When the Versys® arrived on the scene just a few years ago, it astonished the motorcycling press and public. Journalists and riders alike began to heap praise on the versatile “do-everything” bike: it was named “Motorcycle of the Year” by Motorcyclist magazine and was included on numerous top 10 lists in enthusiast publications. And with numerous updates in 2010, the bike that is equal parts useful, affordable and fun is still going strong for 2011.
Its 649cc parallel-twin engine with digital fuel injection has a powerband that wins over skeptics who doubt that a middleweight can produce this much power. Naturally, such a versatile machine comes with an adjustable windscreen, while its aggressive styling shows off the bike’s dynamic flexibility and strength.
To add to rider comfort while in the saddle, rubber bushings on the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber inserts atop the footpegs help to isolate the rider’s feet from engine vibration, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed ride.The Versys’ compact, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 649cc, parallel-twin engine was the perfect powerplant for this light and nimble do-anything bike right from the start: it’s lively enough for advanced riders and predictable enough to inspire confidence in rank novices. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the lower and middle parts of its rev range, making the Versys a great commuter and relaxed traveling companion. Its surprising genius becomes readily apparent once the roads turn twisty, because despite its comfort and civility, the fun-to-ride Versys also offers genuine sportbike handling and excellent fuel economy. With its big, 5-gallon fuel tank you can go a long way between fill-ups.
Long-travel high-tech suspension is critical to the Versys’ multi-role mission. A Showa rear shock with two-stage damping firms up progressively as the wheel moves through its stroke, providing an initially plush ride that firms to near-sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. The bike’s short, compact engine makes it possible to use a longer than average gull-wing swingarm for reduction of throttle-induced suspension movement and excellent handling. A dual-sport-inspired, adjustable 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork soaks up bumps big and small, and like the rear end, firms up nicely as the pace increases.
Absolutely key to the Versys’ success is a comfortable, carefully designed cockpit that provides a mostly upright, natural seating position and features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort for both rider and passenger. The comfort theme is further enhanced by the adjustable windscreen, which offers three different positions. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and keep their eyes on the road. Possibly the most versatile motorcycle out there, the Versys excels at almost any task it’s given, from gridlock traffic jams, to canyon carving, to long-distance touring.
Engine
COMPACT PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE TUNED FOR LOW-MID RANGE TORQUE
When tuning the 649 cc Parallel Twin engine, our engineers’ first priority was to find a throttle response that balanced a powerful feeling and a quick-revving character. To optimize performance for everyday riding, care was taken to maximize low-mid range torque. When opening the throttle, riders will notice that the engineers succeeded in creating an extremely smooth and powerful engine character that offers both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and a gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm ranges.
Intake and exhaust cams with short operating angles move the torque curve toward the lower end of the rpm range.
To achieve smooth power and torque curves, the exhaust system makes use of a balance tube.
Fuel injection settings for the Versys were selected primarily to deliver a strong powerful feeling when the throttle is opened.
Performance and feel were optimized for the mid-range (3,000-6,000 rpm). However, in the low-rpm range (below 3,000 rpm), power delivery is very smooth, and even above 6,000 rpm, power and torque curves continue on without dropping off suddenly.
The above settings result in a performance that favours the speeds most used in everyday riding. Corner pick-up is excellent: the powerful mid-range delivers a satisfying surge of acceleration and the flat, step-free torque curve and smooth engine response let riders open the throttle with confidence – at any rpm.
Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts make the engine very short front-to-back.
Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.
Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.
Plated, liner-less cylinder is lightweight, and the narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width.
Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.
Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.
180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation.
Oil jets located in the rod big-ends direct oil to the undersides of the pistons for added cooling.
With the large radiator and under-engine muffler, the Versys offers superior comfort from a heat dissipation perspective.
Chassis
SLIM, UPRIGHT RIDING POSITION
When engineers considered the kind of riding they wanted to offer, and the speed range most often used in everyday riding, a naturally relaxed posture and the high controllability of a slim, upright position with wide handlebars was deemed ideal. Because it would have a great impact on rider control and enjoyment, a substantial amount of development time and effort was devoted to fine-tuning the riding position.
The combination of a compact Parallel Twin engine and a narrow, lightweight trellis frame enabled by the offset laydown rear suspension is the key to the Versys’ slim riding position.
A short-style tank positions the rider closer to the front wheel for increased controllability and offers a greater choice of forward-rear sitting positions.
The seat’s slim design and the knee grip characteristics of the tank afford good freedom of movement, allowing the riders to change sitting position should they so choose. Thicker urethane increases comfort and contributes to a seat height that places the rider in a position of fun controllability. The stepped shape of the two-piece seat also provides support for the rider when accelerating.
Complementing the wide handlebar, the footpegs are positioned low and slightly forward of the seat.
Together, all these points result in a very natural, relaxed position designed to offer the rider a high level of machine control. The upright riding position accommodates a variety of riding styles (lean-in, no-lean, lean-out), broadening the spectrum of riding enjoyment and also offers a high level of comfort, a great benefit for touring. This combination of comfort and control is one of the things that makes the Versys so much fun to ride.
When combined with the long-stroke suspension, the upright riding position and higher seat height offer a commanding view of the road ahead – especially beneficial when navigating city traffic or winding roads in the hills.
SLEEK, FLICKABLE CHASSIS
The key to the Versys’ sleek chassis is its compact Parallel Twin engine, which allows the use of a slim, lightweight frame. Together with the forward-located seat position and the under-engine muffler, this engine-frame combination delivers a highly centralized mass distribution, which contributes to the highly agile package. High priority was given to achieving chassis settings that deliver a high level of feedback, better enabling the rider to recognize the bike’s limits.
The base frame construction and stiffness balance were set to offer a high level of feedback to the rider.
The highly compact engine and under-engine muffler contribute to mass centralization. The front cowl (including instrument panel and headlight unit) is mounted directly to the frame, minimizing its effect on handling.
The bike’s tall seat height and long-stroke suspension result in a higher CG. The resulting increase in agility makes the Versys even more fun to control.
Chassis dimensions provide a balance of flickability and high-speed stability. (Although the Versys’ performance is optimized for everyday speed range, it is quite happy to oblige riders who wish to travel at higher speeds.) With a wheelbase of 1,415 mm, the Versys can still be considered a “short wheelbase” model, and accordingly it delivers a high level of agility.
Triple petal disc brakes offer superb stopping power and feel at the lever. 5 mm thick front discs contribute to enhanced controllability.
WIND PROTECTION
An adjustable windscreen helps reduce wind noise and helmet buffeting, creating a serene space behind which to enjoy high-speed riding.
The adjustable windscreen has three different settings (raised, standard, tilted forward), allowing riders to tailor its position to suit their preferences. (Adjusting the bolt-mounted windscreen requires a 4 mm hexagonal wrench.)
An optional tall screen accessory will be made available soon.
TOURING POTENTIAL
For riders who prefer longer excursions, a comfortable seat, relaxed riding position, large-volume fuel tank, protection from the adjustable windscreen, and enhanced touring potential make the Versys a very capable touring partner. A number of optional accessories further increase the Versys’ touring potential.
Along with the comfortable seat, the relaxed position enables riders to spend long hours in the saddle.
A 19-litre fuel tank combined with excellent fuel economy offers an ample touring range.
A number of new accessories further contribute to touring comfort: hand protectors, heated grips with 5 levels of adjustment, and a 12 V outlet. As with the previous model, taller windscreen, vario windscreen and frame sliders are also available.
In addition to the optional top-case, specially designed large-volume GIVI panniers are available as accessories. Each pannier can hold a full-face helmet and is rated for 5 kg (like the top case).
Passenger footpeg stays and the reinforced sub-frame were designed to accommodate the optional panniers and top case. The sub-frame’s additional strength contributes to increased stability when carrying luggage or a passenger .
Thanks to the under-engine muffler, the bike’s profile can stay relatively slim even with the panniers attached.
Hooks added to the underside of the tail cowl provide additional tie-down points for securing luggage.
Fine-tuned passenger seat/pegs/grab bar relationship offers enhanced passenger comfort.
Rubber added to the passenger footpegs also contributes to the enhanced passenger comfort.
Passenger position was also designed to offer a natural seating position. Revised tandem grab bars are flatter, easier to hold and positioned further out for greater freedom of movement.
Fine-tuned passenger seat/pegs/grab bar relationship offers enhanced passenger comfort.
Rubber added to the passenger footpegs also contributes to the enhanced passenger comfort.
The comfort afforded by the slim layout (possibly thanks to the under-engine muffler) also extends to the passenger. A further benefit is that heat is kept away from the passenger.
Layout is such that a passenger can also be comfortably accommodated when the optional footpegs are attached.
SHARPER NEW STYLING
Versys receives a sharper new styling package that better reflects its sporty nature. The updates include a more refined finish that gives the bike a higher-quality feel.
The new stacked dual headlamp design gives the Versys a slimmer appearance and speaks to its nimble handling. Using a single position lamp further contributes to the slim appearance.
Sculpted bodywork of the new front cowling and side fairing adds to the Versys’ dynamic image. Like an athlete, the image is one of flexibility and strength.
Revised radiator shrouds and swingarm pivot covers enhance appearance and contribute to the high-quality finish.
Slimmer front turn signals compliment the sharp new image. Positioned higher and further forward they help make the bike more visible.
Diamond-shaped mirrors contribute to the sharper styling. Positioned higher and further outward, they also offer improved rearward visibility. Revised mirror housings ensure a blur-proof view of the rear.
New front fender design looks sporty.
Revised engine covers contribute to the bike’s new styling.
New muffler end cap contribute to the sharper image.
New LED taillight (shared with the new Z1000), featuring a transparent red lens, helps give the tail a clean, tidy look.
Trimmed of unnecessary material, the new rear flap makes the tail look shorter, contributing to the bike’s light look.
Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider.
Revised footpegs with new hollow rubber covers help reduce unwanted vibration.
The instrument panel features white LED-backlighting for increased visibility at night. Features include a digital speedometer, analogue-style tachometer, digital fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meter, etc.
Under-seat storage space has room for a U-lock or similar device.
The turn signals also function as hazard lights.
Suspension and Wheels
LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION & SPORTY 17” WHEELS
Not all streets in the real world are made of circuit-smooth pavement. Road imperfections (bumps, potholes) are far from rare, and some streets are not even paved (such as cobblestone, etc). While the Versys was not designed for off-road use, its long-travel front fork and rear shock were specially selected to cope with any street conditions it may come across, and, along with its 17” wheels, enable aggressive sport riding. Further, the long-travel suspension provides an added dimension of controllability: the ability to consciously control the bike’s front-rear weight transfer gives riders an additional riding element to explore.
The long stroke of the inverted front fork and offset laydown rear shock allow experienced riders to actively control the bike’s front-rear weight balance. Purposely increasing braking force to compress the front suspension before a corner reduces the caster, resulting in quicker steering. Alternatively, the rider can opt to brake less aggressively, maintaining the bike’s attitude for a smooth, stable turn in. The Versys puts this choice in the hands of the rider, so the same corner can be enjoyed in a number of different ways.
Both the front fork and rear shock combine long travel with stiff springs. Standard off-road-style long-travel suspension allows a bike to fly over bumps and ruts with ease, but this type of suspension was deemed to be too mushy for the kind of riding we wanted to offer. Likewise with sport bike suspension, road holding is superb, but performance is best on (relatively) smooth roads. Combining both long travel and stiff springs yields the benefits of both off-road-style and sport-bike suspension, offering excellent road holding in a wide range of street riding conditions and superb feedback, enabling aggressive sport riding.
In addition to being tapered, the outer tubes of the 41 mm inverted front fork are relatively short (even at full compression, a large portion of the inner tubes remain visible) to provide the ideal stiffness balance to compliment chassis settings.
In order to accommodate the longer stroke of the rear suspension, an aluminium gull-type swingarm was chosen. The use of aluminium helps reduce unsprung weight .
In addition to being lighter, using a simple non-link type rear shock offers more direct feedback from the rear wheel, contributing to greater rider “feel.” The excellent feedback clearly communicates the bike’s limits, increasing rider confidence.
The ability of the rear suspension to soak up bumps and ruts was the key to being able to ride over cobblestone streets and handle road imperfections like rocks and potholes, etc. Consequently, a great deal of development time was devoted to the tuning of the Showa rear shock unit. The high-grade unit makes use of a free piston and 2-stage damping valves to ensure smooth action at the initial part of the compression stroke and firmer damping near full compression, giving a more planted feel.
This careful attention to the tuning of the rear suspension ensures the Versys can be ridden aggressively and with confidence through city streets, be they paved, brick or cobblestone.
Both the front and rear suspension have adjustable rebound damping and preload, offering riders a range of adjustability to experiment with should they so choose.
17” wheels, front and rear, contribute to the bike’s quick steering. The 120 mm front tire offers an excellent balance of quick steering and front wheel traction. Tire sizes are as follows:
Front: 120/60ZR17M/C 58W
Rear: 160/60ZR17M/C 69W
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel system: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-Ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.3 in.
Wheelbase: 55.7 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with 13-position adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.7 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 83.7 in.
Overall width: 33.1 in.
Overall height: 52.4 in.
Seat height: 33.3 in.
Curb weight: 454.2 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Colors: Metallic Imperial Red
Warranty: 12 months
