Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus 2017 — Specifications

Who hasn't dreamed of hitting the road on a whim, on a Friday evening, with just enough luggage to last the weekend? That's exactly the promise of the Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus, an upgraded version of the standard Tourer, designed for those who want to escape the daily grind without breaking the bank or spending hours kitting out their machine. On paper, the concept is appealing. In practice, it deserves a closer look.

Beneath the bodywork lies the proven 649 cc parallel-twin that has made its name across the Versys lineage. Its 69 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 63.7 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm won't frighten anyone, but that's not the point. This engine is the diesel of the motorcycle world: flexible, tireless, predictable. It hauls the 217 kg wet weight with metronome-like consistency, whether on A-roads or in the city. The six-speed gearbox does its job without complaint, and the 21-litre tank allows for generous legs between fuel stops. We're far from the firepower of a Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT or a Yamaha Tracer 700, but the philosophy remains the same: devouring miles without wearing yourself out. Against these two rivals, the Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus plays the standard equipment card rather than the raw power one.

And that's where the "Plus" truly earns its name. Compared to the standard Tourer version, Kawasaki adds a gear indicator and a pair of auxiliary lights. Minor details, some will say. Except that anyone who has ever ridden at night on a poorly lit back road knows the value of two extra headlights. The gear indicator, meanwhile, is pure riding comfort, especially when you're stringing together hours in the saddle. The package also includes 28-litre side panniers with a single-key lock, handguards, and tank protection. In short, the bike leaves the dealership ready to travel. The price of 9,249 euros remains reasonable for such a well-equipped machine, even if we wish Kawasaki had thrown a tall screen into the mix. At the claimed top speed of 200 km/h, wind protection matters.

On the chassis side, the tubular diamond steel frame houses a 41 mm inverted fork with 150 mm of travel up front and a mono-shock offering 145 mm at the rear. Nothing sophisticated, but the setup inspires confidence on rough roads. Braking, handled by twin 300 mm discs at the front and a 250 mm disc at the rear, proves adequate without being sharp. The 840 mm seat height may put off shorter riders, a point the Japanese competition sometimes handles better. The 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 tyres betray a firmly road-oriented vocation, far from the off-road pretensions of certain catalogue adventure bikes.

The 2019 Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus carries on this recipe without any major upheaval, confirming the model's maturity. This motorcycle is aimed at pragmatic tourers, at those who would rather ride than tinker with accessories in their garage. It won't make track enthusiasts or globe-trotting adventurers dream, but for a rider seeking a reliable, well-equipped tool that's accessible on an A2 licence with a restrictor kit, it's a rational choice. The Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus price positions it right between the Sunday ride and the serious road trip. Not spectacular, but solid. Exactly what's asked of it.