It’s another middleweight update for 2022, and next up for a makeover is the tour-ready Kawasaki Versys 650 - alongside the Versys 650 Tourer & Grand Tourer for those who would prefer even more touring proficiency.
Fitted with the well-trodden 68bhp 649cc parallel twin, that you’ll also find on the Z650 and Z650RS (that we recently tried out in Marseille on the press launch), the Versys doesn’t benefit from any mechanical updates, instead, the Japanese manufacturer hopes riders will ‘let the good times roll’ with plenty of new touring & rider features.
First, and most importantly for some, is the introduction of the Kawasaki Traction Control System, or KTRC. With 2 levels and switchable on/off, it’s the first time the middleweight tourer has had this traction control tech fitted.
But the most glaringly obvious change is the four-way adjust screen and larger front cowling with new LED headlight & blinkers, giving it more resemblance to the 1000cc sibling.
Tech fans will be happy to hear that there is a new 4.3” TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, with the screen brightness able to auto-adjust in changing conditions.
The Tourer and Grand Tourer packs introduce panniers/panniers & top box respectively, with the GT even getting fog lights, power outlets and GPS brackets (amongst others). Serious adventurers apply within!
Price is confirmed as £7799 for the Metallic Spark Black for 2022, or +£100 on top for silver or lime green colours. The 2021 model is listed on the Kwak website as £7549, so it’s up £250.
Kawasaki Versys 650 (2022) - the middleweight tourer battle continues!
On this topic, we were chatting to an English fella in a bar in Milan about touring on middleweights. He didn’t understand why anyone would go for a middleweight, and surely every rider would go for a bigger bike?
It’s a valid point, but you can’t discount the capabilities of middleweight machines like these. They’re often lighter, cheaper to run, less likely to get you in trouble with the Policia Local, and just as capable of going two-up for hundreds of miles.
We’ll come back to you with the review in the future! Head to Kawasaki for more details.
