Kawasaki Versys 650 review, test ride

On paper, the Versys 650 has all the credentials to make a tantalizing Kawasaki for India. We’ve already experienced top-notch quality on all Kawasakis, and the new Versys has tall suspension, which must translate into a cosseting ride quality and a nice, upright riding position. And we’re well familiar with the blazing performance of the Kawasaki 650s sold here, the Ninja 650 and ER 6n. All of which adds up to ‘tall’ expectations from the Versys 650. But can it deliver?

Towering persona

The Versys 650 in essence, looks like a Ninja 650 balanced atop a pair of elegant stilettos. Mass has been carefully pushed up, to accommodate more damping travel, and it’s a twin headlight, smart and macho design viewed head-first. The headlight provides ample illumination. Alloy wheels give away the Versys 650’s street-biased credentials, while its engine and radiator are surrounded by sleek, smartly placed cowls.

The instruments are smartly laid out, and give out all necessary information required from the bike. A bonus on the Versys 650 is its tool-free, 60mm adjustable windscreen, that takes just a minute to set at whatever height you like, and does an excellent job of keeping passengers safe from wind blast, even when hurtling along at the high speeds this powerful motorcycle is so easily capable of.

Top-quality, supple rubber greets your palms on the Versys 650, as do machined alloy, reach-adjustable control levers. This quality feel continues on the Kawasaki’s switchgear and mirrors as well. A single side-mounted shock absorber strut stands out in smart contrast to the rest of the motorcycle. While below the silencer is tucked neatly out of your way. A stepped seat and chunky grab bars are also in place at rear.

Overall fit-finish and attention-to-detail are excellent on the Versys 650. However, what does play spoilsport is the styling when viewing the Kawasaki broadside, or from rear. The Versys 650 lacks good proportions here, as rear overhang seems pronounced and there just isn’t the right design harmony you would like to see.