Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVERSYS 650 2023 The teenager and the essence of the crossover

The Versys 650 is one of the must-have models in the range and on the market. Despite this, the spotlight is mainly on maxi-trailers, which are becoming more and more powerful and technological. We're fascinated (or dubious) by the Multistrada V4, S 1000 XR, Super Adventure... And yet it's the discreet mid-size trails that sell the most (excluding the 1250 GS).

In this category, the battles are not on the road, but in practicality, fun, ease and price. And there's more going on than you might think. The Kawa has had to contend with the Tracer 7 and 650 V-strom for years. What's more, the 660Tiger Sport is cracking the sector with its 3-cylinder engine. Clearly, it's time to update.

So, evolution or new bike? A facelift or a redesign? A glimpse of the 1000-style face, with its hooks under the nose and ZX-6R eyes, tells us that the Versys wants to show us something. New shoulders, a redesigned engine hoof, little blinkers, a nose that sniffs the wind - these zests of freshness invite you to discover its new talents.

As you drive around, you quickly get that feeling of déjà-vu. With good reason. Once past the main cladding, the seat and rear end are identical to those of the old Versys. You scan, search and compare. Then you notice that the chassis and a large part of the body have also been reworked. No surprises, good or bad, should await the rider as he goes about his daily routine. This has always been a pleasant, comfortable companion, perfectly suited to all-round use. The 41 mm inverted fork with dual adjustment (preload and rebound damping), side-mounted shock absorber (preload via remote control) and discreet Diamond tubular steel frame are all back in action. The brakes do their job well, with twin 300 mm front discs with double-piston calipers plus a 250 mm disc at the rear. Neither violent nor sporty, nor lymphatic - just what you'd expect from the category.

This facelift is above all an opportunity to update the on-board equipment (in addition to meeting standards). We've known since mid-2020 that the twin-cylinder engine was ready for Euro5; it's now officially validated. Power figures have not changed since the last engine evocation, and remain at 67 hp and 6.2 mkg. So there's nothing new to look for in the Versys III's innards; it's in its neurons.

A new face for the 650 Versys III - But the rear, chassis and engine are identical to the II.

KTRC traction control makes its appearance, with two settings and the option of deactivation. The display changes generation, adopting the TFT panel of the Z 650 and Z 900 cousins. No regrets about the old handset. The 4.3" screen offers a pleasant, precise and intuitive display, common to the entire range. It also lets you pair a phone via Bluetooth - hello call and text notifications, and Rideology app functions. The rider will be able to carry all Versys on-board data in his or her pocket, including trip records, electronic settings and their transfer from the phone, maintenance instructions, bike uptime, riding stats, etc.

the sharp face of the Versys is topped by a new bubble, with 4 positions of adjustment over a range of around 80 mm. The general update also includes LEDs for the turn signals.
Too bad, really, that Kawa didn't install a USB plug as standard. There's still no way to install a center stand, and you still have to dip into the options to get heated grips. Fortunately, the practical luggage anchoring system has been retained. The fuel tank still holds 21 liters. This trail bike should easily give you 350 km of riding before you start looking for a service station.

The Versys 650 doesn't come alone. A series of additional packs have been renewed to adapt performance to your riding needs. A few extra bucks and you can leave with handguards, suitcases, a top-case and a host of other items, choosing from the Urban, Tourer, Tourer + and Grand Tourer variants.

So, new or not? The answer is simple. Small changes for the 650 Versys. Kawasaki has remained very cautious, offering an upgrade dictated by electronic fashion, with a bistourisation of the ganache to mark the change. In essence, it's still appreciable, preserving its qualities and consolidating its position. But it doesn't shake things up, as the brand has become accustomed to doing. Now is the time for caution.

M.B - manufacturer's media