Kawasaki Versys

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Versys
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Production 2007—
Class Standard
Engine 649 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin
Power 63 hp (47 kW) @ 8000 rpm
Torque 61 N·m (45 lb·ft) @ 6800 rpm
Related Ninja 650R

Kawasaki introduced the Versys, a middleweight motorcycle with a standard riding posture, to the European and Canadian markets at the end of 2006, and to the US market in 2007.

The name Versys is a portmanteau of the words "versatile system," suggesting a system of riding attributes intended to offer versatility.

Contents

[edit] Technical details

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Based on the Ninja 650R, the bike's 650 cc liquid cooled 4-stroke parallel twin engine has been retuned for more bottom-end and mid-range torque. This is achieved with revised inlet and exhaust cams with shorter valve duration. This will move peak torque lower down the rev range providing a better throttle response at low revs. In addition a balance tube has been added between the exhaust headers to smooth out power delivery.

As the bike is primarily designed for city and back-road (pavement) riding, the fuel injection system has been mapped to give strong throttle response in the mid-range from 3000–6000 rpm.

This lowering of peak torque in the rev range gives a trade off against peak power output. The current ER-6 produces a claimed 71 bhp (53 kW) at 8500 rpm, but in comparison the Versys' peak power output is 63 bhp (47 kW) at 8000rpm. Peak torque is 61 N·m (45 ft·lbf) at 6800 rpm. A similar approach was recently deployed by Honda with their CBF1000 model.

Compared to the ER-6, the Versys has a redesigned sub-frame, new exhaust header design, and redesigned suspension. The Versys replaces the standard non-adjustable suspension of the ER-6 with an inverted front fork featuring greater travel and adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The rear uses an alloy swingarm instead of the tubular steel item on the original bike.

The Versys' alloy wheels, ZR rated tires, and low, exposed exhaust system are poorly suited to off-road travel. Instead, the bike's specification follows closely that of its primary market competitor, the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Both bikes offer suitability to a broad spectrum of riding in lieu of specialized strength – emphasizing on-road rather than off-road strength.

[edit] Technical features

  • Model Year: 2007
  • Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4- stroke parallel twin tuned for low-mid rpm torque response
  • Displacement: 649 cc capacity
  • Suspension, front: Upside-down fork adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
  • Suspension, rear: Gull-type aluminium swingarm
  • Brakes, front: Petal-disc brakes
  • Brakes, rear: Petal-disc brake
  • Complies to EU emission limit EURO 3

[edit] Awards

2008 Motorcycle of the Year Award by "Motorcyclist Magazine" [1]

2008 Best in Class award by "MCN" (Motor Cycle News) [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Mag names Versys MC of the year". LondonBikers. 2008-12-02. http://www.mmail.com.my/Mag_names_Versys_Motorcycle_of_the_Year.aspx. Retrieved on 2008-12-03. 
  2. ^ Cashman, Garret (2008-12-02). "Kawasaki Versys Wins Prestigious Award". LondonBikers. http://londonbikers.com/news/10514/kawasaki-versys-wins-prestigious-award. Retrieved on 2008-12-03. 

[edit] External links

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