BEEF CAKE Over the decades Kawasaki has built itself a reputation for making great motors , and the Versys is no exception . The engine ’ s performance feels stronger than the 118hp spec sheet might suggest , particularly in the low rev range . Throttle response from idling revs is excellent . Right off the bottom to the upper mid-range the power delivery is strong and linear with a raucous mix of exhaust and induction noise . It sounds great ! Of course , compared to the company ’ s ZX-10R , the top-end power is mild . This is probably a good thing , because it ’ s still plenty quick , but nicely manageable , without the ridiculously fast top-end , which cannot really be used on public roads . The Versys will still wheelie on demand and punch out of corners strongly , yet flow along briskly with delightful ease on open roads . It is an excellent road engine that effortlessly does the business in a rider friendly way . The only slight annoyance for me came from some buzzy engine vibrations I noticed on my first ride , but these are of the minor variety and it wasn ’ t long before they became part of the bike ’ s background character .
Another look at the big , plush , deeplyfoamed saddle and giant screen gives you an understanding of what Kawasaki is going for with the Versys . The other is 17-inch wheels with sticky Bridgestone Battlax T31 sports-touring rubber . Kawasaki has gone for everyday rider comfort , weather protection and coupled this with excellent on road performance . I don ’ t know of any other motorcycle that has Adventure bike style ergos and yet sports 17-inch wheels for topnotch on road performance . This ‘ mix ’ works . Despite the 150mm long-travel suspension , the Kawasaki ’ s handling is quite taut , composed and confidence-inspiring . I ’ m sure the solid twin spar aluminium chassis plays its part here too . The long travel certainly aids rider comfort on our rougher B roads , absorbing bigger hits with aplomb and not transferring any spine-jarring impacts to the rider that some short travel bikes can . At the press of a button the semi active electronic suspension ( KECS ) can be altered in firmness from single rider to rider and pillion , and then to those with luggage . Both the 43mm USD forks and shock damping is electronically controlled . It ’ s a good system with plenty of
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