2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 launched at Rs 10.69 lakhs

- Receives a complete design overhaul and new tech 

- Deliveries of pre-booked vehicles to begin from March

- Available in two colour shades, Pearl Stardust White and Metallic Flat Black

After launching the Ninja ZX-6R last month, Kawasaki India has now launched the 2019 edition of the Versys 1000 at Rs 10.69 lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi. The Versys 1000 is the company’s flagship adventure touring motorcycle which sits above the Versys 650. The motorcycle will be sold via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route and will be manufactured at Kawasaki India’s factory located in Chakan, Pune. 

Built to offer a sporty riding experience along with riding enjoyment, the Versys 1000 utilizes the Ninja 1000’s platform using its chassis and engine. The motorcycle’s styling has been giving a complete overhaul. It now follows the company’s current design language which is visible in its other models. It still continues to sport the twin headlamp setup, but with LED lamps. The tail section has been revamped as well, thus offering a wider seat for the pillion. The front windscreen is adjustable while the new instrument console offers an exhausting array of information to the rider.

Bolted onto an aluminium twin-tube chassis, the Versys 1000 is powered by the same 1043cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder motor that powers the Ninja 1000. Tuned to deliver a strong torque curve, especially in the low-end band, this motor is capable of producing 102Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. Max power output stands at 118.27bhp which can be attained at 9000rpm. On the tech front, the motor has been updated with several features like Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV) which enables the bike's Electronic Cruise Control technology. Besides that, it also gets two power modes, five-axis Bosch IMU, cornering ABS and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) with three modes. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed gearbox that is assisted by a slipper clutch.

Coming to the cycle parts, the 2019 Versys 1000 continues to sport 43mm adjustable inverted forks up front and a horizontal back-link gas-charged monoshock with adjustment at the back. The setup has been updated to offer a plusher ride quality that is more inclined towards road use. For braking, the motorcycle incorporates 310mm dual semi-floating discs with radially mounted 4-pot calipers up front and a 250mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back.    

Kawasaki is offering the Versys 1000 in two colour shades - Pearl Stardust White and Metallic Flat Black. Deliveries of the pre-booked motorcycles are expected to begin from March onwards. In its segment, the Versys 1000 competes against the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 800 XR, Ducati Multistrada 950 and BMW F750 GS.