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Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2012-current)



Detail Value
New price £9,499
Used price range View Kawasaki VERSYS 1000 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size 1043cc
Power 116bhp
Top speed 140mph
Insurance group
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 4 rating is 4
Engine rating is 5 rating is 5
Ride & Handling rating is 4 rating is 4
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 4
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 4
Value rating is 5 rating is 5

MCN overall verdict rating is 4

Its odd looks will always raise questions, but the engine won’t, it’s a peach. There’s loads of low down, a nice spread of torque and the dollop of top end power should see it as the quickest bike in this category. It’s also extremely comfortable, will eat mile after mile all day long and handles reasonably well (up to a point, the front is questionable when pushed really hard). For under £10,000 it makes great value for money when compared to the competition. Overall it’s an accomplished all-round, reliable tourer

Engine

MCN rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 5

This is the Versys’ killer punch. Based on the Z1000, the four cylinder, in line motor is stunning and will out-grunt the legendary GS with ease. Compression has been lower compared to the Z1000 and the fuelling has been tweaked, which means the 1043cc motor makes 116bhp and 75ftlb of torque.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

Considering it’s such a big bike topping the scales at 239kg it doesn’t do half bad. It’s stable at high motorway speeds and is backed up by excellent ABS-assisted brakes. The only gripe is the feedback through the front end when pushed really hard. 90% of the time handling is fine and predictable, however, on the limit, the front end sends confusing messages: feedback isn’t 100% and it’s hard to sense how much grip is available. It’s still enough for peg-scraping angles of lean, but not with 100% confidence. The rear is fine and offers grip and feel when hard on the power.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

ABS comes as standard as does the ‘petal’ racing discs. More importantly there’s an all-new, three-way traction control system which combines the best qualities of the ZX-10 and GTR1400 systems – modes can be changed on the move with the throttle in the closed position. The rear suspension has remote pre-load adjustment and the forks are fully-adjustable. There’s also a huge list of aftermarket quality goodies which include hard luggage.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

Considering the very reasonable price compared to pricier competition, the level of finish and quality is very high. The screen is only manually adjustable but that’s our only gripe. There’s no reason to question the reliability either as he Zed 1000 motor has proven bulletproof.

Value

MCN rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 5

This is a hell of lot of bike for the price. Being a big, 1043cc, all-round touring bike with a high level of finish, with ABS and traction control as standard makes it value for money compared to the pricier BMW GS. Triumph’s 1050 Tiger is priced closer to the Kawasaki but comes without any electrical rider aids.

Insurance

Insurance group: n/a

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Model History

2012: Model introduced

Other Versions

None

Specifications

Top speed 140mph
1/4-mile acceleration 11 secs
Power 116bhp
Torque 75ftlb
Weight 239kg
Seat height 845mm
Fuel capacity 21 litres
Average fuel consumption 50mpg
Tank range 200 miles
Insurance group
Engine size 1043cc
Engine specification 16v transverse four, 6 gears
Frame Aluminium twin tube
Front suspension adjustment 43mm fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment Single rebound and preload
Front brakes 2x300mm four piston calipers
Rear brake 250mm disc single piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70x17
Rear tyre size 180/55x17

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 4(1 review)

  • Test Ride

    paul dunn

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Irode this bike yesterday on full power mode with the highest amount of traction control as you say the power is instant low down very responsive,riding position is very good with extreamly comfortable seat i rode on a variety of roads conditions were wet/muddy/dry in places brakes are far better than on my current bike ie greater cornering speed with good feedback the only thing i would like to see is a higher screen & hand gaurds which are avaliable,weather protection is very good after the test ride i only had mud on the tips of my boots & it returned 42.2mpg yes im very impressed also the dealer said i could take it out again on a dry day they could not be more helpfull with lots of payment options.

    26 February 2012

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