Kawasaki Versys 1000 review, test ride

While you could complain most Japanese two-wheeler makers fail to enthuse Indian bikers, including the biggest two names Honda and Yamaha, you have to doff your cap to Kawasaki for going full steam ahead here, bringing the Indian big bike market so much cheer, as exciting bikes flow in one after another from them. Proving they aren’t running out of steam just yet, the Versys 1000 is Kawasaki’s latest big bike for us.

We’ve just ridden the mean machine.

A burly bike, the Versys has recently been revamped by Kawasaki, the litre class motorcycle now a ‘pukka’ Kawasaki, with sleek, sharp and aggressive lines making a flamboyant statement we’ve grown to associate with this Jap bikemaker. A twin headlight fits the Versys 1000 in front, powerful at night. Unlike any other Kawasaki superbikes in India although, the Versys is really tall and a touch top heavy, far too intimidating and clearly off-limits for shorter riders. This ride has us convinced the handsome Versys 1000 does more as a really quick superbike with a ravenous appetite for touring, rather than a dual-purpose adventure bike.

A tall front visor is height adjustable by means of two hand operated knobs, easily lifted or dropped and cocoons riders with really good wind protection, even when pushing high speeds of over 150kph, so easily achieved on the Versys 1000. The rider zone is spacious and easy to get familiar with, as you stare over an easily read digital-and-analogue instruments console. Apart from an analogue tachometer, all other information such as the speedometer, fuel-gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, clock and ambient temperature are displayed on a prominent liquid crystal display. The wide, flattish handlebar is painted black, as went well with our test bike’s all-black theme.

Top quality grips feel plush and comfortable, and there's also nice reach-adjustable brake and clutch levers. Switchgear quality is likewise pleasing, with mode buttons allowing you to toggle between power modes, as well as the Versys 1000’s different levels of KTRC, Kawasaki’s traction control system. The Versys 1000 comes with large, easily adjusted rear view mirrors, these nicely styled and offering clear vision of all behind. The motorcycle fairing extends back into a 20.8 litre fuel-tank, this providing good thigh grip. A spacious, stepped saddle is provided for rider and pillion, with large grab handle in place for pillions at the Versys rear. A centre-stand comes standard with the Versys 1000, and it’s surprisingly easy to lift and dismount the bike from this.

Kawasaki could have done better with styling for the Versys 1000’s bland, straightish four-into-one exhaust system, that comes in a stainless steel with matte black finish, dual outlets peeping out from the canister rear. Overall, attention-to-detail and build quality are just top drawer, Kawasaki having used top-quality materials throughout the Versys 1000, with fit-and-finish likewise amongst the best in class.