REVIEW | Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS ticks those boxes for an everyday commuter

• The Versys 650 ABS offers linear performance from the parallel-twin engine.

• A fuel range of over 350km is possible on the 21L fuel tank.

• The Versys 650 ABS is competitively priced at R119 900.

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There is something to be said for a bike that does exactly what it says on the tin. You might be considering an everyday motorcycle. A bike that you can commute with, do some longer trips and add panniers if the need arises. It must also not cost a fortune. This is where the Versys 650 ABS steps in.

Although the white paint scheme on this test unit hides some of its aggressive sharp lines, the fairings have some very particular lines running from the front with those angular headlights. Up front, there are double discs with Nissin callipers and at the back a single disc. As has become synonymous with this mid-range Versys, the rear shock is side-mounted.

As the spring is painted Kawasaki green, it stands out and is definitely a bright design element of the right-hand side of the bike.

2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

Wheels24 Wilhelm Lutjeharms

In the saddle

The seat is wide, soft and absorbent. Regular riders would know what a difference the small step between the rider and pillion's seat can do. That is the case here. Spending time in this saddle for several hours won't be a challenge and shouldn't be for the pillion rider either. The seating position is upright, while the windscreen can be manually adjusted by turning two knobs on the screen's outside (front side). I prefer my screens usually as low as possible, so I kept it in the lowest position. 

The engine might be a twin, but it is a parallel twin. The result is that it is super smooth in its execution throughout the rev range. Some might say it is a little characterless, but it is as if the torque and power curves run parallel to each other, resulting in very linear power delivery - nothing like a V-twin.

With the redline at 10 000rpm, the engine can potter around the 3 000rpm mark through traffic, but let the engine run and it is eager to chase around the clock to the redline. However, the engine is not comfortable running below the 3 000rpm mark. 

Depending on your requirements, this engine proved to me again the level of performance such a basic and medium-capacity engine can offer. With the larger capacity motorcycle being all the rage, we forget how useful and capable these smaller capacity motorcycles are. 

Over the test period, and with a mix type of riding, I was able to achieve an average consumption of 18.5km/litre, which translates into 5.4-litres/100km. The result is that from the near-21 litre tank you will easily cover over 350 km between fill-ups. There is not a high level of technology onboard. Actually, there is very little. You have the analogue rev counter - which I personally prefer - and a basic trip computer with a Trip A and B, a fuel range indicator, fuel tank reading and odometer. There is an ABS braking system, though, which was a welcoming safety feature when the rain came down, and the roads were wet.

2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

Wheels24 Wilhelm Lutjeharms

Summary

All things considered, this is basic transportation, but it is also a fun bike to ride that is both comfortable and easy to manage. The engine's performance is linear, and it has the basic onboard necessities. The clincher is the price though: R119 900. A respectable price, even though there are a number of good competitors in this segment as well. Having said that, a single USB or 12V socket(s) would go a long way in making this bike a good daily ride, even if it costs a little more. It will be easy to fit this aftermarket, though. 

The Versys 650 should be considered as a mid-level motorcycle, ticking most boxes for most riders in this price bracket.

Special thanks to Mad Macs in Somerset West for supplying this test unit. 

2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS

Wheels24 Wilhelm Lutjeharms