Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2014-2018)

Kawasaki has introduced for the Indian market its first adventurer touring motorcycle christened as Versys 1000. Offered at an affordable price tag than its competitors Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and Triumph Tiger Explorer, it is designed with more punch and style than the previous model. The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is a fascinating adventure tourer that has recomposed semi-fairing integrated with split pattern headlamps. The features that makes it a safe ride are 3-mode KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and ABS. The windshield on-board has tool-less height adjustability. The other elements of the ride that make the journey a pleasant memory, are Kawasaki Quick Release 28-liter Hard Saddlebags plus 47-liter Top Case with Kawasaki One Key system, grip heaters, Radiator Guard, Frame and Front Axle Sliders, Gear Position Indicator, DC Power Outlet and GPS Mount.

The engine of the Versys 1000 is a 1,043cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves, inline, 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 6-speed transmission with sealed O-Ring chain. Race-inspired Assist and Slipper Clutch helps the rider to enjoy 118.4bhp of maximum power at 9,000rpm and 102Nm of peak torque at 7,500rpm. Enveloped on a twin-spar aluminum frame, the bike boasts KYB 43mm inverted front fork with adjustable rebound and preload as well as horizontal back-link shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload at the rear.


The movement of the motorcycle is compelled with 120/70 x 17inch front and 180/55 x 17inch rear Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T30 tyres. Assisted with ABS, the braking system uses dual 310mm petal rotors with four-piston calipers at the front and single 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper at the rear.

Kawasaki Versys is a tall, adventurous and mean sporty machine born in Japan. Its image commands over those who carry a strong passion for adventure biking. The front profile of the bike gets a twin sporty headlamp section with twin pilot lamp giving a predatory look in the dark. The bikini fairing looks impressive and adds up some premiumness to the bike’s visuals. The fuel tank is half hidden under the fairing and comes neatly designed. The bike features a sporty step up split seat that comes thickly cushioned and offers an optimum comfort even on long tiring journeys. The engine cowling comes in an all-black matte grey finish to protect the engine from dirt and mud. The long travel suspension at the front gives the bike a tall and handsome appearance in public and gives enough confidence to the rider to conquer the terrains with ease.

Coming towards the rear, you will notice that the Versys 1000 has been bestowed with three saddlebags, two on either side and the remaining one at the centre in order to accommodate the maximum amount of luggage while on the go. Furthermore, a stylish LED tail lamp looks fascinating and enhances the aesthetic values of the bike even more. The trimmed rear fender shows off the rear fat tyre quite impressively and gives a muscular element to the bike. Kawasaki Versys 1000 has body dimensions of 2,240mm x 1,026mm x 1,400mm (LxWxH) and has a wheelbase of 1,519mm that ensures an agile handling in all conditions. The bike comes with a minimum ground clearance of 150mm that gives a commendable stability while entering those sharp corners. The instrument cluster comes with a digital plus analog unit comprising of an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, temperature gauge, clock and fuel gauge.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 has been equipped with a sound braking system that comprises of twin 310mm rotor discs upfront and a 250mm single disc at the rear. The braking experience gets further refined and responsive with the incorporation of a high-performance ABS unit to the package. Furthermore, the bike features an assist and slipper clutch that prevents losing of revs in case of aggressive downshifts. Kawasaki Versys 1000 comes with a traction control system as well to ensure that the bike does not loses control under adverse riding and road conditions.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 has been loaded with a Four-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder, Inline-four engine that comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. It churns out a net power of 120bhp at 9,000rpm with a peak torque of 102Nm at 7,500rpm. The fuel injected engine has been configured with 38mm Keihin throttle bodies that ensures a crisp throttle response with a seamless flow of power. With a compression ratio of 10.3:1, the engine witnesses a power oriented bore x stroke of 77mm x 56mm.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 runs on 120/70x17 front and 180/55x17 rear tubeless tyres that comes mounted over stylish and robust black alloy wheels. The bike slows down with the help of dual 310mm rotor petal disc brakes with four piston callipers at the front and single 250mm petal disc brake with single piston calliper at the rear that offers a commendable stopping power to the machine. To avail a stress free and comfortable ride, Kawasaki has assisted this 1000cc adventure tourer with Kayaba 43mm inverted fork upfront and Horizontal back-link shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload at the rear end.