The new Versys 650, originally scheduled to go on sale in Japan in early summer 2022, will finally go on sale in Japan in the fall of 2023. The launch was announced to be postponed to April 2022, but the official announcement will be made soon.
17-inch wheels front and rear to compete with parallel two-cylinder adventures
With the brand new debut of Honda's XL750 Transalp and Suzuki's V-Strom 800DE in 2023, middle-class adventurers are attracting attention following Yamaha's Ténéré 700. All models are equipped with parallel two-cylinder engines and 21-inch front and 17- to 18-inch rear wheels.
The Versys 650, which Kawasaki expects to release in the fall of 2023, has the same parallel two-cylinder engine but is equipped with 17-inch front and rear wheels and on-road radial tires. It is an adventure-type long-stroke suspension with an emphasis on sports performance on paved roads.
The new Versys 650 will be redesigned for the 2022 model year outside of Japan, with updated styling that conforms to the Versys 1000. It also features a color TFT meter with smartphone linkage and traction control. Originally scheduled to be released in Japan in the summer of 2022, it has been delayed until now.
According to the latest information, the new Versys 650 is expected to be launched in Japan in the fall of 2023.
Pricing is unknown, but it is expected to be less expensive than rivals XL750 Transalp (approx. 9010 USD), VStrom 800DE (approx. 9398 USD), and Tenere 700 (approx. 9555 USD).
VERSYS650 [KAWASAKI] The new VERSYS650 features the latest electronic controls and updated styling. The front and rear 17-inch wheels are unique to Kawasaki, and they will finally be released in Japan in the fall of 2023.
The engine is a parallel two-cylinder 649cc. It has been inherited from the first-generation Versys in 2007 and differs from other companies in its sporty 180-degree crankshaft. The chassis is also unchanged from the first generation.
With full options, this adventure tour is comfortable for long tours for two. The new screen can be adjusted without tools in four positions and in a range of 80 mm.
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
Maximum torque: 6.2 kg-m at 7000 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 21 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=160/60ZR17
