Versys 650 redo? Will they do it?

[usedtobefast]

So Kawasaki did a major revision to the Ninja 650 for 2017 ... all sorts of benefits and dropped a whopping 42 lbs from the weight!

I've tried searching and can't find anything about when these revisions might make their way over to the Versys 650.

Any one heard anything?

 

[RightCoastBias]

Haven't heard anything yet. Imagine we won't till EICMA.

 

[Sharky]

Forget what I said. Misread the op post.

 

[davidji]

Versys 650 gen 2 lasted 5 years, and if gen 3 (2015+) is the same, then we'd see gen 4 for 2020.

Sure they could update it sooner or later. Are they selling? Do the FJ09, the new DL650 or the Tracer 700 put too much competitive pressure on them?

What I think it needs to be more competitive is an 270 degree (or similar) crank. Several manufacturers have been moving to 270 degree crank parallel twins, with some oddities like 315 degree cranks as well. I think it's hard for a 180 degree parallel twin to compete in riding experience.

If Kawasaki was going to do a major update on another of their 650s, I think the KLR is more in need. But I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Frisco]

What I think it needs to be more competitive is an 270 degree (or similar) crank. Several manufacturers have been moving to 270 degree crank parallel twins, with some oddities like 315 degree cranks as well. I think it's hard for a 180 degree parallel twin to compete in riding experience.

How would the riding experience differ with a 270 deg crank? When I ride my Gen 2 Versys I experience tons of riding fun! :thumbup

 

[CDONA]

A 270 crank may be easier to de vibe than a 180.

Only one piston is starting and stopping at a time, not both.

 

[Sharky]

Versys 650 gen 2 lasted 5 years, and if gen 3 (2015+) is the same, then we'd see gen 4 for 2020.

Sure they could update it sooner or later. Are they selling? Do the FJ09, the new DL650 or the Tracer 700 put too much competitive pressure on them?

What I think it needs to be more competitive is an 270 degree (or similar) crank. Several manufacturers have been moving to 270 degree crank parallel twins, with some oddities like 315 degree cranks as well. I think it's hard for a 180 degree parallel twin to compete in riding experience.

If Kawasaki was going to do a major update on another of their 650s, I think the KLR is more in need. But I'm not holding my breath.

It only took them 25 years to update the first KLR. The second version (or perhaps technically the third) is only a decade old and people still like the old ones better!

 

[davidji]

How would the riding experience differ with a 270 deg crank? When I ride my Gen 2 Versys I experience tons of riding fun! :thumbup

I loved my 2nd gen Versys 650.

A 270 degree crank parallel twin has the firing sequence of a 90 degree V-twin, and feels much different from a 180 degree crank parallel twin like in the Versys.

I've had 3 of the 180 type, and one 270. I think I could go back, but not eager to.

 

[bpw]

It only took them 25 years to update the first KLR. The second version (or perhaps technically the third) is only a decade old and people still like the old ones better!

That's cause they didn't actually fix any of the problems, just added a bunch of plastic. Cause everyone always wanted a heavier KLR.

To be fair, they did updated the forks from completely inadequate, to just barely adequate.

 

[Kameron808]

That's cause they didn't actually fix any of the problems, just added a bunch of plastic. Cause everyone always wanted a heavier KLR.

To be fair, they did updated the forks from completely inadequate, to just barely adequate.

I was hoping they'd make it a bunch taller and sell it in some bitchin shades like brown and wheat also. Make a good bike perfect.

 

[mitiasbikes]

Yeah seriously why dont Japanese manufacturers update their 30 year old design 650s dual sports. I would love to buy one if it had FI, weighted 350- and had at least 60hp.

 

[FreeRyde]

I want them to bring back the OG Concours ZG1000.

Versys will likely always have the "same" engine as the 650r's, probably won't see a new one for a few more years.