2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model Update: 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 & SE

By Bike Review • 6 years ago

Nov
2018

Established as a highly regarded “all-rounder”, the Versys 1000 takes on the competition in 2019 with a radical upgrade focusing on a wide range of refinements and innovations making it the most accomplished iteration yet created, while also offering an up-spec SE edition.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 features

Updated 1043cc in-line four-cylinder powerplant
New electronic throttle valves
New radial mount front calipers
Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF)
KIBS as standard (cornering ABS)
New Electronic Cruise Control
New Adjustable windscreen
New twin LED headlights, full LED lighting
New power source (40W available)
Full digital LCD display

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

With four-cylinder across the frame format at its heart, the adventure focused 1043cc machine now benefits from electronic throttle valves which allow the adoption of electronic cruise control. The useful addition of Kawasaki’s IMU linked cornering management function facilitates a total engine and chassis management package.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000

The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1043cc in-line four with a bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm offers strong low-mid range torque with smooth power delivery, with downdraft throttle bodies and electronic throttle valves, as well as a slip and assist clutch. Maximum power is 120hp at 9000rpm, with 102Nm of torque at 7500rpm.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

The chassis consists of an aluminium twin-tube frame with over-engine frame breams for a narrow construction. The frame uses the engine as a stressed member and is of five-piece cast aluminium construction. Reinforcing pipes join the engine hangers to the main frame, with four engine mounting points. The upper mounts are rubber, and the lower mounts are rigid, with welds eliminated across the frame as much as possible. The rear subframe is a steel pipe trellis unit, designed to allow for the bike’s high payload capacity.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Front forks are 43mm cartridge type items, with 150mm of travel, and offering both rebound and preload adjustability from the top of the right side fork. A horizontal Back-Link rear suspension unit is positioned above the swingarm, with enough distance from the exhaust to not be effected by heat. The rear shock also offers 150mm of suspension stroke, while a remote preload adjuster allows easy adjustment, especially when changing loads or adding a pillion.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

On the SE model KECS is featured alongside the Showa 43mm cartridge type forks, while the KFRC-Lite rear shock has electronically adjustable preload.

Front brakes are also updated to dual four-piston radial mount calipers, on 310mm petal rotors, and backed up by KIBS. The front calipers feature 32/30mm pistons. A radial-pump front master-cylinder also offers better feel and performance, with a smoked plastic reservoir. The rear is a 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper. Wheels are lightweight six-spoke units measuring 17in, and run 120/70 – 17 and 180/55 – 17in tyres.

An adjustable screen is featured on both the standard and SE models, with the standard offering 65mm of adjustment and a smaller screen. The larger SE screen only offers 40mm of adjustment but also features a central vent to reduce negative pressure. Great wind protection is also offered by the revised upper cowl design.

Two seat options are also available, with a Comfort Seat with a thicker urethane cushioning, and a Low Seat which is 200mm lower.

A clean-mount pannier system is also incorporated into the rear grab handles and mounting plate, allowing the easy and seamless fitment of panniers (by Givi to match the bike) as well as a topbox. The Givi panniers can each hold a full face helmet.

All lighting is now LED and the SE edition also includes cornering lights, which illuminate at greater lean angles. The installation point of these lights is covered by a custom panel on the standard model.

Standard tank capacity is 21L, while the bike also features a DC socket with 40W of power available. The standard edition features a LCD multi-function display, while the SE has a TFT display, with smartphone connectivity as standard.

Integrated riding modes are also found as standard on the SE edition, offering four riding modes, three preset and one custom, which allows the selection of KTRC, Power and KECS modes. The Kawasaki Quick Shifter is also standard on the SE, works in both directions, but is not active below 25000rpm. It is available as an accessory for the standard edition.

Cruise control is also now standard on both editions, with adjustable clutch and brake levers on the ‘bars. The SE edition also includes Kawasaki’s Highly Durable (Matte) paint, which is capable of self healing some minor damage.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Defining the next step in the Versys dynasty, is the job of the highly specified SE model, the top of line machine for 2019, with specs as mentioned above. Taking the Versys concept to a new level, not only are a TFT meter panel and LED cornering lights part of the specification, but also electronically controlled front and rear suspension for the first time along with a Kawasaki quick shifter for fast and seamless changes up and down the gearbox allied to an assist and slipper clutch common to both variants of the bike.

2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Touring focus on the Versys 1000 SE is ably handled with clever additions such as a 40W power source for powering not just satellite navigation systems but a host of other power hungry essential items.

Additionally the standard fitment of grip heaters, hand guards and a large windscreen on this top of range model (all available as accessories for the Versys 1000) ensures that when the weather changes for the worse the rider can rely of comfort, safety and convenience as the kilometers rush by.