Versys 1000?

[Giaka]

Can someone translate?

http://www.moto-net.com/breve.php?RefBreve=4225

[Grainbelt]

Says it has the four cylinder from the Z1000.

No idea wtf else it says, or whether it is legit.

[jp]

Moto-Net say they heard rumors about this and found the pictures somewhere... Expect news at the Milan show this fall. Kawasaki neither confirm or deny, etc...
Seems to be based on a Z1000, frame and all, which would be weird for an 'adventure' bike, but maybe OK since most are used on the road pretty exclusively. The longer seat is attached with a trellis sub-frame. They think the block might be from a 750 though... The fairing and shrouds and the like come directly from a Versys (obviously)...
Most of the comments from readers on the page were negative, and I can see why. It would be one of those bikes that is not bad, but does nothing well... I'd vote for a no-show in this form anyways...

[Big D]

Kawi's version of the first gen Multistrada?

[Giaka]

Kawi's version of the first gen Multistrada?

The more I read, the more this seems to be a legit bike. I guess we will know in a month or so.

[falconati]

It would be sweet!  Just add a comfy seat and you're good to go!  Pricing just under the Ninja thou?

[JSharp]

It appears Kawasaki wants to use this engine and frame one more place. The purists will hate it because it has too many cylinders but it's not as ridiculous as it seems.  It follows the Adventure bike blueprint. Take an underpowered street bike, jack up the suspension, put dual sport tires on it, make it as ugly as possible, and since it's far too large and heavy to be called a dirt bike call it an adventure bike.  Except for this one won't be underpowered.

[Kraz]

The Kawi response to the V-strom... 10 years later.    Now in 1000cc variety.

Would be fun to ride - not sure there's much to offer that's new though.

[Rincewind]

The Kawi response to the V-strom was to make a V-strom replica in other markets.  KLV1000 I think it was called.

MCN says Kawi is not denying the Versys 1000 -- http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/October/oct1211-kawasaki-versys-z1000/

After not liking my Ninja 1000 test ride, I'm not all that interested.  

[ZZR12]

What didn't you like about your Ninja 1000 test ride?

[Rincewind]

What didn't you like about your Ninja 1000 test ride?

I loved it at low revs below 6000rpm - buttery smooth.  The bike has easy handling and is generally comfortable.  At higher revs I loved the power surge but really hated the engine vibes that were fairly harsh, tingly and intrusive.  To me it rears an ugly head with those high RPM vibes, but it's a subjective thing and if you mostly short-shift it's an excellent motor.  

[ZZR12]

Kawasaki has always had that "tingle" I wish they could get rid of it.

[xsrider]

I'm planning to replace my Kaw ZR-7s in the near future.  A Versys 1000 would be something I'd definitely consider.

[Giaka]

After spending 2 years on a Versys 650 I can tell you with an additional 40+ hp this thing would make for a wheely good time.  

[jfurf]

Reading the French moto commenters... apparently hatred of inline-4 engines knows no linguistic boundaries.  

Also, they're all complaining about how "trail" bikes now refer to giant too-heavy GS-style behemoths, unlike the glory days of the 80s and 90s dual sports. We really are all the same.  

[dietDrThunder]

Wow...if they make a Z1000-based adv-looking bike like those in the pics, that will move right to the top of my list for next year's new bike. I absolutely loved the Ninja 1000 I rode...just need better passenger accommodations.

[R Doug]

This thread should be merged w/ the one in the proper Kawi forum.  


http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,67353.0.html

[falconati]

Mods: please check your mirrors before merging.  Thanks!!!!

[R Doug]

 

[HipGnosis]

Can I get the longer sub-frame / tail and luggage on a Ninja?

[falconati]

Can I get a twin engine instead of a 4-banger?  

[Grainbelt]

Can I get a twin engine instead of a 4-banger?  

You can, if you buy the Super Tenere

[falconati]

If I wanted something that heavy, I'd just get an FJR  

[JSharp]

Can I get the longer sub-frame / tail and luggage on a Ninja?

Funny thing is you probably can. Check the exploded parts diagrams once they appear and I bet the frame is identical all the way down to the pickup points for the rear subframe. That's how is is with the Z1000/Ninja. Most anything you like about one of those bikes you can bolt right on to the other one.

Of course after the fiasco most people had trying to get the Ninja bags from Kawasaki, if they introduce this new bike as a 2012 or 2013 model it'll be 2015 before all the parts are finally available.  

[dietDrThunder]

This thread should be merged w/ the one in the proper Kawi forum.  


http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,67353.0.html

If it were in the Kawi forum lots of people would have never seen it. This is solid general-interest S/T news, and shouldn't be hidden away for the people who already follow Kawi goings-on.

[Giaka]

If it were in the Kawi forum lots of people would have never seen it. This is solid general-interest S/T news, and shouldn't be hidden away for the people who already follow Kawi goings-on.

That was my thinking.  

[dietDrThunder]

That was my thinking.  

...and here it is in the kawi forum.

Every time I see this happen I wonder how many interesting posts I've missed over the years due to not having the time to scan every OEM forum, just in case.

[Cricket1]

...and here it is in the kawi forum.

Every time I see this happen I wonder how many interesting posts I've missed over the years due to not having the time to scan every OEM forum, just in case.

What, you don't hit the crack button every time you login?  

[R Doug]

What, you don't hit the crack button every time you login?  

+1  I love the crack button ("Show unread posts since last visit").  You never miss a thing.  That's how I can afford to be so anal retentive about thread placement.  

[DogBoy]

If it were in the Kawi forum lots of people would have never seen it. This is solid general-interest S/T news, and shouldn't be hidden away for the people who already follow Kawi goings-on.

No Sh*t. &$*! mods! They just don't understand how f*ckin' hard it is to push all these f*ckin' buttons or slide your finger on a trackpad or move a f*ckin' mouse around. And don't even get me started of f*ckin' scrolling.

[rajflyboy]

another meals on wheels bike

 

[olderigetfasteriam]

another meals on wheels bike

 

Hi Honey! I thought you left? Great to have you back and offering the alternative lifestyle perspective.

p.s. Love your new avatar. Is that you?

[Rincewind]

Pray it's not a real pic!    

[Giaka]

Please no..........mommy make the bad pic go away.

[DogBoy]

Not real. Unless they are using a 320mm rear disc.  

[Giaka]

[Rincewind]

I hope someone was just having fun with photoshop.  Rear disc diameter looks identical to the Z1000, which is 250mm...  I think below was the source picture used by the anonymous photochopper.

[kragzore]

i think its a Photoshop... if you look where they took the hugger off the back wheel they did a shit job straightening the lines. Also with that much ground clearance and the bikes frame being identical to the z1000 the seat height would be like 36 inches because a z1000 already has a 32 inch seat height... haha

[Giaka]

Yeah you can see where the tire used to be before that hackjob (see arrow).

[stromgal]

That photohack would make a nice 'scary halloween' avatar for someone.  

[Rincewind]

The real deal, from EICMA

http://www.motoblog.it/post/33241/kawasaki-versys-1000-2012-salone-eicma-milano-2011

[Rincewind]

Brochure pics at http://www.nieuwsmotor.nl/dagelijks-motornieuws/10187-2012-kawasaki-versys-1000.html



http://youtu.be/3Q-smzVQwV8

[Rincewind]

http://youtu.be/H4w-yrEI5QY

[ZZR12]

The slope of that seat looks horrible. My balls hurt just looking at it.

[Grainbelt]

As usual, Kawasaki brings a pretty stonkin' motor in a lighter package (and likely lower price) than the 1200 class.

I think it makes a lot of sense, as a street bike.

[DogBoy]

Good to see the real thing. Can't wait for more details.

[Rincewind]

Good to see the real thing. Can't wait for more details.

The US Kawasaki does not list it.  Look to the UK site for details - http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Versys1000

Perhaps it's not destined for the States.  

[ConPilot1]

I think it's sweet. I like it. That big honking radiator needs some protection and the bazooka launcher pipe needs to go. Bike looks great in the white.  

I think Mama K is onto something with this! Glad to see them in the big DS market.

Legendary Kwak reliability I'm sure too. This engine platform is time-tested. This is definitely on the must-look short list for future reference.  

[County Tar]

Another mention here:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/11/2012-kawasaki-versys-1000-materializes-in-milan/

[ConPilot1]

This thing is most definitely at the top of my short list right now.  
This is a killer looking no-nonsense DS/road tourer and I will bet dollars to dougnuts that Kawi power plant
is going to be smooth, powerful, responsive, and RELIABLE. I can't wait to see this sucker in the flesh.  

As a long time Kawi fan I'd be more inclined to buy this than anything else in this class on the market right now.

What's nice is it doesn't look like some sort of Batman or Transformers bike like the Kawi designers are going with in the Ninja series.

[loadedmind]

What, you don't hit the crack button every time you login?  Headscratch

RSS?

That exhaust is Ew Glee.  I'm real curious to know the mpg real-world.  Not a pretty bike by any stretch, but most AT bikes aren't these days.

[Rincewind]

This thing is most definitely at the top of my short list right now.  

You might want to rethink your list.  Apparently it is not coming to the States.

This is a killer looking no-nonsense DS/road tourer and I will bet dollars to dougnuts that Kawi power plant
is going to be smooth, powerful, responsive, and RELIABLE. I can't wait to see this sucker in the flesh.  

No-nonsense Dual-Sport?  It has 17" cast wheels = not really a dual sport at all.  Better book a ticket to Europe if you need to see one.

What's nice is it doesn't look like some sort of Batman or Transformers bike like the Kawi designers are going with in the Ninja series.

Are you high?  

RSS?

That exhaust is Ew Glee.  I'm real curious to know the mpg real-world.  Not a pretty bike by any stretch, but most AT bikes aren't these days.

The crack buttons are the links in the top right to the recent posts.  Real-world mpg of the Z1000 is 30-40mpg.  21 liter tank is about 5.5 US gallons.

[falconati]

Shame it doesn't sound like it will be in the USA, I really like it.  I have one gripe and several questions for Kwak below:

1.)  That exhaust needs replacing
2.)  The Versys 650 that I sat on felt top-heavy.  Have they addressed this with the new version (either 650 or 1000)?
3.)  How is turn-in?  The BMW GS I rode had much slower turn in than the RT due to the front fork - is this the case with this dual sport?
4.)  Tank size - I didn't see specs, what is it?  5.5-6.5 US GAL, please

[ChrisZRX]

I'm disappointed it's an I4.  Nothing against I4's generally, just not for this application.  IMHO, of course.  Looks like I'll be going with the 650.

[Dan K]

How is this better than the Ninja 1000 other than having a bigger gas tank and looking "adventurish" ????

- Dan

[County Tar]

How is this better than the Ninja 1000 other than having a bigger gas tank and looking "adventurish" ????

- Dan

I assume it will have more suspension travel.  That is what the whole category is about, really.  Probably a more upright riding position and more leg room as well.  

[JSharp]

How is this better than the Ninja 1000 other than having a bigger gas tank and looking "adventurish" ????

- Dan

Without seeing one IRL - Higher bars, more comfy seat, lower pegs, more ground clearance, and an engine with more low end torque. It hard to tell if the suspension has more travel but my guess is that it does. The rear subframe looks heavier duty too. On the Ninja it's a one piece aluminum casting instead what seems to be a steel structure.

[bomber]

I assume it will have more suspension travel.  That is what the whole category is about, really.  Probably a more upright riding position and more leg room as well.  

likely right -- ergos for gents of a certain age, and suspension to allow big fun on poor roads . . . . .

thik a 1050 Tiger from Kawisaki, and you'll be in the ball park, I'm thinkin

[County Tar]

Stolen from MotorcycleDaily.com:

"The styling is based heavily on the 650 Versys, but it’s an all-new model. At its heart is the four-cylinder mill found in the Z1000 and Ninja 1000, tuned for better low and midrange power — Kawi claims 116 horsepower and 75 ft.-lbs. of torque at 7700 rpm. That’s a lot less than the long-term Ninja 1000 we’ve been  hogging, but it should be competitive with the BMW R1200GS and Yamaha Super Tenere. Like a lot of new motorcycles, it offers switchable power modes (low and full) as well as ABS and Kawasaki’s S-KTRC traction-control system.

The chassis may not be exactly the same as the Z1000’s, but it’s definitely closely related. An aluminum twin-spar frame hugs the motor, and a horizontal back-link rear shock will look familiar to anybody who’s ridden recent Kawi products. Seat height is a manageable 33.3 inches, and the claimed wet weight is 526.9 pounds, which is heavy for a sportbike, but lighter than much of the competition. A new inverted 43mm KYB fork is rebound-damping adjustable and offers more than an inch of extra wheel travel compared to the Ninja 1000. Scorpion Trail tires in 17-inch sizes tell us this bike is intended for mainly on-road use.

Not really a dirt machine, but it should shine as a commuter or even medium to long-distance sport-tourer. It offers upright ergos and a big 5.5-gallon tank (half a gallon more than the Ninja 1000, so expect 200 miles per tank), and the accessory luggage looks spacious. It also sports a big, rider-adjustable windscreen and decent luggage rack, passenger seat and grab-handles."

[ConPilot1]

You might want to rethink your list.  Apparently it is not coming to the States.

No-nonsense Dual-Sport?  It has 17" cast wheels = not really a dual sport at all.  Better book a ticket to Europe if you need to see one.

Are you high?  

I should have known it would be a Triumph rider that would be all like this:

Over the new KV1000. That bike's going to give the Tiger some serious competition I think. I hope it comes to the US market!!

[David Morrow]

Shame it doesn't sound like it will be in the USA, I really like it.  

You could move to Canada :
http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/STREET-TOURING/1461/Versys-1000

$13,999

[camaroz1985]

I like the white and black, and the brown and black as well.  It is just a weird enough shade to suit the weird styling of the bike.

And on a fuel economy note, the Canadian site lists it as a 21 liter tank, and fuel consumption as 12 months.  Sounds pretty good to me!!