2012 Kawasaki Versys Luxury Stylish Design

When the 2012 Kawasaki Versys arrived on the scene just a few years ago, it astonished the motorcycling press and public. Journalists and riders alike began to heap praise on the versatile “do-everything” bike: it was named “Motorcycle of the Year” by Motorcyclist magazine and was included on numerous top 10 lists in enthusiast publications. And with numerous updates in 2010, the bike that is equal parts useful, affordable and fun is still going strong for 2012.

For 2012, the new Kawasaki Versys builds on the strengths of its predecessor, with updated styling and a number of upgrades aimed at making it more practical and fun to ride than ever!  Cosmetic revisions give the new Versys a sharper appearance and help reflect its nimble, sporty nature. Its 649cc parallel-twin engine with digital fuel injection has a powerband that wins over skeptics who doubt that a middleweight can produce this much power. Naturally, such a versatile machine comes with an adjustable windscreen, while its aggressive styling shows off the bike’s dynamic flexibility and strength.

2012 Kawasaki Versys

2012 Kawasaki Versys

To add to rider comfort while in the saddle, rubber bushings on the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber inserts atop the footpegs help to isolate the rider’s feet from engine vibration, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed ride.

The Versys’ compact, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 649cc, parallel-twin engine was the perfect powerplant for this light and nimble do-anything bike right from the start: it’s lively enough for advanced riders and predictable enough to inspire confidence in rank novices. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the lower and middle parts of its rev range, making the Versys a great commuter and relaxed traveling companion. Its surprising genius becomes readily apparent once the roads turn twisty, because despite its comfort and civility, the fun-to-ride Versys also offers genuine sportbike handling and excellent fuel economy. With its big, 5-gallon fuel tank you can go a long way between fill-ups.

2012 Kawasaki Versys

2012 Kawasaki Versys Engine and Showa Shock

Long-travel high-tech suspension is critical to the Versys’ multi-role mission. A Showa rear shock with two-stage damping firms up progressively as the wheel moves through its stroke, providing an initially plush ride that firms to near-sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. The bike’s short, compact engine makes it possible to use a longer than average gull-wing swingarm for reduction of throttle-induced suspension movement and excellent handling. A dual-sport-inspired, adjustable 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork soaks up bumps big and small, and like the rear end, firms up nicely as the pace increases.

2012 Kawasaki Versys

2012 Kawasaki Versys Instrument Panel

2012 Kawasaki Versys

Absolutely key to the Versys’ success is a comfortable, carefully designed cockpit that provides a mostly upright, natural seating position and features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort for both rider and passenger. The comfort theme is further enhanced by the adjustable windscreen, which offers three different positions. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and keep their eyes on the road. Possibly the most versatile motorcycle out there, the Versys excels at almost any task it’s given, from gridlock traffic jams, to canyon carving, to long-distance touring.

2012 Kawasaki Versys Feature
• Comfortable, versatile motorcycle fits into a variety of riding conditions, from commuting to backroads
• 649cc parallel twin with digital fuel injection (DFI®) provides smooth, responsive power
• Long-travel fork delivers excellent performance over a wide range of situations
• Adjustable single-shock rear suspension offers progressive damping as suspension load increases
• 3-way adjustable windscreen allows customizable wind protection
• Aluminum swingarm and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight for better ride quality
• Under-engine exhaust promotes better weight centralization
• Aggressive styling gives the Versys a distinctive look

2012 Kawasaki Versys Engine
• The most compact engine in its category helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout keeps it short front to back
• A semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height
• The narrow, chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinders help reduce engine width
• Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low
• to mid-rpm range for exceptional roll-on response – ideal for negotiating city traffic, tight backroads and anything in between
• A 180-degree crankshaft and a balancer shaft produce a remarkably smooth engine
• Oil jets on the connecting rod ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
• An under-engine muffler with 3-way catalyzer aids mass centralization for light handling and great looks
2012 Kawasaki Versys DFI
• A pair of 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with ECU-controlled sub-throttle valves mean optimum performance and rideability
• Sub-throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, give the Versys precise throttle response and great feel as well
• An automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy, even on cold days
• Precise fuel injection provides great fuel mileage, and the 3-way catalyzer significantly reduces emissions