Big Touring Motorcycle

10 Reasons Why The Kawasaki Versys 650 Is The Ultimate Middleweight Touring Bike

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is one of the most versatile motorcycles on the market and is the ultimate middleweight tourer.

Action image of a Kawasaki Versys 650 being ridden by two riders.

The Kawasaki Versys is the ultimate do it all bike that can take you from the city streets to the mountain roads. It has a tall stance, giving you plenty of clearance for wherever you decide to ride. The suspension is the perfect setup for absorbing any bumps and dips along the way. Then there are those super bright LED lights and the adjustable windshield. So, swing a leg over that comfortable seat and experience for yourself why the Kawasaki Versys 650 is the ultimate middleweight tourer.


Related: Top 10 Touring Bikes for Beginners

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10 The Kawasaki Versys 650 Is Incredibly Comfortable

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle facing left on a white background. 

The upright riding position of the Kawasaki Versys makes it a comfortable bike to swing a leg over for both short and long rides. The slim contoured seat makes it easier to get both feet to the ground when stopped. The handlebars are slightly wider to create a more natural position for your shoulders. Moving down to the foot pegs, they are nice and low with a neutral position.

9 Four-Way-Adjustable Windshield On The Versys 650

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of a Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 windshield 

The Kawasaki Versys has a four-way adjustable windshield to give you maximum wind protection. The windshield works in conjunction with the cowling to create a protective bubble around the rider for cruising comfort. You can conveniently adjust the windshield’s position from the rider seat. There is no need to get off the bike to find the right position. The range of movement totals 3 inches, with four different positions. No tools are required and once positioned, the windshield automatically locks into place.

8 Great Lighting On The Kawasaki Versys 650

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle facing right on a white background. 

Riding at night can be dangerous. This is when the Kawasaki Versys’ LED lighting becomes valuable. The LED headlights, turn signals, and taillights are all easily seen by other riders and drivers. The dual headlight design gives the Versys a “face” and personality while effectively illuminating the entire road in front of you. The turn signals stick out from the bike, creating better visibility for those in front of you.

Related: 2015 – 2019 Kawasaki Versys 650 / 650 LT

7 Kawasaki Versys 650 Has Great Suspension

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of a black Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle facing right on a white background. 

Giving the Kawasaki Versys its smooth ride is a long travel SHOWA suspension. The front fork and rear shock can handle a wide range of road conditions. This is a must for mountain roads that are not always well taken care of. The long travel and stiff spring combo smooth the rough ride while maintaining excellent road handling. The feedback through the handlebars makes for a fun riding experience. Adding to the bike’s impressive suspension and handling are 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and triple-petal disc brakes. This combination gives you plenty of road grip and stopping power.

6 Traction Control Offered As Standard On The Versys 650

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of green Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle facing right on a white background. 

The Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) comes standard on the Kawasaki Versys. It has two modes so that you can create the perfect ride for your preferences. Ride Mode 1 is the less intrusive option and will help you during cornering. Rider Mode 2 is a bit more aggressive in assisting the rider. The engine output reduces when the bike detects excessive wheel spin. Once the tire finds grip, the ECU will revert back to the normal output. There is also the option of turning traction control off.

5 Large Hard Cases Can Be Mounted Easily On The Versys 650

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023
Kawasaki

Stock image of Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 close up of a hard case. 

Kawasaki makes long trips easier with a clean luggage system. Two hard cases mount on either side of the bike. Once mounted on the bike, the bike still looks clean and purposeful. Each case has a 7.3-gallon capacity for plenty of storage space. There is also an optional top case. There are several color options that come with factory-matched branding for a clean, uniform look.

4 The Kawasaki Versys 650 Isn’t Intimidating

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of a black Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle facing right on a white background. 

The Kawasaki Versys falls into the middleweight category of touring bikes with a curb weight of 482.9 pounds. It has enough power but isn’t intimidating at all. Bigger, heavier bikes can become difficult to balance and keep upright, but this is where the Versys really shines with its ease of use. Once you come back from a weekend trip, the Versys works well in the city too. It is light and nimble in traffic and makes for an effective commuter.

Related: 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+

3 Excellent Weight Distribution On The Versys

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of a Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle in green in a white background

The bulk of the weight on the Kawasaki Versys is down low. The 649cc four-stroke parallel twin is down low on the bike. It is also positioned slightly in front of the rider sitting on the bike. Doing this creates a well-balanced design that uses the rider’s weight to counterbalance the engine’s weight. With the bulk of the bike’s weight down low, so you can lean more and take on more challenging roads. With the weight positioned more forward, the bike continues to handle well when you load up those hard cases. The weight of the engine keeps the bike grounded when there is all that extra weight on the back of the bike.

2 Modern Technology Comes As Standard

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of a Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 close up of a TFT display

Located prominently in front of the rider is a 4.3-inch digital TFT color display. Its bright display makes it easy to read. The display comes with a dark mode, so it is easier on the eye at night. You can also sync your smartphone to the Versys via Bluetooth. If you use the Rideology app, you can monitor more relevant information, such as ride logs, and phone notifications.

1 The Versys Offers Smooth Power

Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 adventure motorcycle
Kawasaki

Stock image of Kawasaki Versys 650 2023 engine close up

The dependable engine on the Kawasaki Versys delivers plenty of smooth power in the low to mid-range. This makes it perfect for conquering mountain roads where you’ll use that low-end power to climb your way up the mountain switchbacks. When you come off the mountain roads, you’ll appreciate that smooth acceleration when pulling away from traffic lights. This instills plenty of confidence when you use the bike for commuting.

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