Originally released just two years ago, the Kawasaki Versys has finally overcome it’s adventure/tourer identity crisis and the 2015 model promises to be a fantastic touring bike!
Gone are the knobbly adventure tyres on a bike with no dirt-clearance, and in are a set of Battlax T30 sport touring tyres from Bridgestone, along with a bigger fuel tank, the latest ABS system from Bosch and increased fuel economy.
The new model was unveiled earlier this year at INTERMOT in Cologne, and in the final MCN of the year Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves managed to get his hands on one to take it for a spin at the world launch in Sicily.
The 2015 Versys 1000 has been tweaked by Kawasaki to deliver more torque and more power, and the changes appear to have worked with Michael commenting that “you couldn’t ask for more from an engine for touring, commuting and fast riding.”
The new Versys has actually gained an additional 11kg with the addition of a centrestand, heavier wheels and a stronger subframe to hold the new luggage system. So with this extra weight, how does the big, heavy Kawasaki handle?
“The Versys 100 is agile” says Michael in his review, going on to say it “steers predictably, and the new Bridgestone T30 sports touring tyres offer loads of confidence-inspiring grip in all conditions – far better than the Dunlops fitted to the Versys 650.” This really is a bike for all kinds of road riding, in all kinds of weather conditions.
If you’re after a serious new tourer for munching up the miles in 2015, look no further than the new Kawasaki, and if you’re after a serious sports touring tyre, you need the Bridgestone….
Check out the full Battlax T30 range.
