Kawasaki Versys 650

Versys 650 Overview

The Versys 650 was launched by Kawasaki to target the sports-adventure section, which is gaining much popularity by the young and enthusiastic riders, who are always seeking a blend of speed, power, and practicality.

The Versys 1000 and the Versys 650 is basically based on the Z650’s platform and shares its basic chassis design and functional ergonomics with the Z650.  Versys 650 is priced at RM 36,201 and is offered in two shades of black and red. The bike is equipped with a 4-stroke, parallel-twin liquid-cooled 650cc engine with dual throttle valves and mated to a 6-speed gear system. The motor churns out a power of 69 PS and 64 Nm peak torque

Kawasaki Versys 650 Design

If you have been a Kawasaki fan and seen the previous versions of Versys, you will notice striking similarities between the Versys 650 and Versys 1000. A lot of inspiration is also seen to draw from the Ninja series, in terms of functional design and engine elements. Looks-wise, the Versys 650 looks very contemporarily designed keeping in mind the target youth customer base. It has a tall and wide stance which makes it look very masculine and bold. 

Talking about the front fascia of the bike, we see a lovely set of angular headlamps, which seems consumed in the front fairing. The front fairing is also very nicely tapered to don a striking element. Above the fairing, lies a long and adjustable windshield, for the rider’s protection. 

There are also two sharp kinks placed below the headlamps, which together make the front face look sharper. Further, the fairing seamlessly merges with the body of the bike to finally reach the fuel-tank. The wide split pillion grab rails mounted on the tail section makes the bike look bigger and pointed from the rear. The engine comes hidden in the wide cowl which also camouflages the 2-into-1 exhaust pipe.

The Versys 650 comes with a small LED tail lamp, small rear fender, and black theme for the alloy wheels and the engine, hence the overall colour co-ordination looks very appealing. The instrument console of the Versys 650 is very similar to what we see on the ER-6F. For the rider, there is an LCD screen placed below the analogue tachometer which displays the speedometer, odometer, trip meters, and other essential information. 

Versys 650 Ride & Handling

The Versys 650 comes with a high-tensile steel diamond frame as well as suspension, which the Z650, as well as Ninja 650, also have. Talking about the ride and handling feature, the bike offers an absolutely smooth and jolt-free ride, all thanks to the suspension which is a 41 mm inverted telescopic forks with adjustable rebound damping. Additionally, there is also an adjustable preload at the front and offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability at the rear. The overall suspension set-up offers a smooth way despite all the undulations on the road. The Versys 650 has been equipped with dual 300mm petal discs at the front and a single 250mm petal disc brake at the rear for the safety of the rider and allows him to complete grip, even at higher speeds. 

Kawasaki Versys 650 Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has a powerful engine at its heart which is a four-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 649cc. Although, the engine needs to churn out some extra power to offer a heavy midrange, for all the tough rides that it is endeavoured for. The engine has the capacity to generate a maximum power output of 69 PS and a peak torque output of 64 Nm. 

Versys 650 Braking & Safety

Apart from the Anti-lock Braking System, we did not notice any additional basic and standard safety features being incorporated on the Versys 650. Provided the weight of the bike and the adventures section it is launched for, a few more safety features could have made it more desirable. 

Kawasaki Versys 650 Verdict

The Versys 650 is for a person who wants to have that dual-sport feel, a little nimble sporty side, and a little easy-going tourer. With that big tank it's carrying, it is sure to offer a longer range to ride and lesser worries on finding stops for re-fueling. Ergonomics on riding this bike, you have pretty good legroom, wide handlebars, and pretty good wind protection. If you are an enthusiastic rider, who wishes to ride a package of versatility and efficiency, then Versys 650 is the one.