Kawasaki is expected to update the Versys 650 for 2022
Is Team Green finally refreshing its best-selling middleweight ADV?
Few motorcycles in the world are as synonymous with adventure as the Kawasaki Versys. Its name alone is derived from the word “Versatile”, and the bike’s numerous iterations and variations over the years have certainly made good on its name. The Versys 650, in particular, has become a staple in the big bike market, as it offers big bike performance and adventure bike comfort at an extremely attractive price point.
The current generation Versys downfall, however, comes not from an issue with the bike itself, but rather, from the fact that its competition has blazed past it in terms of performance and capability. In terms of versatility—off-road capability, in particular, Yamaha has taken the crown in the Japanese ADV segment with the potent and capable Tenere 700. Suzuki, too, has done a decent job with the V-Strom 650 XT, which gets wire-spoke wheels, and a 19-inch front wheel. Honda’s updates to the upcoming CB500X make it interesting, too, with inverted forks and dual disc brakes as standard.
Considering all these, it really isn’t surprising that Kawasaki is lining the Versys 650 up for an update in 2022. Unfortunately, however, this update doesn’t seem to be as groundbreaking as we had hoped. Just like the rest of its 650 model range—the Ninja 650 and Z650—expect the updates to the Versys to be, for the most part, cosmetic. For the 2021 model-year, Kawasaki facelifted the Ninja 650 to sport a near-identical fascia to that of the Ninja ZX-6R. So, too, did the Z650, with a styling update that made it look like a baby Z H2. As such, we can expect the 2022 Versys 650 to get updated styling to match the bigger Versys 1000—so that’s a new front end, and perhaps, slightly redesigned bodywork with “striking new colors.”
That said, we will most likely see refinements to Kawasaki’s boring, yet dependable 649cc, 180-degree parallel-twin engine. Expect it to produce around 68 ponies in linear and predictable fashion, as well as an exhaust note reminiscent of that of a sit-down lawn mower. Hopefully, at least, Kawasaki will fit its fancy new TFT instrument panel on the new Versys 650, and give it Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration via the Rideology mobile app. Team Green is set to unveil the new Versys to the global market on November 23, so keep your eyes peeled, and we’ll be sure to deliver you the latest scoop on this popular middleweight ADV.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Check out the all-new Triumph Daytona 660 / News
Triumph hs unveiled the 2024 Daytona 660 as a beginner-focused supersport based on the Trident 660.
-
Ducati unveils 5 Panigale Race Replicas to celebrate racing success / News
Ducati has 5 new Panigale Race Replicas to celebrate its success in motorsports for 2023.
-
Bentley and Ducati have just launched a limited-edition Diavel V4 / News
Bentley and Ducati have teamed up for a limited-edition run of the Diavel V4 meant to pay tribute to the new Bentley Batur grand tourer.
-
Check out Kawasaki’s 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition / News
Kawasaki has unveiled the 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition in Europe.
-
The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is finally here / News
BMW Motorrad has officially launched the 2024 R 1300 GS in the Philippines.
Latest News
-
LTFRB to halt expansion of motorcycle taxis in NCR / News
The LTFRB has announced that it’s putting a stop to the expansion of motorcycle taxis within Metro Manila.
-
45th Bangkok International Motor Show 2024: What to expect at this year’s big event / News
The spotlight is on Bangkok as 49 of the world's most celebrated car and motorcycle manufacturers line up for the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show.
-
The CFMOTO 450MT is finally here, and it can be yours for just P328,900 / News
CFMOTO has just pulled the covers off the 450MT in the global market, and is ready to dominate the ADV segment.