Kawasaki unveiled the 2019 Versys 1000 at the 2018 EICMA earlier this month. Now, the manufacturer has started accepting bookings for the bike in India which is likely to arrive here early next year. Here is what you can expect from the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000.
Design
The Japanese manufacturer has completely reworked the design of the Versys for 2019. While the earlier version did look a bit like Venom's archnemesis, Riot, the new bike derives its fascia from the new lot of Kawasaki motorcycles. The design is sharper and has a completely reworked fairing that also houses LED cornering lights as optional accessory on each side. The rear end also has been worked on a little and now appears to sport a bigger pillion seat. This seat is looks quirky but as long it cushions the backside better, why not?
Features
The bike is available in two variants; standard and SE. The SE variant offers cornering lights, a two-way quickshifter and heatedgrips and knuckle guards. While the standard version gets an analogue-LCD display, the SE offers an analogue-TFT unit with Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, the top-sec variant comes with semi-active suspension and Kawasaki's self-healing paint technology.
Kawasaki has equipped the Versys 1000's electronic package with ride by wire throttle, a cruise control system, two power modes, traction control, cornering ABS, three level traction control and a five-axis IMU.
Engine
The 2019 Versys 1000 is powered by a 1043cc, inline-four cylinder engine that produces 120bhp and 102Nm. This motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox and final chain drive.
Cycle Parts
Suspension duties on the bike are handled by 43mm upside down forks along with a monoshock at the rear. Both ends offer damping, rebound, and preload adjustability. Meanwhile the Versys 1000 drops anchors using twin 310mm discs at the front and a 250mm disc at the rear.
Pricing
We expect Kawasaki to bring the bike to India via the CKD route and price the Versys 1000 and Versys 1000 SE in the Rs 11-13 lakh price range. It will compete against the Honda Africa Twin, Ducati Multistrada 950 and the BMW F750 GS here.
