“ANY-STREET ANY-TIME” CHASSIS

When designing the Versys 1000, chassis balance and suspension settings were all selected to maximise rider enjoyment on the street. With its superb control and feedback, the Versys 1000 offers a high level of rider confidence in numerous street riding situations and accommodates a variety of riding styles. 

And because real world riding occurs on streets that are often less than circuit smooth – road imperfections (bumps, potholes) are far from rare, and some streets are not even paved (cobblestone, etc) – Kawasaki engineers chose long-travel suspension to enable riders to carve corners with confidence. 

While not designed for off-road use, the long-travel suspension’s ability to cope with less-than-perfect street conditions allows the Versys 1000 to remain composed where bikes with stiffer, sportier set-ups would need to back off the throttle. The almost zen-like serenity is complemented by a relaxed, upright riding position that offers a high level of machine control as well as a good vantage ahead. A nimble aluminium chassis and sporty 17” wheels enable aggressive sport riding when the mood suits.

Relaxed, Upright Riding Position

Wide, rigid-mount handlebar offers easy control, especially for low-speed manoeuvring. Positioned to offer a natural grip, it allows the rider’s elbows to be slightly bent when sitting in a relaxed, upright stance.

The upright riding position accommodates a variety of riding styles broadening the spectrum of riding enjoyment and also offers a high level of comfort, a great benefit for touring. This combination of comfort and control is one of the things that make the Versys 1000 so much fun to ride.

Triple Petal Disc Brakes with Latest-spec ABS

300 mm front petal discs gripped by opposed 4-piston calipers offer strong stopping power with good brake touch and feel.

The ABS unit is the same ultra-compact lightweight BOSCH unit used on the Ninja ZX-10R – the world’s smallest and lightest ABS unit. The high-spec unit enables high-precision ABS control.

Aluminium Twin-tube Frame

Aluminium twin-tube frame design features frame beams that go over engine, allowing a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees.

Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member.  The frame contributes to handling, offering a firm, planted feeling, good stability and light, nimble turning.

IN-LINE FOUR EXHILARATION

To maximise the Versys 1000’s fun factor, engineers wanted to provide the most exciting engine possible. The engine needed to deliver more than just performance figures. The engine they chose was a 1,043 cm³ In-line Four, tuned for flexibility. 

Superb throttle response, strong torque at all rpm (especially in the low-mid range), and a seductive intake howl ensure that every twist of the throttle delivers a physical and aural sensation that riders may easily find addictive.

Exciting Z1000 based 1,043cm3 Engine

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cm³ In-line Four with a bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm offers strong low-mid range torque with smooth power delivery. 

Compared to the Z1000, the engine delivers a stronger low-mid range with a slightly reduced peak power. Both peak power and torque occur at lower rpm than on the Z1000.

Exhaust System

Large, oval-shaped connector pipes join exhaust headers 1-4 and 2-3, contributing to better performance at all rpm. (The reduced exhaust resistance results in an ideal exhaust flow.)

Under-engine pre-chamber contributes to a more centralised mass by enabling a smaller-volume silencer. Single side muffler offers lower weight than twin mufflers.

Optimized Gearing for sport riding as well as relaxed highway cruising.

Gear ratios were chosen to accommodate a wide range of riding situations, including sport riding, highway cruising, and riding fully loaded with passenger and luggage.

Compared to the Z1000, 1st and 2nd gears feel shorter (the shorter gearing facilitates moving off from a stop when fully loaded), while 3rd-6th gears are longer (ratios selected to enable sport riding as well as relaxed highway cruising).

RIDE LONG. RIDE FAR.

In addition to the riding excitement offered by the nimble chassis and exhilarating engine, the Versys 1000 offers the comfort and carrying capacity to allow riders to ride long and far. 

A highly comfortable seat and good wind protection complement the relaxed riding position, making it easy to spend a long time in the saddle.  Passenger comfort is also superb, so riders can easily share the fun. 

A high payload and accessory luggage let riders get away for more than a day at a time.  And a large-volume fuel tank and great fuel economy allow a greater range between fill-ups.

Rider & Passenger Comfort

Thickly padded seat (about double the cushioning of the Z1000 seat) provides the comfort to enable 1000+ kms in the saddle.

A spacious riding position is complemented by footpegs with (hollow) rubber coatings.  Footpeg brackets are also rubber mounted to further dampen vibrations.

Ergonomic grab bars provide comfortable passenger grips.

Wind Protection

Adjustable windscreen has a stepless range of approximately 30 mm. Height can be adjusted without tools (using two knobs on the front of the screen) to suit rider preference.

Functional bodywork was designed to offer increased wind protection.  Complementing the windscreen, voluminous front cowling sides and flared side fairings help protect the rider’s legs, further contributing to rider comfort.

High Payload & Carrying Capacity

Robust steel pipe rear frame enables the substantial payload of 220 kg – plenty for carrying two passengers and luggage.

Large under-seat storage space has room for compact rain gear or other small items. Tool kit is affixed to the bottom of the seat.

Large-volume Fuel Tank

A 21 L fuel tank contributes to the Versys 1000’s touring potential. 

A new-design fuel gauge inside the fuel tank enables a very precise estimation of remaining range. By displaying an average reading, slopes do not affect the reading.

ADVANCED ELECTRONIC RIDING AIDS

The Versys 1000 is equipped with a number of systems designed to offer additional rider reassurance. 

KTRC (the same traction control system featured on our supersport flagship, the 2012 Ninja ZX-14R) and power mode can both be set to suit rider preference and conditions.

3-Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)

You can choose from three modes. Modes 1 and 2 prioritise maximum forward acceleration (like the S-KTRC system on the 2013 Ninja ZX-10R). 

Mode 3 is similar to the KTRC system offered on the 2013 1400GTR ABS, providing rider reassurance by facilitating smooth riding on slippery surfaces. You may also elect to turn the system off.

Power Mode Selection

A choice of Full Power or Low Power modes allows you to set power delivery to suit preference and conditions.  Low Power mode limits output to approximately 75% of Full Power and uses a milder throttle response.  (Reduction of both power and throttle response varies according to engine speed (rpm), throttle position and gear position.)

Instrumentation

Tough-design multi-function instrumentation includes an analogue-style tachometer and LCD with speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, eco riding indicator and external air temperature.

KTRC (3 modes + OFF), Power Mode (2 modes) and the various LCD modes are all controlled using the multi-function button located at the left handle.