Category:
Adventure Sport Touring / Middleweight Sportbike
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile, practical, and engaging motorcycle for commuting, touring, and spirited riding. Also appeals to DIY mechanics and enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Suzuki V-Strom 650, Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré (in spirit), potentially some parallel-twin sportbikes like the Honda CBR500R (later models)
Versatility:
Designed to bridge the gap between sportbikes and adventure bikes, offering a comfortable riding position, practical utility, and sporty handling.
Engine Architecture:
Parallel-twin engine, known for its smooth power delivery and good fuel economy.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with hundreds of photos and illustrations for clear guidance.
Usability:
Written for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics, making complex procedures accessible.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, internal components, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanism, final drive (chain and sprockets)
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear shock), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, ABS system)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, sensors, ECU, ABS control unit
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, fenders, luggage rack (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, valve clearance checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, error code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Component disassembly, reassembly, component replacement, system diagnostics and repair
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components, including engine, transmission, and suspension. Suitable for full rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 x 60.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower Approx:
~72 hp @ 8,500 rpm (crank)
Torque Approx:
~45 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (crank)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection with 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (Octane rating may vary by region)
Ignition System:
Digital CDI
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Type Spec:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM; JASO MA or MA2 (verify specific manual recommendations)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
~3.4 US qt (3.2 L)
ABS Availability:
Available as an option (Versys ABS model)
Braking System Front:
Dual 300mm petal-style discs, dual-piston calipers
Braking System Rear:
Single 250mm petal-style disc, dual-piston caliper
Suspension Front:
41mm telescopic fork, adjustable preload
Suspension Rear:
Offset laydown single shock, adjustable preload and rebound damping
Lighting:
Dual headlamps, LED taillight
Instrumentation:
Digital speedometer, analog tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature warning, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators.
ABS:
Available on the ABS model, providing anti-lock braking for increased safety and control.
ECU Control:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages fuel injection and ignition timing for optimal performance and emissions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation)
Engine Oil Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, or with every oil change
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (initial check might be earlier)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 7,500-15,000 miles depending on plug type
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Genuine Coolant or equivalent ethylene-glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (verify manual for exact specification)
Fork Oil Type:
Showas suspension fluid SS-10 or equivalent SAE 10W fork oil (verify manual for precise weight and quantity)
Engine Reliability:
Generally considered reliable. Potential for clutch wear under hard use. Some riders report minor vibrations at certain RPMs.
Suspension Feel:
Stock suspension can feel basic for aggressive riding; aftermarket upgrades are common. The manual will detail adjustment procedures.
Chain Maintenance:
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and tension adjustment are crucial for longevity due to the chain drive.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long-standing reputation for performance motorcycles, known for innovation and powerful engines across various categories.
Versys Origin:
The Versys platform (derived from the ER-6 series) was introduced to cater to the growing middleweight sport-touring and 'supermoto-style' segment, offering a unique blend of characteristics.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely Japan, but some models may be assembled in other Kawasaki facilities worldwide. Specifics for 2010-2011 should be confirmed.
