Used test: 2017 KAWASAKI VERSYS 650
Introducing the Versys 650 adventure bike late in 2006 was a wise move for Kawasaki. The Japanese firm had already had much success with its then year-old ER6 n and f budget machines. With the anticipated popularity of the middleweight adventure bike market, using the ER6 models’ engine and key chassis components as a base for the Versys (an abbreviation for ‘versatile system’) gave Kawasaki’s engineers a sensible and economical head start to enter the class.
The first version of the bike with its appropriate tall design, complete with underslung exhaust and side-mounted rear shock, won many friends. The press saw it very positively, deeming it a useful, easy to ride, versatile machine, offering plenty of fun for all, with the retuned 63bhp parallel twin cylinder motor being especially praised for its flexibility. Just as importantly, the Versys was voted as a bike which made lots of sense to either those new to bikes or anyone short of recent biking experience. Ringing the tills at just £5000 and being cheap to run was sure to boost its popularity. Buyers didn’t agree quite as much though, and the 650 didn’t become as common a sight on UK roads as Kawasaki had hoped.
Three years on and the Versys got its first upgrade. It wasn’t too significant, but sharper styling made it easier on the eye, and a rubber-mounted engine reduced vibes. Pillions got a wider seat, new mirrors gave a clearer view, and better controlled suspension made riding more comfortable. The 2010 Versys was heavier, but with its improvements, ABS option, and already established do-it-all versatility and user-friendliness, the revision was deemed a success.
The third, and current generation of the Versys 650 was introduced in 2015. With its modern-looking twin-headlight fairing, the Kawasaki had to be viewed as a far more attractive machine. As well as the improved looks, the engine got additional
