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Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE in the driving report

Adventure tourer revised

Kawasaki has revised the Versys 1000 and Versys 1000 SE crossover models for the 2019 model year. My colleague Jens Moller-Tollner drove it.

When revising the Versys 1000 models, it worked Kawasaki more about fine tuning than about revolution. The 1,043 cm³ in-line four-cylinder was given a modified engine set-up that is supposed to deliver a little more power below. In addition, the throttle valves are now electronically controlled, which in addition to improved throttle response also allows cruise control. But it remains at 120 hp and a maximum of 102 Nm torque.

New brakes and refined control systems

The Greens have also improved on the front brake system. The previously axially screwed saddles have been replaced by radially attached monobloc stoppers that bite into 310 mm discs. The radial master brake cylinder is also new.

The Versys ABS system has been refined with the KIBS system from the supersport models and a curve function and should now act even better. The other control systems have also been refined. The SE variant is also equipped with an electronically controlled chassis. The other SE features include a quickshifter and four pre-selectable driving modes.

Versys SE with cornering light

Kawasaki

The Versys SE is better equipped.

The new windshield is now mechanically adjustable in height, and the seat bench is said to have become more comfortable thanks to new foam. Alternatively, a bench 20 mm lower is also available. Two LED headlights now shine from the slightly modified front mask, and the SE version also has cornering lights. The rear light has also been converted to LED technology. Those who want to use external consumers on board can access an on-board socket that is now standard. The instrument cluster has been redesigned, and that of the SE version also shines with a smartphone network.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE in the driving report

And that’s exactly what the SE version is all about now. Kawasaki has invited to Lanzarote and presents the new crossover model on the Canary Island. The SE, in Germany only available as a tourer version with suitcases, inside pockets, tank pad and handguards for 16,745 euros including ancillary costs (normal Versys from 13,345 euros), is ready to go in front of the hotel. Thanks to the incorporated particles, the green lacquer dress shines in competition with the spring sun. A highlight of the color: It should repair itself when scratched. It works like this: The paint does not harden completely, so it automatically lays itself in the small grooves left by the zipper and the like. For now we think so, because we haven’t tried it. It behaves differently with the sitting position. The 840 millimeter high upholstery cushions the driver’s rear comfortably and comfortably, and the legs find space on the pegs by themselves. Nothing pinches, nothing pinches – the seating position behind the wide handlebars is tourist-relaxed and very comfortable.

Motorbike

The display provides information about the currently selected driving mode, here "WRINKLED".

This also applies to the frame for now. Semi-actively controlled, the fork and shock absorber iron out any unevenness and feel the asphalt sensitively to keep the driver away from interference. The comfort is right. Only when the hasty Versys driver exploits the potential of the 120 hp four-cylinder engine, which is now extremely well-mannered and gently accelerates thanks to ride-by-wire, the feedback no longer really works. Then there is too much movement in the Versys, especially at the back it gushes slightly.

A remedy is possible, however. After the preconfigured driving modes Road, Sport and Rain, settings for the TC and the chassis are also stored. In the additional rider mode, you can also put together your own set-up for these parameters. Therefore, the basic setup sport is now stored in rider mode and then the rebound and compression levels are increased slightly on the fork and a little more on the rear. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is already much richer on the road.

Motorbike

The new Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE shows its pilot in the cockpit how oblique he drives.

This also offers advantages when taking advantage of the great braking performance. The pressure point of the front stoppers can be nicely modeled using a Nissin radial pump, and the new radial calipers can clean up the 310 discs if necessary. The blipper, which is also available at the SE, supports the brisk stroke of curve surfing on Lanzarote. Without reaching for the easy-to-dose clutch, the gears are changed so quickly, at best the somewhat doughy pressure point on the gear lever is a bit annoying.

Otherwise, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE does its job well, even though it cannot hide its weight of more than five hundred pounds, especially in alternating bends or when braking downhill in bends. Then the front Bridgestone tire wants to get on the slightly wider track. Corrections in the course of the curve are easily possible via the wide handlebars, and the freedom from lean angles allows this. If you believe the display in the easy-to-read TFT cockpit, the notches only touch down gently on the road at a good 47 to 48 degrees. Enough to shoo the Versys 1000 SE around the corner, demonstrating its versatility. It is and remains a VERsatile SYSstem, just a typical Versys – now upgraded by a modern equipment package with the latest control electronics.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is available in the color combinations Pearl Stardust White / Metallic Spark Black and Candy Steel Furnace Orange / Metallic Spark Black. The SE variant is offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Pearl Storm Gray and Metallic Flat Spark Black / Pearl Flat Stardust White.

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