Kawasaki Announces Versys 1000 S For European Market
Kawasaki has announced it will be producing the Versys 1000 S for the European market. Currently, the top trim level available in Europe is the Versys 1000 SE, which includes the KECS – Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension. The new S model will ditch the KECS in favor of traditional 43 mm Showa components at both ends, adjustable only for rebound damping and spring preload. Undoubtedly, this will also bring the price down.
Here in North America, we’re still left with only one Versys 1000 option: The Versys 1000 SE LT+.
Otherwise, the Versys 1000 S will feature all the features from the SE model, including the 1043 cc inline-Four with ride-by-wire throttle activation, which gives the Versys the ability to feature cruise control.
An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is the centerpiece of the many electronic rider aids available on the V-1000-S, which includes the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF). KCMF modulates brake force (KIBS) and engine power (KTRC) to facilitate smooth transitions from acceleration to braking, helping you trace your intended arc through a corner.
The suite of electronic rider aids also includes KTRC traction control as well as selectable engine power modes to suit conditions and rider preference. The Versys S also comes with three rider modes which automatically combine pre-determined traction control and power settings for sport, road, rain plus a rider (manual) mode.
A large adjustable windscreen offers protection from the elements and the upright seating arrangement offers comfort for rider and passenger alike. Additionally, the Versys 1000 S can also be fitted with the accessory Low Seat (20 mm height reduction) which facilitates an easy reach to the ground.
Bringing the Versys 1000 S to a halt is the KIBS intelligent anti-lock brakes, utilizing powerful radial mount mono-block front brake calipers. LED headlamps give a bright view of the road ahead.
The Versys 1000 S also comes with a TFT gauge display and LED cornering lights, along with a Kawasaki quick shifter for fast and seamless changes up and down the gearbox. This is mated to an assist and slipper clutch with light lever action for easy modulation.
The Kawasaki Rideology App delivers Smartphone connectivity, meaning owners can “pair” with their bike via a Bluetooth connection and see riding logs and other machine-specific information such as service and oil change intervals.
For 2021 the Versys 1000 S is also equipped with Kawasaki’s Highly Durable paint which, via a “trampoline effect” of still semi-liquid molecules within the coating, can change the appearance of light scuffs back to standard looking paintwork using a high-tech recovery process.
Touring niceties on the Versys 1000 S include clever additions such as a dash-mounted 12V power source, standard grip heaters, hand guards, and the aforementioned adjustable windscreen.
Available in four editions in Europe, there’s the Standard Versys 1000 S model, Tourer, Tourer Plus, and Grand Tourer editions; each model being fitted with a gradually increasing number of touring items from panniers, handguards, and a tank pad for the Tourer model. The ultimate spec is a comprehensive long-distance package for the Grand Tourer offering the most luggage space thanks to the addition of a 47-liter top case complementing the clean mount panniers with one key fitting every lock on the machine.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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A C14 done like this would be cool or to put it another way, the C14 engine in this setup.
I own a 2019 Versys SE LT and it is a really nice machine, a few drawbacks would be the stock seat which is horrible, had that taken care of by Sargent seats, and the Bridgestone tires, I found the bike to be a little unstable, nervous at high speeds, slipped on a set of Dunlop Roadsmart III and they completely transformed the bike, now I rail this big rig through the twisties with total confidence. The Electronic suspension and ride modes work fabulously, cruise control works nicely too. Overall with 7500 miles on the bike I am very satisfied with it. Would have been nice if Kawasaki put the Ninja 1000 version of the engine in the Versys, the extra 20hp would be great fun.