Kawasaki·Trail·649cc·A2 · 47ch

Versys 650

↘ Evolution history · 2007 → present
20
Years of production
4
Generations
649
current cc
69
Horsepower
20
Vintages

The all-rounder trail par excellence. 649cc twin, grand touring comfort, adventure soul — A2 restrictable.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 4 · 2022 — present
FOURTH GENERATION — MODERN VERSYS

Major modernisation in 2022: new Versys 1000-inspired fairing, 4.3" colour TFT with Bluetooth (Rideology app), KTRC traction control and assist+slipper clutch for the first time on Versys 650. Euro 5 then 5+ in 2026.

2026
MEngine
Euro 5+ compliance — revised intake and exhaust — 66.6 hp (49 kW) / 61 Nm
Performance preserved despite new emissions standard
Medium
AAesthetics
Redesigned upper bodywork — new 4-position windscreen adjustable from the saddle
Medium
2025
AAesthetics
New colours — black, silver, dark blue
Minor
2024
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2023
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2022
AAesthetics
New Versys 1000-inspired fairing — full LED lighting
Major
EElectronics
4.3" colour TFT + Bluetooth (Rideology app) — first on Versys 650
Major
EElectronics
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) — first on Versys 650
Major
MEngine
Assist and slipper clutch — first on Versys 650. Euro 5 compliance.
Medium
Buyer radar
2022

Major quality jump — TFT, KTRC, slipper clutch. Modern and complete Versys. Obvious buy.

TOP BUY
2026

Euro 5+ and improved windscreen — current mid-range trail reference, A2 restrictable at the dealer.

TOP BUY
Gen 3 · 2015 — 2021
THIRD GENERATION — FULL REDESIGN

Deep redesign in 2015: new frame, 41mm inverted fork, new twin sportbike-style headlight fairing abandoning stacked lights, standard ABS. LT variant with 28L KQR panniers from 2016. Euro 4 compliance in 2017.

2021
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2020
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2019
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2018
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2017
MEngine
Euro 4 compliance
Medium
2016
CFrame
LT (Long Tourer) version: 28L KQR panniers and handguards standard
Medium
2015
CFrame
New frame, 41mm inverted fork, offset monoshock on the right — new geometry
Major
AAesthetics
New fairing — twin sportbike-style headlights replace the signature stacked lights
Major
SSafety
ABS standard on all markets
Medium
Buyer radar
2017

Euro 4, standard ABS, LT version available. Ideal affordable grand tourer — best price/spec ratio.

TOP BUY
2019

Sound and reliable but no KTRC or TFT — best as a good-priced used buy.

GOOD PICK
Gen 2 · 2010 — 2014
SECOND GENERATION — REFINEMENTS

Kawasaki refines the concept: restyled headlight and fairings, larger mirrors and improved engine rubber mounts significantly reducing vibrations. ABS available as option.

2014
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2013
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2012
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2011
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2010
AAesthetics
New headlight and fairings, enlarged mirrors
Medium
CFrame
Improved engine rubber mounts — vibrations noticeably reduced
Medium
SSafety
ABS version available as option
Medium
Buyer radar
2013

Reduced vibrations, ABS as option. Most complete gen2 — good used value.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2007 — 2009
FIRST GENERATION

Born from the low-rpm retuned ER-6 engine, the Versys 650 invents a hybrid concept between roadster, trail and supermoto with its signature stacked dual headlights and long-travel suspension.

2009
MEngine
CARB-compliant version for California
Minor
2008
AAesthetics
US market launch
Minor
2007
MEngine
European/Canadian launch — 649cc 68hp/51kW twin retuned for more low/mid-range torque
Specific camshafts and injection mapping — better response between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm
Major
CFrame
Steel tubular frame with long-travel suspension, 17-inch wheels
Major
AAesthetics
Signature stacked dual headlight, half-fairing with 3-position adjustable windscreen (±20 mm)
Major
Buyer radar
2008

Original concept, proven ER-6 engine. Firm seat and vibrations — solid base used buy.

GOOD PICK