[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Kawasaki has taken the covers off the new Versys 1000 at EICMA 2018. Versys 1000 retains the same road-biased DNA as before, but goes high-tech and sportier in its MY2019 avatar.

Whats new?

• New Styling
• Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS)
• 6D IMU
• Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF)
• Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)
• Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (dual direction)
• Cruise Control
• LED Cornering Lights
• LED headlights

2019 Versys features updated styling inline with the new Kawasaki brand look, along with functional features like LED headlamps, cornering lights, larger windshield etc. Scratch resistant paint has been used on the panels, which had already debuted earlier on the H2 range and the recently updated ZX10R.

The Versys 1000 SE LT+ is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043cc in-line four engine, producing a max power output of 120ps@9000rpm and 102Nm@7500rpm. The all-new Electronic Throttle Valves enable the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel and the air that are delivered to the engine, by way of the fuel injectors and throttle valves. The ETV system has the accelerator position sensor located in the throttle assembly, eliminating the throttle cable.

New for 2019 on the Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle is a contactless-type quick shifter that allows for ultra quick, full power upshifts and clutchless downshifts. Complementing the transmission is an assist & slipper clutch.

The frame of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ is composed of a five-piece cast aluminum construction, consisting of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main sections of frame components have open C-shaped cross sections and were die-cast to ensure a smooth surface finish. The lightweight, highly rigid frame uses the engine as a stressed member, which contributes to handling, offering a firm, planted feeling and light, nimble turning. The sub-frame is composed of a steel tube trellis design, which enables the high-payload.

Seat height is at 840mm, ground clearance is 150mm and fuel tank capacity is 21 litres.

The Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle is equipped with 150 mm of long travel suspension, both front and rear with 43 mm Showa cartridge forks and Showa BFRC lite rear. Compression and rebound damping for both the forks and shock are generated (and adjusted) electronically via the all-new KECS system that is controlled by a solenoid valve with direct actuation and allows for extremely quick reaction time. Riders can choose base settings from four modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider mode (Manual). KECS offers three different preload settings: rider only, rider with luggage, and rider with passenger and luggage; riders can fine-tune these settings with 10 levels of adjustment.

The use of the latest Bosch compact IMU is new for the Versys 1000 SE LT+ in 2019, and weighs in at only 40 grams. Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner, and also uses inputs from multiple sensors to optimize ride quality via the Kawasaki Electronic Controlled Suspension (KECS) and the Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS).

The analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a high-grade full colorTFT LCD screen, which automatically adjusts screen brightness to suit available light. In addition to the digital speedometer and standard gear position indicator, display functions on the Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle include: fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, clock, Economical Riding Indicator, integrated riding modes, IMU indicator and smart phone connectivity.

The Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle allows riders to choose from Full Power or Low Power modes, setting power delivery to suit preference and conditions. Riders can choose from four settings: Sport, Road, Rain or a Rider (Manual) setting. The bike also comes equipped with cruise control.

Versys 1000 was available in the Indian market as a CBU unit from Jan 2015 till July 2018. The new model is expected next year as per various media sources - though it might carry a steep price increment even if introduced via the CKD route. In the US market, the new Versys 1000 LT SE+ retails at a 5000$ price increment over the old version which was priced at 12,999$.

[Vasuki]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Kawasaki has taken the covers off the new Versys 1000 at EICMA 2018. Versys 1000 retains the same road-biased DNA as before, but goes high-tech and sportier in its MY2019 avatar.

Wow. Eagerly waiting for this machine. Hope they price it right in our market.

Couldn't ask for more, other than bigger fuel tank and decent pricing.

Is the ground clearance same as the outgoing one?

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Versys 1000 LT SE+ introductory video -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Ct5EFOFSY&t=0s

Originally Posted by Vasuki

Is the ground clearance same as the outgoing one?

Same ground clearance at 150mm.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Walkaround video -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVB9nFmbAaA

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

NEW Kawasaki Versys 1000 2019 - Full Specs - Official Studio Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-BogXbtoFA

[ethanhunt123]

Looks quite impressive feature wise - especially the SE variant. It can pull some volumes in India given the inline-4 engine if priced right.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

And it's official - Pre bookings open.

• Not CBU as earlier.
• Only standard version announced. Expensive SE LT+ skipped in intial lot.
• Only in Candy steel furnace orange colour.

https://www.kawasaki-india.com/pre-b...-now-in-india/

16th Nov 2018 India Kawasaki announces a launch of Versys 1000 MY2020 by opening pre-booking facility for customers. The newly introduced Versys 1000 in the Indian market will be a standard variant, which will be assembled locally in the plant of India Kawasaki Motors. Boasting even greater comfort and versatility, the Versys 1000 is designed to offer maximum riding enjoyment across a wide variety of street riding situations like its predecessor. Its relaxed, upright riding position offers a high level of machine control, and is complemented by a highly comfortable seat and good wind protection, making it easy to spend a long time in the saddle.

Mr. Yutaka Yamashita, Managing Director, India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd, said, “Versys 1000 is known as any road, any time motorcycle. It also has the most versatile adventure-style for fun sport riding and touring. The locally assembled Versys 1000 certainly gives us an advantage to sell the bike at a very attractive price, but most importantly, we are happy to create more buying opportunities for our highly enthusiastic customers. We had a good success with earlier Versys 1000. In the recent times, we have received good number of enquiries from customers and therefore we again expect a good success with the new Versys 1000.“

A key to the Versys 1000’s fun factor is the exciting liquid-cooled, in-line four engine, which delivers more than just performance figures. The new Versys 1000 benefits from numerous upgrades that add to both riding exhilaration and touring potential. The engine now boasts Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV), which enable the addition of Electronic Cruise Control. The ETV system is Kawasaki’s first system with the accelerator position sensor located in the handle. Eliminating the throttle cable means less maintenance. In the standard model, updated front and rear suspension settings contribute to plusher feeling suspension.

In addition to standard ABS, the Versys 1000 is equipped with Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS). This Kawasaki’s supersport-grade high-precision brake management system is now standard equipment on the Versys 1000. New instrumentation with an advanced, high-tech design gives the Versys 1000 cockpit a very high-class appearance. The analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a full digital LCD screen. In addition to the digital speedometer and standard gear position indicator, display functions include fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, bank angle display and max bank angle recording function, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, clock, economical riding indicator, and IMU indicator. The addition of advanced Kawasaki IMU-equipped rider support systems contributes to riding enjoyment as well as rider confidence.

Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) offers three modes, which cover a wide range of riding conditions, offering either enhanced sport riding performance or the peace of mind under certain conditions to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. The Versys 1000 boasts attractive features such as adjustable windscreen, twin LED headlamps and emotional design.

While the Versys 1000 will be available in candy steel furnace orange colour, its ex-showroom price and specifications will be released in due course of time. Customers can pre-book the Versys 1000 MY2020 for an amount of Rs. 1,50,000 at the authorized dealership of India Kawasaki Motors and can expect the delivery of the bike post April 2019. The pre-booking facility is open from 16th November 2018 till 31st December 2018. As this bike will be produced in limited numbers in first lot, the bookings will be closed after reaching targeted numbers.

[Vasuki]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

[*]Not CBU as earlier. [*]Only standard version announced. Expensive SE LT+ skipped in intial lot. [*]Only in Candy steel furnace orange colour.

What's difference between standard & SE LT+ ?

Also it is quoted in the box as MY2020, shouldn't it be MY2019 ??

[ani_meher]

5000$ price increment over old price of 12,999! Almost 40% price increase!

[Vasuki]

Birdie says, It would be around 11 to 11.5Lacs ex showroom

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by Vasuki

What's difference between standard & SE LT+ ?

Also it is quoted in the box as MY2020, shouldn't it be MY2019 ??

SE LT+ gets all the goodies - Semi-Active suspension, cornering LED lights, Color LCD Screen, Quick Shifter, Self Healing Paint.

Dont see why anyone would buy standard V1000 over Tiger / GS750 / Multi 950.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

Dont see why anyone would buy standard V1000 over Tiger / GS750 / Multi 950.

For the biggest elephant in the room: Inline four.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

Dont see why anyone would buy standard V1000 over Tiger / GS750 / Multi 950.

Haven't tried the Multi 950, but i would pick the V1000 over any other bike for two reasons - 1. Japanese sofa on two wheels and 2. Inline4.

V650 was the best compromise for me due to budget, otherwise I'd have picked up a V1k back then itself. Its much more comfortable even with pillion and I love that engine.

Same was my impression after riding the Ninja 1000 recently. Loved the engine, but i just didn't want the sportier seating format - that just didn't feel 'me'.

PS - I'm no offroader!

PPS - Am i claiming it to be the best bike for me? Nopes. If budget was no constraints at all, I would liked an S1000XR. Same format once again - sporty inline4 in a tourer body. That would be 'my' ultimate dream machine.

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

For the biggest elephant in the room: Inline four.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Haven't tried the Multi 950, but i would pick the V1000 over any other bike for two reasons - 1. Japanese sofa on two wheels and 2. Inline4.

Ofcourse i forgot the Indian obsession for a inline-4.

@Crazy Driver - S1000XR is a beast of a machine. If only BMW Bangalore had one for Test ride - i may have bought that instead.

But having said that - there is a reason why most touring bikes are Twins or Triples (Triumph) - low end torque. Inline-4 has to be revved in order to make full use of its potential - which can get tiring on a long ride.

BTW calling V1000 sporty is a long long stretch !!

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

But having said that - there is a reason why most touring bikes are Twins or Triples (Triumph) - low end torque. Inline-4 has to be revved in order to make full use of its potential - which can get tiring on a long ride.

Actually, i think the torque of an inline 4 will probably make the bike far more useable in all conditions (6th gear 50 kmph) as opposed to a twin or a triple barring offroad (where you need torque pull on first gear without needing to rev, so the rear wheel doesnt spin, better control over tricky surfaces).

Where the single, twin or triple scores is weight, cost of maintenance (less cylinders etc), and probably a non requirement to use higher grade petrol to run the bike. And offroad ofcourse.