Finally, the much-awaited 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE has found its way to the Philippines.
On October 26, during the formal opening of a new Kawasaki Krib leisure-bikes dealership on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, officials of Motorcycle City removed the wraps off the Versys 1000 SE, which has been receiving positive reviews in the international motorcycle scene in recent months. The program was led by Teench Layosa-Doval Santos, vice president for sales, marketing, and customer support divisions at Kawasaki Motors PH; Ruby Macalintal, senior marketing manager; and Robert ‘Abet’ Po and Robert ‘Ayn’ Po, Motorcycle City president and vice president, respectively.
Shedding its previous bare-bones image, the 2019 Versys 1000 SE boasts fresh styling and a wide array of high-end features. Among them are the latest IMU-based (inertial measurement unit) rider-aid technologies that are now on a par with the electronic systems on other adventure tourers, including those from pricier European brands.
While its 1,043cc DOHC liquid-cooled in-line four powerplant remains unchanged, this latest Versys variant features the ECU-controlled Electronic Throttle Valve system for a smooth, natural, and linear power delivery befitting versatile touring bike. This awesome ride-by-wire system also allows for electronic cruise control to come as standard equipment.
Adding spice to the Versys 1000 SE’s riding characteristics is the race-inspired assist and slipper clutch that eliminates engine-braking skitter while downshifting, and takes away the need to blip the throttle in the process. This combined with Kawasaki’s quickshifter provides for seamless clutchless upshifting and downshifting.
Impressed? Hey, we’re just warming up. To boost rider confidence while cornering, the motorcycle’s engineers have equipped the bike with Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), which manages traction control, the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension, and ABS for this special-edition Versys. Also, depending on the road condition and, of course, his mood, the rider can choose from four riding modes: Rain, Road, Rider, and Sport. No off-road mode, period.
Another interesting feature of the Versys 1000 SE is the longitudinal LED cornering lights that are stylishly embedded into the radiator shroud. As the bike starts to lean when turning, the cornering lights provide wide-angle illumination that follows the steering direction to safely guide the rider.
What’s more, the all-new dash combines a round-shaped, analog-style tachometer with a rectangular full-color TFT display that shows the rider a wealth of information: fuel gauge, ride mode, trip-computer data, clock, eco-cruise icon, air temperature, gear position, and digital speedometer.
All these upscale features gave the officials present at Kawasaki Krib a big reason to smile during the launch of the facility and the new Versys. This latest member of the brand’s Philippine lineup is priced at P900,000. Do you think the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE will make an impact on the already-tight local adventure-touring segment?
