2009 Kawasaki Versys™

649 cc Parallel Twin-cylinder, DOHC Engine

• Most compact engine in its category, helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle
• Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes it short from front to back
• Semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height
• The narrow pitch of the chrome composite plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width
• Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low-to mid-rpm range for exceptional roll-on response – ideal in negotiating city traffic
• 180° crankshaft plus balancer shaft smoothes engine pulses
• Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
• Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullet-tip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization

6-speed Transmission

• Cassette style transmission with the shafts and shift drum in a compact layout that is easily removed as a single unit from the case for easier maintenance

6-spoke Wheels

• Also found on the Ninja ZX™-6R and ZX-10R; the 6-spoke design requires much less material between spokes so that the rim thickness is thinner and overall wheel weight is reduced

Adjustable Windscreen

• 3 different settings, each 20 mm apart, allows riders to set the windscreen height to suit their preferences

Comfortable Ergonomics

• Each part of the 2-piece seat was designed with a different thickness and firmness of foam to optimize comfort for both rider and passenger
• Passenger seat and grab bars were designed to provide a natural seating position for added comfort
• Easy-to-read instrument panel has a large analog tachometer and digital readout for the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters and clock. White LED backlighting provides increased visibility at night

Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) System

• Microprocessor controlled timing never requires adjustment and is ultra responsive to engine needs
• Spark plug mounted “stick” ignition coils are compact and help reduce weight

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)

• Utilizes 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies with ECU controlled sub throttle valves for optimum performance and rideability
• Sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, give the DFI system a more precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburetor
• Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy
• Precise fuel injection and exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions

High Tensile Steel Trellis Frame

• Trellis frame is small and light and narrow at the knees and feet for increased rider comfort and control
• Designed using 3-dimensional computer analysis to achieve the optimum stiffness balance for better handling

Liquid Cooling

• Keeps engine temperatures consistent for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
• Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
• Coolant is routed through the engine cases reducing the number of external hoses

Long-travel Fork

• 41 mm inverted fork with stiff springs combines the best of dual sport and sportbike-type suspensions, to deliver excellent performance over a wide range of conditions
• Tapered, relatively short outer tubes help provide the ideal stiffness balance to compliment chassis settings
• Fork height, preload and rebound damping can all be adjusted to fine-tune the suspension to specific conditions or riding styles

Petal Style Brake Discs

• Braking duties handled by dual 300 mm front petal discs with 2-piston calipers and a single 220 mm rear petal disc with a 1-piston caliper
• Same rotor design as found on the Ninja supersport machines, petal design rotors offer improved cooling and warp resistance

Single Shock Rear Suspension

• Aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock complement the frame design via an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub
• Short, compact frame and engine design allows the swingarm to be longer, which helps improve overall handling
• Showa shock has adjustable preload and rebound damping and uses a free piston and 2-stage damping valves for smooth action during initial compression that becomes much firmer near the end of the stroke for a more planted feel