Kawasaki Versys Review

Since its introduction four years ago, some have grappled with defining this competent but somewhat ambiguous 649cc parallel-Twin all-round sport motorcycle, which even Kawasaki once listed on its website under “Dual Purpose.”

Its name is contrived from the words “versatile” and “system,” and offers some clues.

The Versys takes elements from dual-purpose bikes, standards, adventure-tourers and sportbikes; sharing characteristics of all, but neatly fitting into the category of none.

See the stylistic family resemblance between the Versys and shorter travel ER-6n? The Versys has more sophisticated suspension and stronger midrange power, and is every bit as much the sporting machine as the ER.

In fact, it is essentially a longer-travel ER-6n, albeit with a more sophisticated inverted fork, an asymmetrical “gullwing” aluminum swingarm, retuned engine for broad midrange power, and with unique looks.

The Versys is led by the ER-6n and followed by the Ninja 650R. Don’t let the green bike’s racer looks deceive you. The Ninja has nothing on the Versys when the roads get twisty.

The Versys and ER-6n also share many features with their fraternal-triplet sibling, the Ninja 650R. But while the Ninja 650R and ER-6n have identical, peakier versions of the same engine, the Versys has revised intake and exhaust cams, a 10.6:1 compression ratio instead of 11.3:1, and redline set 500 rpm lower at 10,500.

While officially considered a “worldwide bike,” the Versys was designed first for the European and Canadian markets, and launched there in 2006. Then after many requests from U.S. riders, Kawasaki brought it in, at first as a 49-state 2008 model. California got its Versys in 2009, when a required evaporative emissions canister was fitted.

Even so, the bike is still much better appreciated in Europe, as evidenced by its sales performance.

“We also have to realize that the lion's share of Versys are purchased in Europe where they understand and embrace this type of motorcycle and where it is ridden enthusiastically,” says Kawasaki’s Public Relations Supervisor, Russ Brenan.

The American motorcycle press never underappreciated the Versys, however, and some publications loaded it with accolades, saying it is well suited for anyone, be they new or experienced or somewhere in between.

This leads us to wonder whether this hearty and unanimous recommendation was received just like a lot of advice so often is from an experienced elder – disregarded by the kids who know better!


To wit, Kawasaki says 64% of U.S. Versys purchasers are age 45 and older, and 62% have more than five years riding experience.

In contrast, riders under age 25 comprise just 2% of U.S. Versys buyers, and those age 25 to 34 represent a mere 8%.

We might euphemistically attribute this to different priorities between younger U.S. riders and their European counterparts, including possible objections over its “funky” appearance.

But whether its looks will enhance the image you think you represent, or not, the Versys is aptly named. 

Its is good at nearly any kind of on-road riding you can throw at it – from grocery getting, to commuting, to sport riding, to exploring even the roughest of roads nearby, or on tour.

The 2010 Versys received a styling overhaul while leaving its functional aspects – engine, 6-speed cassette transmission and brakes – intact.

Plastic Surgery

This year’s model received mostly stylistic bodywork tweaks, which while subtle, are not few.

A new stacked headlight leads the way for the 2010 Versys.

The Versys’ face is as distinctive as ever, now with dual stacked headlights. Its semi-double-cradle, high-tensile steel frame is adorned with new plastic, ranging from a re-sculpted fairing, radiator shroud, engine covers and rear fender.

Blocking the wind is a bigger three-way adjustable windscreen which protects the rider surprisingly well. Kawasaki also offers a “Tall Windshield” for $159.95, and a “Vario Windshield” with a wider, taller base, and adjustable spoiler for $199.95.

This year, new mirrors, turn signals and an LED tail light from the Z1000 are also included.

The counterbalanced engine is reasonably smooth, but rigid rear engine mounts were replaced with rubber mounts, and the footpegs now utilize hollow rubber inserts to further quell vibration.