Lightweight Adventure-Tourer for the Masses

Kawasaki Versys-X 250

From Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Press Release

  • Small and lightweight means easier to control.
  • Big front wheel and long-travel suspension to soak up the bumps.
  • Sturdy frame to carry passenger and luggage for extended tours.
  • Be at the “Closer To You” Test Ride Roadshow this Sunday, for a chance to test ride. More details here.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 250 combines big bike adventure styling in small-sized touring platform that builds on the any road any time performance of Kawasaki’s Versys models by adding increased capability on unpaved roads. At 250cc, the Versys-X 250 is the smallest-displacement model in the adventure-touring category, making it the only model of its kind. Like you would expect from a bike designed to be the ideal travel partner, it offers the best comfort and convenience of any 250cc model. The motorcycle is more manageable in both weight and power, and more accessible to motorcycle adventure. The Versys-X 250 offers a high level of riding excitement and rider confidence in a wide range of riding situations.

POWERFUL PARALLEL-TWIN ENGINE
The efficiency-tuned 249cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, Parallel-Twin engine produces smooth, responsive torque at low and medium rpm, and powerful acceleration at high rpm.

Smooth power delivery and low-end torque facilitate slow-speed manoeuvres, offering both a high level of control when making minute throttle adjustments and gratifying rush of acceleration in the lower rpm range, while la balancer takes care of vibrations. An ample top-end offers comfortable highway cruising.

RUGGED BACKBONE FRAME
The all-new highly rigid backbone frame was designed to handle external shocks, contributing to the Versys-X’s unpaved-road capability. The sturdy frame is also able to support a passenger and luggage, making the Versys-X a very capable touring partner.

LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION
Using 41mm diameter long-travel suspension enables the Versys-X to deliver riding excitement across a wide range of riding situations. Road imperfections such as bumps and potholes are far from rare and many streets are not even paved. The long- travel suspension is designed to easily soak up road imperfections, even when travelling on unpaved roads. Excellent feedback from the front end contributes to rider confidence and a high level of riding excitement, while the linked rear suspension offers both riding stability and ride comfort.

19″/17″ SPOKE WHEELS WITH MULTI-PURPOSE TYRES
The wheel base has its 19” front and 17” rear spoke wheels give it a greater capability on unpaved roads in comparison to its larger, street-focused brothers. Multi-purpose tubed tyres also contribute to capability on unpaved roads while tyre tread pattern adds to the Versys-X 250 adventurous style image.

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LARGE-VOLUME BODYWORK & ADVENTURE-STYLE DESIGN
The Versys-X 250’s large-volume bodywork and impressive adventure styling give it the imposing appearance of a much larger-displacement machine. The rugged design of the Versys-X 250 looks very much at home off the pavement. Also inspired by adventure models, Versys-X 250 has the combination of a tall upper cowl design and a large-sized windshield that provides superior wind protection, adding to long-distance riding comfort and at the same time contributes to adventure-style looks.

STYLISH MULTI-FUNCTIONAL INSTRUMENTALIZATION
Built into the Versys-X 250 is a stylish multi-functional instrumentation that features a large analogue tachometer flanked by warning lamps on one side, and a gear position indicator and multi-function LCD screen on the other. The gear position indicator is a first for a 250cc-class Kawasaki, thus increasing shifting precision and confidence, while also contributing to a sporty image. In addition to outstanding convenience, the instrumentation offers a premium feel on par with larger-displacement models. Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions.

ASSIST & SLIPPER CLUTCH
Based on the feedback from racing activities, the assist and slipper clutch uses two types of cams, an assist cam and a slipper cam, to drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart. Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self- servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plate.This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull when operating the clutch. When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts or accidental downshift – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.

DUAL THROTTLE VALVES
The Versys-X 250 comes with dual throttle valves. There are two throttle valves per cylinder in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider. A second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency in improved and power is increased. Like other Kawasaki engine management technology, Dual Throttle Valves were designed with the philosophy of “following the rider’s intention, while providing natural-feeling support.”

WANT TO TEST RIDE?

You’ll stand a chance to test ride this Versys-X 250 at Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.’s “Closer To You” Test Ride Roadshow this Sunday, 14th May 2017. Find out more here.

Please follow Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.’s official website and official Facebook page for more details.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valves, parallel-Twin
Displacement 249cc
Bore x Stroke 62.0 mm x 41.2 mm
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
Fuel system Electronic fuel injection, 28mm with dual throttle valves
Maximum power 33.1 bhp (24.7 kW) @ 11,500 RPM
Maximum torque 21.7 Nm @ 10,000 RPM
Front suspension 41mm telescopic forks
Rear suspension Bottom-link Uni-Trak gas-charged shock, adjustable for preload
Front brakes 1 x 290 mm petal disc, 1 x balanced actuation dual-piston caliper
Rear brake 1 x 220 mm petal disc, 1 x dual-piston caliper
Frame High-tensile steel backbone
Rake 24.3 degrees
Ground clearance 180 mm
Seat height 815 mm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Curb weight 173 kg
Wahid Ooi Abdullah

Wahid's lust for motorcycles was spurred on by his late-Dad's love for his Lambretta on which he courted, married his mother, and took baby Wahid riding on it. He has since worked in the motorcycle and automotive industry for many years, before taking up riding courses and testing many, many motorcycles since becoming a motojournalist. Wahid likes to see things differently. What can you say about a guy who sees a road safety message in AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."