The 2021 Versys 650L refuses to be restricted to any one classification. Difficult to explain and impossible to categorise, the Versys 650L is one of those machines that exceeds the sum of its parts. Its combination of long-travel suspension & sporty 17” wheels, a slim, upright riding position and a low-mid range focused Parallel-Twin engine results in a highly versatile package able to offer riders maximum riding excitement in a wide variety of street-riding situations, especially on twisty mountain roads. The Versys 650L reflects this fun, sporty nature, while a number of updates to the chassis and a host of new accessory items make it easier for Versys owners to ride longer and further.
The ideal motorcycle for commuting around town through the week and covering large distances on the weekend, the Versys 650L is a highly talented performer indeed. The Versys range of motorcycles is all about going where you want, when you want.
Tuning of the 649 cm3 Parallel Twin engine focused on achieving a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quick-revving character.
To optimise performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximise low-mid range torque.
Dual o300 mm petal discs are gripped by new twin-piston calipers. The design of the new calipers contributes to the bike’s sportier image, while new brake pad material offers a stronger initial bite when the brakes are first applied.
The front brake master cylinder features a lever ratio that contributes to both increased controllability and increased overall brake force. Large rear disc measures o250 mm.
A large adjustable windscreen helps reduce wind noise and helmet buffeting, creating a serene space behind which to enjoy high-speed riding.
The cowling design helps direct airflow away and around the rider. Range of adjustability is 60 mm, accommodating a large variety of rider sizes. Conveniently, the screen height can be adjusted without tools (by simply loosening two knobs at the front of the screen).
Sportier muffler end cap contributes to the sharper image. The under-engine exhaust muffler aids mass centralisation and the styled muffler end cap gives a much sharper image.
The under-engine design of the muffler allows for a slimmer pillion seating position and also keeps heat away.
The slim design makes it easier for riders to reach the ground with their feet. A short-style tank positions the rider closer to the front. The seat’s slim design and the knee grip characteristics of the tank afford good freedom of movement. Thick urethane increases and the stepped shape of the two-piece seat provides support for the rider when accelerating.
Remote rear preload adjuster makes it easy for riders to adjust their suspension setup to suit riding with a passenger and/or with luggage.
The adjuster is conveniently positioned between the seat and rear shock for easy access.
The comfortable seat and relaxed position enables long hours in the saddle. Each part of the two-piece seat was designed with different thickness and firmness of urethane.
Larger grab handle provide a secure position for the pillion and double-up as the attachment point for the easy mount pannier system.
The large volume 21 litre fuel tank coupled with excellent fuel economy translates to an increased cruising range.
The new tank design expands into the side cowls to keep the knee grip slim and to keep the tank height from getting too tall.
Changing the front engine mounts to rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts (complementing the rubber mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts) reduces vibration at the handlebar, seat and fuel tank, significantly increasing comfort.
Handlebar is rubber mounted. The reduced vibration contributes to increased comfort and increased mirror visibility.
Innovative Kawasaki technology, like the radiator fan cover (patented), located behind the radiator directs hot air down and away from the rider, significantly increasing comfort when stuck in heavy traffic.
Redirecting the air also helps keep the tank, frame and other parts that contact the rider cooler, further increasing rider comfort.
Upper cowl features a horizontally split design that reinforces the compact and sporty image of the Versys 650L. The aggressive new design contributes to a strong Kawasaki identity.
While its primary purpose is functional, the chin spoiler below the headlamps adds to the aggressive, sporty looks.
An updated stacked instrument system features an easy-to-read layout. Analogue-style tachometer uses white LED back lights for excellent visibility at night. The multi-function LCD screen has amber back lighting.
Standard features include: Gear position indicator, fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer,dual trip meters, remaining range, average/instant fuel consumption and the Economical Riding Indicator.
Raised tick marks on the tachometer dial face, a bubble lens and elevated instrument frame construction contribute to the instrumentation’s greater legibility as well as a high-quality image.
Not all streets in the real world are made of circuit-smooth pavement. Road imperfections (bumps, potholes) are far from rare, and some streets are not even paved (such as cobblestone, etc).
While the Versys 650L is not designed for off-road use, the long-travel front fork and rear shock were specially selected to cope with any street conditions it may come across, and, along with its 17” wheels, enable aggressive sport riding.
Further, the long-travel suspension provides an added dimension of control: the ability to consciously control the bike’s front-rear weight transfer gives riders an additional riding element to explore.
Please talk with your local Kawasaki Dealership to discover the full range of accessories to suit Your Versys…Your Riding.
VERSYS 650L (KLE650FMFNW)
Parallel twin, liquid cooled
649 cm3
83.0 × 60.0 mm
10.8:1
DOHC 8 valve
DFI 2 × 38 mm with sub throttles
TCBI with Digital Advance
Electric
6-speed with Positive Neutral finder
o41 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping (right-side) and adjustable preload (left-side)
Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability
150/145 mm
170 mm
Dual 300 mm semi-floating petal discs with dual 2-piston callipers and ABS
250mm Petal Disc with single piston calliper and ABS
3.50-17.0 4.50-17.0
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
2,165 × 840 × 1,400 mm
1,415 mm
840 mm
21.0 litres
216 kg
39 kW @ 7,800 rpm
57 N.m @ 3,800 rpm
Candy Lime Green with Metallic Spark Black
24 Months Unlimited Kilometres
