KAWASAKI Versys 650 (2007-2008) Specs, Performance & Photos

Kawasaki Versys came to replace the old and faithful KLE bikes, even though the new machine was much different. The whole character of the new Kawasaki was oriented more toward the street, but the bike could also handle little roughness, as well.

The most striking feature of the Versys was the banana-style aluminum swingarm that was necessary to achieve sufficient ground clearance due to its side-mounted shock absorber. Also, the bike featured a USD fork on the front with long travel, a new adjustable windscreen, optional ABS, and a Passion Red color scheme.

The 2008 Kawasaki Versys featured the light steering chassis of the Ninja 650R with neutral handling and a compact 649cc engine that was modified to deliver smooth power and flexible torque good enough for experienced riders but also suited for the less-experienced ones.

As for performance, the Kawasaki Versys took its thrust from a 649cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 64 hp with a peak at 8,000 rpm and 61 Nm (45 lb-ft) of torque available at 6,800 rpm.

The bike featured a carefully designed cockpit with a two-piece seat that offered optimum comfort for the rider and passenger, an easy-to-read instrument panel, and an adjustable windscreen that could have been raised and lowered in a 20 mm range.

Right from the factory line, the bike rolled on a set of six-spoke cast aluminum wheels that were also found on the Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R.