Kawasaki Versys

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Versys


aka =
manufacturer = Kawasaki
parent_company =
production = 2007—
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class = Standard
engine = 649 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin
top_speed =
power = Convert|64|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 8000 rpm
torque = Auto Nm|61 @ 6800 rpm
transmission =
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
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related = Ninja 650R
similar =
Kawasaki introduced the Versys, a middleweight motorcycle with standard riding posture, to the European and Canadian markets at the end of 2006, and to the U. S. market in 2007.

The name Versys is a portmanteau of the words "versatile system," suggesting a system of riding attributes intended to offer versatility.

Technical Details

Based on the Ninja 650R, the bike's 650cc liquid cooled 4 stroke parallel twin engine has been retuned for more bottom-end and mid-range torque. This is achieved with revised inlet and exhaust cams with shorter valve duration. This will move peak torque lower down the rev range providing a better throttle response at low revs. In addition a balance tube has been added between the exhaust headers to smooth out power delivery.

As the bike is primarily designed for city and back-road (pavement) riding, the fuel injection system has been mapped to give strong throttle response in the mid-range from 3000-6000 revs.

This lowering of peak torque in the rev range may give a trade off against peak power output. The current ER-6 produces a claimed 71bhp at 8500rpm. In comparison the Versys peak power output will be 64bhp at 8000rpm. Peak torque will be 61 N·m at 6800 rpm. A similar approach was recently deployed by Honda with their CBF1000 model.

Compared to the ER-6, the Versys has a redesigned sub-frame, new exhaust header design, and redesigned suspension. The Versys replaces the standard non-adjustable suspension of the ER-6 with an upside-down front fork featuring greater travel and adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The rear uses an alloy swingarm instead of the tubular steel item on the original bike.

The Versys would be ill-described as a dual-sport bike. Its alloy wheels, ZR rated tires, and low, exposed exhaust system are each poorly suited to the abuse of off-road travel. Instead, the bike's specification follows closely that of its primary market competition, the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Both bikes offer suitability to a broad spectrum of riding in lieu of specialized strength -- emphasizing on-road rather than off-road strength.

Technical Features

*Model Year: 2007
*Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4- stroke parallel twin tuned for low-mid rpm torque response
*Displacement: 649 cm³ capacity
*Suspension, front: Upside-down fork adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
*Suspension, rear: Gull-type aluminium swingarm
*Brakes, front: Petal-disc brakes
*Brakes, rear: Petal-disc brake
*Complies to EU emission limit EURO 3

Awards

2008 Motorcycle of the Year Award by "Motorcyclist Magazine"

External links

* [http://www.kawasaki.ca/ Kawasaki.ca] - Kawasaki Canada's website, which includes Versys specifications
* [http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4858&Page=1/ 2008 Kawasaki Versys - First Look] - MotorcycleUSA.com
* [http://versys.co.uk/forums Kawasaki Versys UK Forums] - Versys.co.uk
* [http://www.kawasakiversys.com/ Kawasaki Versys US Forums] - KawasakiVersys.com
* [http://www.versysownersclub.com/ Versys Owners Club] - VersysOwnersClub.com