FOLLOWING the recent launch of the new 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 and the Kawasaki Z900 ABS early this year, the media finally got its collective hands on the two much anticipated models for a short ride.
The riding session was quite rightly split into two as the Versys and Z are two dissimilar bikes. One is capable of different road types including a capability to go off-road, while the other is purely for the urban tarmac.
The Versys-X 250 is a completely new model for the company. The styling speaks adventure riding and it is billed as an “Any Road, Any Time” bike.
It is equipped with a fuel-injected, 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin designed to produce smooth low-end power while not sacrificing top-end acceleration.
The frame is a traditional diamond-type frame, reinforced to be capable of carrying a passenger and luggage. Its suspension is a 41mm telescopic fork up front and a bottom-link Uni-Trak gas-charged monoshock at the rear.
The front forks offer 130mm of travel while the rear is 150mm. Only the monoshock is adjustable for preload. The wheels are off-road ready 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear shod with multi-purpose tyres.
A gear-indicator on the instrumentation is a first for a small capacity machine while the ubiquitous Kawasaki Economical Riding Indicator is also present. The clutch is equipped with a slipper system to smooth downshifts and is fitted with an assist cam to lighten the clutch pull.
The Versys-X 250 produces 24.7 kW @ 11,500 rpm and 21.7 Nm @ 10,000 rpm. The fairly high output is smoothed by dual throttle valves (one set is controlled by the ECU). It weighs in at 173kg and the large fuel tank carries 17 litres of fuel.
A useful centre stand is standard on the Versys-X 250 (only for the Malaysian market).
The light clutch pull is light and the bike pulls away vigorously. It is apparent that the Versys-X 250 is rev happy. The balancer shaft equipped engine is smooth, but some vibration is noticable at higher revs (ie. At illegal speeds).
Suspension control is excellent and the bike handles well on road sections and highways. The Versys-X 250 is more comfortable when riding at a moderate speeds and it is capable of covering long distances.
(The bike is capable of travelling a distance of over 450 km). The seat initially feels firm but we got used to it for the rest of the 150 km loop we covered.
Part of it was light off-road routes (oil-palm estate roads) with muddy sections and water crossings. The Versys-X 250 was competent at this and left us wishing for a longer off-road section.
Overall, the Versys-X 250 represents excellent value for money at RM22,442.45 for those seeking a lightweight adventure bike with commuting capabilities.
The afternoon session was reserved for the Z900 ABS. As a replacement for the mighty Z800, the Z900 ABS needed to be better and stronger.
The first thing you notice is the Sugomi elements of the styling, making the Z900 ABS even more aggressive-looking than its predecessor. But Kawasaki saw fit to boost power and lighten the weight.
The capacity is now 948 cc for the fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four. Power is up to 125 PS @ 9,500 rpm (113 PS for the Z800) while weight is 21 kg lighter at 210 kg.
The weight-loss is attributed to the all-new trellis frame that only weighs 13.5kg despite being built in high-tensile steel and an all-aluminium swingarm. The Z900 ABS also has an assist and slipper clutch as standard, as well as ABS.
The instrumentation is now fully LCD and also has a gear position indicator and Economical Riding Indicator. The front USD fork and rear horizontal back-link rear monoshock is now fully adjustable.
There is also a Special Edition Z900 ABS (in blue) equipped with special graphics, single seat cover, a DC outlet, radiator guard, engine guards, frame sliders, front axle sliders and tank and knee pads.
Lifting the Z900 off the side stand reveals the weight-loss programme is a success. The Z900 ABS feels as light as the older ER6.
The light clutch is also very apparent and the Z900 ABS has a distinct growl.
The shape of the airbox is designed to funnel the intake noise towards the rider to increase the aural excitement. The mix of highway riding and B-roads reveals the Z900 ABS is as competent as its predecessor and more composed on the bumpier roads.
The engine is exciting with a strong low-end and a fat mid-range to play with. The riding position is slightly upright and this facilitates better control.
However, there is no wind-protection and this limits those who wish to ride it at high velocity. The Z900 ABS is built to be an urban razor, to carve through the traffic with power and control.
The ABS and slipper clutch work as advertised and helps the Z900 ABS negotiate our city streets easily and quickly. With a little extra wind protection, it can also be a competent long distance bike.
At RM49,800.00 the Z900 ABS is only RM1,400.00 more than the outgoing Z800. A small price to pay for a completely revised model.