Kawasaki Versys

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Versys

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Production	2007—
Class	Standard
Engine	649 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel twin
Power	64 hp (48 kW) @ 8000 rpm
Torque	61 N·m (45 ft·lbf) @ 6800 rpm
Related	Ninja 650R

Kawasaki introduced the Versys, a middleweight motorcycle with standard riding posture, to the European and Canadian markets at the end of 2006, and to the U. S. market in 2007.

The name Versys is a portmanteau of the words "versatile system," suggesting a system of riding attributes intended to offer versatility.

[edit] Technical Details

Based on the Ninja 650R, the bike's 650cc liquid cooled 4 stroke parallel twin engine has been retuned for more bottom-end and mid-range torque. This is achieved with revised inlet and exhaust cams with shorter valve duration. This will move peak torque lower down the rev range providing a better throttle response at low revs. In addition a balance tube has been added between the exhaust headers to smooth out power delivery.

As the bike is primarily designed for city and back-road (pavement) riding, the fuel injection system has been mapped to give strong throttle response in the mid-range from 3000-6000 revs^{[citation needed]}.

This lowering of peak torque in the rev range may give a trade off against peak power output. The current ER-6 produces a claimed 71bhp at 8500rpm. In comparison the Versys peak power output will be 64bhp at 8000rpm. Peak torque will be 61 N·m at 6800 rpm. A similar approach was recently deployed by Honda with their CBF1000 model.

Compared to the ER-6, the Versys has a redesigned sub-frame, new exhaust header design, and redesigned suspension^{[citation needed]}. The Versys replaces the standard non-adjustable suspension of the ER-6 with upside-down front forks adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The rear has an all alloy swingarm instead of the tubular steel item on the original bike.

The Versys would be ill-described as a dual-sport bike. Its alloy wheels, ZR rated tires, and low, exposed exhaust system are each poorly suited to the abuse of off-road travel. Instead, the bike's specification follows closely that of its primary market competition, the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Both bikes offer suitability to a broad spectrum of riding in lieu of specialized strength -- emphasizing on-road rather than off-road strength.

[edit] Technical Features

Model Year: 2007
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4- stroke parallel twin tuned for low-mid rpm torque response
Displacement: 649 cm³ capacity
Suspension, front: Upside-down fork adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
Suspension, rear: Gull-type aluminium swingarm
Brakes, front: Petal-disc brakes
Brakes, rear: Petal-disc brake
Complies to EU emission limit EURO 3