Kawasaki does big-bore adventure touring a bit differently than the others.
While almost everyone else is building their machines around twin-cylinder engines, Kawasaki has instead relied instead on the torquey 1,043 cc inline-four that powers the latest Z1000 to propel the new Versys 1000.
Of course, it’s detuned for the Versys; it puts out about 115 hp at 9,000 rpms, and 102 Nm of torque at 7,700 rpm.
Riders can detune the bike even further through onboard electronics. There’s a full power mode, but the rider can also select a low power mode that restricts the bike to around 75 per cent of its capability – a very useful feature when adventure riding.
The Versys 1000 also features three-mode traction control, combining elements from the traction control systems found on the ZX-10 and ZZR1400.
It has been designed for long-distance touring in mind, with seat and wind protection to help you ride further. Wheels are 17-inch units. Brakes are 4-piston calipers with 300mm petal front discs and a 250mm rear disc. ABS is standard.
Fuel tank capacity for the new Versys is 21 litres, and weight is 239 kg. No word on Canadian availability or pricing.
This one seems to make a heck of a lot more sense than most of the other sidewalk scramblers (IMHO). The vast majority of these ‘adventure tourers’ will never venture down a gravel road, let alone up the Dempster Highway so why not give it cast wheels, a four cylinder powerplant and what appears to be a realistic seat height ?
True, but it looks a bit like sh*t.