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Kawasaki Versys 650

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Versys
ManufacturerKawasaki
Productionsince 2006
ClassStandard
Engine649 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin
Power63 hp (47 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque61 N⋅m (45 lb⋅ft) @ 6,800 rpm
RelatedNinja 650R

Kawasaki introduced the Versys, a middleweight motorcycle with a standard riding posture, to the European and Canadian markets at the end of 2006, and to the US market in 2007. A California model was introduced in 2009.

The name Versys is a portmanteau of the words "versatile system," suggesting a system of riding attributes intended to offer versatility.

Technical details

Based on the Ninja 650R, the bike's 650 cc liquid cooled 4-stroke parallel twin engine has been retuned for more bottom-end and mid-range torque. This is achieved with revised inlet and exhaust cams with shorter valve duration. This will move peak torque lower down the rev range providing a better throttle response at low revs. In addition a balance tube has been added between the exhaust headers to smooth out power delivery.

As the bike is primarily designed for city and back-road (pavement) riding, the fuel injection system has been mapped to give strong throttle response in the mid-range from 3000–6000 rpm.

This lowering of peak torque in the rev range gives a trade off against peak power output. The current ER-6 produces a claimed 71 bhp (53 kW) at 8500 rpm, but in comparison the Versys' peak power output is 63 bhp (47 kW) at 8000rpm. Peak torque is 61 N⋅m (45 lbf⋅ft) at 6800 rpm. A similar approach was recently deployed by Honda with their CBF1000 model.

Compared to the ER-6, the Versys has a redesigned sub-frame, new exhaust header design, and redesigned suspension. The Versys replaces the standard non-adjustable suspension of the ER-6 with an inverted front fork featuring greater travel and adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The right fork leg carries the damping cartridge as well as a spring and the left fork leg only carries a spring. The rear uses an alloy swingarm instead of the tubular steel item on the original bike.

The Versys' alloy wheels, ZR rated tires, and low, exposed exhaust system are poorly suited to off-road travel. Instead, the bike's specification follows closely that of its primary market competitor, the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Both bikes offer suitability to a broad spectrum of riding in lieu of specialized strength – emphasizing on-road rather than off-road strength.

Technical features

Model Year: 2007

  • Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4- stroke parallel twin tuned for low-mid rpm torque response
  • Displacement: 649 cc capacity
  • Suspension, front: Upside-down fork adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
  • Suspension, rear: Gull-type aluminium swingarm
  • Brakes, front: Petal-disc brakes
  • Brakes, rear: Petal-disc brake
  • Complies to EU emission limit EURO 3

Model Year 2010
USA Specifications

  • Four-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
  • Displacement: 649cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10.6:1
  • Cooling: Liquid
  • Fuel System: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
  • Ignition: Digital CDI
  • 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: 120/70x17
  • Rear Tire: 160/60x17
  • Front Brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston caliper
  • Rear Brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
  • Overall Length: 83.7 in.
  • Overall Width: 33.1 in.
  • Overall Height: 51.8 in.
  • Seat Height: 33.1 in.
  • Curb Weight: 454.1 lbs.
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal.
  • Colors: Metallic Spark Black

Canada Specifications
ENGINE

  • Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
  • Displacement 649 cc
  • Bore and Stroke 83 x 60 mm
  • Compression Ratio 10.6:1
  • Valve System DOHC, 8 valves
  • Fuel System Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
  • Ignition Digital
  • Starting Electric
  • Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAIN

  • Transmission 6-speed, return
  • Final Drive Sealed Chain
  • Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88/42)
  • Gear Ratios: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
  • 2nd 1.714 (36/21)
  • 3rd 1.333 (32/24)
  • 4th 1.111 (30/27)
  • 5th 0.966 (28/29)
  • 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
  • Wheel Travel: Rear 145 mm
  • Tires: Front 120/70-ZR17 M/C (58W)
  • Tires: Rear 160/60-ZR17 M/C (69W)
  • Caster (Rake) 25°
  • Trail 108 mm
  • Steering Angle (Left/Right) 35° / 35°

SUSPENSION

  • Front 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with step less (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
  • Rear Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload

BRAKES

  • Front Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
  • Front Calipers Dual piston
  • Rear Single 220 mm petal disc
  • Rear Caliper Single-piston

DIMENSIONS

  • Overall Length 2,125 mm
  • Overall Width 840 mm
  • Overall Height 1,315 mm
  • Wheelbase 1,415 mm
  • Ground Clearance 180 mm
  • Seat Height 840 mm
  • Curb Mass 206 kg
  • Fuel Capacity 19 litres

PERFORMANCE

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

Awards

2008 Motorcycle of the Year Award by Motorcyclist Magazine.[1]

2008 Best in Class award by Motorcycle News.[2]

Forum

A website has been designed specifically for Kawasaky Versys enthusiasts. Here, riders are able to discuss general topics, technical topics, performance topics, cosmetic topics, suggested riding gear, group rides, introductions, unrelated topics, other model topics, and even post classified ads.

http://www.kawasakiversys.com

References

  1. ^ "Mag names Versys MC of the year". LondonBikers. 2008-12-02. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
  2. ^ Cashman, Garret (2008-12-02). "Kawasaki Versys Wins Prestigious Award". LondonBikers. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
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