While the 2009 Kawasaki Versys™ may defy attempts to pigeon hole it into a preordained role, the truth is this is a machine that epitomizes versatility. The editors at Motorcyclist magazine may have described this jack-of-all-trades motorcycle best: “The most impressive thing about the Versys is what it can do. That would be just about anything, and for a lot less money than anything else out there. Call it whatever you want. We’re calling it Motorcycle of the Year.”

To create the Versys, Kawasaki engineers turned to the already user-friendly Ninja® 650R sportbike. Building upon its 649cc parallel-twin engine, six-spoke superbike-inspired wheels, light steering and neutral handling chassis; they added an adjustable-height windscreen, a longer “gull” shaped swingarm, adjustable, long-travel rear shock, long-travel inverted 41mm forks and provided it with a roomy, comfortable cockpit. The resulting motorcycle is ready to excel at almost any task its rider needs, from gridlock traffic jams, to canyon carving, to long-distance touring.

A major element in the flexibility of the Versys motorcycle is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve, 649cc parallel-twin engine. This engine was already lively enough for even the most advanced riders, yet predictable enough to inspire confidence in less-experienced motorcyclists. However, it was modified to deliver its smooth power earlier for brisk off-the-line acceleration with plenty of supple torque for the cut-n-thrust commute environment, while still offering excellent fuel economy.

Its suspension offers the latest in sophistication with an advanced Showa rear shock utilizing a free piston and two-stage damping valves for progressive compression damping, which firms significantly as the shock moves through its stroke. This allows a wheel travel feel that is initially soft like a dual sport, but firms to near sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. This high-tech shock is connected to the longer-than-average aluminum gull-wing swingarm – made possible by a short/compact engine and chassis.

The high-tech suspension approach continues up front with a fully-adjustable, 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork that combines the best of off-road and sportbike suspension action for a stiffness balance that is a perfect match to the Versys chassis settings. In addition to a more-comfortable ride, the long-travel fork’s soft-stroke allows easy control of the chassis’ running angle by shifting the rider’s weight.

Enhancing the plush ride from its suspension is a carefully designed cockpit that features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort to both the rider and passenger. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and get their eyes back on the road. Capping off the comfort list is an adjustable windscreen that can be raised or lowered to three positions in 20mm increments.

649cc Parallel Twin-cylinder, DOHC Engine
- Most compact engine in its category, helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle
- Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes it short from front to back
- Semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height
- The narrow pitch of the chrome composite plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width
- Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low-to mid-rpm range for exceptional roll-on response – ideal in negotiating city traffic
- 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft smoothes engine pulses
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullettip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization

Liquid Cooling
- Keeps engine temperatures consistent for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
- Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
- Coolant is routed through the engine cases reducing the number of external hoses

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)
- Utilizes 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with ECU controlled sub throttle valves for optimum performance and rideability
- Sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, give the DFI system a more precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburetor
- Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy
- Precise fuel injection and exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions

Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) System
- Microprocessor controlled timing never requires adjustment and is ultra responsive to engine needs
- Spark plug mounted “stick” ignition coils are compact and help reduce weight

Six-Speed Transmission
- Cassette style transmission with the shafts and shift drum in a compact layout that is easily removed as a single unit from the case for easier maintenance

High Tensile Steel Trellis Frame
- Trellis frame is small and light and Narrow at the knees and feet for increased rider comfort and control
- Designed using 3-dimensional computer analysis to achieve the optimum stiffness balance for better handling

Single Shock Rear Suspension
- Aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock complement the frame design via an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short, compact frame and engine design allows the swingarm to be longer, which helps improve overall handling
- Showa shock has adjustable preload and rebound damping and uses a free piston and two-stage damping valves for smooth action during initial compression that becomes much firmer near the end of the stroke for a more planted feel

Long-Travel Fork
- 41mm Inverted fork with stiff springs combines the best of dual sport and sportbike-type suspensions, to deliver excellent performance over a wide range of conditions
- Tapered, relatively short outer tubes help provide the ideal stiffness balance to compliment chassis settings
- Fork height, preload and rebound damping can all be adjusted to fine-tune the suspension to specific conditions or riding styles

Petal Style Brake Discs
- Braking duties handled by dual 300mm front petal discs with two-piston calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc with a single-piston caliper
- Same rotor design as found on the Ninja supersport machines, petal design rotors offer improved cooling and warp resistance

Six-spoke wheels
- Also found on the Ninja ZX™-6R and ZX-10R; the six-spoke design requires much less material between spokes so that the rim thickness is thinner and overall wheel weight is reduced

Comfortable Ergonomics
- Each part of the two-piece seat was designed with a different thickness and firmness of foam to optimize comfort for both rider and passenger
- Passenger seat and grab bars were designed to provide a natural seating position for added comfort
- Easy-to-read instrument panel has a large analog tachometer and digital readout for the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters and clock. White LED backlighting provides increased visibility at night

Adjustable Windscreen
- Three different settings, each 20mm apart, allows riders to set the windscreen height to suit their preferences

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