little higher and more accessible. So the tiresome fiddling with the ignition key in the depths of the cladding is shelved.

Overall – without the case – the weight gain of five to 255 kilograms is within tolerable limits. And because Kawasaki also increased the gross vehicle weight by ten kilograms, the payload increased by five kilograms. This is a pleasant fact for tourists. Just like the really sensitive spring elements. The worse the asphalt in the Spanish hinterland and the Pyrenees, the more obvious the differences become. The new Kawasaki Versys 1000 processes patches and edges that the predecessor unabashedly passes on instead of keeping them to itself. Even small vicinal streets with eroded pavement lose their horror, especially since the plush bench has not lost any of its sofa character.

The little road winds its way up the slope in breathtaking turns. It is always a pleasure to see how confidently the Kawa quad pushes from the deepest positions and, if necessary, gives off more tinder from 6000 rpm. The two extra horsepower are not really noticeable, but the muscle man turns a little more freely and angrily towards the limiter. As expected, there is a stalemate in terms of performance between the old and new Kawasaki Versys 1000. Power is always plentiful with the current Versys. That makes you confident and relaxed.

Tourer

Funbikes in comparison test

Ducati Multistrada 1200, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Triumph Tiger 1050

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Tourer

Funbikes in comparison test

Ducati Multistrada 1200, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Triumph Tiger 1050

read more

Softer tuned chassis vs. sporty driving

The fact that she allows herself a tenth less fuel underlines the cultivated appearance. So everything could be fine. Then why the subjunctive? Because on winding streets the old woman shows that she doesn’t look old in every way. Instead of the Pirelli Scorpion Trail as before, the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 now rolls on a Bridgestone T30 with the special code "F". This means that it does not steer exactly to the point and also requires a little pressure on the handlebars in an inclined position in order to stay on course. The great steering precision, neutrality and balance that have characterized the Versys so far are lost. What is less evident in long, sweeping curves, but more clearly on small, winding streets with rapidly successive curves. Since the chassis geometry remained unchanged, the reason could be found in the tires. Which is not a fundamental verdict against the actually good Bridgestone tire. It shone in the tire test (issue 11/2014) with its excellent neutrality. But apparently the special identification tire trimmed for straight-line stability does not have a harmonious relationship with the Kawasaki Versys 1000. Cold adhesion and grip, on the other hand, are flawless as usual.

In addition, the softer fork offers more comfort, but no longer the same feedback from the front wheel as before. The softer, tuned chassis now places somewhat narrower limits on the sporty drive for action. For that I like it
With a new hand brake pump and 310 instead of 300 mm brake discs at the front, upgraded brake system through more spontaneous, more finely adjustable gripping. And the ABS, which is equipped with a new, lighter Bosch pressure modulator, ensures that the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 remains more stable on course even when the brakes are hard, despite the fork dipping faster.

Overall, the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 is even more comfortable and trimmed for touring. This is also emphasized by small details such as the increased alternator power from idling speed. So that accessories such as navigation systems, additional headlights or heated grips can be reliably supplied with power. Sporty tourists will miss the precision and crispness of the predecessor. But the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 compensates with ease of use, more features and better comfort. Which should not only please long-distance travelers.

Data Versys 1000 2015 [2014]

32 Pictures

Pictures: Kawasaki Versys 1000 in the test

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