1000 Versys

[phatphil]

I'm totally digg'n the Versys 1000.  Hope it handles as well as it will go.  Might just be huge success.

[phoenix]

at least provide a link or something

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/629/11501/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Kawasaki-Versys-1000-First-Look-.aspx

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke Inline-four
Displacement: 1043cc
Bore/Stroke: 77 X 56mm
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1
Fueling: EFI 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital
Frame: Aluminum twin-tube
Rake/Trail: 27-degrees/4.2 in.
Clutch: Wet multi-disc
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Wheel Travel – Front: 5.9 in. Rear: 5.9 in.
Tire – Front: 120/70ZR17
Rear: 180/55ZR17
Suspension - Front: 43mm inverted fork
Rear: Horizonal back-link, gas-charged shock
Brakes – Front: Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs w/ dual opposed 4-piston calipers
Back: Single 250mm petal disc w/single-piston caliper
Wheelbase: 59.84 in.
Seat Height: 33.27 in.
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gal.
Weight (claimed curb wt.): 526.9 lb

[Kraz]

Wonder what she'll cost...

[Grainbelt]

No word of a US release, thus far.

I really enjoyed my Ninja 1000 test ride, a pothole-compliant suspension would be pretty sweet around here.

[mesmotized]

Looks like an interesting combo.  Love the motor, although it seems a shame to dial back the power.

[scarecrow]

I was so hoping that this would be about a vertical twin 1000 like the 650 Versys. I have the ER6n version and it really is a great motor.

[Grainbelt]

I was so hoping that this would be about a vertical twin 1000 like the 650 Versys. I have the ER6n version and it really is a great motor.

I owned the 650R for three years. My test ride on the Ninja 1000 was not all that dissimilar - just a lot more power, everywhere. Not at all a peaky disaster like my current FZ6.

I think this Versys 1000 is a great option, if they keep it within 1k of the Ninja MSRP.

[Kraz]

Looks like an interesting combo.  Love the motor, although it a shame to dial back the power it will be awesome to have the top end power redistributed for more midrange.

 

Detune = Retune.  

[ripdaddy]

At least they kept the exhaust low to allow a full size bag on both sides unlike Triumph and BMW.

[mugwump58]

[ConPilot1]

Well that was a pretty inspirational and hair-raising soundtrack on that vid.  

Seriously as a big Kwak fan I too am excited about this bike. The motor is a time-tested rock-solid platform, I just hope it has truly evolved a bit
rather than repackaging and old motor in a new bike with FI and some different mapping. I think I'd be looking at one of these before a C14 or
something similar.

Would be a perfect and probably seamless transition/ next step up from my old Connie.

[Bama67]

I like it!

That motor should be perfect for that bike. Even if they detune it some, it should still be okay, the 1000 in my Ninja has some pretty good stonk  

And it is pretty light at 527lbs ready to roll.

Looks like a winnar.  

[JSharp]

Got to agree with many others. They could have left the engine alone and it would have worked fine.  People who think it needs to be a twin to have torque and flexibility should go ride a Z1000/Ninja 1000.

[Davy F.]

Took the time today to go check out the new 1000 Versys. Pity I didn't bring my riding gear as the first thing they offered me was a demo ride.  
Anyway, it looks better 'in the flesh' than the pictures I've seen, but it still doesn't float my boat the way the Gen2 V does (and I prefer a twin to a four). The seating position and space is really nice, much more roomy as you'd expect from a physically larger machine. I think it will be very comfortable over long distances as it feels like it will offer a relaxing ride. The pillion seems to be well catered for too with loads of room and as we all know, if the pillion is happy, it makes everything that little bit better. There's lots of nice little touches all about the bike and it actually felt quite light. I do see it more as competition against the likes of the Tiger 1050 as opposed to the mighty GS. I suppose I'll have to take one out for a blast if I must.  

[mugwump58]

Hmmm, walked into the shop and was offered a ride. Yer not from around here are you... I've never been offered a ride by a Japanese shop, too bad, I'd probably buy more often.

[Davy F.]

Hmmm, walked into the shop and was offered a ride. Yer not from around here are you... I've never been offered a ride by a Japanese shop, too bad, I'd probably buy more often.

No, and from what I read here and elsewhere, getting a demo ride in most places in the States is very difficult. Over here (in Northern Ireland), virtually any good dealer will offer a demo ride on several of their bikes. For instance, in the past two years I've had out a Ducati MultiStrada, KTM 990SMT, Super Tenere 1200, BMW R1200RT, KTM 990Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Harley Fatboy (hey, I was just querious !), Honda Pan Euro, Honda VFR1200 to name the main ones. I'll take the 1000 Versys out in the Spring and I have a demo ride already booked on the new Triumph Tiger Explorer.

Sometimes I wonder why I bother having a bike of my own....  Maybe I missed my calling and should have been a motorcycle journalist.

[mugwump58]

 

[Jay S.]

Mugwump, that video was awesome! Thanks for posting.

 

[TracyZZR12]

beautiful bike! i wish it came in silver metallic though.  

[BradleyRas]

Very nice bike. I would love to test ride one!