Kawasaki Versys 1000

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is a sport-touring motorcycle that Kawasaki has produced since 2012. It is the largest member of the Versys family and takes its 1,043 cubic centimetre inline-four engine from the Z1000 naked bike, retuned for touring use. The first generation paired upright riding ergonomics with long-travel suspension, and Kawasaki quoted 86.8 kilowatts, or 118 horsepower, at 9,000 revolutions a minute with a wheelbase of 1,520 millimetres. A major update for the 2019 model year added electronic throttle valves and cruise control, new bodywork with LED lighting and, on higher trims, a full electronics suite built around an inertial measurement unit. From 2019 Kawasaki also sold a higher specification Versys 1000 SE with semi-active electronically controlled suspension, a quick shifter, a colour display with smartphone connectivity and cornering lights.