2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS/LT

The versatile Versys. Nimble enough to take on commanding twisties, yet comfortable to take on the tour and potentially some gravel roads, the Versys 650 is a sport-touring machine that can clock in many a mile and allow the rider to do so in upright riding position comfort. A three-way-adjustable windscreen accommodates a variety of rider heights, and a slew of accessories allow the machine to be tailored to different preferences. Powered by a compact 649cc parallel-twin engine, the Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT, the bag/bar guard-equipped twin, deliver a claimed 47 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm.

In 2018, we touted this as the minimalist’s adventure bike because while its 17-inch wheels/tires and low-slung exhaust deem it more appropriate for the street, its relatively narrow engine design and upright riding position make it appropriate for the gravel road as well.

Comparable adventure-tourers could be found in the BMW F 750 GS, Honda NC750X DCT ABS, and Suzuki V-Strom 650.

Nothing new was highlighted for the 2020 models. Two variants of the Versys 650 include the ABS and LT versions. The LT being the more touring-ready of the two comes with 28-liter saddlebags and hand guards. It comes in at an MSRP of $9,199 in comparison to the $8,299 ABS version. Both models come in a single colorway: Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Carbon Gray.