Versys 1000 SE and Versys 1000 S

A RELATED ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION AND A THIRD MODEL VERSION MAKE THE VERSYS 1000 NOCH VERSATILE AS EVER

Markus

16.11.2020

The Versys 1000 from Kawasaki is designed to provide maximum driving pleasure in many different driving situations. Whether solo or as a couple, whether just around the corner or around the world: the combination of the revolving, flexibility-matched in-line four-cylinder and the agile chassis with dynamic suspension of this road sports motorcycle ensures driving pleasure and delights every rider. The relaxed, upright driving position offers a good mastery of the machine, which is rounded off by a very comfortable seat and a good wind protection – so the highest comfort is offered for long journeys.

Photos: KAWASAKI

For the 2021 model year, the Versys 1000 SE has been equipped with a revised KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension). Thanks to the first use of Showa's Skyhook technology at Kawasaki, the new suspension offers a more comfortable driving experience and even more driving pleasure for the driver and passenger. The new Versys 1000 S, which replaces the standard model in Germany in the 2021 model year, has all the great features of the Versys 1000 SE, with the exception of KECS. The Versys 1000 now better meets the different needs of a variety of drivers – whenever the adventure calls for these two model variants.

THE FIRST USE OF SKYHOOK TECHNOLOGY AT KAWASAKI

 KECS with Skyhook technology from Showa (SE)

The updated software for the Versys 1000 SE's semi-active KECS system includes Skyhook Electronic Ride Adjustment (EERA) technology for even more stable handling (the components and responsiveness of the suspension remain unchanged from the standard KECS). The Skyhook concept can be imagined as a hook that carries the spring-loaded masses of the motorcycle and adjusts the damping force of the suspension so that the wheels react optimally to ground waves and maintainthe upright position of the motorcycle in minimizing the interference.

* The Kawasaki engineers carefully tuned Showa Skyhook software to preserve the sporty driving characteristics of the Versys 1000 provides more comfortable driving characteristics through continuous real-time adaptation to the road surface. The road position is excellent, the inclination behavior (especially when driving for two) is improved, on the highway the steering remains easy and the bike feels calmer during rain rides.

* While the standard KECS already used data from multiple sources (real-time data on lifting speed and position (from built-in lifting sensors), vehicle acceleration and deceleration (from the IMU), front/rear wheel speed (from the FI-ECU) and front wheel braking pressure (from the ABS-ECU), KECS with Skyhook also takes vertical acceleration into account to determine the damping force.

* The base damping level is determined as usual according to the selected driving mode and the spring preload on the rear wheel is still adjustable.

COLOR(N)

 Versys 1000 SE:

* Emerald Blazed Green (Green)/Metallic Diablo Black (Black)/
Metallic Flat Spark Black (Black)

* Emerald Storm Gray (grey)/Metallic Diablo Black (black)/
Metallic Flat Spark Black (Black)

 Versys 1000 S:

* Emerald Blazed Green (Green)/Metallic Diablo Black (Black)/
Metallic Flat Spark Black (Black)

* Emerald Storm Gray (grey)/Metallic Diablo Black (black)/
Metallic Flat Spark Black (Black)

MODEL VARIANTS

Drivers can choose between the new Versys 1000 S, which has other modern features and electronic assistance systems compared to the standard model offered to date, and the revised Versys 1000 SE with KECS and Skyhook technology. ("Connected" refers to functions connected by the built-in driving modes. "A" means parts that are available as accessories.)

(New for MJ 2021)
*Heating handles as standard equipment or accessories depending on the market

TECHNICAL DATA

KAWASAKI TECHNOLOGY

1: Versys 1000 SE only