Versys 1000 2012 (en)

Despite its road bike look, this motorcycle probably hides some off-road capabilities comparable to the 1200GS, MultiStrada, Tiger Explorer, CrossTourer and other big adventure bikes.

But before looking deeper into the dual sport aspect, lets talk about bike esthetics.  Kawasaki did not attempt to copy the latest style which is the front fender popularized by BMW and followed by many.  I think it is honorable when a company follows its own original design.  However it took me quite some time to get used to this bike’s look.  The first thing I noticed is how strange the front part with juxtaposed lights look. It seems to me that the Versys 650 is more appealing even if it is similar.  I included a Versys 650 image below.  What do you think?

I hope that Kawasaki made the saddle comfier than the Versys 650.  The 650 seat becomes uncomfortable after 20 miles and I don’t think it has been improved since the first Versys.  In general it is a good idea to rent a bike and go for a long ride before buying one just to see how it feels.  If the seat is not comfortable enough, check if an optional gel seat is available.

Another detail to check: mirrors, on the 650 they are bad.  The vision is totally blurry at around 5000 rpm, but even worse they fold back on the highway because of the wind pressure.  Hopefully this problem was fixed for the big Versys.  Otherwise after market mirrors are available: I bought those replacement mirror for my own Versys on ebay.

There are also positive aspects.  Firstly, Kawasaki kept an eye on the weight.  At 526 lbs wet (239 kg, remove about 33 lbs-15 kg dry), the weight is close to the lightest bike of the category.  Second, OEM tires are Scorpions Trail, indicating that this bike has some off-road capacities for level 0 or 1 trails.  However, forget rocky or muddy roads as ground clearance is limited.  I don’t think installing a skid plate is required (otherwise than for esthetical purposes) precisely because the ground clearance already restrict access to roads where it could be useful.

As it is the case for many big adventure motorcycles, the Versys 1000 is a less interesting choice for dual sport adventure riders.  However this bike is right on the spot for those who ride mostly on paved roads with occasional light off-road adventuring.

To verify:

• seat comfort;
• mirrors;
• oil filter positioning (on the smaller Versys, this is not an issue);
• valve adjustment cycle (15 000 miles, 24000 km on the smaller Versys, great!);
• autonomy, at least 180 miles  (almost  220 miles (350 km) on the 650!)

ciao!

dsaventurequebec