Kawasaki Versys 1000 review, test ride

Kawasaki’s done well to give the Versys 1000 an engine that feels strong, and offers flawless performance, save for it sending up some heat when riding slowly.     

The big tourer has a tall, commanding, sit-up in comfort riding position, and its riding saddle is wide and plush enough too. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 uses a robust, twin-tube frame with an alloy swingarm at the rear. There are fat USD forks in front and a single, gas-charged horizontal shock at the rear, with easy adjustability via a twist knob.

Ride quality on the Versys feels nice and balanced, even a touch on the sporty side, with long-travel suspension working really well to absorb bumps and rough roads, while never feeling unduly mushy, and seldom allowing the bike to get out of shape. It’s not as sure-footed as a more typical streetbike, but the Versys 1000 offers decent handling, with stable cornering manners and an enjoyable feel in the twisties that will make you quickly forget it’s a 249kg bike.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 comes with six-spoke, 17-inch wheels front and rear, and Bridgestone tyres on our test example offered good grip. A pair of 310mm disc brakes in front and 250mm single disc brake at rear functioned to provide fierce stopping power, with the ABS system working flawlessly at all times. Two fingers on the front lever proved quite enough for most stop situations on the big Kawasaki.

Priced at Rs 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), the refined Kawasaki Versys 1000 makes a really good option for those looking to buy a motorcycle with the ability to do more than just be quick off-the-line, in comfort. Upmarket features which you won’t see on many rivals at this price point include traction control, multiple power modes and ABS, apart from a slipper clutch, which lend the Versys proposition much steam. Make no mistake, Kawasaki has hit the nail on the head with the stylish Versys 1000, a capable, powerful mile muncher with loads of presence.

Rayomand Darius with inputs from Rishad Cooper