Kawasaki Versys Tourer 2011 — Specifications

Who would have bet, in 2007, that this little 650 cm³ twin born for urban fun would become a serious touring machine? Kawasaki transformed its Versys, this jack-of-all-trades motorcycle with a somewhat rough-and-ready feel, into a machine capable of handling long-distance routes. The 2011 Tourer version is the culmination of this evolution, a transformation kit that gives the base model a new look and new capabilities.

The heart remains this inline twin of 649 cm³, a solid and economical engine delivering 64 horsepower at 8000 rpm. That’s enough to eat up the highway without stress, with a top speed of 200 km/h, but the real pleasure comes from its early torque, 61 Nm from 6800 rpm, which makes acceleration out of curves or overtaking on national roads very intuitive. The diamond frame and adjustable suspension, a single-sided swingarm at the rear, give it stable and precise handling, even with its weight of 206 kg fully fueled. It's far from a lightweight machine, but the mass is well distributed.

The Tourer kit radically changes the motorcycle's feel. The two side cases, each with a capacity of 35 liters, offer serious luggage space for travel. The tall windscreen and its three-position adjustable deflector do a remarkable job against the elements, much more effective than the standard screen. Small additions like handguards and a tank protector complete a coherent package. At €8399, it positions itself as an alternative to the BMW F 650 GS or Suzuki V-Strom 650 of the time, with a sportier character and a high seat height of 845 mm that requires a certain stature.

This Versys Tourer is an intelligently balanced machine. It retains the pleasantness and liveliness of the base model, an engine that sings and a road geometry, but gains in long-distance versatility. It will never be the comfort monster of a true touring bike, its 19-liter tank requires regular stops, and the twin may lack breath compared to 800 cm³ engines. But for the motorcyclist who wants a unique motorcycle, capable of dynamic daily commutes and weekend trips for two with luggage, it represents a very reasonable choice. Kawasaki has proven here that you can do touring without sacrificing pleasure.