$5,795
Wichita, Kansas
Category
Standard Motorcycles
Engine
-
Posted Over 1 Month
2009 Kawasaki Versys , ONE MOTORCYCLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS: THE 2009 KAWASAKI VERSYS Seven-day versatility ready for commuting, casual treks or canyon runningWhile the 2009 Kawasaki Versys may defy attempts to pigeon hole it into a preordained role, the truth is this is a machine that epitomizes versatility. The editors at Motorcyclist magazine may have described this jack-of-all-trades motorcycle best: The most impressive thing about the Versys is what it can do. That would be just about anything, and for a lot less money than anything else out there. Call it whatever you want. We re calling it Motorcycle of the Year. To create the Versys, Kawasaki engineers turned to the already user-friendly Ninja® 650R sportbike. Building upon its 649cc parallel-twin engine, six-spoke superbike-inspired wheels, light steering and neutral handling chassis; they added an adjustable-height windscreen, a longer gull shaped swingarm, adjustable, long-travel rear shock, long-travel inverted 41mm forks and provided it with a roomy, comfortable cockpit. The resulting motorcycle is ready to excel at almost any task its rider needs, from gridlock traffic jams, to canyon carving, to long-distance touring.A major element in the flexibility of the Versys motorcycle is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve, 649cc parallel-twin engine. This engine was already lively enough for even the most advanced riders, yet predictable enough to inspire confidence in less-experienced motorcyclists. However, it was modified to deliver its smooth power earlier for brisk off-the-line acceleration with plenty of supple torque for the cut-n-thrust commute environment, while still offering excellent fuel economy. Its suspension offers the latest in sophistication with an advanced Showa rear shock utilizing a free piston and two-stage damping valves for progressive compression damping, which firms significantly as the shock moves through its stroke. This allows a wheel travel feel that is initially soft like a dual sport, but firms to near sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. This high-tech shock is connected to the longer-than-average aluminum gull-wing swingarm made possible by a short/compact engine and chassis. The high-tech suspension approach continues up front with a fully-adjustable, 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork that combines the best of off-road and sportbike suspension action for a stiffness balance that is a perfect match to the Versys chassis settings. In addition to a more-comfortable ride, the long-travel fork s soft-stroke allows easy control of the chassis running angle by shifting the rider s weight. Enhancing the plush ride from its suspension is a carefully designed cockpit that features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort to both the rider and passenger. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and get their eyes back on the road. Capping off the c
