A Honest Review of My 2012 Kawasaki Versys 650
GENERAL BIKE INTRODUCTION* (Update 10-Mar-14)
The
Kawasaki Versys 650, also known as the KLE650, is a middleweight motorcycle. It
borrows design elements from dual-purpose bikes, standards, adventure-tourers
and sportbikes; sharing characteristics of all, but not neatly fitting into any
of those categories. The name Versys is
a portmanteau of the words versatile and system. It was introduced by Kawasaki to the European
and Canadian markets as a 2007 model and to the US market in 2008. A California emissions compliant version was
released in 2009. In 2010 new styling was applied to the headlight and farings
and several functional changes made including enlarged mirrors and improved
rubber engine mounts.
TECHNICAL DETAILS*
The Versys is based on the same platform as
Kawasaki's other 650cc twin motorcycles, the Ninja 650R or ER6F and the
ER-6n. It shares the same electronics,
engine, wheels, brakes and main frame as its siblings. Where it differs is in
riding position, rear sub frame, suspension components, and engine tuning.
The Versys 650 cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin engine
has been retuned for more bottom-end and mid-range torque. This is achieved with different camshafts and
fuel injection mapping. These changes
cause peak torque to occur at a lower engine speed and provide better throttle
response in the 3,000 to 6,000 rpm range.
In addition a balance tube has been added between the exhaust headers to
smooth out power delivery. Power is 59.4
hp (44 kW) at 8,400 rpm, compared with the Ninja's 65.7 hp (49 kW) at 8,400
rpm. Torque is 42lb·ft (57N·m), compared
with the Ninja's 45.5lb·ft (61.7N·m).
Improving the engine's low and mid range response comes at the expense
of a slight reduction in peak power however. The engine uses a 180 degree
crankshaft. This in turn requires an
uneven firing interval (180 degrees, 540 degrees) which gives the engine note a
distinctive "throbbing" sound at idle.
The suspension has greater vertical travel and
more adjustability than the suspension on the ER-6 / Ninja 650R. On the front
the thicker/stronger 41mm inverted front forks are externally adjustable for
preload and rebound damping unlike the Ninja 650R/ER-6F's conventional and non
adjustable forks. The right fork leg carries a damping cartridge while both
legs contain springs. The rear shock absorber is adjustable for rebound
damping. Suspension preload is
adjustable in the rear via a screw collar on the shock. The rear shock/spring is directly connected,
without linkages, to a non symmetrical, gull wing, aluminum swing arm instead
of the more basic steel swing arm used on the Ninja and ER-6.
AWARDS*
2008 Motorcycle of the Year Award by Motorcyclist Magazine.
2008 Best in Class "Allrounder class"
award by Motor Cycle News
*General Bike Introduction,
technical details and award is extracted from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Versys
A.
Accessories
/ customization
i.
Gipro X-Type Gear Indicator – My review: I’ve used this since day 1 I
purchase my bike and it never fail me after two years having it. I strongly recommend even though the price is
more to the expensive side.
ii.
Boach Horn with relay – My review:
My personal opinion that every big biker should change their stock horn
to a louder after market horn. I use it
mainly to chased away/scare dogs along the roads.
iii.
MRA Vario Touring Screen Windshield w Spoiler – My review: Since that this is a gift from the
shop where I purchase my bike, I’m very happy with it without much
complaint. I simply love the adjustable
spoiler as it can give me extra wind protection when I need it, put it down
when it is too hot.
 |
| 12V Socket with handle bar mount |
iv.
12V Socket c/w Wiring Kit + Motorcycle Mount – My review:
my main purpose of buying this is for my GPS and also to charge my phone
when I’m doing a long distance touring.
v.
Pitbull 10mm Swingarm Spool – My review: simple and functioning
product. Good to have it when you have a
paddock stand and during bike repair, servicing and wash.
 |
| Radiator grill |
vi.
Monster Energy Stainless Steel Radiator Grill – My review:
Not a real monster energy product.
It gives some protection from bugs and perhaps small pebbles had to does
some modification as it vibrate too much and produce annoying sound. Considering replacing it either with R&G
or Evotech radiator grill.
 |
| Fender extender |
vii.
Pyramid Front Fender Extender – My review:
Functioning well in preventing your radiator from getting dirty from
mud-splash and flying pebbles.
 |
| Barkbusters Hand guard |
viii.
Barkbuster Hand Guard with VPS cover – My review: This
will protect your brake and clutch level during a fall, it will also protect
your hand when insects and cold wind during rain. Must have item.
ix.
Hepco & Becker Crash Bar – My review: This is
a very good set and functional engine protection. Must have item.
x.
Scottoiler V-System c/w Dual Injector kit – My review:
This is a automatic chain lubricant system. On a long touring, I just fill up the
lub-canister, set a drop per minute and ride for 1000km before I refill it
again. Recommended for a frequent
tourer.
xi.
Headlamp protector – My review:
Protected my headlight from damage twice already. One from hitting bird
and second is from a bike fall.
xii.
SuperSprox Sprockets set (Front 15 Rear 47) – My review: A nice
looking and light weight sprocket set.
xiii.
Waterproof 2x8W Heavy Duty Low Profile 3-Channel
LED Strobe Light System – My
review: This strobe light is very useful
during a motorcycle convoy or during a solo ride. Car/truck always fails to notice you but with
this bright light, they will think twice.
xiv.
R&G Rear Shock Tube Cover – My review: A very simple product that cover
your rear shock from dirt.
 |
| Hepco Becker engine guard |
xv.
R&G Front Fork Protector – My review:
I can’t say anything much about this except that it looks neat and I bet
it will function well as all the R&G products.
 |
| Triboseat for pillion rider. |
xvi.
TRIBO SEAT – My review: I bought this
for my pillion rider, to prevent her from slipping when I accelerate or
braking.
xvii.
KOSO Super Slim Style Volt Meter Blue Back Light – My review:
I would say that a voltmeter is a must have item on bike especially if
you installed spot light, store light and other electrical accessories. With this, I can monitor the electrical
current that regulate through my bike.
xviii.
BMC Air Filter – My review: After market
air filter… throttle felt lighter… and cleaning air filter is easier.
xix.
Mini-Strobe light system – My review: Some should be asking why do I have
so many strobe lights on my bike. This
is only a small strobe or a daytime running light. The power consumption is low compared to my
strobe bar.
xx.
Waterproof DC 12V 12W HID White LED Spotlight
(780-870 Lumens) – My review:
A cheap and functional spotlight that I frequently use on my night ride back to
Miri from Sibu. A useful daytime running
light too.
xxi.
Pro Taper Pillow Handlebar Grip Black/Grey/Black – My review:
Less handle bar vibration and felt much softer and comfortable compared
to stock.
xxii.
LeoVince SBK Underbody EVOII Slip-On exhaust – My review:
I bought this from a friend (used item/second hand). I simply love it, not too loud and fuel
consumption is not affected too much.
B. Maintenance
Servicing
of any vehicle plays a very important role in ensuring that engine run smoothly
and minimizing its wear and tear. I have
recorded every single service of my Versys 650 since 5 Mar 2012 until 9 February
2014. To date my Versys has undergo, 13 general
servicing of oil and filter change. For
the first 5,000km or the break in period, I’m using Shell Advance AX5 15W40
(mineral) motor oil (Price RM22/liter).
At this period I’ve made 4 oils and filter change to ensure that the
hard break in processed run smoothly.
After 5,000km,
I change my motor oil to Castrol Power 15W-40 (price RM28/liter), a
semi-synthetic oil. I’m using this oil for
19,000km and it felt just fine. This is cheap
oil and it provides good protection for every 2,500-3,000km of change
interval. When my Versys reaching
27,000km on the ODO, I decided to change to MOTUL 5100 15W50 Technosynthese
Ester motor oil for a much smoother ride and better protection.
To date, I
have spent a total amount of RM1, 283 for service (RM648 for filter and RM635
for oil). The average oil change
interval is calculated at 2,336km. Based
on the data above, the cost of servicing a Versys is calculated at RM0.04/km (all oil change are DIY at home)
Other
than general servicing, replacement of wear and tear parts such as drive train
and tire. So far (ODO 30,000km) I have replaced
worn out 2 sets of tire including the stock Dunlop (mileage 12,299km front
& 7,850km rear [with pillion rider]) and Pirelli Scorpion Trail (mileage 12,164km
front & 10,972km rear[no pillion rider as she is a rider now]). Currently I’m using new Bridgestone BATTLAX
T30F. The data suggest that cost of tire
for my Versys is RM0.11/km.
C. Fuel
consumption
Table
below is showing my Versys 650 fuel consumption recorded since March 2012 till
March 2014. The average fuel
consumption mention by Kawasaki for Versys 650 is around 22km/l. Looking at my records, my Versys is doing
quite well with average fuel economy of 21.84km per liter of petrol.
Fuel
Economy
|
|
Average
|
21.84
km/L
|
Worst
|
17.06
km/L
|
Best
|
33.41
km/L
|
Distance
between fillups
|
|
Average
|
211.68
km
|
Minimum
|
54.00
km
|
Maximum
|
430.00
km
|
Fillup
Costs
|
|
Average
|
RM
20.65
|
Minimum
|
RM
5.70
|
Maximum
|
RM
43.55
|
TOTAL COST
|
RM1,115.18
|
Cost
per distance
|
|
Average
|
RM
0.10 /km
|
Minimum
|
RM
0.05 /km
|
Maximum
|
RM
0.25 /km
|
Fuel
Price
|
|
RON 95 (2012)
|
RM
1.90 /L
|
RON 95 (2013)
|
RM
2.10 /L
|
RON 97
|
RM
2.70 /L
|
Data recorded since Mar’2012 until Mar’2014 (ODOMETER from 0 km to 30,554 km
|
|
Posted 10th March by Nelson Bijack
. .
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