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2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT SE Review on Total Motorcycle:

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. The Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black paint scheme will draw attention everywhere you go.

The Kawasaki Versys® 650 LT has all of the features of the standard Versys 650 ABS and adds Kawasaki Quick Release 28-Liter Saddlebags and hand guards as standard equipment to make it touring ready straight off the showroom.

Difficult to explain and impossible to categorise, the Versys simply exceeds the sum of its parts. With long-travel suspension & sporty 17” wheels, plus a slim, upright riding position and its low to mid-range focused Parallel-Twin engine, the restyled  Versys 650 is a sports partner, city friend and mountain road conqueror all in one.

ITS COMBINATION OF LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION, SPORTY 17” WHEELS, A SLIM UPRIGHT RIDING POSITION AND A COMPACT PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE RESULTS IN A HIGHLY VERSATILE PACKAGE, OFFERING A CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING RIDE WHILE TOURING THE OPEN ROAD.

•Compact 649cc parallel-twin engine combines maximum low- and mid-range torque and high-rpm performance for an exhilarating ride
•Slim, upright riding position offers a high level of comfort and nimble handling
•Windscreen with 2 inches of tool-free adjustment adds comfort for highway cruising
•LT models come equipped with a set of color-matched 28 liter (each) hard saddlebags featuring KQR™ mounts and an integrated mounting system that utilizes the ignition key for simple saddlebag unlocking and removal
•LT models come equipped with hand guards for increased wind protection
•Comes with a 24-month limited warranty

THE RETURN OF THE VERSYS® FAMILY MEANS EVERY ROAD IS AN ADVENTURE
The Kawasaki Versys® family of motorcycles is designed for adventure-style touring.

The award-winning lineup starts with the nimble, easy to maneuver Versys®-X 300 ABS motorcycle. The Versys-X 300 ABS was met with rave reviews when it was introduced to the public earlier this year. It is now returning with new color options, while retaining its adventure capability.

The new colors for the 2018 Versys-X 300 ABS includes Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Raw Graystone and Passion Red/Metallic Flat Raw Graystone.

The Versys® 650 ABS and Versys® 650 LT motorcycles are capable machines designed for fun and comfortable riding. Known for Kawasaki’s torquey 650cc parallel twin engine and lightweight chassis, the Versys 650 LT has smooth handling and responsive feedback. It’s a capable motorcycle that sits nicely in the middleweight category, meeting a variety of riders’ needs. The Versys 650 LT models come standard with hand guards and saddlebags.

The Versys 650 ABS and Versys 650 LT are both returning for 2018 with new color offerings in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray and Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black.

The Versys® 1000 LT rounds out the Versys family of motorcycles, offering the most powerful engine in the lineup, with premium suspension components. ABS is standard on all models along with accessories like saddlebags and hand guards. The Versys 1000 LT has been highly regarded by the media and customers for its immense performance, smooth maneuverability and the ability to eat up miles with ease.

The Versys 1000 LT is returning in 2018 with a new color: Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black.

2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT SE Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• POWERFUL FUEL-EFFICIENT TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE TUNED FOR STRONG LOW TO MID-RANGE POWER
• LONG TRAVEL SUSPENSION
• KQR SADDLEBAGS AND HANDGUARDS ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT
• 3-WAY ADJUSTABLE WINDSCREEN
• 2-YEAR FACTORY WARRANTY

2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT SE Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

LUGGAGE
• Color-matched hard saddlebags are water resistant to protect cargo.
• Saddlebag design integrates with the tail section and is large enough to hold a typical full-faced helmet.
• Direct-mount system allows the saddlebags to be quickly and easily removed. When removed there is no supporting framework to detract from the Versys’ design.
• Convenient one-key lock system. Customized saddlebag locks are matched to the vehicle’s ignition key so that one key operates all locks on the bike.
• Each bag is close to the motorcycle’s centerline for a narrow profile
• Hand guards add to the long-range comfort and capability.

KAWASAKI QUICK RELEASE 28-LITER SADDLEBAGS
Compact 649cc Twin-Cylinder, DOHC Engine
• Kawasaki Air Management System(KP) (KAMS) radiator fan cover helps direct hot engine air down to the ground and away from the rider.
• Compact parallel twin engine helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
• Tuned to deliver strong, responsive power from 3-6,000 rpm for greater acceleration from a stop.
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height, while the narrow pitch of the chrome
composite(KP) plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width.
• One-piece muffler and exhaust pipe helps boost top-end engine performance.
• Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullet-tip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization.
• 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation.
• Oil jets in the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling.

Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
• 38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature dual throttle valves(KP) for optimum performance and rideability. The sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the DFI® system has more precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor.
• Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
• Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy.

6-Speed Transmission
• Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shift drum into a compact layout.
• Positive Neutral Finder, a Kawasaki exclusive user-friendly feature.

Frame
• Rubber front engine mounts help reduce vibration for rider comfort.
• Double-pipe perimeter-frame(KP) is simple and unique and contributes to light handling character. A backbone-style rear subframe keeps the seat narrow for an easy reach to the ground while allowing a thick cushion for comfort.
• Strong rear sub-frame accommodates optional accessory top case for increased touring capacity.
• Double-pipe swingarm matches the frame design and contributes to light, easy handling. Gull-wing shape on the right side allows clearance for the aggressive muffler design.

Triple Petal Design Brake Discs
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps assist braking under certain conditions and features a compact Bosch control unit to save space and weight.
• Nissin brake calipers convey a sporty image and contain front and rear brake specific pads; the front providing strong initial bite and the rear offering optimum control and high overall brake force.
• Large rear petal brake disc helps handle heavier loads when accessories are added.
• Front brake calipers have large 27mm pistons for excellent brake feel.
• Petal design offers improved cooling and warp resistance.

CHASSIS
ENGINE

Showa Front Fork
• Derived from high-spec forks on Kawasaki Ninja® sportbikes, the Showa fork separates damping and spring functions into each fork leg. Rebound damping adjustability is in the right fork leg and spring preload in the left leg.

Single-shock Rear Suspension
• The rear shock has a remote hydraulic preload adjuster that allows the rider to conveniently change preload, without tools, for various load conditions.
• Aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock complement the frame design to create an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub.
• The footpegs are positioned for a relaxed riding position without compromising sport potential. The footpeg mounting plates are rubber mounted to help isolate the rider from vibration resin heel guards help prevent paint wear from the rider’s boots.
• Rubber-mounted handlebars help reduce vibration reaching the rider.
• Passenger grips provide a stylish handhold and accommodate the KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) 28-liter Saddlebags.

2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT SE – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD

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2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT SE – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $10,499 CDN

Engine

Displacement  649cc  Type  4-stroke, Parallel Twin  Bore and stroke  83.0 x 60.0 mm  Cooling  Liquid  Compression ratio  10.8:1  Valve system  DOHC, 8 valves  Fuel system  Digital fuel injection with two 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies  Ignition  Digital  Lubrication  Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
Brakes

Front: type  Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs  Front: calipers  Dual 2-piston calipers  Rear: type  Single 250 mm petal disc  Rear: calipers  Single-piston caliper
Dimensions

Overall length  2,165 mm  Overall height  1,400 mm / 1,450 mm (High Position)  Wheelbase  1,415 mm (55.7 in.)  Ground clearance  170 mm  Seat height  840 mm  Curb mass**  216 kg  Fuel capacity  21 litres
Drivetrain

Transmission  6-speed, with positive neutral finder  Final drive  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.)  Tire: front  120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)  Wheel travel: rear  145 mm (5.7 in.)  Tire: rear  160/60-ZR17MC (69W)  Caster (rake)  25°  Trail  108 mm (4.3 in.)  Steering angle (left/right)  35° / 35°
Performance

Maximum Power‡ 51 kW {69 PS} @ 8,500 rpm  Maximum Torque‡ 64 N·m {6.5 kgƒ·m} @ 7,000 rpm
Suspension

Suspension, front  41 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload  Suspension, rear  Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability
Details

Warranty  24 months warranty

2018 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT SE – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £7,099 to 7,249 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement
649 cm³
Bore x stroke
83 x 60 mm
Compression ratio
10.8:1
Valve system
DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: Ø 38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition
Digital
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi dry sump

Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
51 kW {69 PS} / 8,500 rpm
Limited power version
35.0 kW {48 PS} / 7,900 min
CO2 emission
110 g/km
Maximum torque
64 N•m {6.5 kgf•m} / 7,000 rpm
Transmission
6-speed
Final drive
Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios 1st
2.438 (39/16)
Gear Ratios 2nd
1.714 (36/21)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.333 (32/24)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.111 (30/27)
Gear Ratios 5th
0.966 (28/29)
Gear Ratios 6th
0.852 (23/27)
Final reduction ratio
3.067 (46/15)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual

Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front
Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Caliper: Dual piston
Brakes, rear
Single 250 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front
41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound damping (right side) and adjustable preload (left-side)
Suspension, rear
Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability

Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel
Trail
108 mm
Wheel travel front
150 mm
Wheel travel rear
145 mm
Tyre, front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear
160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Steering angle, left / right
35˚/35˚
L x W x H
2,165 x 840 x 1,400Tbc mm
Wheelbase
1,415 mm
Ground clearance
170 mm
Fuel capacity
21 litres
Seat height
840 mm
Curb mass
217 kg

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).