Photo: Kawasaki
When you’re riding a bike that houses a 1,043cc colossus, competent suspension is absolutely essential.
While the vast majority of Kawasaki’s 2021 lineup remains mostly unaltered, the upcoming Versys 1000 SE LT+ receives more than just some funky color options. To be more precise, the Japanese manufacturer honored its suspension with state-of-the-art technology that promises to offer significant handling improvements.
Don’t get me wrong, the current Versys 1000 model already features a top-grade suspension setup, namely Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension (or KECS). This bad boy enables the rider to optimize preload by means of a digital control unit located within comfortable reach. As a result, the system adds a great deal of versatility to the whole package, making the Versys extremely adaptable to changing conditions.
As for the 2021 variant, the firm coupled their KECS goodness with Showa’s Skyhook EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment). Rather than adding fresh hardware to the mix, the Skyhook technology remaps the existing module’s algorithm to improve its performance and offer a remarkably smooth ride. Kawasaki states that “EERA continually adapts to the road surface in real time to enable light steering on highways and a more planted feel in wet conditions.”
Aside from this tasty suspension upgrade and a new color scheme that blends a metallic black base with grey and red accents, the MY ‘21 Versys 1000 SE LT+ packs the same characteristics as its 2020 sibling. As such, it is powered by a four-cylinder DOHC behemoth, with four valves per cylinder head and an astronomical displacement of 1,043cc. Additionally, this feral piece of liquid-cooled machinery boasts a generous compression ratio of 10.3:1.
At around 8,800 rpm, the powerplant is capable of delivering up to 118 hp, accompanied by 75 pound-feet (102 Nm) of ruthless torque output at 7,500 revs. This vicious force travels to a chain final drive via a six-speed transmission, equipped with Kawasaki’s Quick Shifter (KQS).
Finally, the latest addition to the Versys 1000 brings about a price tag of $18,199 - a mere 200 bucks over the current model. Long story short, this thing’s quite a bargain, if you ask me.
Don’t get me wrong, the current Versys 1000 model already features a top-grade suspension setup, namely Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension (or KECS). This bad boy enables the rider to optimize preload by means of a digital control unit located within comfortable reach. As a result, the system adds a great deal of versatility to the whole package, making the Versys extremely adaptable to changing conditions.
As for the 2021 variant, the firm coupled their KECS goodness with Showa’s Skyhook EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment). Rather than adding fresh hardware to the mix, the Skyhook technology remaps the existing module’s algorithm to improve its performance and offer a remarkably smooth ride. Kawasaki states that “EERA continually adapts to the road surface in real time to enable light steering on highways and a more planted feel in wet conditions.”
Aside from this tasty suspension upgrade and a new color scheme that blends a metallic black base with grey and red accents, the MY ‘21 Versys 1000 SE LT+ packs the same characteristics as its 2020 sibling. As such, it is powered by a four-cylinder DOHC behemoth, with four valves per cylinder head and an astronomical displacement of 1,043cc. Additionally, this feral piece of liquid-cooled machinery boasts a generous compression ratio of 10.3:1.
At around 8,800 rpm, the powerplant is capable of delivering up to 118 hp, accompanied by 75 pound-feet (102 Nm) of ruthless torque output at 7,500 revs. This vicious force travels to a chain final drive via a six-speed transmission, equipped with Kawasaki’s Quick Shifter (KQS).
Finally, the latest addition to the Versys 1000 brings about a price tag of $18,199 - a mere 200 bucks over the current model. Long story short, this thing’s quite a bargain, if you ask me.
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