2019 bikesales Bike of the Year: Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Despite its broad design brief, the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE hones in on its objective – karting one or two people, with or without luggage, in speed and in comfort – with laser-like precision.

The Adventure Sport niche is all about a relaxed but commanding ride position and road-focused performance, in a sports-touring setting. Add luggage carrying ability and these are bikes are some of the best mile-eaters money can buy, for riders who enjoy corners as much as long country straights.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE's adventure-bike ergonomics are tailor made for long days in the saddle, with lots of leg room, an upright stance, an easy reach to the broad handlebar and an effective screen delivering superb all-day comfort.

The roomy geometry was a highlight for our judges but above all else the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was praised for its ultra-smooth in-line four-cylinder engine, which produces a solid wave of torque with barely a hint of vibration.

Some found it a little staid in comparison to some 2019 Bike of the Year rivals, perhaps a little too genteel, but it's certainly a polished performer with turbine-like, linear delivery.

It may not have the frenetic rush of models like the BMW S 1000 RR M Sport or even the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 RC SCS, nor the epic low-down grunt of bikes like the Ducati Diavel 1260, but with its thoroughly sorted fueling the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE pulls cleanly from any point in the rev range and happily propels its significant bulk to blistering speeds with ease.

This is a big, substantial motorcycle, with an 840mm seat height and a claimed wet weight of 257kg, and so it won't perhaps suit riders at the smaller end of the spectrum.

It's also no surprise that it lacks the agility of many of the more compact offerings here. However, it hides its weight commendably well on the road, and once you've tipped into a corner it rails through bends with unwavering commitment.

Its brakes, too, wipe off speed with surety and precision, all while offering a good level of feel.

There are no surprises with the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE – it's a stable platform that can't help but inspire confidence – and its forgiving nature soaks up road imperfections with little if any complaint.

It will dissect a tight, winding road if necessary but its docile nature perhaps lends itself better to more open country and wider, higher-speed sweepers – it's here that it's truly in its element.

Complementing the mechanics is an impressive suite of electronics, with a choice of four ride modes plus adjustable semi-active electronic suspension, non-switchable cornering ABS, multi-level traction control, cruise control, full LED lighting, bi-directional quick-shifter, 12-volt accessory plug and more.

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The instrumentation is arguably the best on offer in this company in terms of legibility, the large analogue tacho complemented by a crisp and clear TFT display, while an accompanying smartphone app can be used to fine-tune many of the bike's settings.

It even has LED cornering lights, which sense when the bike is taking a sharper bend and automatically illuminate the inside of the corner. The feature can be switched on or off as desired.

Our test bike sports a number of factory accessories, including the hard panniers and topbox (which work well and hold plenty of gear), the aluminium radiator guard, various crash protectors and heated handlebar grips.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE recorded a comparative average fuel economy of 6.5lt/100km over this test, equating with a safe working range of around 300km from its 21-litre tank. Expect plenty more with more judicious throttle use.

As for gripes, the claim most often levelled at the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE on Bike of the Year was that it was civil to a point of being a touch dull. Ridden back to back with models like the BMW S 1000 RR M Sport we'd agree – but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a great example of the breed.

The manually adjusted screen is a touch low rent in what is an otherwise very sophisticated package, while the gearshift lever has a degree of sponginess to its operation that grated for some. And the fuel gauge remained on full for nearly 200km before dropping away sharply thereafter.

Those minor points aside, however, and the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a remarkably refined and effective distance-devouring tool, with a level of specification and performance that adds up to excellent bang for your buck.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC inline four-cylinder
Capacity: 1043cc
Bore x stroke: 77mm x 56mm
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 118hp (88.2kW) at 9000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 102Nm at 7500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc slipper clutch
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Aluminium twin tube
Front suspension: 43mm upside-down forks with KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability, 150mm travel
Rear suspension: Horizontal back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, and electronic spring preload adjustability, 152mm travel
Front brakes: Dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers, ABS
Rear brake: 250mm petal disc, with single-piston caliper, ABS
Wheels: Aluminium-alloy, front 3.50 x 17, rear 5.50 x 17
Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T31, 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 27 degrees
Trail: 106mm
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Seat height: 840mm
Ground clearance: 150mm
Claimed wet weight: 257kg
Fuel capacity: 21 litres
Measured fuel consumption: 6.5lt/100km

OTHER STUFF
Price: $22,499 plus on-road costs
Colors: Emerald Blazed Green with Pearl Storm Gray
Bike supplied by: Kawasaki Motors Australia
Warranty: 24 months unlimited kilometres