Photo: Original image by autoevolution
If the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 had wire spoked wheels, it would have come really close to big-bore adventure-touring bike perfection. At least this comes to mind after seeing this bike up close. The new big Versys no tough-as-nails machine set out to tackle the roughest trails or rock desert roads, but there nothing it wouldn’t do until the going gets really tough.
The old Versys 1000 looked… individual. Some loved it, others hated it. Its boxy front end with the stacked headlight was however, the element which singled out the bike and allowed riders to recognize it in an instant. It looks like Kawasaki preferred a more modern approach when they decided to update the Versys, and the new looks aren’t bad at all, as you can tell from our live photo gallery.
The bike looks even better in person, I can vouch for that. If judging by the photos you might think the plastic might not be on par, you'd be wrong. Despite its design, it feels better than expected. Even so, Kawasaki isn't known for its tourers and this bike will not put more redutable adversaries in danger. Not for now anyway.
In Full mode, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 can produce 120 hp at 9,000, which is quite nice, compared say, to the KTM 990 Adventure. The 1,043cc parallel twin is however less brawny in terms of torque, with only 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm, but still more than enough for a fun ride with a passenger and luggage.
Add in a slipper clutch making downshifting and engine braking smoother, a stiffer rear shock for the horizontal back-link suspension, and a wider bar making steering much easier.
The radiator shrouds look indeed neat and are integrated with the part that goes under the headlight assembly. Just like its smaller sister the 2015 Versys 1000 sports an under-headlight spoiler which resembles very much to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki is definitely planning to rethink some of the aerodynamic principles, or at least this is the story our eyes tell.
A lot of accessories are available for the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000, from panniers and top cases to crash bars (a most useful add-on, I’d say), heated grips, extra lights and more. The dashboard may seem a bit too crammed, especially with the triangular lights grouped together above the backlit LCD screen. Anyway, after the first thousands of miles, this sensation will most likely disappear as you’ll get used to the dash.
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 will be sold both in Europe and the US, for XXX (DE ANUNTAT).
The bike looks even better in person, I can vouch for that. If judging by the photos you might think the plastic might not be on par, you'd be wrong. Despite its design, it feels better than expected. Even so, Kawasaki isn't known for its tourers and this bike will not put more redutable adversaries in danger. Not for now anyway.
Engine maps and traction control
It would have been rather weird to see Kawasaki depriving their 2015 Versys 1000 of the basic electronics package, so the new tourer arrives with ABS, a three-way KTRC traction control system and two power modes (Full and Low). The Eco Riding indicator is no longer news for Kawasaki, so it was natural that Versys 1000 riders who want the absolute best mileage get it, too.In Full mode, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 can produce 120 hp at 9,000, which is quite nice, compared say, to the KTM 990 Adventure. The 1,043cc parallel twin is however less brawny in terms of torque, with only 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm, but still more than enough for a fun ride with a passenger and luggage.
Add in a slipper clutch making downshifting and engine braking smoother, a stiffer rear shock for the horizontal back-link suspension, and a wider bar making steering much easier.
Better air management
The redesigned bodywork of the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 improves air management and adds more weather protection to the rider. At the same time, the aerodynamics have also been improved, helping Kawasaki better mileage. The windshield is adjustable and requires no tools. Even more, you can adjust it with gloved hands, making things easier and more convenient.The radiator shrouds look indeed neat and are integrated with the part that goes under the headlight assembly. Just like its smaller sister the 2015 Versys 1000 sports an under-headlight spoiler which resembles very much to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki is definitely planning to rethink some of the aerodynamic principles, or at least this is the story our eyes tell.
A lot of accessories are available for the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000, from panniers and top cases to crash bars (a most useful add-on, I’d say), heated grips, extra lights and more. The dashboard may seem a bit too crammed, especially with the triangular lights grouped together above the backlit LCD screen. Anyway, after the first thousands of miles, this sensation will most likely disappear as you’ll get used to the dash.
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 will be sold both in Europe and the US, for XXX (DE ANUNTAT).
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