Segment:
Adventure Touring / Sport Touring
Target Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking versatility for commuting, touring, and light off-road use
Competitors:
Suzuki V-Strom 650, BMW F650GS/F700GS (earlier models)
Vehicle Selling Points:
Comfortable ergonomics, flexible engine, capable chassis for varied terrain, value for money
Benefit To Owner:
Enables confident DIY maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting, saving time and money, and ensuring optimal performance and longevity
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanism, final drive (chain and sprockets)
Chassis:
Frame, front suspension (forks, triple clamps), rear suspension (shock absorber, swingarm), steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic components, caliper maintenance, pad replacement, fluid flushing
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system, lighting, ignition control unit (ECU), sensors
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (throttle body, injectors, fuel pump), emissions control
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seats, luggage systems (if applicable), mounting points
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, brake checks, fluid level checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including engine disassembly/reassembly, suspension servicing, brake caliper overhaul
Assembly Disassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for major components and the entire motorcycle
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and chassis rebuilds
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 64 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 44.5 lb-ft @ 6700 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection, downdraft type with sub-throttles
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (RON+MON)/2 (91 AKI)
Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SMA, SAE 10W-40; API SJ or higher, JASO MA certified
Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.3 L (3.5 US qt)
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Genuine Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and deionized water)
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, return type
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-disc
Final Drive:
Sealed chain, 525
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.706 (46/17), 2nd: 2.053 (39/19), 3rd: 1.737 (33/19), 4th: 1.524 (32/21), 5th: 1.350 (27/20), 6th: 1.208 (29/24)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.9 L (0.95 US qt)
Length:
2,170 mm (85.4 in)
Height:
1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase:
1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Ground Clearance:
170 mm (6.7 in)
Seat Height:
840 mm (33.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 211 kg (465 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
19 L (5.0 US gal)
Front Suspension Type:
41 mm telescopic fork, adjustable preload
Rear Suspension Type:
Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload
Front Tire Size:
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tire Size:
180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Front Brake:
Dual 300 mm petal discs, dual-piston calipers
Rear Brake:
250 mm petal disc, dual-piston caliper
Instrument Cluster:
Digital LCD display including speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, coolant temperature indicator, and gear position indicator.
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS system, detailed for service and diagnosis in the manual.
Accessories:
Pre-wiring for accessory power outlets and lighting (manual covers installation and wiring diagrams).
Initial Service:
1000 km (600 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specifics)
Regular Oil Change:
Every 6000 km (3750 miles) or 6 months
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12000 km (7500 miles) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12000 km (7500 miles)
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Every 6000 km (3750 miles) or as needed based on conditions
Fork Oil Type:
Kawasaki Fork Oil G10 or SAE 10W fork oil
Fork Oil Level:
123 mm (4.8 in)
Common Wear Items:
Chain and sprockets, brake pads, tires due to mixed-use capabilities.
Potential Electrical:
Some owners report premature regulator/rectifier failure, particularly in hot climates or with high electrical accessory loads (covered by the manual's electrical diagnostics).
Suspension Tuning:
Front and rear suspension can be sensitive to preload settings for optimal comfort and handling, detailed in the manual.
Manufacturer History:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company is a prominent Japanese manufacturer with a long history in motorcycle design and production, known for performance and reliability.
Versys Lineage:
The Versys nameplate (derived from 'versatile system') was introduced in 2006 with the 650cc parallel-twin engine, initially based on the ER-6f platform. The 2010 model represents a significant refinement and styling update.
Production Location:
Japan