The latest iteration of the big Kawasaki Versys tourer has arrived.
Ideal for covering long distances on the highway, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 is arguably one of the best on-road tourers available today, bringing to the table a balanced blend of sportiness, comfort and affordability. The 2020 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by an all-new 1,043-cc, inline-four-cylinder motor suspended from an aluminium perimeter frame, features a broad seat and high, wide handlebars for an upright riding position, and its Rs 10.99 lakh ex-showroom price tag makes it one of the most accessible litre-class tourers in our market.
New features with this 2020 model include full-LED lighting with cornering lights built into the bodywork, an attractive dash that juxtaposes a large analogue tachometer with a full-colour, information-packed TFT screen, connectivity options and a full suite of lean-sensitive safety aids based on a six-axis IMU. The motor, tuned more for a wide spread of torque than for peak power, turns out a healthy 102 Nm at 7,500 rpm and 120 hp at 9,000 rpm; figures that can easily turn the surrounding scenery into a blur with a twist of the throttle.
A tarmac-bound tourer with adventure bike styling, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 runs on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with sporty 120- and 180-section rubber. Suspension duties are handled by a 43-mm Showa USD fork up front and a link-mounted Showa monoshock at the rear, with preload and rebound damping adjustability at both ends. A pair of four-piston radially-mounted monobloc calipers gripping 310-mm petal discs up front work with a 250-mm petal disc and single-piston caliper at the rear to bring this 255-kg (kerb) motorcycle to a halt, while the 21-litre tank should be good for up to 400 kilometres between fuel stops.
If you’re looking for a big comfortable motorcycle ideal for fast two-up touring, but with a sporty edge, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 should definitely be on your shortlist.
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