Kawasaki didn’t just stop at just bringing a more powerful Versys 1000 to the North American market – it also gave its little sibling Versys 650 ABS a host of updates for 2015. In addition to some styling changes, Kawasaki increased the middleweight Versys’ power, improved its comfort and gave it new suspension.
The 2015 Versys 650 gets a single-piece exhaust system with header pipes that join in the under-engine silencer. Kawasaki says this feature contributes to improved high-rpm performance on the 650. ECU settings have also been tweaked to increase fuel efficiency.
Suspension enhancements include a new separate-function fork with its spring in the left tube and damping cartridge in the right. Fork setting adjusters have been moved to the top of the fork tubes, with preload on the left and rebound damping located on the right.
For the rear suspension, the Versys 650 gets revised shock settings for improved performance and a remote preload adjuster to make it easy when adding a passenger or luggage.
The 2015 Versys 650 gets a larger windscreen and more options for adjustability. Its body work alsogets the gets the same treatment as the bigger 1000, with a revised headlight configuration and more aggressive styling. Other changes similar to those introduced on the 1000 include new rubber engine mounts, clean-mount pannier system and improved payload capacity thanks to a redesigned rear subframe.
The brakes also got re-done with dual 300mm discs and new twin-piston calipers at the front. Kawasaki says the front brake set-up was designed to provide a stronger initial bite. The rear disc is larger, up to 250mm from 220mm, and comes with a new rear caliper. The anti-lock brake system on the Versys 650 ABS is smaller as well.
The 2015 Versys 650 gets a larger fuel tank – up to 5.5 gallons.
The Versys 650 is available in two versions – an ABS model and the LT model, which comes standard with Kawasaki’ Quick Release (KQR) Hard Saddlebags and Hand Guards.
2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83 x 60mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: DFI with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed with positive neutral finder
Final drive: Sealed chain
Frame: Double pipe diamond frame constructed from high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.3 inches
Wheelbase: 55.7 inches
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 inches of travel
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with remote adjustable spring preload / 5.7 inches of travel
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 160/60 ZR17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal-style rotors with two-piston calipers and ABS
Rear brake: Single 250mm petal-style rotor with single-piston caliper and ABS
Overall length: 85.2 inches
Overall width: 33.1 inches
Overall height: 55.1 inches (windshield low) / 57.1 (windshield raised)
Seat height: 33.1 inches
Curb weight**: 476 pounds
Fuel capacity: 5.5 gallons
Colors: Candy Lime Green, Pearl Stardust White
MSRP: $TBD
Warranty: 12 months
Optional Kawasaki Protection Plus: 12, 24, 36, and 48-month plans are available
**Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
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