2010 Kawasaki Versys

2010 Kawasaki Versys

Versatile, Distinctive, Affordable and Just Plain Fun

Now and then, a clean-sheet idea that just plain works appears from out of nowhere, and everybody wonders why nobody thought of it before… That's the Kawasaki Versys®. Following its debut just a couple of years ago, the world's motorcycle press unanimously embraced the Versys' unique combination of utility, versatility, affordability and just plain fun - and they haven't stopped singing its praises. Motorcyclist magazine named it "Motorcycle of the Year," and the Versys made top 10 lists around the world. Luckily, the brains at Kawasaki who dreamed up the Versys are not afraid to mess with success, so for 2010, there's even more to love.

Fresh new bodywork showcases the Versys' athletic-looking steel trellis frame, gull-wing swingarm and compact engine, with a newly sculpted shape that shows off the bike's dynamic flexibility and strength. A new stacked dual-beam headlight leads the way, with a bigger, three-way adjustable windscreen atop it that gives more options to more riders. Out back there's a bright new Z1000-type LED tail light, and between the head and tail lights all sorts of pieces have been restyled to reflect the Versys' quality, including the radiator shrouds, mirrors, turn signals, engine covers and rear fender.
Functionally, the Versys was tough to improve upon, but adding rubber bushings to the rear engine mounts, and topping the footpegs with hollow rubber inserts to better isolate the rider's feet from engine vibration, resulted in a smoother, more relaxed ride.

The Versys' compact liquid-cooled fuel-injected 649cc parallel-twin engine was the perfect powerplant for this light and nimble do-anything bike right from the start: Lively enough for advanced riders and predictable enough to inspire confidence in rank novices, the torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of torque in the lower and middle parts of its rev range, making the Versys a perfect commuter and relaxed traveling companion. Its surprising genius becomes readily apparent once the roads turn twisty, because despite its comfort and civility, the fun-to-ride Versys also offers genuine sportbike handling. And excellent fuel economy

combined with a big, 5-gallon fuel tank lets you go a long way between gas pumps.

Long-travel high-tech suspension is critical to the Versys' multi-role mission. A Showa rear shock with two-stage damping firms up progressively as the wheel moves through its stroke, providing an initially plush ride that firms to near-sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. The bike's short, compact engine makes it possible to use a longer-than-average gull-wing swingarm for reduction of throttle-induced suspension movement and excellent handling. A dual-sport inspired, adjustable 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork up front soaks up bumps big and small, and like the rear end, firms up nicely as the pace increases.

Absolutely key to the Versys' success, a comfortable, carefully designed cockpit provides a mostly upright, natural seating position and features stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort for both rider and passenger. And the bigger new windscreen and upgraded passenger seating carry the comfort theme forward on the latest Versys. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and keep their eyes on the road. Possibly the most versatile motorcycle out there, Versys excels at almost any task it's given, from gridlock traffic jams, to canyon carving, to long-distance touring.

The Versys is one of those machines that exceeds the sum of its parts. Its name, derived from “vertex” (Latin for pinnacle, summit, top) and “system,” hints at its goal of offering a truly superior platform that maximizes fun in any number of street riding situations. One ride is all it takes to confirm that the Versys delivers on its any-street promise.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

For 2010, the new Versys builds on the strengths of its predecessor, with updated styling and a number of upgrades aimed at making it more practical and fun to ride than ever! Cosmetic revisions give the new Versys a sharper appearance and help reflect its nimble, sporty nature. Improved vibration damping and upgraded passenger accommodations enhance touring and two-up comfort, while revised mirrors, new tie-down hooks and a host of other detail upgrades mean it’s better equipped than ever to provide maximum rider enjoyment.

A truly versatile platform that maximizes enjoyment in several different types of riding, the Kawasaki Versys™ is difficult to explain and impossible to categorize. One ride is all it takes to prove the Versys is much more than the sum of its parts.

Bumps and potholes are a reality in every day riding, so the Versys’ long-travel front fork and rear shock are well damped to cope with these challenges. Its upright riding position and wide handlebars provide a very comfortable place to spend a day on the road, while its 17” wheels and sport tires make it an excellent choice for aggressive sport riding. The end result is a machine that truly offers the suspension compliance of a dual sport, the responsiveness and grip of a sportbike and the all-day comfort of a light tourer.

Thanks to : totalmotorcycle.com