2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT Review

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT Review

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

ITS COMBINATION OF LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION, SPORTY 17” WHEELS, A SLIM UPRIGHT RIDING POSITION AND A COMPACT PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE RESULTS IN A HIGHLY VERSATILE PACKAGE, OFFERING A CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING RIDE WHILE TOURING THE OPEN ROAD.

The Kawasaki Versys® 650 LT has all of the features of the standard Versys 650 ABS and adds Kawasaki Quick Release 28-Liter Saddlebags and hand guards as standard equipment to make it touring ready straight off the showroom.

•Compact 649cc parallel-twin engine combines maximum low- and mid-range torque and high-rpm performance for an exhilarating ride
•Slim, upright riding position offers a high level of comfort and nimble handling
•Windscreen with 2 inches of tool-free adjustment adds comfort for highway cruising
•LT models come equipped with a set of color-matched 28 liter (each) hard saddlebags featuring KQR™ mounts, an integrated mounting system that utilizes the ignition key for simple saddlebag unlocking and removal
•LT models offer hand guards for increased wind protection
•Updated dash meter featuring a gear position indicator

Kawasaki’s multi-purpose, mid-sized adventure touring models, the Versys® 650 ABS and Versys® 650 LT, are updated for 2017 with new paint and a new Gear Position Indicator located in the dash, giving riders the ability to always know what gear they are in. The adjustable windscreen now features a revised knob design for easier adjusting. Also new for 2017, the selection of available Kawasaki Genuine Accessories now includes an accessory GPS mount, for assisting in long-distance touring.

The 2017 Versys 650 LT motorcycle has the same mechanical specification as the Versys 650 ABS, and also comes standard with color-matched KQR™ 28-liter hard saddlebags and gloss black hand guards. This extra equipment adds even greater flexibility to an already accomplished motorcycle. The KQR system, with quick release capability, makes it easy for the rider to remove and mount the bags quickly, and the bags utilize Kawasaki’s One Key System for extra convenience.

All the Versys LT models come standard with a 24-month limited warranty, which can be extended up to an additional 48 months with the optional Kawasaki Protection Plus™ extended warranty.

The Versys is one of those machines that exceeds the sum of its parts. Its name, derived from “vertex” (Latin for pinnacle, summit, top) and “system,” hints at its goal of offering a truly superior platform that maximizes fun in any number of street riding situations. One ride is all it takes to confirm that the Versys 650 delivers on its any-street promise.

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

KEY FEATURES

• POWERFUL FUEL-EFFICIENT TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE TUNED FOR STRONG LOW TO MID-RANGE POWER
• LONG TRAVEL SUSPENSION
• KQR SADDLEBAGS AND HANDGUARDS ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT
• 3-WAY ADJUSTABLE WINDSCREEN
• 2-YEAR FACTORY WARRANTY

NEW FOR 2017
Gear indicator added to the instrument display provides gear position at a glance to help keep rider informed.
* Revised knob design for the adjustable windscreen enhances the stylish looks.

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

KAWASAKI QUICK RELEASE 28-LITER SADDLEBAGS
Color-matched hard saddlebags are water resistant to protect cargo.
Saddlebag design integrates with the tail section and is large enough to hold a typical full-faced helmet.
Direct-mount system allows the saddlebags to be quickly and easily removed. When removed there is no supporting framework to detract from the Versys’ design.
Convenient one-key lock system. Customized saddlebag locks are matched to the vehicle’s ignition key so that one key operates all locks on the bike.
Each bag is close to the motorcycle’s centerline for a narrow profile
Hand guards add to the long-range comfort and capability.

ENGINE
Compact 649cc Twin-Cylinder, DOHC Engine
Kawasaki Air Management System(KP) (KAMS) radiator fan cover helps direct hot engine air down to the ground and away from the rider.
Compact parallel twin engine helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle to keep it small and nimble.
Tuned to deliver strong, responsive power from 3-6,000 rpm for greater acceleration from a stop.
Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes the engine very short from front to back, a semi-dry sump(KP) oil system reduces overall engine height, while the narrow pitch of the chrome composite(KP) plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width.
One-piece muffler and exhaust pipe helps boost top-end engine performance.
Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullet-tip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization.
180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft for extremely smooth engine operation.
Oil jets in the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling.

Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
38mm Keihin throttle bodies feature dual throttle valves(KP) for optimum performance and rideability. The sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, are controlled by the ECU so that the DFI® system has more precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor.
Precise fuel injection plus exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions.
Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy.

6-Speed Transmission
Cassette-style transmission puts the transmission shafts and shift drum into a compact layout.
Positive Neutral Finder, a Kawasaki exclusive user-friendly feature.

CHASSIS
Frame
Rubber front engine mounts help reduce vibration for rider comfort.
Double-pipe perimeter-frame(KP) is simple and unique and contributes to light handling character. A backbone-style rear subframe keeps the seat narrow for an easy reach to the ground while allowing a thick cushion for comfort.
Strong rear sub-frame accommodates optional accessory top case for increased touring capacity.
Double-pipe swingarm matches the frame design and contributes to light, easy handling. Gull-wing shape on the right side allows clearance for the aggressive muffler design.

Triple Petal Design Brake Discs
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps assist braking under certain conditions and features a small Bosch control unit to save space and weight.
Nissin brake calipers have a sporty image and contain brake specific pads; the front providing strong initial bite and the rear offering optimum control and high overall brake force.
Large rear petal brake disc helps handle heavier loads when accessories are added.
Front brake calipers have large 27mm pistons for excellent brake feel.
Petal design offers improved cooling and warp resistance.

SUSPENSION
Showa Front Fork
Derived from high-spec forks on Kawasaki Ninja® sportbikes, the Showa fork separates damping and spring functions into each fork leg. Rebound damping adjustability is in the right fork leg and spring preload in the left leg.

Single-shock Rear Suspension
The rear shock has a remote hydraulic preload adjuster that allows the rider to conveniently change preload, without tools, for various load conditions.
Aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock complement the frame design to create an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub.

The footpegs are positioned for a relaxed riding position without compromising sport potential. The footpeg mounting plates are rubber mounted to help isolate the rider from vibration resin heel guards help prevent paint wear from the rider’s boots.
Rubber-mounted handlebars help reduce vibration reaching the rider.
Passenger grips provide a stylish handhold and accommodate the KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) 28-liter Saddlebags.

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: ABS $8,999 USD

Power
Engine
4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin
Displacement
649cc
Bore x Stroke
83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio
10.8:1
Fuel System
DFI® w/38mm Keihin throttle bodies (2)
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Transmission
6-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Performance
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload/5.9 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Single offset laydown shock with remote adjustable spring preload/5.7 in
Front Tire
120/70×17
Rear Tire
160/60×17
Front Brakes
Dual 300mm petal-style rotors with 2-piston calipers, ABS
Rear Brakes
Single 250mm petal-style rotor with single-piston caliper, ABS
Details
Frame Type
Double pipe diamond frame constructed from high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail
25°/4.3 in
Overall Length
85.2 in
Overall Width
37.2 in
Overall Height
55.1 in/57.1 in
Ground Clearance
6.7 in
Seat Height
33.1 in
Curb Weight
476.3 lb** (+ Saddlebags, Handguards, & Hardware approx. 20 lb.)
Fuel Capacity
5.5 gal
Wheelbase
55.7 in
Color Choices
Metallic Flat Raw Titanium, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray
Warranty
24 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
12, 24, 36 or 48 months

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $10199 CAD

ENGINE
Displacement 649cc
Type 4-stroke, Parallel Twin
Bore and stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Valve system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Digital fuel injection with two 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition Digital
Lubrication Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
BRAKES
Front: type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front: calipers Dual 2-piston calipers
Rear: type Single 250 mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Single-piston caliper
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 2,165 mm
Overall height 1,400 mm / 1,450 mm (High Position)
Wheelbase 1,415 mm (55.7 in.)
Ground clearance 170 mm
Seat height 840 mm
Fuel capacity 21 litres
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, with positive neutral finder
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.095 (88/42)
Gear ratio: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
Gear ratio: 2nd 1.714 (36/21)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.333 (32/24)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.111 (30/27)
Gear ratio: 5th 0.966 (28/29)
Gear ratio: 6th 0.852 (23/27)
Final reduction ratio 3.067 (46/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Diamond, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel: front 150 mm (5.9 in.)
Tire: front 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)
Wheel travel: rear 145 mm (5.7 in.)
Tire: rear 160/60-ZR17MC (69W)
Caster (rake) 25°
Trail 108 mm (4.3 in.)
Steering angle (left/right) 35° / 35°
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power‡ 51 kW {69 PS} @ 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque‡ 64 N·m {6.5 kgƒ·m} @ 7,000 rpm
SUSPENSION
Suspension, front 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
Suspension, rear Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability
DETAILS
Warranty 12 months warranty

2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS LT – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See dealer for pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

See dealer for availability

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).