The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Much Better Bike
The Kawasaki Vesys 1000 first appeared on the international motorcycle scene in 2011, built around a thoroughly road-going inline four engine, with a tarmac-focused 17inch front wheel and no off-road pretensions. But as it was a tall motorcycle with a vaguely off-roader-ish stilhouette, if found the adventure bike label pinned uncomfortably to its chest... only to be criticized as being unsuitable for the muddy stuff adventure bikes are supposed to do. Plus it was, I personally must say, a fairly ugly motorcycle.Now the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 revision gives the motorcycle the same sharp, modern, pointy looks as the Kawasaki Versys 650. Beyond the plastic, the big change is to the suspension, as the old motorcycle had also been criticized for lacking front-end feel. The tubes of the 43mm-diameter forks are completely new and 20mm longer, with preload adjustment on one leg and rebound damping adjustment on the other.
The rear shock has a stiffer spring but also reduced damping. IT doesn't seem soft, though – and scything across twisty roads, the front end feels firm and accurate, giving plenty of feedback.
The engine is still the liquid-cooled 1043cc inline four which is also used in the Kawasaki Z1000. It has now gained a slipper clutch with a pleasantly light pull, and just under 2 horsepower extra on offer.. It's sporty, muscular engine that pulls, well from low down and really strongly in the midrange... though I find I tend to hang onto the revs to enjoy the roar from the engine.
The engine has two power modes (same as the previous model), with the low-power mode. Kawasaki Thailand sells the Versys 1000 with ABS for 619,000 THB and available in Orange color.
