Kawasaki Versys 1000 S GT
Is passive suspension but more tech still good value?
FOR 2021, KAWASAKI has dropped its base-model Versys 1000 and replaced it with this — the higher-spec, but more expensive, Versys 1000 S. Essentially its flagship SE model, but without its excellent semiactive suspension, it represents a saving of £1900 compared to the halo SE.
It also means that the lowest-spec Versys now has such luxuries as heated grips, an up-down quickshifter, cornering lights, a TFT dash that’s full of connectivity and self-healing paint even if, starting at £12999, it is £1699 more expensive than that now-defunct base model. Nothing comes for free these days…
Like last year, all Versys models come in three trim levels (standard, Tourer, Grand Tourer) though, according to Kawasaki, three-quarters of buyers plump for the Grand Tourer trim level with its large luggage capacity. Costing £14,699, it is the bike we’re testing here and for £1700 over the stock S, adds just about every touring extra you’d want (see Beyond The Hype).
And when it comes to equipment, the Gt-spec bike compares well to the £14,290 BMW S1000XR base-model and the new
Ducati Multistrada V4, which starts at £15,495 — you’d need to spend thousands on extras to kit them out to the same level as a Versys 1000 S Grand Tourer.
Visually, the Versys S remains a bit challenging and that new TFT dash isn’t as much of an event as some of its rivals. When you start to step up the price point, these things do come into play and it’s the same for Kawasaki’s switchgear interface. The heated grips’ power level isn’t shown on the dash and the slightly-small switchgear isn’t the nicest to use. However, get rolling and things improve.
Although quite heavy-feeling at low speed, once you are moving the Versys impresses. Those heated grips, bar guards and a touring screen make the Kawasaki a very comfortable place to spend time and with the screen on its highest setting, riders over six-feet tall will feel little buffeting.
It’s a really solid tourer, helped by the relaxed and torque-laden delivery of the inline-four motor.
The addition of the four rider modes is slightly surplus to requirement on the Versys as the motor is so smooth, even when the tarmac is sodden you never really feel the need to mute its power delivery. ‘Road’ mode is perfect for all occasions and it’s hard to find fault with its rider-aids — aside from the up-down shifter, which could be smoother in its action, especially at low revs. For covering miles, the Versys S hits the mark, though there is a slight concern...
Although the forks are set really nicely for road riding, the shock is a little soft and when you add a pillion, it sinks quite drastically. There is a remote preload adjuster, which I feel will get a workout should owners start to load the Kawasaki up, and it is one of the times you miss the SE’S semi-active suspension, which allows the preload to be altered while on the go.
When you start to ride at a brisk pace,