Thickly padded seat (about double the cushioning of the Z1000 seat) provides the comfort to enable hundreds of miles in the saddle. The rear seat has even deeper cushioning, and is probably Kawasaki’s most comfortable passenger perch yet. Seat leather material was carefully selected and a great deal of effort was spent to ensure a good fit. The front seat uses different material than the sides and rear. A two-tone design is used on white models.

Spacious riding position is complemented by footpegs with (hollow) rubber coatings. Footpeg brackets are also rubber mounted to further dampen vibrations.

Robust steel pipe rear frame enables the substantial payload of 220 kg

Ergonomic grab bars provide comfortable passenger grips.

Taillight and rear turn signals are positioned for good visibility even when using the optional top-case and panniers.

21 L fuel tank contributes to the Versys 1000’s touring potential. With engine and transmission settings, range (calculated) on one tank could last up to 250 miles. New-design fuel gauge inside the fuel tank enables a very precise estimation of remaining range. By displaying an average reading, inclines do not affect the reading.

To maximise the Versys 1000’s fun factor, engineers wanted to provide the most exciting engine possible. The engine needed to deliver more than just performance figures. The engine they chose was a 1,043 cm3 In- line Four, tuned for flexibility. Superb throttle response, strong torque at all rpm (especially in the low-mid range), and a seductive intake howl ensure that every twist of the throttle delivers a physical and aural sensation that riders may easily find addictive.

Advanced ECU programming contributes to the Versys 1000’s high fuel efficiency. Careful adjustment of fuel volume and ignition timing when speed is constant improves fuel consumption without compromising driveability. The Economical Riding Indicator appears on the LCD screen to indicate favourable fuel consumption. Paying attention to conditions that result in the mark appearing can assist riders to maximise their fuel efficiency. This handy feature is active all the time, although to be effective, the rider must ride in a gentle manner: less than 6,000 rpm, less than 30% throttle and under 160 km/h.

Tough-design multi-function instrumentation includes an analogue-style tachometer and LCD with speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, and external air temperature.

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cm3 In-line Four with a bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm offers strong low-mid range torque with smooth power delivery. Compared to the Z1000, the engine delivers a stronger low-mid range with a slightly reduced peak power. Both peak power and torque occur at lower rpm than on the Z1000.

Aluminium twin-tube frame design features frame beams that go over engine, allowing a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees. Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member. The frame contributes to handling, offering a firm, planted feeling, good stability and light, nimble turning. The frame is a 5-piece cast aluminium construction, consisting of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections and were die-cast to ensure a smooth surface finish.

Fixing the cylinder inside the fork inner tube allows a larger cylinder diameter to be achieved: 25 mm (compared to 20 mm on a conventional fork). The larger piston size contributes to a very composed suspension action.

The fork is adjustable for rebound damping (right-side only) and preload.

A remote preload adjuster means changes to suit tandem riding or luggage can be made quickly and easily by hand. The rear shock is also adjustable for rebound damping.

Lightweight 6-spoke wheels measure 17” – ideal for this multi-pupose machine while also encouraging sporty street riding.

Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres are matched to the chassis, offering excellent stability at highway speeds and good grip on a variety of road surface conditions.

The adjustable windscreen has a stepless range of approximately 30 mm. Height can be adjusted by hand and without tools (using two knobs on the front of the screen) to suit rider preference.

Functional bodywork was designed to offer increased wind protection. Complementing the windscreen, voluminous front cowling sides and flared side fairings help protect the rider’s legs from the elements, further contributing to rider comfort.

Wide, rigid-mount handlebar offers easy control, especially for low-speed manoeuvring. Positioned to offer a natural grip, it allows the rider’s elbows to be slightly bent when sitting in a relaxed, upright stance.

The seat’s slim design and the knee grip characteristics of the tank afford good freedom of movement, allowing the riders to change sitting position should they so choose. Thick urethane increases comfort and contributes to a seat height that places the rider in a position of controllability. The stepped shape of the seat also provides support for the rider when accelerating.