Kawasaki is bringing back the Versys 1000 LT SE tourer for 2021, with Showa’s Skyhook suspension.
Kawasaki already had its KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension) on the big Versys, but now it’s working in conjunction with Showa’s tech. Kawi’s press release says “The upgraded Skyhook software delivers a smoother, more comfortable riding experience when riding solo or with a passenger. By using the KECS sensors to “read” the road 1,000 times per second, Skyhook is able to further enhance the versatility and comfort of the ultra smooth Versys 1000 making it possible for riders to tackle mile after mile.“
So the suspension is upgraded—what else is new? Looks like the rest of the bike is unchanged for 2021, with the same brash 1043cc liquid-cooled inline four (120 horsepower). Kawasaki has a very flashy electronics package with this bike, with cornering-sensitive traction control and ABS, quickshifter, electronic cruise control, cornering lights, smartphone-connective TFT dash and power modes. Pricing is $20,099. See more details at Kawasaki’s Canadian website.
Elsewhere in Kawasaki’s lineup, it seems Bold New Graphics are the play of the day. The Ninja ZX-6R, Ninja 650 and Ninja 400 return in KRT livery, inspired by World Superbike ace Jonathan Rea. Kawasaki’s press release also says “Sugomi-styled naked Z models receive fresh new graphic treatment from the Z125 PRO all the way up to the supercharged Z H2.” But wait! Where’s the wordage about the ZX-10R? Hrm…. could there be a new superbike coming this fall? If so, it’s been well covered-up.
Absolutely love my 2019 Versys 650 and heres hoping its gets a nice TFT dash for 2022
What does Hrm stand for?
It’s an exclamation used to denote reflection or hesitation. It is more typically written as “hmm”, but could be considered a regionalism in this spelling variant. Examples, “Hmm, I don’t know about that idea.” “Hrm, you may be right. We shall see.”
We now return you to our regularly scheduled knee dragging.