The new 2008 Kawasaki Versys is a machine which lives in a hard to define sweet spot in the motorcycling cosmos. Is it a practical commuter? Long-legged urban attack vehicle? Sport bike? Light Tourer? The 649cc equivalent twin and the neutral handling and light steering chassis of the Ninja® 650R sport bike made the ideal starting point for this comfortable gridlock commando. A swoopy gull-wing swing arm, long-travel inverted 41mm fork, six-spoke superbike-inspired wheels, adjustable-height windscreen and a contented cockpit were mutual to create a motorcycle that just begs to be ridden wherever the roadway might lead.
The dense liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve, 649cc parallel twin engine was modified for the Versys motorcycle so it delivers smooth power that’s well-suited for off-the-line acceleration and lithe torque in the cut-n-thrust of a rider’s morning commute. This engine’s overall characteristics are entertaining for even the most advanced riders, yet predictable enough to inspire confidence in less-experienced motorcyclists.
Its holdup offers the next level in sophistication: an advanced Showa rear shock featuring a free piston and two-stage damping valves for progressive compression damping which firms significantly as the shock moves through its stroke. This allows a longer wheel travel with a feel that is at first soft like a dual sport, but firms to near sport bike levels as suspension loads escalate. Of course, this advanced shock is fully-adjustable and connected to a beautiful aluminum gull-wing swingarm that is longer than average, thanks to a short/dense engine and chassis.
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