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Ride Guide
2008 Kawasaki Versys Photo Gallery
After gaining wide-spread popularity in Europe and Canada, Kawasaki prepares to unleash its versatile all-around performer, the Versys, on the American market. See how we felt about the bike after our
2008 Kawasaki Versys First Ride
.
2008 Kawasaki Versys
The cockpit has an easy-to-read digital speedo and white-faced analog tach.
The Versys' windscreen is adjustable, moving up or down in 20mm increments.
The rear end includes an aluminum gull-wing swingarm and an offset, laydown single Showa rear shock.
Kawasaki looked to the technology used in its Ninja 650 sportbike for the foundation of the 649cc parallel twin-cylinder, DOHC mill of the Versys.
The Showa rear shock offers up 5.7-inches of travel and is adjustable for both preload and rebound damping.
Hey, where do the pipes go? The Versys' exhaust exits below the engine and Kawasaki claims it helps lower the bike's center of gravity.
The exhaust on the Versys has a 3-way catalyzer and bullet-tip opening and is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity.
The 2008 Kawasaki Versys is an able commuter with an affordable MSRP of $6,899
The 33.1-inch wide handlebars are up high and spaced well and have adjustable brake and clutch levers.
Waheed said the Versys felt very slim between his legs with a narrow seat-to-tank area and he felt comfortably positioned and in complete control.
What irony! You can't buy a Versys in California yet Kawasaki chose to intro the bike in San Diego. Talk about a tease.
Waheed couldn't resist the temptation of a little one-wheeled action.
A few clicks of rebound on the front fork eliminated the springy action of the front end.
The 649cc parallel twin and the neutral handling and light steering chassis of the Ninja 650R sportbike made the perfect starting point for the jack-of-all-trades Versys.
The riding geometry and 33.1-inch seat height left Waheed sitting upright and relaxed in the saddle.
After logging in quality miles behind the handlebars of the Versys, Waheed began to understand the demand to bring it to American soil.
