Any Road, Anytime: The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer
POSTED: 07/08/2025
Open Roads, Endless Smiles
Picture this: you’re climbing the Pennines, the wind lapping past your visor as Northumberland’s coastline stretches out ahead. Or maybe you're navigating Newcastle’s A1 corridor with ease come rain or shine. The new Versys 650 Grand Tourer is built for moments like these, offering ride-tuned performance, all-season resilience, and comfort that lasts well beyond the first happy hour.
Fresh Looks & Tech That Makes Sense
Kawasaki hasn’t just given the Versys 650 a facelift. It’s updated its soul. The upper cowl styling now mirrors the flagship Versys 1000, lending a bold road presence and added wind protection that’s easy to adjust from the comfort of your seat. Inside the cockpit, a slick new 4.3” full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity keeps you informed without distraction and looks sharp doing it.
LED lighting upgrades, including headlights, indicators, and taillight. Add modern flair while improving visibility on misty moorland mornings.
Heart & Honesty: Engine and Performance
At its core, the 649 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin delivers 49 kW (67 PS) at 8,500 rpm with a respectable 61 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. A restricted 35 kW variant is available for A2 licence holders.
On UK roads, BikeSocial notes the engine feels lively in lower revs,m smooth in traffic, eager enough to overtake, and still comfortable at 80 mph motorway cruising around 6,000 rpm.
Chassis & Comfort: Balanced Versatility
With a tame 219 kg curb weight and upright handlebars, the Versys is stable yet willing through twisty lanes or traffic-choked streets. MCN echoes this: “a mid-sized tall roader” that feels composed. Suspension setup has also leveled up: 41 mm inverted forks with preload and rebound adjustability up front, a lay-down rear shock with remote preload on the back, offering 150 mm and 145 mm travel respectively. Together, these soak up potholes and Pennine lumps alike, with Bennetts praising its steady response on fast A-roads. Brakes deliver dependable stopping power, dual 300 mm discs under two-piston calipers up front and a 250 mm rear disc, paired with non-intrusive ABS for added confidence.
Usability & Touring-Friendly Features
Featuring a tall 845 mm seat, the Versys sits high—great for horizon clarity, perhaps less so for shorter riders. BikeSocial reviewer who’s 6 feet tall can’t flat-foot entirely, but the posture makes all-day rides surprisingly relaxing.
The adjustable four-position windscreen smooths airflow on long rides; multiple riding modes (including economical indicator), KTRC traction control, and LED lighting help keep all-weather comfort in clear view.
The Grand Tourer trim especially raises the bar with factory-fitted 28L panniers, a 47L top case, USB port, integrated GPS bracket, LED fog lamps, and tall windscreen turning the Versys 650 into a true weekend conqueror.
Road Impressions: Real Feedback
MCN’s review rates it a solid 4/5, highlighting how tech upgrades add polish to the well-rounded package.
From Bennetts editorial praise rings clear: “On fast A-roads, it’s a lovely place to be… confident steering, suspension that copes with bumps and potholes… easy-going but also precise when needed.”
Even everyday riders on Reddit chipped in:
“It definitely doesn't lack power for highway riding… It's a fine, reliable motorcycle. Feels safe, has enough power for any reasonable kind of driving on public roads.”
Final Thoughts from Kawasaki Newcastle
The 2025 Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer stands out as motorcycle clarity personified: approachable tech, smooth low-end power, upright comfort, and genuine touring credentials wrapped into a unified, sensible package.
Whether you’re threading through Newcastle traffic, chasing Scottish Border switchbacks, or setting off on your grand European road escape, this bike gives you the reassurance to ride further, and the grin to stay out longer.
Want to see it in action? Visit Kawasaki Newcastle to test-ride the Versys 650, explore the latest promotional offers, and get finance tailored to your needs. Adventure is calling, answer it now.
Tech Specs
Engine
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin |
| Displacement | 649 cm³ |
| Bore x Stroke | 83 x 60 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 8 valves |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: Ø 38 mm x 2 (Keihin) |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting System | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump |
Performance & Transmission
| Maximum power | 49 kW {66 PS} / 8,500 rpm |
| CO2 emission | 107 g/km |
| Maximum torque | 61 N•m {6.2 kgf•m} / 7,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 2.095 (88/42) |
| Gear Ratios 1st | 2.438 (39/16) |
| Gear Ratios 2nd | 1.714 (36/21) |
| Gear Ratios 3rd | 1.333 (32/24) |
| Gear Ratios 4th | 1.111 (30/27) |
| Gear Ratios 5th | 0.966 (28/29) |
| Gear Ratios 6th | 0.852 (23/27) |
| Final reduction ratio | 3.067 (46/15) |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
Brakes & Suspension
| Brakes, front | Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Caliper: Dual piston |
| Brakes, rear | Single 250 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston |
| Suspension, front | 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound damping (right side) and adjustable preload (left-side) |
| Suspension, rear | Offset laydown single-shock with remote spring preload adjustability |
Frame & Dimensions
| Frame type | Tubular diamond, high-tensile steel |
| Trail | 108 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 150 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 145 mm |
| Tyre, front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Tyre, rear | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
| Steering angle, left / right | 35˚/35˚ |
| L x W x H | 2,165 x 840 x 1,360 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 21 litres |
| Seat Height | 845 mm |
| Curb mass | 217 kg |
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