Market Segment:
Mid-weight sport-touring motorcycle, offering a blend of everyday usability, light touring capability, and sporty performance.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile motorcycle for commuting, sport riding, and occasional long-distance touring, appreciating a balance of comfort and performance.
Key Competitors:
Suzuki V-Strom 650, Honda CBF600S/Hornet, Yamaha FZ6/Fazer.
Versatility:
Designed as a 'do-it-all' motorcycle, capable of handling commuting, spirited riding, and light touring with optional luggage.
Engine Characteristics:
Lively and flexible parallel-twin engine derived from the Ninja 650 platform, providing accessible power and torque across the rev range.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable, upright riding position with adjustable windscreen for rider comfort on longer journeys.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, starting system, exhaust system.
Transmission Systems:
Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanism, final drive (chain and sprockets).
Chassis Systems:
Frame, front suspension (forks), rear suspension (shock absorber, linkage), steering system, wheels, tires.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brake system components, hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake discs, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, ignition switch, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, sensors.
Bodywork And Fittings:
Fairings, body panels, seats, fuel tank, storage compartments, mirrors, handlebars, levers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake fluid replacement, coolant replacement, valve clearance adjustment, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system diagnostics, engine performance problems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of all major motorcycle systems.
Technical Specifications And Data:
Detailed torque specifications, measurement data, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and component part numbers.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and chassis rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel-twin
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Ignition System:
Digital CDI
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Valve Clearance Adjustment Interval:
12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 24 months
Peak Horsepower:
Approx. 71.4 HP @ 8,000 RPM (claimed)
Peak Torque:
Approx. 44.3 lb-ft @ 6,000 RPM (claimed)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection
Throttle Body:
Dual 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (19 Liters)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA
Oil Capacity With Filter Change:
2.4 US quarts (2.3 Liters)
Coolant Type:
50/50 mixture of Kawasaki All-Season Motorcycle Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, sequential manual
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Final Drive:
Sealed O-ring chain
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80 API GL-4 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 US quarts (1.4 Liters) - requires checking dipstick or fill plug level.
Overall Length:
2,195 mm (86.4 in)
Overall Width:
850 mm (33.5 in)
Overall Height:
1,350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Ground Clearance:
150 mm (5.9 in)
Seat Height:
840 mm (33.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 217 kg (478.4 lbs)
Front Tire Size:
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tire Size:
180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Front Brake Type:
Dual 300mm petal discs with dual piston calipers
Rear Brake Type:
Single 250mm petal disc with dual piston caliper
Front Suspension Type:
43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rear Suspension Type:
Offset laydown single shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping, linked system
Instrument Cluster:
Digital LCD display including speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lights. Some models may have gear position indicators.
ABS:
Optional ABS system available on certain models, providing enhanced braking safety.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and brake light, standard incandescent turn signals.
First Service Mileage:
600 miles (1,000 km) or 6 months
Engine Oil Change Interval:
3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 12 months
Oil Filter Replacement Interval:
Coincides with engine oil changes
Air Filter Cleaning Interval:
7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 24 months
Chain Lubrication Interval:
Every 300-400 miles (500-650 km) or after riding in rain/wet conditions
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA
Coolant Specification:
50/50 mixture of Kawasaki All-Season Motorcycle Coolant and distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Front Fork Oil Type:
Show G10 (10W) or equivalent
Front Fork Oil Level:
120 mm
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, chain and sprockets, brake pads, fork seals, wheel bearings, regulator/rectifier (occasional failures).
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some owners have reported issues with the in-tank fuel pump failing prematurely, particularly in later years of this generation. Early detection and replacement are key.
Regulator Rectifier Heat:
The stock regulator/rectifier is known to run hot and can be a failure point. Upgraded units are available.
Suspension Tuning:
While adjustable, the stock suspension can be perceived as a compromise for aggressive riding or heavy loads. Tuning or upgrades are common modifications.
Kawasaki Motorcycle Division:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles across various categories since the 1960s.
Versys Lineage:
The Versys line was introduced in 2006, based on the Ninja 650 platform. It was designed to offer a more adventure-styled, versatile, and comfortable alternative to traditional sportbikes.
Kle650 Design Philosophy:
Combines a parallel-twin engine, long-travel suspension, and a tall riding position to create a capable machine for diverse riding conditions, from commuting to light touring and spirited backroad riding.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
First Generation Timeline:
2006-2011
