First ride: 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 and 1000

MCN has recently been at the world launch of Kawasaki’s new Versys 650 and 1000 in Sicily. Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves rode both models and said: “The 1000 was in sore need of an update, not least because the current version is so ugly. Kawasaki has improved the looks massively with a new ZX-10R-style twin-headlight fairing.

“The 118bhp, 1043cc inline four-cylinder machine also has a comfier new seat, a centre stand as standard, larger diameter front brake discs, an adjustable screen, a stiffer rear shock and best of all, the pointless dual purpose tyres have been ditched to make way for dedicated Bridgestone T30 sports touring rubber. Costing £9749, the Versys 1000 slips nicely under the ten grand mark

“The revised £6749 Versys 650 also gets the 1000’s new nose and tweaks to its 68bhp, 649cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, giving it slightly more top end performance and improved fuel economy. It also has a larger fuel tank, upgraded suspension, a new master cylinder, brake pads and a larger rear disc.”

Read the full test in the December 31 issue of MCN.