Kawasaki has included the standard version of the Versys 1000 back in the range. With the standard Versys 1000, Team Green is targeting consumers who want to decide for themselves which features and accessories the motorcycle should be equipped with. However, at least as important is the competitive base price.
“The Versys 1000 has been the top seller in the street-oriented ‘allroad’ segment for years, the most complete motorcycle in its segment”, says General Manager of Kawasaki Benelux Henk Salomons during the presentation of the new standard Versys in the car museum Autoworld In Brussels.
“The latest updates including Skyhook semi-active suspension on the Versys 1000 SE have really made it super complete, but all those electronic gimmicks have had an impact on the price tag, so that we have competition on price from engines like the Tiger 900 and Tracer 900 GT.”
While extensive electronics packages have become the new arms race in the premium segment, according to Kawasaki there are enough motorcyclists for whom all that
is not necessary and for whom a competitive price is much more important. For those motorcyclists, Kawasaki has now included the standard Versys 1000 back in the range.
However, don’t be mistaken about the word standard, because compared to the last ‘standard’ Versys 1000, this 2022 version is a major upgrade – also in the electronic field.
The main difference between the Versys 1000 S, which was converted to a ‘standard’ version in 2021, and this 2022 Versys 1000 is in the display, which consists of an ‘oldskool’ analog tachometer with digital LCD display. Which also means that the bicycle Bluetooth connectivity is strange.
Like the other two Versys 1000 versions, the standard Versys 1000 also features the well-known 6-axis Bosch UMI, which makes all electronic aids lean-dependent, including the traction control and the ABS. The latter is called KIBS, or Kawasaki Intelligent Brake System, an intelligent combined braking system with this Versys.
As with the S and SE, the standard Versys 1000 does not only offer a choice of multiple power modes, the bike is also equipped with cruise control as standard. Of course, the all-round lighting is of the LED type and a centerstand is part of the basic equipment.
All in all, the new Versys 1000 ‘standard’ is already quite extensive, but that has not led to an ‘extensive’ price tag. The Versys 1000, available from the end of January, available in all colors as long as it is Candy Lime Green, is sold in the Netherlands for only € 13,899. With our southern neighbors that is only € 12,999.
Of course, three accessory packages are also available for the Versys 1000: Tourer (monokey side cases with luxury inner bags), Tourer plus (that plus LED fog lamps, GPS support and Frame sliders) and Grand Tourer (that plus 47 liter top box with back support and luxury inner bag).
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.