Photo: Original image by autoevolution
The end of 2014 brings a massive array of changes for Kawasaki’s middleweight road-touring Versys 650 machine. If you see certain similarities with the all-new Vulcan S as far as the radiator are is concerned, you’re not the only one, as these bikes do share certain elements with the ER-6/ Ninja 650 series. While not an entirely new machine, the Versys 650 does indeed come with a lot of fresh features which will cause more customers to look it up.
For the next year’s bike, Kawasaki has lined up both technical and aesthetic upgrades, so we’re definitely talking about a new generation in the still young Versys 650 history.
It’s more slender, and definitely looks much better at cutting the air than the old one. Of course, maybe this is happening because of the spoiler under the new dual-headlight array. It looks very similar to the new aerodynamic and design solutions embedded in the all-new Ninja H2 and H2R… and this means it’s also good. Of course, not everyone will like it, but that’s the way life goes on.
At the same time, the redesigned front end of the 2015 Versys 650 prompted Kawasaki to come forth with a new windscreen. For better weather protection and increased versatility, the new windshield is height-adjustable even with gloved hands and without tools, adding to the overall convenience.
All in all, the 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin will put 69 hp at 8,500 rpm and 64 Nm (47.1 lb-ft) of torque (7,000 rpm) at your disposal, which is definitely going to put a big smile on your face. Riding two-up and fully-loaded and trying to keep up with a 2015 Versys 1000 on the German autobahn will be a bit harder a task, but you can always ask your riding fellows to keep under 140 km/h (87 mph) or so. Pricing for the 650 starts at €7,490.
No more boxy looks
Some of the Versys 650 fans said they loved the bike for the exact boxy looks. The same looks which were the individual note of the bike, as they used to say. Well, it looks like this type of appreciation was not enough for Kawasaki to retain the old design. Truth be told, even if the old Versys 650 was very easy to recognize, but I definitely like the new guise more. In that regard, I think the photo gallery below will be quite satisfying.It’s more slender, and definitely looks much better at cutting the air than the old one. Of course, maybe this is happening because of the spoiler under the new dual-headlight array. It looks very similar to the new aerodynamic and design solutions embedded in the all-new Ninja H2 and H2R… and this means it’s also good. Of course, not everyone will like it, but that’s the way life goes on.
Better suspensions, better brakes, a better bike
The 2015 Versys 650 receives a new ABS system, new rotors, new masters and calipers, better brake pads, while the adjustable suspensions can now be tweaked using the screws in the top section of the forks. The rear shock has remotely adjustable preload for adjusting the spring on the fly.At the same time, the redesigned front end of the 2015 Versys 650 prompted Kawasaki to come forth with a new windscreen. For better weather protection and increased versatility, the new windshield is height-adjustable even with gloved hands and without tools, adding to the overall convenience.
All in all, the 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin will put 69 hp at 8,500 rpm and 64 Nm (47.1 lb-ft) of torque (7,000 rpm) at your disposal, which is definitely going to put a big smile on your face. Riding two-up and fully-loaded and trying to keep up with a 2015 Versys 1000 on the German autobahn will be a bit harder a task, but you can always ask your riding fellows to keep under 140 km/h (87 mph) or so. Pricing for the 650 starts at €7,490.
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