Trail – 2010 Versys test: Kawasaki corrects his shot – Kawasaki corrects his shot

2010 Versys test: Kawasaki corrects its aim

Trail - 2010 Versys test: Kawasaki corrects his shot - Kawasaki corrects his shot

Launched at the end of 2006, the Versys did not meet the expected success. For 2010, Kawasaki has therefore refined its road trail and its communication with a new face, more comfort and an improved all-round motorcycle image.. MNC checks: road test !

Kawasaki corrects his shot

While the new ER-6 n and f are selling like hotcakes in France (almost as much as the Z750s this year, read our), the Versys is not as successful. Admittedly, during its first full year of marketing in 2007, the road trail of the Greens had seduced 1,291 French bikers, a result after all honest for this type of machine. But very quickly, its sales eroded: 899 in 2008 then 524 last year…

To remedy this, the manufacturer of Akashi decided to remodel its "VERsatile-SYStem" – "versatile system" in English – taking into account the feedback – "feedback" – users of the said Versys. A technique that has proven to be successful on the 1400GTR (read our) and which should help boost sales of the "six and a half".

On the strengths side, the Ninjas apprentices praised the versatility and fun of their motorcycle, the smooth but convincing response of the twin-cylinder at mid-speed, the ease of the cycle part, the behavior of the front end and the efficiency of the motorcycle in Urban.

On the negative side, the first complaint concerned the "original" optics, to say the least: in the shape of a skull, the front of the trail did not leave you indifferent … and surely scared off a good number of customers! A rejection all the more regrettable that once tested, the Versys is unanimous: it is an excellent small motorcycle to do everything !

In addition, customers criticized their frames for insufficient protection, suspensions that were too firm on bumpy roads and vibrations that were a little too present … Does the 2010 version manage to erase these – small – youthful defects? This is what Kawasaki suggested that we verify by inviting Site to the European press launch of its novelty, in the south of Sardinia. A destination of choice for a complete program: winding roads and expressways with imperfect surfacing, rain and clearings, short arsouilles and long connections … Road test !

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