2017 Kawasaki Versys 650, 2017 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT introduced

After the unveiling of the Versys X300 at EICMA 2016, Kawasaki did not wait long to introduce the new versions of the bigger Versys models, silently putting up the models in the US and the UK websites.

The Versys 650 gains a gear position indicator, something which should be standard in all large capacity motorcycles, and GPS mount as an accessory. The wind blast protecting visor gets 2 inches of tool-free adjustment adds comfort for highway cruising. The engine is the same 649 cc liquid cooled parallel twin churning out 69 PS of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. New paint scheme includes Metallic Flat Raw Titanium and Metallic Flat Spark Black with Metallic Carbon Grey.

The motorcycle offers a long travel suspension, low-mid range torque and comfortable riding position. All LT models will gain 24 months of standard warranty which can be extended to 48 months.

The Versys 1000LT gets a set of colour coordinated 28 litre (each) hard saddlebags with an integrated mounting system. It utilises the ignition key for simple saddlebag unlocking and removal, and also gains a gear position indicator and tool-free adjustable wind blast reducing visor and handle guards. The standard Versys 1000 gets only the change in instrumentation and easy adjustable visor.

The powertrain is the same 1,043 cc in-line four-pot mill churning out 120 PS of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 102 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The motorcycle also gets a large touring windscreen as an accessory. Colour changes include a new Metallic Spark Black with red decals.