Why This Kawasaki Versys Might Be The Most Practical Adventure Bike

The craze for adventure motorcycles is at an all-time high, with “do-it-all” offerings garnering the most attention. Kawasaki’s contribution to this feat comes with the Versys ADV line-up. Among these, one particular Versys model stands out for its impressive level of practicality and affordability. Ironically, this, along with the baby Versys-X 300, is also the most outdated of the bunch, and Kawasaki hasn’t updated it for 2025.

That means it clearly struggles to stand tall against newer rivals, such as the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 and the Honda Transalp 750. But there’s still commendable value in terms of tractable performance, beginner-friendly dimensions, and ergonomics, as well as just the right amount of features to enhance the riding experience.

To ensure accuracy, the information compiled in this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including the respective manufacturers’ official websites. It is worth noting that the motorcycle mentioned here is a 2024 model year.

The Kawasaki Versys 650 Is A Very Practical Middleweight Touring Bike

Price: $10,099

The Versys 650 is nearly 20 years old and shares its underpinnings with a streetfighter (the now-discontinued ER-6n) and a sports bike (Ninja 650R). The new Ninja 650 also features traces of these underpinnings. So, the Versys is a very versatile package that packs ample sportiness, thanks to its shared parts. Today, due to its stagnant state, rivals have caught up with more powerful and affordable adventure-touring bikes.

The only rival that shares the same bandwidth as the Versys is the Suzuki V-Strom 650 (yet another “relic” in the class). However, despite its rivals having an edge, this Kawa remains a formidable choice due to its years of on-road experience. Every component has been honed over the years to create a machine with elevated reliability. Additionally, spare parts and aftermarket support are rock-solid for this Kawasaki due to its popularity.

Kawasaki gave its middleweight touring bike its last major update in 2022, featuring a color TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting, adjustable traction control, and a height-adjustable windscreen. You can also find a used 2022 Versys 650 for as low as $8,000. Low-mileage options and even “brand-new” 2024 MY models can be had for around $9,000. A good-as-new touring bike that can also be a commendable urban machine for $9,000 is a steal.

Kawasaki Versys 650 Rivals

• Suzuki V-Strom 650 ($9,299)
• Triumph Tiger Sport 660 ($9,695)
• Honda Transalp ($9,999)
• Yamaha Tenere 700 ($10,999)

Powered By A Tractable Parallel-Twin

Power: 69 Horsepower

The 649 cc parallel-twin engine is a very familiar mill due to its sporty application in middleweight Kawasaki’s Ninja offerings. This engine’s tractable nature helps the 650 be a formidable companion on highways and urban roads. This engine produces 69 horsepower and over 44 pound-feet of torque, thanks to dual overhead camshafts that time the four-valve head with 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies.

Additionally, this engine features a 180-degree firing order, which lends this mill a smooth character. Making cold starts shorter is an automatic fast-idle system that helps stabilize the idle RPM quicker. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual gearbox with a final chain drive. A notable feature of this gearbox is its Positive Neutral Finder, exclusive to Kawasaki offerings. This helps the rider find the neutral gear very easily. Clever internal ball bearings prevent the bike from shifting into second gear when stationary.

Engine And Gearbox Specs

Slim Proportions Make It A Nimble Urban Runabout

Curb Weight: 483 pounds

The Versys 650 is rather compact for its “adventure” tag. It has a wheelbase of 55.7 inches and a rake angle of 25 degrees. Even with a full tank of gas and saddlebags attached, this middleweight touring bike barely exceeds the 500-pound mark. Complementing its slim proportions and elevating its urban riding capabilities are its flexible underpinnings.

There’s a high-tensile steel, double-pipe perimeter frame. The engine is mounted onto this frame using rubber mounts to refine the ride further by isolating vibrations. This Kawas gets an elevated backbone-style subframe that mounts the seat and also holds the lockable hardcase saddlebags. Rake and trail values of 25 degrees and 4.3 inches put this touring bike in the nimble category.

Suspension duties are taken care of by 41 mm separate-function forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The front features rebound and preload adjustability, while the rear offers remote preload adjustment. The suspension travel measures approximately 6 inches at the front and 5.7 inches at the rear. Tarmac-focused 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped with Dunlop Sportmax D222 tires, complete the package. Braking duties are courtesy of dual 300 mm discs up front and a single 250 mm disc at the rear. ABS is standard here.

Chassis, Hardware Specs, Dimensions, And Weight

Features To Complement Its Do-It-All Nature

After the 2022 updates, the Kawasaki Versys 650 has gained an extended lease in terms of technology features. While it’s not top-spec, the feature list ticks the “needy” aspect of this ADV. The cockpit features a 4.3-inch TFT display with a crisp and detailed layout. It is also a window to controlling smartphone-connected features, courtesy of the RIDEOLOGY THE APP. Elevating its touring side are quick-release lockable hardcase saddlebags with a total storage space of 7.3 gallons. It also features a tall visor with adjustability. Also standard are knuckle guards.

A two-channel ABS and traction control system ensures safety. Kawasaki has also added an Economical Riding Indicator to help the rider achieve the best MPG ratings. Lighting duties are handled by LEDs throughout. The Versys 650’s appeal can be further enhanced with its short yet vital list of accessories, which includes a top box, inner liners for luggage storage solutions, a GPS mount, a DC power outlet, a USB socket, and a range of visual enhancements and vehicle protection features.

Notable Features

• 4.3-inch TFT display
• Smartphone Sync Feature Via Bluetooth
• The Rideology App offers features such as ride log monitoring and phone notifications.
• Two-Channel Traction Control
• Two-Channel ABS
• Economical Riding Indicator
• Quick Release system for the hard side cases