Video Review: 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
Kawasaki’s Versys 1000 SE arrives in Australia purely in the up-spec model in 2019, boasting a full electronics package including electronic suspension, making for a premium touring option based on that sensational in-line four-cylinder powerplant.
Here we take a look at the overall package on offer and have a chat about general ridability and impression after spending some time with the Versys 1000 SE. This particular machine features a host of extra Kawasaki accessories, which you can find listed below in the Tech Talk section which gives a run down on this model.
You’ll also be able to check out the full written review shortly.
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Tech Talk
Kawasaki’s 2019 Versys 1000 arrives in Australia this year with just the SE model imported, meaning a host of additional features included but without the option of a cheaper standard model.
The highlights of the 2019 Versys 1000 SE include the full colour TFT LCD screen and high end electronics package with smart phone connectivity and management via ‘Rideology The App’, Kawasaki Electronic Suspension (KECS), plus the Highly Durable Paint in Emerald Blazed Green with Pearl Storm Grey.
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
The liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder powerplant generates 120hp and 102Nm of torque, with the addition of Electronic Throttle Valves (RbW) allowing the inclusion of cruise control, as well as Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Riding Modes and the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), with a Bosch IMU and four 38mm downdraft throttle bodies.
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
The Integrated Riding Modes offer three presents and a Rider mode which can be manually adjusted to control the various electronic systems, with smartphone connectivity and the ‘Rideology The App’ allowing riders to make easy changes via their phone, as well as tweaking settings then pushing those settings to the bike.
As mentioned cruise control is featured standard, as is the KQS or Kawasaki Quick Shift system which allows seamless up and down shifting without the clutch, but which operates above 2500rpm.
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
Kawasaki Electronic Suspension can also be set via the mobile app, with the 43mm forks offering KECS controlled compression and rebound damping on the front, with manually adjustable preload, while the rear offers compression and rebound damping with electronically controlled spring preload.
For those not using a phone and the app, a full colour TFT LCD dash offers two display modes and a black or white background option, as well as including auto brightness, and is controlled via the quite busy switchblocks, but in a relatively user friendly manner.
Brakes are dual four-piston radial mount calipers on the front with 310mm petal rotors, while a 250mm rear is slowed by a single-piston caliper, with both backed up by Kawasaki’s Intelligent Braking System (KIBS), which now includes cornering functionality.
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
The total wet weight is 256kg, with a 840mm seat height and an option for a lower seat accessory to reduce that further to 820mm. The wheelbase is 1520mm, with a rake of 27 degrees and trail of 106mm, with suspension travel of 150/152mm front/rear.
Wheels are ‘lightweight’ 17in items, clad in Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31 rubber in 120/70 – ZR17 and 180/55 – ZR17 sizes.
The Versys 1000 SE as tested by BikeReview.com.au also included a number of accessories including the Top Box Kit ($660.22 RRP) and Back Rest ($72.00 RRP), Panniers with necessary accessories (1884,93 RRP), plus the pannier protective film ($90.00 RRP), as well as Axle Sliders ($139.45 RRP), Frame Slider Kit ($275.45 RRP), Radiator Guard ($121.51 RRP), Fot Lights ($704.19 RRP), Heated Handgrips ($369.56 RRP), Tank Pad ($97.00 RRP) and Helmet Lock ($177.80 RRP).
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Specifications
Price: $22,499 + ORC
Warranty: Two-year, unlimited kilometre
Colours: Emerald Blazed Green / Pearl Storm Grey
Claimed Power: 120hp[88.2kW]@9000rpm
Claimed Torque: 102Nm[75.2lbs-ft]@7500rpm
Wet weight: 256kg
Fuel capacity: 21L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, four-stroke, DOHC, 649cc, 83 x 60mm bore x stroke, 10.8:1 compression, KCMF, Bosch IMU, KTRC, Riding Modes
Clutch: Assist & Slipper Clutch
Gearbox: Six-speed
Chassis: Aluminium twin-tube frame, five-piece cast aluminium construction, steel pipe trellis sub-frame
Rake: 27.0 degrees Trail: 106mm
Suspension: 43mm inverted fork with KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability and top-out springs, 150mm travel, Horizontal Back-link BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, and electronic spring preload adjustability, 152mm travel
Brakes: Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS aka ABS), dual 310mm front petal discs, four-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers, radial master-cylinder, 250mm rear petal rotor, single-piston caliper
Wheels & tyres: ‘Lightweight 17in wheels’, 120/70 – ZR17, 180/55 – ZR17, Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31
DIMENSIONS:
Seat height: 840mm
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Overall length: 2270mm
Overall height: 1530mm
Overall width: 950mm
Instruments: TFT LCD screen, two display modes, black or white background options
Standard fitment on SE: Kawasaki Quick Shift (KWS), LED Cornering Lights, Electronic Cruise Control, Hand Guards, Highly Durable Paint, Large windscreen, Smartphone Connectivity (syncs to Rideology the App)
