News – Versys: the handyman according to Kawa – Used KAWASAKI

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Versys: the handyman according to Kawa

News - Versys: the handyman according to Kawa - used KAWASAKI

Building on the success of its ER-6s, Kawasaki offers its 650 cc twin a more versatile cycle part: between resemblance and originality, the new Japanese trail prides itself on "surfing" on any type of road. While waiting for the test, here is the presentation.

Based on the now famous and widespread ER-6 (read), the next Kawasaki is intended to be extremely versatile: "designed to tackle the roads you are familiar with, from congested city streets to mountain passes, not to mention the rest", assures the manufacturer of Akashi.

Its baptismal name sums up according to Kawasaki its entire philosophy: Versys is none other than the contraction of Versatile System, which can be translated in Italian by Multistrada, in American by Ulysses, but also in "Suzuki" by V-Strom, in "Honda" by Varadero or in "Yamaha" by TDM…

With its 650 cc mill, the new 2007 Kawasaki offers a smaller displacement than most of the models mentioned above. The in-line twin which originally fitted both versions of the ER-6 has also been modified by Japanese engineers in order to offer "the desired response to all revs, especially down the towers".

We can therefore expect a slight drop in maximum power in favor of torque and low filling in the towers. Will the trail be even more pleasant to roll on small roads? Suspense…

The compactness of the 650 once again allows Kawa to offer a thin and light motorcycle which should demonstrate the same dynamism and the same ease as its sister, even if the Versys knows how to differentiate itself from its younger sibling..

Maurice de Rochefort, head of the press service at Kawasaki Motor France, has also had the opportunity to ride with: "it retains the strengths of the ER-6 including engine approval but is more comfortable, especially for my large size. It adapts to any type of driving, whether to go to work or to attack, and we will not hesitate to go on a trip !", he sums up for Moto-Net.

Thus, the youngest of the Greens has a fully adjustable inverted front fork with long travel, allowing if the need arises to explore roads – even paths? – degraded coating. The puny – but sufficient – swingarm of the roadster gives way to a more imposing arm "gull wing", while the executive also gains in presence.

Aesthetically, the Versys also mixes family resemblance and originality: not to mention the engine and its characteristic pot, the resemblance is striking when seen from the rear with a seat backrest, grab handles and a fire directly pinched on the ER -6, just like the rear suspension without linkage and the wheel assembly – petal disc brakes which further accentuate its significant "supermoto" style.

Big originality, however, in terms of the front optical unit, which we would gladly have lent to BMW: we like it or we don’t like – we can even do yuck! -, but the Versys has the merit of standing out from any other existing model !

The fork crown is picked up, just like the nose screen. The latter is adjustable but it is difficult to see it protecting the pilot at high speed. For its part, the front side perfectly adjoins the tank while the shoe elegantly adorns the underside of the motorcycle..

Finally, the large footrest plate (driver and passenger) of the ER-6 is replaced by a more conventional system, while a new compact speedometer unit makes its appearance..

The Versys should sell for around € 7,000 and is expected in the fall of 2006..

"The individual pleasure of riding is at the very heart of the exhilaration of the motorcycle", notes the manufacturer again, obviously very proud of his youngest:"it is not only about domesticating the road, but also about deriving intense satisfaction from it. Like a surfer attacking a wave, you make the elements your own. The spirit of Surf transposed on the road, this is exactly the optics in which the Kawasaki Versys was conceived"… Damn, that farte for Kawa !

First technical characteristics

  • Liquid-cooled in-line twin-cylinder 4-stroke engine, "specially designed for optimal engine response at low and medium revs"
  • Displacement 649 cc
  • Meets Euro 3 standards
  • Front suspension: inverted fork
  • Fully adjustable long travel suspension
  • Rear suspension: aluminum swing arm in "Seagull wing"
  • 17 inch wheels
  • Three petal disc brakes
  • Optional ABS
  • Adjustable screen
  • Colors: Orange "New Candy", black "Ebony" or gray "New Silver"

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