2019 Versys 1000 test: (r) evolutions for the Kawasaki GT Maxitrail
The Versys 1000 undergoes a new stylistic evolution in 2019. Launched in 2012 and remodeled in 2015, the trail – very – road Kawasaki is also making its digital revolution, in particular with its new SE version with electronic suspensions. MNC tested it equipped with its Grand Tourer pack. Full test.
2019 Versys 1000 test page 3: … and very versatile !
With the exception of the rear preload, which can be changed using a thumbwheel, the traditional suspensions of the "very short" Versys 1000 will undoubtedly be adjusted once and for all, if ever. Site bets on the other hand that the owners of the SE will often change modes, because the differences are significant.
Completely acceptable in Sport, the cushioning is still better in Road. To browse old bumpy roads or the cobbled streets of a city center, we will even go so far as to select the Rain mode which absorbs even better big shocks and small jolts..
The best of the best in terms of comfort? Rider mode, thanks to which you can set the suspensions to Soft (as in Rain) and then release the rebound and compression a little while maintaining the maximum potential of the engine (Full and KTRC on 1).
Conversely to attack, the Journal moto du Net chose the Hard setting then closed the hydraulics of its fork as much as possible (+5 in rebound and compression) leaving the rear shock absorber values at zero. Be careful to validate the choices by selecting the "Apply" command, because you can mix the buttons at the very beginning.
The handling of the cruise control and the management of the cruising speed are more obvious: once the cruise control is activated and the speed selected, two small buttons are used to increase and decrease the speed. Everything happens on the left stalk: the right hand can rest.
Same satisfaction with regard to the efficiency of the heated grips that Site turned on at least (1 out of 3) at the start of the day, then turned off thanks to the gentle outside temperature: 17 ° C according to the on-board computer! In addition, the hand guards already protect against the cold.
Also standard on the SE (also optional on the standard), the quickshifter is very effective on the road when trying to set the pace, but also useful when winding quietly. It is only in town, on the first three gears, that it can sometimes show itself shaking: we therefore prefer to resume the clutch..
Also good to know: the Journal moto du Net observed that the "KQS" was not active below 2500 rpm. To quietly return to gear near a traffic light or a stop sign, no need to stupidly force the selector – then strangely soft: you have to grab the – soft – left lever, old-fashioned !
Completely modern, the TFT screen is not only in color: it is indeed colorful! The gear engaged indicator turns orange and flashes at the same time as the shifter when the analogue tachometer needle approaches the red zone.
We encourage Japanese engineers to go further in these very visual configurations of the dashboard and we would appreciate if they color the speed in the same way: blue under 50 km / h, green under 80 km / h (or 90, it should be able to set it!), orange under 130 km / h and red beyond, for example ?
On the 2019 Versys 1000, however, the driver does not need visual or audible signals to know that he is exceeding the maximum authorized speed on the motorway. Vibrations point in the tank and in the footrests (yet generously lined with rubber) from 5000 rev / min.
Chaining the terminals at 80 km / h in 6th gear (at 3000 rpm) on the secondary network poses no problem. On the other hand, we avoid stalling on the motorway at 140 km / h "counter" because the 4-cylinder then turns at 5500 rpm: we enter the discomfort zone.
The more you go into the second half of the tachometer, the more the crackling is felt. Riders who are used to keeping their engine high in the revs in order to benefit from solid pickups and a sportier soundtrack won’t be wriggling with pleasure for long. Too bad, because in terms of comfort the Versys is strong !
MNC is looking for the little beast…
On "our" SE, the original screen, higher and wider than on the standard model, well shelters the bust and shoulders of the pilot. The most sensitive will just note that the new – and pretty because smoked – brake fluid reservoir creates slight turbulence on the right pectoral. Yes, MNC is looking for the little beast: it’s his job.
Raised to the maximum, the small "windshield" deflects the wind on the top of the helmet in a 1.80 m pilot. To isolate himself completely, he must therefore come forward and lower himself a suspicion. Note in passing that it is preferable to stop to change the height of the screen, because two screws fix its position (no single command or notches).
Tested over a total of 458 km – including 170 km in a row – the saddle passes the MNC exam up the buttocks. The lower body is also well protected: the thighs, knees, shins and ankles are sheltered from the wind – which also blew in strong gusts during our taxiing … However, the latter never dangerously disturbed the course. of the bike or damaged our confidence in it, despite its XXL size.
Thanks to our charming usher who agreed to drive us for a photo shoot, Site was able to test the duo (grazie mille, Francesca). Once perched on the maxitrail, the passenger benefits from a large space at the level of the legs: the cases leave a lot of room for the calves and the feet of the pilot are out of reach.
Even more than at the front, the large and padded saddle pleasantly accommodates the buttocks. The large handles are naturally gripped and allow you to sheath well on heavy braking. The field of vision is royal … Imperial even, when the passenger is taller than the driver! The bubble raised to the maximum effectively breaks the wind and avoids straining the neck.
Only – big – criticism leveled against the 2019 Versys 1000 equipped with the Grand Tourer pack: the top case cushion is too prominent. The passenger equipped with a back protector – therefore insensitive to Kawasaki’s little attention – is forced to tilt the torso forward. Pity.
Heavy riders will note that the 48 liters of the top-case can store a large travel bag (or the Kawasaki bag included in the Grand Tourer pack?), While the 27-liter suitcases can each accommodate a full-face helmet (Shoei GT -Air size M in this case).
Without this luggage, on the other hand, the owner of the big 2019 Versys is as deprived as on the old versions: after finding the lock hidden at the base of the license plate holder, he can easily open the double saddle to reach his battery (practical !) … but close it as dry to store your yellow vest elsewhere, for lack of space (not practical)…
We also regret the absence of a simple storage compartment for the motorway ticket. A 12 V socket is always located on the left of the cockpit to supply an occasional GPS or a possible smartphone (which can be connected by Bluetooth to the on-board computer: see next page).
A final word on the subject of gasoline consumption which seems reasonable: "the average consumption for all journalists is around 6.5 l / 100 km", one of the Kawasaki managers told Site at the end of our essay. Our on-board computer indicated 6.2 l / 100 km: enough to cover 323 km at a good pace.
The site can therefore affirm that the new Versys 1000 has reached its target: Kawasaki primarily targets bikers aged 40 to 60 who already own a Kawa or a European motorcycle, set off as a duo (a little, a lot, passionately or madness) for long trips and looking for cutting-edge equipment … and who spend lavishly? Also, yes.
As predicted by the designer of this 2019 novelty, comfort is there and the usefulness of the many equipment is appreciable. And the emotion in all of this? It depends on taste: not all bikers will necessarily be customers of the sharp look of the new Versys.
The emotion also depends on the purses, because the check of 18,790 euros required for the model "over-equipped" and tested by MNC is not easy to give up for – sir – everyone! The performance of the motorcycle being on the rise in 2019 (even more with the SE), the price inevitably climbs as a result.
Even within Kawasaki dealerships, the Z1000SX and its Tourer pack (13,599 + 850 euros) offer a very relevant GT-sport program, without offering the same load capacities (no top-case) and comfort (less upright position) ). And we find among the competitors motorcycles able to "trace" (you have it?) Quickly and far without getting tired … Duel or comparative test to follow on MNC? Stay connected !
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