Back to 2014 Kawasaki Motorcycle Model Review Page

Click photos to enlarge. Our big, clean bike pics make great desktop wallpaper.

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS Review

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

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 650 delivers on its any-street promise…

A Multitalented Middleweight Motorcycle with Added Confidence!

The Kawasaki Versys ABS is a rare exception to the old adage, “jack of all trades, master of none.” This motorcycle’s relaxed riding position makes it ideal for daily commuting, while a Ninja-like sporting spirit lets it tackle serpentine roads with the competence of a hard-core sportbike. Its efficient 649cc parallel-twin engine and overall layout also make short work out of covering long distances. With the addition of ABS brakes for 2014, Versys really is a jack of all trades, and it truly masters the art of being a great motorcycle!

Versys’ adaptable personality is greatly enhanced by the rubber bushings on its rear engine mounts and rubber inserts atop its footpegs, which isolate the rider from engine vibration for all-day comfort. This flexible nature carries through to the Versys’ edgy upright sportbike styling, which incorporates an adjustable windscreen to accommodate taller and shorter riders alike.

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: it’s lively enough for aggressive sport riders and predictable enough to inspire confidence in every-day commuters. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the lower and middle parts of its rev range, making the Versys a great 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. With its big, 5-gallon fuel tank, you can go a long way between fill-ups.

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 to reduce throttle-induced suspension movement and excellent handling. An adjustable, long-travel 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork soaks up bumps big and small, and like the rear end, firms up nicely as the pace increases.

Crisp, linear ABS brakes are new for 2014 and help minimize drama and make slowing down a simple affair. Those new anti-lock brakes also boost the Versys’ already impressive versatility by reducing rider anxiety when conditions are questionable.

Absolutely key to the Versys’ success is a comfortable, carefully designed cockpit that provides a mostly upright, natural seating position and features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort for both rider and passenger. The comfort theme is further enhanced by the adjustable windscreen, which offers three different positions. 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, the Versys excels at almost any task it’s given, from gridlock traffic jams to canyon carving to long-distance touring.

Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available through authorized Kawasaki dealers.

 

 

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Key Features

– NEW ABS brakes offer excellent performance and enhanced confidence in adverse conditions

– Amazingly versatile motorcycle is exceptionally comfortable to ride in a variety of situations, from commuting, to backroads, to touring and even track days

– 649cc parallel twin with digital fuel injection (DFI®) provides smooth, responsive power

– Long-travel fork delivers excellent performance over a wide range of situations

– Adjustable single-shock rear suspension offers progressive damping as suspension load increases

– 3-way adjustable windscreen allows customizable wind protection

– Aluminum swingarm and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight for better ride quality

– Under-engine exhaust promotes better weight centralization

– Aggressive styling gives the Versys a distinctive look

 

 

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

 

649cc DOHC Parallel-Twin

– Most compact engine in its category helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle

– Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout keeps it short front to back

– Semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height

– Narrow, chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinders help reduce engine width

– Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low- to mid-rpm range for exceptional roll-on response – ideal for negotiating city traffic, tight backroads and anything in between

– 180-degree crankshaft and a balancer shaft produce a remarkably smooth engine

– Oil jets on the connecting rod ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling

– Under-engine muffler with 3-way catalyzer aids mass centralization for light handling and great looks

Liquid Cooling

– Engine temperatures stay consistent for long engine life and sustained power in tough conditions

– Closer engine tolerances mean more horsepower

– Coolant routed through the engine cases reduces the number of external hoses

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)

– A pair of 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with ECU-controlled sub-throttle valves mean optimum performance and rideability

– Sub-throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, give the Versys precise throttle response and great feel as well

– An automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy, even on cold days

– Precise fuel injection provides great fuel mileage, and the 3-way catalyzer significantly reduces emissions

Six-speed Transmission

– Versys’ racing-style cassette transmission uses a compact layout that’s easily removable as a single unit from the engine cases for much easier gearbox maintenance

Slender Trellis Frame

– Versys’ exotic-looking trellis frame is small, light and narrow at the knees and pegs for excellent comfort and control

– 3D computer analysis in the design process achieved optimum stiffness balance for superior ride and handling

Single Shock Rear Suspension

– A distinctive aluminum gull-wing swingarm controlled by a lay-down single shock complements the distinctive frame design, with an integrated line flowing from steering head to rear hub

– The short, compact frame and engine design allow the swingarm to be longer, which improves overall handling

– The Showa shock has adjustable preload and rebound damping, and uses a free piston and two-stage damping valves for smooth action during initial compression that becomes firmer near the end of the stroke for a more planted feel

Adjustable Long-travel Front Fork

– A long-travel 41mm inverted fork delivers excellent performance over a wide range of conditions

– Tapered, relatively short outer tubes help provide the ideal stiffness balance to complement frame stiffness and chassis settings

– Fork height, spring preload and rebound damping can be adjusted to fine-tune the suspension to specific conditions, riding styles and loads

NEW Anti-Lock Disc Brakes

– NEW ABS brakes offer excellent performance and enhanced confidence in adverse conditions

– Dual 300mm petal-style rotors with two-piston calipers in front and a single 220mm petal rotor with a single-piston caliper in back provide plenty of stopping power

– Same rotor design as found on the Ninja® supersport machines; petal design rotors offer improved cooling and warp resistance compared to traditional discs

Six-spoke Wheels

– Like the ones you’ll find on the Ninja ZX™-6R and ZX-10R, these six-spoke wheels use less material between spokes so rim thickness is reduced along with overall wheel weight

– Lighter wheels increase overall performance – suspension, handling, acceleration/deceleration and initial turn-in

Very Comfortable Ergonomics

– Each section of the two-piece seat was designed with a different thickness and firmness of foam to optimize comfort for both rider and passenger

– An easy-to-read instrument panel has a large analog tachometer and digital readout for the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters and clock. White LED backlighting provides increased visibility at night

– Grab rails, seat cover material, and a comfortable seating position make the Versys more fun and less stressful for passengers

– Rubber bushings at the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber-covered footpegs result in reduced engine vibration and a more comfortable ride

Unique Bodywork

– The fairing, stacked dual headlight, front fender and mirrors, and a Z1000-style LED tail light give the Versys a distinctly bold and high-tech appearance

– The windscreen provides a large still-air pocket for comfort, and its three-position adjustability makes it adaptable to fit a variety of riders and climates

 

 

---

 

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7,999 USD

Engine:

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin

Displacement:

649cc

Bore x stroke:

83.0 x 60.0mm

Compression ratio:

10.6:1

Cooling:

Liquid

Fuel injection:

DFI® with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies

Ignition:

TCBI with electronic advance

Transmission:

Six-speed

Final drive:

O-Ring chain

Frame:

Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Rake / trail:

25 degrees / 4.3 in.

Wheelbase:

55.7 in.

Front suspension / wheel travel:

41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in.

Rear suspension / wheel travel:

Single offset laydown shock with 13-position adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.7 in.

Front tire:

120/70×17

Rear tire:

160/60×17

Front brake:

Dual 300mm petal rotors with two-piston caliper and ABS

Rear brake:

Single 220mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper and ABS

Overall length:

83.7 in.

Overall width:

33.1 in.

Overall height:

52.4 in.

Seat height:

33.3 in.

Curb weight:

460.8 lbs.

Fuel capacity:

5.0 gal.

Colors:

Candy Lime Green

Ebony

MSRP:

$7,999

Warranty:

12 months

Good Times™ Protection Plans:

12, 24, 36, and 48 month plans are available

 

 

---

 

2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in CDN

Engine

Type 4-stroke, Parallel Twin
Displacement 649cc
Bore and stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression ratio 10.6:1
Valve system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Digital fuel injection with two 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition Digital
Cooling Liquid
Lubrication Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)

Brakes

Front: type Dual 300 mm petal discs
Front: calipers 2-piston calipers
Rear: type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Single-piston caliper

Dimensions

Overall length 2,125 mm (83.7 in.)
Overall width 840 mm (33.1 in.)
Overall height 1,330 mm (52.3 in.)
Wheelbase 1,415 mm (55.7 in.)
Ground clearance 180 mm (7.1 in.)
Seat height 845 mm (33.3 in.)
Curb mass** 206 kg (454 lbs.)
Fuel capacity 19 litres (4.2 gal.)

Drivetrain

Transmission 6-speed, with positive neutral finder
Final drive Sealed Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.095 (88/42)
Gear ratio: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
Gear ratio: 2nd 1.714 (36/21)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.333 (32/24)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.111 (30/27)
Gear ratio: 5th 0.966 (28/29)
Gear ratio: 6th 0.852 (23/27)
Final reduction ratio 3.067 (46/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

Frame

Type Diamond, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel: front 150 mm (5.9 in.)
Wheel travel: rear 145 mm (5.7 in.)
Tire: front 120/70-ZR17
Tire: rear 160/60-ZR17
Caster (rake) 25°
Trail 108 mm (4.3 in.)
Steering angle (left/right) 35° / 35°

Performance

Maximum Power‡ 47 kW {64 PS} @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque‡ 61 N·m {6.2 kgƒ·m} @ 6,800 rpm

Suspension

Suspension, front 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork with adjustable rebound and preload
Suspension, rear Single offset laydown shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload

* The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. The amount indicated as “Your price” may include an optional instant Mega Cash credit that is deducted from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price before taxes. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions will apply. See your dealer for complete details. Offer not available on financed purchases and cannot be combined with any other special offers. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)

‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.