[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Kawasaki has unveiled the updated Versys 650 at EICMA 2021. The bike inherits styling and equipment changes from its bigger brother - the Versys 1000.







The updated Versys 650 now features -

• Redesigned upper cowl
• New four-position windshield design with easier screen adjustment
• LED lights and indicators
• KTRC traction control and its two rider selectable modes.
• TFT Instrumentation, etc

The bike continues to be powered by the same 649 cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke Parallel Twin as in the outgoing motorcycle.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLC2Ik68YSo

[bf1983]

Some update is better than nothing. I found the old school dash to be a bit too long in the tooth so the TFT upgrade was long overdue. The old dash wasn't beautiful like the analog one in the older Tiger 800. But the older chassis is really showing its age as it lacks basic things like a slipper clutch and the gearbox is rather clunky during downshifts. TC is a good addition though.

[iamahunter]

Given the popularity of the Versys 650 and judging the excitement on this thread, we know that this is a meh update at the most. I am not sure as to why the Kawasaki designers are just ignoring this bike.

But one this is for sure, the segment is surely getting hot. With confirmed bikes like the Baby Tiger(Tiger660), Benelli TRK 800 and the Himalayan 650 and rumored Honda CB500X 2022, KTM 499(hoping for an ADV), the Versys surely going to face a lot of heat.

[Hells Bells]

I am glad something changed on this bike. I am increasingly inclined to pursue a bike in this segment than the liter class for long distance touring and Versys 650 is still the bike I would go for when it comes to bang for the buck.

[iamahunter]

Originally Posted by Hells Bells

I am glad something changed on this bike.

I can not disagree with you. Yes, at least something has changed apart from the stickering.
I personally still prefer the Matt black which was initially offered.

Originally Posted by Hells Bells

I am increasingly inclined to pursue a bike in this segment than the liter class for long distance touring and Versys 650 is still the bike I would go for when it comes to bang for the buck.

I being in the same boat buddy, I have been thinking and analyzing about it day and night.

And its so darn confusing!
For eg : Consider I have set an amount (approx. 8 L) to spend on a bike and I want an ADV.
- The Versys and Honda cb500x are in the same price bracket.
However thinking long term, the maintenance, spare and running cost of the CB500X would be far less compared to the Versys.

- The CB500X and KTM 390 Adv fall in the similar power bracket.
Now, if I am okay with the power of the CB500x then why not the KTM 390 adv, and KTM 390 will cost me far less to purchase and to upkeep, saving money in the initial and long term!

But then I don't want a single cylinder bike, so does the Honda CB500 make sense? then again, if I am spending that much money, then why not go for the powerful one.

And then there are rumors of the KTM 490 twin cylinder adv! The Himalayan 650!

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

- The CB500X and KTM 390 Adv fall in the similar power bracket.
Now, if I am okay with the power of the CB500x then why not the KTM 390 adv, and KTM 390 will cost me far less to purchase and to upkeep, saving money in the initial and long term!

But then I don't want a single cylinder bike, so does the Honda CB500 make sense? then again, if I am spending that much money, then why not go for the powerful one.

And then there are rumors of the KTM 490 twin cylinder adv! The Himalayan 650!

So I have ridden both the Versys 650 and the 390 Adventure. The biggest difference between these two bikes was the size. The Versys was very difficult to move around while off even though I am 6 feet and can flat foot the Versys. The Ktm adventure was a lot lighter and easier to maneover in comparison. The 650cc parallel twin in the Versys is known for it's vibrations but it's not nearly as bad as the single cylinder KTM. Plus aside from the power difference the torque difference is huge! You need to work the gears in the ktm to get power while the Versys had oodles of torque.

Now the Honda Cb500x while not as light as the KTM it's kind off in the same boat size wise which should theoretically make it easier to ride in the city. But I haven't ridden that so can't guess. The Honda theoretically should have a lot more torque than the ktm thanks to the parallel twin but yeah the price difference is very hard to digest.

The Himalayan 650 I would stay away from as it would be a first gen RE product and the old Himalayan horror stories are still fresh in the mind.

[iamahunter]

Originally Posted by bf1983

So I have ridden both the Versys 650 and the 390 Adventure. The biggest difference between these two bikes was the size. The Versys was very difficult to move around while off even though I am 6 feet and can flat foot the Versys. The Ktm adventure was a lot lighter and easier to maneover in comparison. The 650cc parallel twin in the Versys is known for it's vibrations but it's not nearly as bad as the single cylinder KTM. Plus aside from the power difference the torque difference is huge! You need to work the gears in the ktm to get power while the Versys had oodles of torque.

There's absolutly no comparision between the Versys and the KTM. Both are totally different in terms of power weight and price, no overlap anywhere. But as I mentioned, its the Honda CB500x which is causing the overlap with both - With Versys in costing and KTM in power!

Originally Posted by bf1983

Now the Honda Cb500x while not as light as the KTM it's kind off in the same boat size wise which should theoretically make it easier to ride in the city. But I haven't ridden that so can't guess. The Honda theoretically should have a lot more torque than the ktm thanks to the parallel twin but yeah the price difference is very hard to digest.

Have been ridden the CB500, I would say its a brilliant bike in the city! The handling and heat management is phenomenal. It barely heated as much as my CBR250 in similar conditions.
I am not sure as to how its highway manners are.

Take a look below, the CB is 46.9 bhp where as the KTM is 42.3 bhp. However, given the light weight, the power per ton ration of KTM is much better than the CB500x.


note - the last 2 bikes are the V-storm and the Tiger 850 sport.

And that's causing all the confusion.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

And that's causing all the confusion.

If you may kindly permit me to add more confusion - The Tiger 660

Anyway, as a person been there, done that, err...doing that let me see how much I can help you. So from the list, simply knock off:
Himalayan & TRK - For being least reliable ADVs than others
Knock off BMW 310 for being single & it's not fast enough as others (barring Himalayan)

Baselining that you'll own the motorcycle for next 10 years & money no bar, out of the remaining Honda, KTM, Kawi, Suzuki & Triumph

Sorry I myself cannot come to a conclusion here!!

Which reminds me of my own post on Your preferred motorcycle style

Sorry boss

[Hells Bells]

I am yet to ride Versys 650 but I keep reading the rave reviews about its touring friendly engine. So no clue how good or bad are the vibrations. I would very likely take a slightly buzzy engine over poor heat management (aka the new Tiger). I am, as yet, an arm chair expert on these bikes.

Maybe I need to move my butt and experience the bike. As of today, I keep having a mental block of CB500's 43 bhp engine over the much more powerful Versys 650. I have very seriously explored the Ninja 1000sx too in the past as I have pursued MTS950.

At the end of the day, it comes to what sort of rides will one seriously do. I am very tentative of buying an ADV only to realize I am pottering around in city 90% of the time and its riding dynamics are not fit for in-city riding. Hence my apprehension of pursuing a liter class bike in this segment.

Tiger 650 looks very tempting if one keeps VFM element out of pic.

[iamahunter]

Putting a head-on comparison of the 2021 and 2022 models. Both images taken from the Kawasaki website.



Amongst the functional elements,
a. The windscreen position and design has changed noticeably.
b. Handlebars seem to be near by a few mm(can be because of the photography angle as well)
c. Indicator and Headlamps are LED
d. The plastic fairing is completely new, but the tank shape stays same.
e. The plastic engine guard is new.
f. Rear plastic (near the grabrails) gets a new sticker (meh!)

Rest of the stuff looks very much identical. So much for the next 5-7 years now. Expect new colors and sticker in the mean while.

[iamahunter]

Here's a view of the actual 2022 Versys650.
The video is in Indonesian language but it shows quite a lot of bike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-EN...nel=OTOMOTIFTV

[Venkatesh]

Kawasaki will launch the updated Versys 650 in India by the end of June.



Source

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Now launched at 7.36L, 21k over the outgoing model (ignoring discounts).

[NTO]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Now launched at 7.36L, 21k over the outgoing model (ignoring discounts).

Do you think it would be a worthy upgrade to Interceptor 650?

I am touring in the range of 10000 - 12000 km in a year and here are the problems I face with the interceptor:

1. Spoked wheels - requiring a tube. The tubeless conversion kit are a hit/ miss and the alloy wheel options available in the market are just after market which I do not trust. Also, 18" limit the availability of tyre choices. The tyres getting punctured are always a possibility and the nightmare of fixing the puncture follows. When in a group ride it is okay but, solo rides are all the more risky.

2. Seat and ergonomics - The seats are plain and simple uncomfortable over long distances. Also, I feel I am always restricted and cramped over long distances with my height of 6'2".

3. Suspension and its after effects: I have bumped up the pre-load on the suspension for better handling. However, this has a very serious impact on the back bone when the roads become bad. Also, due to my height, standing and riding the interceptor is next to impossible on such roads.

4. Wind protection: Despite multiple tries, and changing multiple wind screens, the wind protection is only very limited and tires me out on longer rides.

5. 2-up riding: My better half always feels missed out when I go on motorcycle rides as she can barely sit behind me on the interceptor due to its pathetic pillion ergonomics. This also limits the number of times I get my ride requests approved. If I could take her along, it will make her happy and also increase the number of rides I do in a year.

6. Fuel tank capacity: The limited fuel tank capacity restricts the range on a single tank to 250 - 280 kms.

I bought the interceptor and have done close to 14K kms in the last year. When I bought the interceptor, I was re-starting my riding journey after 2 years break and wanted to test myself before I could take a plunge in the big bike world. Even now, I do not want to spend a significant incremental sum after the sale of my interceptor.

The versys appears to be a perfect fit in all the negatives I have mentioned. I am well aware of the additional costs associated with a premium brand. Just wanted an honest opinion. Please advice!

[forty6]

Hey,

If your primary goal is to tour on highways, broken or not so nicely paved in patches but mostly decent roads, there isn't anything better than the Versys, at this price point. Honda CB500X is also good, but for the price differential I would prefer the Versys. Both these bikes are better than the sum of their parts. They look not so fancy on paper, but they will do the job and do it well.

There is the Vstrom 650 and Tiger 660 too, if you are wanting to stretch your budget, but the Vstrom is like a Duster now, brilliant, but ageing. Tiger 660 is a fun ride, that three cylinder engine will keep you entertained acoustically too. Most of the in-line twin folks eventually want to move away from it because they want better sounding engine, and IMHO the Interceptor 650 sounds better than the Versys. But, what makes Tiger 660 fun might also be a deal breaker for you, it is a bit cramped, especially for two up riding. Not to mention the suspension isn't adjustable, there is a remote preload adjuster on the Tiger 660 though.

So, go for Tiger 660 if you have the money and the pillion is comfortable at the back. Other go for Versys 650 and from the money saved over the Vstrom and Tiger, get the awesome panniers and ride into the sunset.

Cheers.