2009 Kawasaki’s Versys: A Bike for all Reasons

Written by Arv Voss

Kawasaki’s new Versys for 2009 is a bike that is capable of fulfilling many roles. It is essentially a motorcycle that offers the versatility to ride 24/7. It is an ideal bike for all types of riding including daily gridlock commuting, weekend rides, running one’s favorite canyon or back country roads, or for extended tours.

The Versys is difficult, if not impossible to categorize properly – it simply doesn’t fit specifically into one singular category. It is truly a bike that is capable of doing nearly everything in a satisfactory manner. To achieve this level of functionality, Kawasaki’s engineers turned to their already rider-friendly Ninja® 650 sportbike not only for inspiration, but as a platform for the Versys, utilizing the Ninja’s 649cc four-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel twin, which delivers 44.9 pound feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. Power reaches the rear wheel via a six-speed sequential manual gearbox, with an O-ring chain final drive.

The Versys also wound up with the six-spoke, cast alloy sportbike inspired wheels, nimble steering feel and neutral handling chassis. The Versys adds an adjustable-height windscreen, along with a longer “gull” shaped swingarm, adjustable long-travel rear shock and long-travel inverted 41mm forks, while giving it a roomy and comfortable riding position or open “cockpit”.

The Versys’ engine is powerful and lively enough for advanced, more experienced riders, while at the same time being civil and predictable enough for entry-level or novice motorcyclists. Modifications were made that allow the Versys to deliver smooth power, early on for spirited off-the-line acceleration, along with sufficient torque response across a broad range, suited to the commute environment, while still achieving impressive fuel economy.

The suspension componentry consists of an advanced Showa shock in the rear that utilizes a free piston and two-stage damping valves for progressive compression damping, which firms up appreciably as the shock moves through its stroke, allowing wheel travel similar to a dual sport bike, that is initially soft, but that then firms to nearly the level of a sportbike as suspension loads increase. The shock attaches to the extended aluminum gull-wing swingarm. Up front, the suspension is equally high-tech, with fully adjustable, 41mm inverted, tapered- tube forks that blend both off-road and sportbike action for a more comfortable ride quality in either type of riding scenario. The smoothness of the suspension is further enhanced by the stepped seat that provides optimum comfort for both rider and passenger.

The instruments are easy-to-read, displaying practical information at a glance, featuring a large analog tachometer, digital speedometer readout, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters and a clock. White LED backlighting provides increased night visibility. The windscreen is adjustable to three positions in 20mm increments. Color choices include Candy Plasma Blue and Candy Lime Green and the Versys is backed by Kawasaki’s 12 month warranty. My test Versys was finished in Candy Plasma Blue and came with a base price of $7,099 with the final sticker totaling an estimated after dealer prep and handling.

SUMMARY: The Versys may be a bit tall in the saddle with its 33.1-inch seat height for those riders who are vertically challenged, but once on board, the ride more than makes up for any mounting difficulty. Acceleration comes at a pleasing rate across the broad torque range, but is not raw or overwhelming. The smoothness is most impressive, and the bike’s balance, coupled with the suspension compliance, makes for a satisfying and comfortable ride. Handling and braking are equally proficient. The Versys from Kawasaki is a “No-Brainer” for the rider who can only afford one bike, and is faced with choosing between an off-road or sportbike – it adequately fills several bills with gusto and an affordable price tag. Not only that, it is pleasing to the eye as well.