As parts of a serious revamping of the Versys family, the house of Akashi brought in a lot of changes to the 2015 model year Versys 650. The new smaller Versys bike shares the same aggressive design and new fairing lines with its 2015 Versys 1000 sister, so we’re in for a sportier, even if a tad more common-looks twin-headlight design.
The bike’s whole appearance was upgraded, so the 2015 Versys 650 now looks more slender and maneuverable, with a sportier profile and enhanced ergonomics. According to Kawasaki, the riding stance has also been modified, with relocated, lower footrests. The frame was also stiffened, and special attention was paid to the subframe. The stronger rear section of the bike can now accommodate more weight from the accessory panniers and generous top case.
New suspensions have been added to the 2015 MY Versys 650, with rebound and damping settings easily accessible in the top section of the forks, with separate function for each fork leg. Preload for the offset rear monoshock is easily adjustable by means of a remote adjuster which makes life easier when switching from solo to two-up riding. Mass centralization is also improved with the underbelly exhaust, but if you plan to tread on rougher paths, this (and the cast wheels) may be a bit of a problem.
On the tech side, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 is also a much-improved machine, as the bike sports revamped ABS brakes with new discs, new master cylinders, upgraded pads, new calipers and all. The 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine was tweaked for more power, and it now produces a maximum of 69 hp at 8,500 rpm, with a peak torque figure of 64 Nm (47.1 lb-ft) at 7,000. An A2 license-compliant 48 hp version is also available.
As you can easily observe, a new windscreen was also added, and it can be adjusted on the fly without tools, increasing long-range comfort. The front cowl sports the same deflector design like that of the Versys 1000, which Kawasaki says adds downdraft force. Looking at the new Versys bikes and at the front of the Ninja H2R supercharged hyperbike, the resemblance is striking.
Is Kawasaki taking a bold step towards better, higher-performance aerodynamics with all its bikes? Possibly. The 2015 Versys 650 will also be present in showrooms across the pond, early next year and will be most likely offered in the same three liveries: Pearl Stardust White, Metallic Spark Black/Flat Ebony and Pearl Shining Yellow. Prices are expected to be announced at the EICMA in November.
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