Kawasaki Versys

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The Kawasaki Versys is a new motorcycle to the Kawasaki range due for release to the European and Canadian markets at the end of 2006. This middleweight all-rounder derives its name from the term "versatile system" which depicts its versatile attributes.

[edit] Technical Details

Based on the Kawasaki ER-6, the bike's 650cc 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 riding, the fuel injection system has been mapped to give a snappy throttle response in the mid-range from 3000-6000 revs.

This lowering of peak torque in the rev range is likely to give a trade off against peak power output. The current ER-6 produces a claimed 71bhp at 8500rpm. In comparison the Versys peak power output will be 64bhp at 8000rpm. Peak torque will be 61 N·m at 6800 rpm. A similar approach was recently deployed by Honda with their CBF1000 model. The bike was based on the Fireblade powerplant and it too was "retuned" to bring the peak torque within the mid-range of the engine. Despite losing a third of its "power" the CBF1000 turned out to be a formidable machine giving usuable power to the rider in general riding situations.

The Versys also has a redesigned sub-frame and a new exhaust header design. Most significant is the redesigned suspension. Out goes the standard non-adjustable suspension of the ER-6, in comes fully adjustable upside-down front forks, and at the rear an all alloy swingarm instead of the tubular steel item on the original bike.

The bike is misplaced in the Dual Purpose Category, with alloy wheels and ZR rated tires, it is inadvisable to take this vehicle off-road.

[edit] Technical Features

• Model Year: 2007
• Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4- stroke parallel twin tuned for low-mid rpm torque response
• Displacement: 649 cm³ capacity
• Suspension, front: Upside-down fork Fully adjustable long-stroke suspension
• Suspension, rear: Gull-type aluminium swingarm
• Brakes, front: Petal-disc brakes
• Brakes, rear: Petal-disc brakes
• Complies to EU emission limit EURO 3

[edit] External links

• Versys.co.uk - Site devoted to Kawasaki Versys with discussion forum, gallery, and articles.
• versys-forum.de - German Kawasaki Versys forum
• [1] - Kawasaki Canada's website, which includes Versys specifications