For the 2019 model year, Kawasaki is upgrading the Versys 1000 platform, and giving us a new model variant in the process, the Versys 1000 SE LT+, which just debuted at EICMA for the US and European markets.
At the core, the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is the same machine as before, but right away we can see that Team Green has made some changes, with the design language of the bike falling in line with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. It also has the self-healing paint that first debuted on the Kawasaki Ninja H2.
This means that the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ retains use of the 1,043cc inline-four engine, which puts out 118hp (88 kW) and 75 lbs•ft (102 Nm) of torque.
She is a big girl though, with a Curb weight that will be 567 lbs, without the saddlebags, handguards, and other optional hardware. What’s makes this bike new is harder to see, besides the bodywork, of course:
Kawasaki has added its KECS electronically controlled suspension pieces; the engine has been updated with electronic throttle valves and a quickshifter; there is a five-axis Bosch IMU that provides cornering ABS; and the dash is a color TFT unit with smartphone connectivity.
Cruise control and heated grips are standard features as well, and headlight and cornering lights are illuminated by LEDs.
The 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is priced for the US market at $17,999 MSRP, which is a tidy sum for the sport-touring machine, even with all the features mentioned.
All in all, the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is featured packed, and ready to take on the offerings from BMW, Ducati, KTM et al, on the other side of the pond.
While the spec sheets might compare favorably, and the changes made to create the Versys 1000 SE LT+ seem well executed, we are just not sure how many people are going to be lining up at their dealership for one…it is a Versys after all. This will be an interesting exercise in branding and value.
Source: Kawasaki USA
As always, Asphalt & Rubber will be covering all the new bikes debuting at EICMA this year. Be sure to follow our coverage for the most recent news and photos.
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