Among adventure motorcycles, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 has been more of a dull yet packed deal. "Dull" here is not in terms of what this Kawa has to offer, but in the overall charisma that the Versys 1000 puts forth. It looks bland and has a dated design language with a splash of green. In the exciting and drooling line-up from Kawasaki for 2022, this sure looks out of place.
And if you put it against the competition that includes the much-beefier looking ones like the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, BMW S1000XR, Ducati Multistrada V2, Yamaha Tracer 900 GT, and Triumph Tiger Sport; this green entity doesn't stand a chance! As the Versys cannot go balls-out here, Kawasaki has taken a rather mellow turn for 2022. The new Versys follows a less-is-more mantra which adds a new base trim that is cheaper but doesn't compromise on its commendable electronics package or performance.
Its USP is still the impressive value-for-money perspective that despite its dull outlook, makes it a jack among its pricy competitors. All said and done, the 2022 Kawasaki Versys remains one of the most versatile adventure-touring motorcycles out there. And its impressive list of touring-ready accessories makes things much easier for the nomadic riders.
The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 adds 2 new trims and adds more "bang-for-buck" to this versatile ADV tourer.
2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Updates: A Versys For Everyone
Kawasaki has gone simple with the 2022 Versys 1000 and this is because of a humbler and possibly cheaper trim addition called 'Standard'. This is also accompanied by a new top-of-the-line trim called 'SE' that sits above the already existing 'S' trim from last year.
The downside (if you are the hardest of critics of please!) is that the Standard trim is devoid of many electronic goodies like Showa Skyhook suspension, rider aids, ride modes, TFT instrument cluster, and touring specific bits like a larger windscreen, grip heats, and hand covers. All of this, however, can be had as priced accessories. And this layout now allows for people with various demands to get a Versys 1000 of their choice without a hassle.
2022 Versys Packs A Dependable 120 HP Inline-4
There are no changes whatsoever on the engine front and the 2022 Versys 1000 comes equipped with a very versatile powerplant. The 1,043 ccs. inline-4 liquid-cooled unit pumps out 120 HP and 75 lb-ft of torque, ample to take you far and long with comfort. This is the same engine from the Ninja 1000 SX, albeit in a different state of tune. The performance is unchanged across the trims, but features like a bi-directional quick-shifter come as an option low down in the list.
The Vanilla Tourer With A Smooth Punch
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 has made a name for itself by being the easy-going smooth touring machine. The rider doesn't need to work with the motorcycle here, as it puts forth a well-balanced package of linear performance, nimble handling, and cozy ergonomics.
Even on the base 'S' trim, the suspension and braking setup is well-balanced and consists of 43 mm inverted front forks with KECS tech; gas-charged rear shock with piggyback reservoir, and dual 310 mm calipers up front along with a single 250 mm caliper at the rear. So, despite having little to no drama, the 2022 Versys packs a solid and smooth punch when it comes to dynamics.
2022 Versys 1000 Continues To Impress With Electronics
Kawasaki never disappoints when it comes to electronics and the 2022 Versys 1000 packs quite the bucketful. Features like cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and full LED lighting are standard even for the base S trim. Kawa also packs the 2022 Versys 1000 with Assist and slipper clutch, economical riding indicator, power modes, and quick shifter to name a few. A famed feature in the electronic suite is its electronically adjustable suspension system called KECS which is a blessing for touring.
This helps you to soften or harder the riding dynamics at the click of a button. As for smartphone connectivity, this Kawa has got it covered as well. It comes with a TFT display that can sync a smartphone and various features using "Rideology The App". And for the full LED lighting setup, it also comes with cornering lights, a much-needed feature for long night rides. The standard trim misses out on the TFT though.
Not Quite The Looker, But Practical Runs Deep
The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is not a looker of a machine. The Ducati Multistrada V2 is gorgeous and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is a rad-looking orange hooligan. But this Kawa doesn't quite have the "Green monster" magic. Kawasaki has always been a sucker for purpose over form and that triumphs here as well.
The rider's triangle is given extreme importance with the Ergo-fit feature that allows changing the position of handlebar, footpegs, seat, and other chassis interface bits with a series of interchangeable parts. And for the asking price (which we will come to in a bit), all these flexibility options make this Kawa an extremely cozy and value for money proposition.
2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000: Pricing And Launch Date
The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is priced from €11,995 for the newly introduced base 'S' trim which converts to $13,914. For reference, the 2022 Ducati Multistrada V2 starts from $15,925 and that is a gap of more than $2000! As for the higher trims, the S and SE have a price difference of €4,700 ($5,452) which is quite the gap! The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 will be available in the US from February 2022.
Sources: Kawasaki.com, Kawasaki.eu, Rideapart.com, Visordown.com, Totalmotorcycle.com