Kawasaki have released details on their updated LAMs Versys 650! Now with new styling and Kawasaki's great TCS system, it's even better value for new riders... Press Release: Kawasaki
Adding to its acclaimed versatility and playful character, a number of new features offer increased comfort and convenience to the 2022 Versys 650, like KTRC which brings an additional level of rider reassurance whether exploring backroads or navigating traffic.
Kawasaki have released the first look at their updated Versys 650 LAMs bike!
A new windshield and updated bodywork deliver increased wind protection, while inside the cockpit new 4.3in full-colour TFT instrumentation provides at a glance information and smartphone connectivity contributes to an even richer riding experience. Strong Versys family looks come by way of new styling inspired by the Versys 1000. Highlighted by new LED lighting, the modern, flowing design beckons invitingly, calling the rider to hit the open road for another adventure. Both functional and attractive, the design helps direct air around the rider for increased rider comfort.
Check out all our reviews of the Versys range here…
Tuning of the 649cc Parallel Twin engine focused on achieving a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quickrevving character. To optimise performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximise low/mid range torque. Performance and feel were optimised for the mid-range (3000-6000rpm). 38mm throttle-bodies contribute to strong low-mid range performance and response. Sub-throttles ensure smooth, sensitive throttle response. Fine-atomising injectors complement the throttle-bodies, ensuring the ideal fuel-air mixture needed for the low-mid range focused engine.
LAMS approved 649cc Parallel Twin engine, Kawasaki say performance and feel were optimised for the mid-range.
Transmission input shaft, output shaft and shift drum are contained in a cassette-style package that allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores. 180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation.
The key to the Versys 650’s sleek chassis is its compact Parallel Twin engine, which allows the use of a slim, lightweight frame.Together with the forward-located seat and the under-slung muffler, this engine-frame combination delivers a centralised mass distribution, this contributes to the agile package.
The Versys frame uses the engine as a stressed member, reducing weight and increasing rigidity.
Chassis dimensions and geometry provide a balance of flickability and high-speed composure. With a wheelbase of 1415mm, the Versys 650 can still be considered a short wheelbase model, and accordingly it delivers a high level of agility. Likewise, the 25.0° caster and 108mm trail contribute to its sporty handling.
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 a wide variety of street conditions, and, along with its 17in wheels, enable sporty 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. 41mm inverted front fork separates its functions between the 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).
A remote rear preload adjuster makes it easy for riders to adjust their suspension setup to suit riding with a passenger and/or with luggage. The adjuster is conveniently positioned between the seat and rear shock for easy access.
Dual 300mm petal discs are gripped by twin-piston calipers. The design of the calipers contributes to the bike’s sporty image, while brake pad material was selected because it offers a strong initial bite when the brakes are first applied. Large 250mm rear disc offers reassuring controllability and brake force when touring or when riding with a heavy load (when the rear brake becomes of greater value).
The seat’s slim design and the knee grip characteristics of the tank afford good freedom of movement, allowing the riders to change sitting position should they so choose. Thick urethane increases comfort and contributes to a seat height that places the rider in a position of fun controllability. The stepped shape of the two-piece seat also provides support for the rider when accelerating.
The new windshield offers four available positions ranging from sporty to maximum wind protection, to suit rider preference. The total range of adjustability is approximately 80mm, with the four positions spaced at 27mm intervals. Conveniently, adjustment can be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below the instrument panel. Designed in the wind tunnel, an accessory large windshield (100mm taller) offers excellent wind protection.
Mounting the panniers is as simple as sliding them onto the slots on the grips and the pannier supports integrated into tandem footpeg stays. Both the accessory top case and panniers are colour-matched to the body of the bike and have the Kawasaki logo stamped into their covers, ensuring a well-integrated, high-quality image. The mounting system positions the panniers close to the bike’s centreline. This makes them look well-integrated with the rear of the bike and facilitates navigating urban spaces.
Inspired by the Versys 1000, the refreshed design of the upper cowl and surrounding bodywork gives the Versys 650 the latest Versys family “face,” and conveys a strong Kawasaki identity. LED headlights add symmetry to front of the bike, while contributing to the Versys 650’s fierce looks. Gill-like design of the front-middle pieces is both attractive and functional, directing wind out and away from the rider. Slim-design LED front turn signals contribute to the bike’s modern, sporty looks. Use of the colour and graphics on the tank cover (tank and side covers), creates a flowing line, adding to the strong Versys family looks.
Kawasaki have given the Versys a “family style” face. It now looks more recognisable in the Versys range.
Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind under certain conditions to negotiate low-traction surfaces with confidence. Two modes allow riders to adjust settings to suit the riding situation and rider preference. The system looks at a number of parameters to get an accurate realtime picture of what is going on.
Mode 1, the least intrusive, helps to manage traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, it facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximising forward drive from the rear wheel. In Mode 2, intervention occurs earlier. When excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, challenging patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence. Riders may also elect to turn the system OFF.
The new 4.3” all digital TFT colour instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, high-grade appearance. The new meter also offers additional features unavailable on the previous model. High-grade full colour display features TFT technology, delivering a high level of visibility. The screen’s background colour is selectable (black or white), and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light. Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, external air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, and Economical Riding Indicator.
A Bluetooth chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information downloaded to the app can be viewed via the smartphone. Available information includes: odometer, total time, trip A, trip B, fuel gauge, remaining range, average gas mileage, average speed, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder (set by the dealer), oil change reminder (set by the rider), plus an additional rider-selectable reminder
Full pricing and specifications are still TBA for the 2022 Versys, but you can bank on Kawasaki having plenty of genuine accessories for this LAMs approved touring machine.
Detailed riding logs including GPS information and vehicle running information can be recorded. While riding, the app tracks vehicle speed, rpm, gear position, current mileage, and coolant temperature from moment to moment. Once the riding log has been saved, riders can review these items in a graphic-style display at any point along the route.
2022 Kawasaki Versys 650L Specifications
Price: TBA
Colours:Candy Lime Green With Metallic Flat Spark Black
Claimed Power: 41.3kW@8,000rpm
Claimed Torque: 56Nm@5,500rpm
Wet Weight: 218kg
Fuel capacity: 21L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, four-stroke, DOHC, 649cc, 83 x 60mm bore x stroke, 10.8:1 compression, 38 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves, forced lubrication, semi-dry sump.
Gearbox: Six-speed
Chassis: Diamond, high-tensile steel frame
Rake: 25° Trail: 108mm
Suspension: 41mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping (right-side) and adjustable preload (left-side) (f) Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability (r)
Brakes: Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs Dual-piston (f), Single 250mm petal disc Single-piston (r).
Wheels & Tyres: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1415mm
Seat height: 845mm
Ground clearance: 170mm
Overall Length: 2165mm
Overall Width: 840mm
Overall Height: 1360/1420mm
Instruments & Electronics: TFT Dash with Bluetooth
