In 2023, Honda will surely release the XL750 Transalp and Suzuki the VStrom 800DE in Japan to compete with Yamaha's Tenere 700, and now Kawasaki will join the excitement.
Kawasaki competes with 17-inch wheels front and rear
Kawasaki's Versys 650 is an adventure tourer with a 650cc parallel twin-cylinder engine that debuted in 2007. In 2010, the motorcycle underwent improvements and minor styling changes, including the addition of a variable screen, and in 2015, its image was changed from a conventional vertical two-light headlight to a horizontal two-light Ninja face. At the same time, the rear frame was strengthened, which greatly increased the load capacity.
The 2022 model will feature an updated Ninja face and enhanced electronics, including traction control and a TFT meter, and was announced to be introduced in Japan in the early summer of 2022. However, in April 2022, Kawasaki announced the postponement of the release of the Ninja, which has now been postponed.
I have received information that this will finally be released in Japan in 2023. The release date is currently unknown, but it will most likely be revealed at the March motorcycle show. Other middle tourers with parallel two-cylinder engines are expected to gain momentum, with Honda's XL750 Transalp expected to go on sale in late May and Suzuki's V-Strom 800DE around March in Japan.
2022 Versys 650 European version [KAWASAKI] Equipped with a parallel 2-cylinder 649cc engine. It features the latest electronic control and renewed styling. The front and rear 17-inch wheels are a Kawasaki exclusive feature, and it is likely to be released in Japan in 2023.
XL750 Transalp European spec [HONDA] Equipped with a newly designed parallel twin-cylinder 755cc engine. It is expected that only one color, Ross White, will be introduced in Japan. It will probably go on sale in late May at around (approx.) 9990 USD including tax.
VSTROM 800DE European spec [SUZUKI] Equipped with a newly designed 776cc parallel twin-cylinder engine and, like the Transalp, 21" front and 18" rear spoke wheels. It will probably go on sale around March at around 9990 USD including tax.
2023 Ténéré 700 domestic specifications [YAMAHA] Equipped with a parallel two-cylinder 688cc engine, the 2023 model will go on sale on March 8 for (approx.) 10310 USD, up 425 USD from the previous model. It does not employ electronic controls such as a traction controller.
Versys 650 is even more complete after 15 years of evolution.
The Versys 650, which debuted in 2007, has evolved into its third generation with the 2015 model, which offers significantly improved tourer performance with a load capacity that can accommodate top cases in addition to pannier cases. Key features of the 2022 model, the fourth generation, include a 4.3-inch color TFT meter with smartphone connectivity and two-mode (and off) traction control.
The style has been updated from the old Ninja face with a slant nose to the current Ninja face with a reverse slant nose and LED headlights for the lights. Wind protection is also enhanced with a four-stage adjustable screen. The new Ninja also features a four-stage adjustable screen for windshield protection. A USB power supply is also installed under the seat for more comfortable touring.
The Versys 650 has been handled in Japan as a reimported model by Bright, but the 2023 model will be its first official lineup in Japan. With a 17-inch front and rear on-road-oriented suspension, it will be interesting to see if it can establish itself as a just-right-sized tourer in Japan.
2007 Versys [KAWASAKI] This tourer type was introduced at the same time as the ER-6n and ER-6f. While sharing the same engine and frame, it featured a unique suspension with an aluminum swingarm and inverted forks.
2010 Versys [KAWASAKI] The style has been renewed while retaining the image of the previous model. The screen is now adjustable to three different angles. Comfort was also improved with a rubber mount on the top of the engine.
2015 Versys 650 [KAWASAKI] Transitioning from the traditional unique face design to a Ninja-style design. A 28-liter pannier case and a 47-liter top case are available as options, and the motorcycle can also be triple-mounted.
2022 Versys 650 [KAWASAKI] With optional parts, it looks like a liter-class tourer. The upright position makes it easy to tour long distances with a comfortable posture.
Not only does the face design have the current Ninja face, but the chin protrudes more than the Ninja. It has the effect of keeping the wind away from the rider.
Wide handlebars are equipped as in an adventure. The 41mm-diameter front fork is equipped with a spring on the left fork and a damper cartridge on the right.
New 4.3-inch color TFT meter. The background automatically switches between black and white backgrounds for photos. It can also be connected to the RIDEOLOGY THE APP smartphone app to check vehicle status.
Main Specifications of the 2022 Versys 650 European Model
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2165 x 840 x 1360-1420mm
Wheelbase:1415mm
Seat height: 845mm
Weight:219kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line twin-tube, DOHC 4-valve, 649cc
Maximum Power: 67PS/8500rpm
Max. torque:6.2 kg-m/7000 rpm
Fuel tank capacity:21 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires:F=120/70ZR17, R=160/60ZR17
