Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVERSYS 1000 SE 2021 Camping much further away

With the arrival of the S in the range, the Versys 1000 SE could be in danger of losing its place at Kawasaki. Fortunately, it retains the privilege of its pilot-operated suspension. Manufactured by Showa, they have been upgraded to make the Kawasaki even more comfortable.

Today, if you want to maintain a tactical position on the trail-GT market, you have no choice: you need electronics, lots of them, and offer the premium touch to take care of the fork and shock absorber.

Since 2019, this has been the job of the KECS system. The time has come to upgrade its cognitive capabilities by grafting Skyhook EERA software onto it. Basically, the damping force is better controlled to keep the bike's attitude as stable as possible. The suspates eat up bumps and hollows to reduce pitching.

The result is a smoother, more velvety ride while retaining the basic technology. The Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension adapts damping in real time using information transmitted by sensors mounted on the fork and amorto, by the IMU and by the engine management unit. The solenoid valves react to milliseconds and then adjust the suspension to the road, taking into account the type of "reaction" desired by the rider. Road feel via KECS can be firm, normal or soft. The load on board can also be adjusted, with three possibilities: pilot / pilot with luggage / pilot with passenger and luggage.

this is THE added value of this SE. And it allows it to fully assume its vocation as a large tourer with a trail-like face. Over-equipped, the Versys 1000 SE shouldn't be called Special Edition, but Special Voyage, because the manufacturer has put almost everything it had in stock into this machine, apart from the luggage, which remains optional.

From the appreciable windscreen to the handguards, the equipment is no different from that of the S. But that doesn't stop it from being generous. There's cruise control, self-healing paint - on the fuel tank, inner fairing and under-seat trim - side lights for cornering, riding modes, a 12V socket, Up&Down shifter, heated grips and a Sport-GT cockpit.
The big rev counter is mated to a high-calibre TFT color window packed with information. This is no stranger to the H2 and its cousin H2 SX SE (and SE+). Many functions need to be displayed...and set. Let's start by pairing the smartphone with the Rideology app to view a range of motorcycle info (maintenance, trips, fuel, angles taken, average speed, etc.), customize the dashboard display, manage calls and music, and adjust all the riding aids.

And comfort. Ready to go? Let the 120 hp engine warm up a little while you choose a driving mode. There are four of them, the first three with their factory-set characters, and the fourth, which you can customize to suit your personal taste.
Sport : KTRC traction control is set to 1, the least intrusive, Power Mode is set to full power and KECS is set to Hard.
Road : road-oriented, it increases KTRC to 2, leaves full power and softens KECS in Normal.
Rain : much more docile, with KTRC set to 3, power lowered and KECS set to Soft.
Rider : allows the rider to set KTRC to 1/2/3/off, Power Mode to Full or Low, and KECS to Hard/Normal/Soft, with additional appreciation of +5 and -5 notches on suspension compression and rebound.

with the IMU on board, ABS is available in a cornering version. KIBS, the intelligent anti-lock braking system that modulates braking pressure according to the bike's dynamics, is reinforced by the adaptive cornering system. Brake management works in tandem with controlled damping. A reassuring system when you've got a 257-kilo bike in your hands and the weather is playing tricks on you.

Kawasaki's SE definition has become the answer to our electronically-armored rivals, which are becoming more and more abundant every year. Chained to the maximum of the manufacturer's capacities, the big Versys clearly wants to put its crutch in the corner of the Europeans. Pricing, too, has taken a step forward, far less democratic than the trail philosophy. However, it remains below the average for Ducatis, Triumphs and BMWs with equivalent equipment levels. On the other hand, it will be hard to compete with the KTM Super Adventure, which is far more powerful, lighter and more distinctive.

M.B - manufacturer's media