2019 KAWASAKI VERSYS® 1000 SE LT+ MOTORCYCLE
is a company that is synonymous with versatility,
innovation, and the pursuit of absolute performance, and nothing
embodies this philosophy more than the all-new 2019 Versys® 1000 SE
LT+. It is the most versatile adventure-style motorcycle Kawasaki
has ever made; it is ready for any road, any time. For 2019, the
all-new Kawasaki Versys SE LT+ features a 1,043cc inline four
cylinder power plant, utilizing the latest technology in engine
tuning and design, as well as a high-performance chassis and a full
suite of state of the art advanced rider support features.
What makes the Versys 1000 SE LT+ one of the most versatile
motorcycles for riding solo or two-up, around the corner or around
the globe, is the combination of a smooth and responsive in-line
four engine tuned for flexibility, and a nimble chassis fitted with
dynamic Kawasaki Electronic Controlled Suspension (KECS) that will
leave riders with smiles for miles.
Developed to suit a wide range of riders, the Versys 1000 SE LT+
platform provides riders a motorcycle that allows for Good Timesâ„¢
to be had across a wide variety of street riding scenarios. The
Versys 1000 SE LT+ features several all-new performance-increasing
updates to the engine, suspension, and ergonomics, as well as
increased long-ride comfort and advanced rider support technology.
Complementing the increased performance and handling advancements
is all new, fresh, and unique Versys® styling, which showcases the
balance of aesthetic appeal and functional design.
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle is packed with premium class
leading components and technology, such as Electronic Throttle
Valves (ETV), Kawasaki Electronic Controlled Suspension (KECS)
Showa front fork, and Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF)
along with much more.
Highlights of the 2019 Versys 1000 SE LT+
NEW KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension)
NEW Smooth Engine with Electronic Throttle Valves and KQS
NEW Electronic Suite including KCMF and KIBS
NEW TFT Color Instrumentation with Integrated Riding Modes
NEW Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP
NEW Bodywork with LED Headlights and Cornering Lights
NEW Powerful Engine
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ features a powerful but playful
liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043cc in-line four engine, with a
bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm, which creates strong low-mid
range torque and facilitates smooth power delivery. The engine has
been tuned for flexibility and offers superb throttle response,
strong torque throughout the rpm range. Electronic Throttle Valves
(ETV) complement the engine performance and design for 2019. Other
new features for 2019 include new fuel injection mapping, exhaust
design, and a new catalytic converter design.
The all-new Electronic Throttle Valves enable the ECU to control
the volume of both the fuel and the air that are delivered to the
engine, by way of the fuel injectors and throttle valves. The
optimal fuel and air inputs create a smooth, natural engine
response and the ideal engine output. The ETV system has the
accelerator position sensor located in the throttle assembly,
eliminating the throttle cable.
Transmission
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ utilizes gear ratios that were chosen to
accommodate a wide range of riding situations, including sport
riding, highway cruising or riding fully loaded with a passenger
and luggage.
New for 2019 on the Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle is a
contactless-type quick shifter that allows for ultra quick, full
power upshifts and clutchless downshifts. The Kawasaki Quick
Shifter (KQS) detects that the shift lever has been actuated, and
sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can
be engaged for clutchless shifting. During deceleration, the KQS
system controls engine speed to perfectly match engine RPM, which
smoothly engages the lower gear, allowing effortless
downshifts.
Clutch
Complementing the transmission is an assist & slipper clutch,
race-inspired technology that offers both a back-torque limiting
function as well as a light feel at the lever. The assist function
is noticed by the lighter pull at the clutch lever, helping to
reduce rider fatigue especially in stop and go traffic
situations.
The slipper function is noticed when excessive engine braking
occurs as a result of quick or accidental downshifts. The slipper
cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate
apart, which relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce
back-torque and help prevent the rear tire from hopping and
skidding.
Chassis
The frame of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ is composed of a five-piece
cast aluminum construction, consisting of steering stem, left and
right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main sections of
frame components have open C-shaped cross sections and were
die-cast to ensure a smooth surface finish. The lightweight, highly
rigid frame uses the engine as a stressed member, which contributes
to handling, offering a firm, planted feeling and light, nimble
turning. The sub-frame is composed of a steel tube trellis design,
which enables the high-payload. To create the sleek appearance, the
frame was constructed with the fewest amount of welds possible.
Suspension
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle is equipped with 150 mm of long
travel suspension, both front and rear. The 43 mm Showa cartridge
fork and Showa BFRC lite rear shock utilize the latest in Kawasaki
Electronically Controlled Suspension technology (KECS).
Compression and rebound damping for both the forks and shock are
generated (and adjusted) 3 / 7 electronically via the all-new KECS
system that is controlled by a solenoid valve with direct actuation
and allows for extremely quick reaction time. Riders can choose
base settings from four modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider mode
(Manual). KECS then adjusts to the road surface environment in real
time to provide the ideal damping, taking into account vehicle
speed, and stroke speed. Deceleration is also accounted for to
manage the natural pitching that occurs under braking. Riders can
now electronically control the rear shock preload settings as well.
KECS offers three different preload settings: rider only, rider
with luggage, and rider with passenger and luggage; riders can
fine-tune these settings with 10 levels of adjustment.
The forks and shock have built-in stroke sensors that provide
real-time stroke speed and compression information. The sensor
coils provide input to the KECS ECU every millisecond. This is
complemented by information provided by the IMU
(acceleration/deceleration) every 10 milliseconds, and the FI ECU
(vehicle speed) every 10 milliseconds. The KECS ECU then directs
current to the solenoids to adjust damping as required by the
situation. This results in quick reaction time to road conditions
and maintains a natural feeling that is crucial to the ride feeling
at one with the motorcycle.
The KECS, coupled with a Showa 43 mm inverted cartridge fork and
BFRC lite suspension components, delivers added confidence in rough
road conditions and assures the tires feel planted when
cornering.
Brakes & Wheels
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ comes equipped with sporty, lightweight six
spoke 17 inch wheels front and rear. For a bike with unlimited
street riding potential, it was crucial to find tires that offer
superb cornering performance for more fun in hills, great
high-speed stability, and a strong on-road image to go with the
sporty character.
Handling the stopping duties for the all-new Versys 1000 SE LT+ is
a full disc brake setup, featuring Kawasaki's Intelligent anti-lock
Brake System (KIBS) technology. The Radial-pump front brake master
cylinder commands a pair of 4-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers
to grip a pair of 310 mm brake discs, providing plenty of stopping
power. The rear brake features a single piston, pin-slide caliper
gripping a 250 mm disc.
KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System)
Kawasaki's supersport-grade ABS is standard equipment on the Versys
1000 SE LT+ motorcycle. This is based on the same system used on
the Ninja® ZX™-10R and Ninja H2™ sportbikes, with programming and
settings revised to suit both the street performance parameters and
long-travel suspension of the Versys 1000 SE LT+. High-precision
brake pressure control enables the system to avoid reduced brake
performance due to excessive pressure drops, allowing lever feel to
be maintained when KIBS is active, and helps ensure ABS pulses feel
smooth.
Ergonomics
For 2019, the Versys 1000 SE LT+ received several ergonomic
features to enhance performance and comfort. At the front of the
motorcycle, a new adjustable windscreen, vent layout, and cowl
design all aid increasing performance and comfort. The new large
windscreen height can now be adjusted from the rider's seat,
without tools, using two knobs on the inside of the screen to suit
the rider's height preference. The adjustable windscreen is
equipped with a centrally located vent, which helps reduce the
negative-pressure effect in the cockpit, increasing rider comfort
at high speeds. The new upper cowling design and wider fairing
provide increased wind protection, while still keeping fresh air
routed to the areas of the engine bay that produce the most
heat.
The wide handlebar and slim seat design along with low and forward
footpeg position of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ creates a spacious and
confidence-inspiring rider triangle. The upright riding position 4
/ 7 accommodates a variety of riding styles, broadening the
spectrum of riding enjoyment and also offers a high level of
comfort, a great benefit for longer rides.
Kawasaki Quick Release 28 Liter Saddlebags
The saddlebag mounting system of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle
utilizes the Kawasaki Quick Release mechanism, which allows for
convenient, easy removal and installation of the saddlebags.
Seamlessly integrating the saddlebags with the rear of the bike,
the clean-mount system positions them close to the centerline of
the motorcycle and thanks to its clean, clutter-free design,
ensures the rear of the bike still looks good with the saddlebags
removed. The standard KQRâ„¢ 28 liter hard saddlebags are rated for
up to 11 lbs storage weight and utilize the one-key system, which
means they can be unlocked and removed with the ignition key. They
are also color-matched to the body of the bike and have the
Kawasaki logo stamped into their covers, ensuring a
well-integrated, high-quality image. The Versys 1000 SE LT+ can
also accommodate a top case with the saddlebags, offering multiple
configuration options.
As an adventure touring motorcycle, the construction of the Versys
1000 SE LT+ required the use a of robust steel tubing to provide
the sub-frame with the substantial 485 lbs payload capacity for
carrying a passenger and luggage.
Styling
The styling and design of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ features smooth,
flowing lines throughout the chassis and bodywork, Highly Durable
Paint and full LED lighting which helps to create a motorcycle that
is sure to keep even the most-seasoned riders enticed.
The new design of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ flows from the front of
the bike to the rear. Its refreshed appearance of the front fairing
and upper cowl signify the next step in the evolution of the Versys
line of motorcycles. In the new design, the engine and sub-frame
area were consciously presented as a styling element, as it
showcases the trellis-style sub-frame. Also, in addition to the
strategic use of colored pieces, the new design displays the
balanced use of metal and composite materials, with each part's
material reflecting its functionality. A new front design with
long, slim reflectors contributes to sporty looks while offering
increased protection for the fork inner tubes. The new compact,
sporty silencer showcases the sophisticated styling and image that
has been added to the back of the bike.
Kawasaki's new Highly Durable Paint and Highly Durable Matte Paint
was chosen for all high touch areas including the fuel tank, side
cowls, and side covers on the Versys 1000 SE LT+. The Highly
Durable Paint features a special coat that allows certain types of
scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its
high-quality finish. Soft and hard segments in the coat work
together like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that
absorbs impacts. The Highly Durable Matte Paint is highly
wear-resistant, enabling the paint's beautiful matte finish to be
maintained for years to come.
Complementing the sleek and elegant appearance of the Versys 1000
SE LT+ is full LED lighting and cornering lights. Each of the new
LED headlamps features low and high beams as well as a position
lamp. The new headlamps offer significantly increased brightness.
The LED cornering lights, which are built into the shrouds, help to
illuminate the road when cornering. Each of the three lights has a
fixed direction and is activated based on lean angle. As the bike
leans over, the lights come on in order, creating a wider
illuminated path in the direction the bike is heading.
TFT Color Instrumentation
New instrumentation with an advanced, high-tech design gives the
cockpit of the Versys 1000 SE LT+ a very high-class appearance and
feel. The analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a highgrade
full color TFT LCD screen, which automatically adjusts screen
brightness to suit available light. The screen enables information
to be displayed graphically. Two selectable display modes allow
riders to prioritise the information they want to see depending on
the kind of riding they are doing at the time. The first mode was
designed with touring in mind; the easy-to-read, calm layout offers
a substantial amount of information at a glance. The second mode
was designed with sport riding in mind. Important information is
prioritized and presented graphically for easy digestion: tracking
information such as the G-forces through the feedback from the IMU,
throttle and brake force application are illustrated visually
rather than numerically. In addition to the digital speedometer and
standard gear position indicator, display functions on the Versys
1000 SE LT+ motorcycle include: fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip
meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range,
coolant temperature, intake air temperature, clock, Economical
Riding Indicator, integrated riding modes, IMU indicator and smart
phone connectivity.
Electronics & Rider Aids
The strength of Kawasaki's cutting-edge electronics has always been
the highly sophisticated programming that, using minimal hardware,
gives the ECU an accurate real-time picture of what the chassis is
doing and what the rider wants, to best support the rider's
intentions with natural feel.
Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki's advanced modeling software
including input from a compact Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement
Unit), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) monitors
engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner to assist
riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. The
Versys 1000 SE LT+ utilizes the input from multiple sensors to
optimize ride quality via the Kawasaki Electronic Controlled
Suspension (KECS) and the Kawasaki Intelligent antilock Braking
System (KIBS).
The use of the latest Bosch compact IMU is new for the Versys 1000
SE LT+ in 2019, and weighs in at only 40 grams. The IMU allows an
additional layer of precision to be added to the already high-level
components. The system uses minimal hardware but complex Kawasaki
proprietary software. IMU enables inertia along six DOF (degrees of
freedom) to be monitored. Acceleration along longitudinal,
transverse and vertical axes, plus toll rate and pitch rate are
measured. The sixth axis, yaw rate, is calculated by the ECU using
Kawasaki original proprietary software developed through World
Superbike racing experience. The motorcycle's ECU gains an even
clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, and its software
is uniquely predictive as it combines chassis orientation
information with real time monitoring of the rider's intentions to
enable the control systems to maximize forward acceleration.
Power & Integrated Riding Mode Selection
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ motorcycle allows riders to choose from Full
Power or Low Power modes, setting power delivery to suit preference
and conditions. While output at lower rpm is very similar, Low
Power mode limits output to approximately 75% of Full Power and
uses a milder throttle response. Reduction in both power and
throttle response varies according to engine speed, throttle
position, and gear position.
All-inclusive modes that link KTRC, Power Mode and KECS allow
riders to efficiently set traction control, power delivery, and
suspension characteristics to suit a given riding situation with a
single adjustment. Riders can choose from four settings: Sport,
Road, Rain or a Rider (Manual) setting. The Sport setting enables
riders to enjoy sporty handling riding on winding roads. The Road
setting provides comfortable riding characteristics over a wide
range of situations, from city riding to highway cruising and rural
roads. The Rain setting offers rider reassurance when riding on a
low-traction surface. In the manual Rider mode, each of the systems
can be customized.
KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)
The Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) featured on the Versys 1000 SE
LT+ motorcycle has three modes for riders to choose from that
enable optimal performance for a wide range of riding conditions,
offering either enhanced sport riding performance or the peace of
mind under certain conditions to negotiate a variety of surfaces
with confidence. Kawasaki's advanced modelling software,
complemented by input from the IMU, delivers this one of a kind
precise control. The system can also be turned off if riders elect
to do so.
Electronic Cruise Control
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ is equipped with electronic cruise control,
which improves the overall comfort for those long days on the road.
The new cruise control system enables riders to set and maintain
their desired speed with the simple press of a button. Once
activated, the rider does not have to constantly apply the throttle
to maintain speed. The cruise control helps to reduce rider fatigue
when traveling long distances, allowing the rider to relax and
enjoy cruising, contributing to a high level of riding comfort.
Smartphone Connectivity
Another Kawasaki first for the adventure and touring Versys line of
motorcycles is the addition Smartphone Connectivity to the Versys
1000 SE LT+. A chip built into the instrument panel enables riders
to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using RIDEOLOGY THE APP,
a number of instrument functions can be accessed, logged, and
reviewed contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. The
following information can be viewed:
Vehicle Info
-Check latest status update
Riding Log
-Can be logged in detail, and played back for review
-Route, Distance & Time traveled can be logged for review
-Riding conditions can be recorded in detail
Tuning
-Vehicle settings changes can be made on your smartphone
-New settings can easily be applied to your bike before riding
-Shift settings can be customized before riding
-Ride Mode & Electronic Suspension settings can be preselected
before riding
The app can also be used when away from the motorcycle. When riding
(with the app ON), the bike and smartphone are always connected and
riding log data is being recorded by the app. After your ride, the
latest riding information is stored by the app and may be viewed on
the smartphone. Any changes made via the app while the engine is
off, or while out of range, will be implemented as soon as the
ignition is turned on and the smartphone is in range with the app
ON.
Accessories
Kawasaki offers a full line of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories (KGA)
including LED light bar, helmet lock, knee pad set, tank pad, front
axel slider set, radiator trim, frame slider set, Ergo-Fitâ„¢ reduced
reach seat, GPS bracket, and KQRâ„¢ top case.
Colors
The 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is available in Metallic Flat
Spark Black / Pearl Flat Stardust White
MSRP
Versys 1000 SE LT+: $17,999
