The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 and 650 LT have been unveiled at the ongoing 2021 EICMA Motorcycle Show in Italy. The middleweight touer gets major upgrades that extend to the styling, comfort, and rider aids. The model though retains the same underpinnings with the changes intended to make the offering better in several ways.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 range is now more aggressively styled with a sharper front design. The twin LED headlamp design has been retained but is more in-your-face in appearance, while the windscreen now comes with four-way adjustability to adjust airflow, as well as height between 1-3 inches. Moreover, the motorcycle will let you do it using a button on the TFT screen. Those opting for th touring-friendly Versys 650 LT, the 2022 edition gets the Kawasaki quick-release 28-litre saddlebags and handguards as part of the standard kit.
The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 range continues to use the same 649cc parallel-twin engine that develops 66PS and 60.7Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The big update though is the addition of KTRC or Kawasaki Traction Control that comes with two modes. The traction control system can be fully disabled as well. Other mechanicals remain the same including the steel chassis, Showa sourced long-travel suspension with a 41mm telescopic forks at the front and a single offset monoshock at the rear.
Braking power comes from dual 300mm disc brakes at the front and a single 250mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard on the tourer. Colour options will include the Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black, and the Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black for the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650. Buyers opting for the Versys 650 LT get only the Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black colour option. The 4.3-inch TFT digital console also gets Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to connect your smartphone.