Liked the Versys, but craved more power? Well Kawasaki has decided to do just that in 2015 with the announcement that it is bringing a newly styled Versys 1000 LT with a slipper clutch, upgraded braking and suspension to the U.S. market.
The Versys 1000 LT gets its power from a 1043cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, a powerplant that’s based on the one found in the Z1000 streetfighter. Kawasaki gave the powerplant some upgrades for ‘15, adding two additional intake passages, utilizing long-type Denso 12-hole fine-atomizing injectors and Denso stick-type ignition coils. Ignition timing was revised so it all works together seamlessly. To reduce vibration, the engine is mounted with two new rubber engine mounts, placed ahead of the cylinder and upper rear crankcase mounts.
The Versys 1000 comes standard with rider aids such as ABS, ECO (Economical Riding Indicator), three-mode KTRC Traction Control, engine Power Modes and the new Assist and Slipper Clutch. The new Assist and Slipper Clutch makes use of an assist cam and slipper cam, with the assist cam working to reduce the clutch spring load and lighten lever pull by a claimed 30 percent.
Kawasaki also made some suspension updates include concentrating on the damping mechanism in the right fork tube and softening rebound and compression to improve rider comfort. The outer tubes were lengthened by 20mm to increase fork rigidity and the springs come with a softer rate and increased length to improve stability. The rear suspension gets a stiffer spring and the compression damping has been softened.
And to help bring the more powerful Versys Kawasaki to a stop it gets larger, 310mm petal discs and dual four-piston calipers while the rear remains with the same 250mm petal disc and single-piston caliper set-up from previous model years. The ABS system has been updated to be more compact and lightweight.
For a more comfortable ride, the Versys gets new high rigidity handlebars mounted 20mm higher and a new single-piece triple clamp that’s rubber mounted. The front brake lever and clutch lever are adjustable, with the brake getting six positions while the clutch gets five.
To provide more protection from the wind, the Versys gets a larger windscreen with increased adjustability, as well as new upper and side cowls that are designed to improve airflow around the bike. Kawasaki has also included a centerstand as a standard feature on the 2015 Versys 1000.
Stylewise the headlights are now horizontally mounted and not stacked – to match the look of the brand’s more sporty offerings. Other styling changes include redesigned mirrors, relocated turn signals relocated and updates to the bodywork for a more aggressive looking Versys.
Kawasaki’s Quick Release (KQR) Saddlebags and hand guards will also come standard on the Versys 1000 LT.
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 1043cc
Bore x stroke: 77 x 56mm
Compression ratio: 10.3.1
Maximum torque: 75.2 lb-ft @ 7500rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel Injection: DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Sealed chain
Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
Front suspension / wheel travel: KYB 43mm inverted front fork with adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 inches of travel
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Horizontal back-link shock with adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload, remote preload adjuster / 5.9 inches of travel
Front tire: 120/70×17
Rear tire: 180/55×17
Front brakes: Dual 310mm petal rotors with four-piston calipers, ABS
Rear brakes: Single 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper, ABS
Overall length: 88.2 inches
Overall width: 35.2 inches
Overall height: 55.1 inches (windshield set low), 57.7 inches (windshield set high)
Ground clearance: 5.9 inches
Seat height: 33.1 inches
Wheelbase: 59.8 inches
Curb weight: **549 pounds
Fuel capacity: 5.5 gallons
Colors: Candy Burnt Orange / Metallic Spark Black , Flat Ebony / Metallic Spark Black
MSRP Standard: $TBD
Warranty: 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus (optional): 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
**Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
For more Cycle News Adventure motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more Kawasaki motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
