The sportiest Versys: Kawasaki launches the touring-ready Versys 900 with radar

The rumour had been doing the rounds for weeks: with the Versys 900, Kawasaki is expanding its range in the ‘adventure tourer’ segment to include an upper mid-range model. The Japanese manufacturer is thus filling the gap in its model range between the Versys 650 and the Versys 1100. At its heart is the 948 cc in-line four-cylinder engine, which also powers the Z900.

Compared with the 124 PS of its naked sister model, the Versys 900 is 2 horsepower down. Torque remains the same at 97 Newton metres and, in the crossover, is available 300 revolutions later. This is a bespoke tuning, likely due to the model’s greater suitability for long-distance riding and its increased weight compared to its naked sister model. Exact figures are not yet available, but the Versys is likely to exceed the Z900’s kerb weight of 214 kg by around 25–30 kg.

This is because, on the Versys 900, only the engine is a familiar design; the rest has been completely redesigned from the ground up to suit the segment. The four-cylinder engine is housed in a trellis frame newly developed for the crossover model, which, according to the manufacturer, has been “specifically tuned to achieve a balanced ratio of stiffness and precise feedback from the front wheel”. The Japanese bike’s fuel tank is said to have a capacity of 20 litres, providing a range suitable for touring. Nevertheless, Kawasaki promises an almost perfectly balanced weight distribution and, as a result, agile handling, which is said to be enhanced by a 17-inch front wheel and Metzeler Roadtec 01 tyres.

Two people are said to be able to travel comfortably on the seat. The rear subframe is tailored to the bike’s intended use and is sturdy enough to carry three panniers. The side panniers each hold 32 litres and the top case 47 litres – available at an extra cost.

In addition to the now standard electronic aids such as cruise control, a 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS, smartphone connectivity and several power modes, Kawasaki is now also incorporating ARAS into the Versys 900. This is the name the Japanese manufacturer gives to its radar-based assistance systems, which enable an adaptive cruise control function, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. ARAS is fitted as standard on both Versys versions.

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Yes, there will be two versions of the Kawasaki Versys 900. In typical Kawasaki fashion, the top-of-the-range model is the ‘SE’, which differs from the base model with LED fog lights, hand guards, heated grips, a radiator guard, frame protection pads, a lower engine cover and a centre stand. The base model starts at 13,270 euros in Germany and 13,349 euros in Austria. Prices for Switzerland are not yet available.