2018 Model Information

MODEL NAME: Versys 650 ABS LAMSMODEL CODE: KLE650FJFW

Difficult to explain and impossible to categorise, the Versys 650 is one of those machines that exceeds the sum of its parts. Its combination of long-travel suspension & sporty 17" wheels, a slim, upright riding position and a low-mid range focused Parallel-Twin engine results in a highly versatile package able to offer riders maximum riding excitement in a wide variety of street-riding situations, especially on twisty mountain roads.

For 2017, a gear position indicator was added to the instrument panel, new ECU settings bring the KLE650 into line with Euro 4 emissions standards and a revision to the adjustable windscreen knobs improved appearance. Learner Approved Motorcycle (LAMS)

ANY STREET, ANY TIME

FUN PACKAGE ON WINDING ROADS Designed for the discerning enthusiast, the Versys 650 offers a unique package comprising long-travel suspension & sporty 17" wheels, a slim, upright riding position and a compact Parallel-Twin engine tuned for low-mid range torque. Highly acclaimed for its versatility and a playful character best understood by riding it, the Versys 650 features engine characteristics, chassis balance and suspension settings all selected to maximise rider enjoyment on the street – and especially when the roads get twisty. Whether commuting, touring, or just riding for fun, the superb control and feedback of the Versys 650 offer a high level of rider confidence in numerous street-riding situations and accommodate a variety of riding styles.

COMPACT PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE TUNED FOR LOW-MID RANGE TORQUETuning of the 649 cc Parallel Twin engine focused on achieving a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quick-revving character. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximise low-mid range torque. When opening the throttle, riders will notice an extremely smooth and powerful engine character that offers both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and a gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm ranges. Engine updates result in increased high-rpm performance and improved fuel economy. H�Intake and exhaust cams with short operating angles move the torque curve toward the lower end of the rpm range. H To achieve smooth power and torque curves, the exhaust system makes use of a balance tube.

H Fuel injection settings for the Versys were selected primarily to deliver a strong powerful feeling when the throttle is opened.H Performance and feel were optimised for the mid-range (3,000-6,000 rpm). However, in the low-rpm range (below 3,000 rpm), power delivery is very smooth, and even above 6,000 power and torque curves continue on without dropping off suddenly.H The above settings result in performance that favours speeds most used in everyday riding. Corner pick-up is excellent: the powerful mid-range delivers a satisfying surge of acceleration and the flat, step-free torque curve and smooth engine response let riders open the throttle with confidence – at any rpm.H�Exhaust system is a single-piece construction: header pipes are unitised with the under-engine silencer. The new design contributes to increased high-rpm performance. H�Zero-cross control regulator significantly reduces electrical noise generated when short-circuiting the generator output.

Long-travel Suspension & Sporty 17" Wheels Not all streets in the real world are made of circuit-smooth pavement. Road imperfections (bumps, potholes) are far from rare, and some streets are not even paved (such as cobblestone, etc). While the Versys 650 was not designed for off-road use, its long-travel front fork and rear shock were specially selected to cope with any street conditions it may come across, and, along with its 17" wheels, enable aggressive sport riding. Further, the long-travel suspension provides an added dimension of controllability: the ability to consciously control the bike's front-rear weight transfer gives riders an additional riding element to explore.

Both the front fork and rear shock combine long travel with stiff springs. Standard off-road-style long-travel H�suspension allows a bike to fly over bumps and ruts with ease, but this type of suspension was deemed to be too mushy for the kind of riding we wanted to offer. Likewise with sport bike suspension, road holding is superb, but performance is best on (relatively) smooth roads. Combining both long travel and stiff springs yields the benefits of both off-road-style and sport-bike suspension, offering excellent road holding in a wide range of street riding conditions and superb feedback, enabling aggressive sport riding.

Designed based on feedback from high-spec models, a new front fork separates its functions between the H�two fork tubes, with a spring in the left tube and damping cartridge in the right.

All the adjusters are located at the top of the fork tubes (on the fork caps): preload on the left; rebound H�damping on the right. Each component need only be adjusted once (rather than once per side), facilitating suspension setup.

Remote rear preload adjuster makes it easy for riders to adjust their suspension setup to suit riding with a H�passenger and/or with luggage. The adjuster is conveniently positioned between the seat and rear shock for easy access.

Enhanced Brake Performance The Versys 650's triple petal disc brakes offer superb stopping power and feel at the lever. Updates for the new model deliver both increased brake force and controllability.

Dual ø300 mm petal discs are gripped by new twin-piston calipers. The design of the new calipers H�contributes to the bike's sportier image, while new brake pad material offers a stronger initial bite when the brakes are first applied.

Revised front brake master cylinder features a new lever ratio that contributes to both increased H�controllability and increased overall brake force.

Larger rear disc measures ø250 mm (previously ø220 mm). The increased controllability and brake force H�are reassuring when touring or when riding with a heavy load (when the rear brake becomes of greater value).

A new rear caliper features revised settings that prioritise controllability. This is complemented by revised H�rear brake master settings and new brake pad material offering increased controllability as well as contributing to the overall stronger brake force.

Smaller ABS unit is lighter and takes up less space. H�

TOURING POTENTIALFor riders who prefer longer excursions, a comfortable seat, relaxed riding position, large-volume fuel tank, protection from the adjustable windscreen and enhanced touring potential make the Versys a very capable touring partner. A number of optional accessories further increase the Versys’ touring potential.

Along with the comfortable seat, the relaxed position enables riders to spend long hours in the saddle.H A 21-litre fuel tank combined with excellent fuel economy offers an ample touring range.H

TANDEM COMFORTSometimes sharing the ride is half the fun. The Versys has a number of features that make tandem riding enjoyable for both rider and pillion.

Each part of the two-piece seat was designed with different thickness and firmness of urethane, H�optimising comfort for both the rider and passenger.

Pillion position was also designed to offer a natural seating position. Revised tandem grab bars are flatter, H�easier to hold and positioned further out for greater freedom of movement.

Large-size grab bars from the clean-mount system offer passengers an ergonomic grip. H�Rubber added to the passenger footpegs also contributes to the enhanced passenger comfort. H�

The comfort afforded by the slim layout (possible thanks to the under-engine muffler) also extends to the Hpassenger. A further benefit is that heat is kept away from the passenger.

Layout is such that a passenger can also be comfortably accommodated when the optional panniers are Hattached..

EngineH�Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back. (Illustration A)H Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores. (Illustration B)H�Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.

H�Plated, linerless cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width.

H Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.

H Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.H 180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation.

H Oil jets located in the rod big-ends direct oil to the undersides of the pistons for added cooling.

H With the large radiator and under-engine muffler, the Versys offers superior comfort from a heat dissipation perspective.

Clean-mount Pannier System

H�The mounting system for the accessory panniers allows the panniers to be attached and removed very simply, contributing to increased convenience. Completely revised to allow the panniers to be better integrated with the rear of the bike, the clean-mount system positions the panniers much closer to the bike centreline (width with panniers is about 100 mm slimmer than before), and, thanks to its clean clutter-free design, ensures the rear of the bike still looks good with the panniers removed.

Wind Protection & Airflow Management

A larger adjustable windscreen helps reduce wind noise and helmet buffeting, creating a serene space behind which to enjoy high-speed riding. And the new cowling design helps direct airflow away and around the rider.

H�Screen from the Versys 1000 is approximately 1.7 times larger than that of the previous model. Offering increased wind protection, the screen was designed taking into consideration how wind would hit the rider.H�Range of adjustability is now 60 mm, accommodating a greater variety of rider sizes. Conveniently, the screen height can be adjusted without tools (by simply loosening two knobs at the front of the screen). H�Wind passages between the upper and side cowls were aerodynamically designed to help reduce air resistance while managing airflow for increased wind protection and comfort. H�Chin spoiler below the twin headlamps helps direct wind around the upper cowl for increased stability at highway speeds as well as increased comfort for the rider.

SPECIFICATIONS KLE650FJFW

ENGINEType Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke twin cylinderDisplacement 649 ccBore and Stroke 83 x 60 mmCompression ratio 10.8:1Valve system DOHC, 8-valvesFuel system Fuel Injection: Keihin 38 mm x 2Ignition DigitalStarting ElectricLubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAINTransmission 6-speed, returnClutch Wet multi-disc, manualFinal drive Sealed chain

FRAMEType Diamond, high tensile steel tubeWheel travel: front 150 mm rear 145 mmTyre: front 120/70 x 17 rear 160/60 x 17

Caster (rake) 25°Trail 108 mm

SUSPENSIONFront: Type 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preloadRear: Type Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability BRAKESFront: Type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal disc with ABSCaliper Dual-pistonRear: Type Single 250 mm petal disc with ABSCaliper Single-piston

DIMENSIONSOverall length 2,165 mmOverall width 840 mmOverall height 1,400 mm / 1,450 mm Wheelbase 1,415 mmSeat height 840 mm Curb Mass 216 kgFuel capacity 21 litres

PERFORMANCEMaximum power 41.3 kW {56 PS} / 8,500 rpm Maximum torque 55 Nm {5.6 kgm} / 7,000 rpm

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions.We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated, colours and specifications may vary to meet individual markets.