Well, hasn’t the 1000 Versys come a long way? The 2012 version, with its stacked headlights, seemed a little career-confused, something Kawasaki sorted out with the new version in 2015. It was well priced ($16,299 as we speak), well equipped and nailed the long-distance, sports-touring brief well, including the luggage carrying ability such a bike requires. There was a lot to like about the standard Versys, even if the name itself takes a bit to absorb.
For 2019, the bike has taken an aggressive step towards its European competitors by adding, amongst other things, a full swag of IMU-driven electronics, a full-colour TFT dash and semi active suspension, including electronically activated rear pre-load, and radial mounted brake calipers – and of course a price upgrade to allow that level of…