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I had one of the new Kwak Versys Thous out on demo today (from Earnshaws, Huddersfield).

Pity it was so bloody cold! … still it was dry.

I managed 50-60 miles solo, before picking up a pillion to do a further 30-40 miles.

My immediate view was, what a bike! Quick off the mark in 1st and 2nd so wont be left standing on take off, by anyone. Plenty sporty enough in handling terms to stay with the pack, in fact, if you are left behind you’ll probably have to acknowledge that they are a better rider than you because on this, you are not on an inferior bike. There’s also plenty of low down grunt through the rest of the box for smoothness at lower speeds and overall the bike feels agile, friendly and forgiving … it’s a bike that makes you feel a better rider.

This is sounding like an advert for the bike by the manufacturer, it’s not and I’m not paid to write this stuff, it’s simply me spouting my views, courtesy of the internet.

You are definitely sat on the bike, rather than in it, and you do feel quite high off the ground. The ride is plush, taking the bumps and winter potholes in it’s stride but plenty firm enough to remain confident when pushing (I say pushing, but conditions meant a degree of restraint had to be shown ).

In summary, it feels a winner. The smoothness that comes with the four cylinders, makes for a much more comfortable ride than any twin I’ve ridden, and with no aspirations or pretensions of going off-road, it brings the Adventure feel to a 100% road biased bike and I don’t know about you, but I’ve had plenty of adventure out on the road without any aspirations or pretensions for going off-road.

As for the looks, well not everyone will like it. I wasn’t sure, but after riding the bike well, looks aren’t everything.

Two up the bike is more than happy. My pillion managed to feel very comfortable and secure at the same time as being slightly elevated,  the advantage of which is having a forward view, not just stuffing your nose into the rider’s back.

As the rider, I felt happy to ride the bike much as I had been doing whilst riding solo. In other words the bike’s characteristics changed little when subjected to the added weight and neither I nor my pillion would claim to be dainty.

I guess you can tell that, following our first encounter with the Versys Thou’ at the NEC, where we were quite taken, the test ride has only added to our admiration.

If you’ve seen or ridden the new Versys 1000 then please leave us your views, just click on ‘comments’ at the bottom of the post.

Click here to go to Kawasaki UK and check out the enticing official Kwak Youtube vid below.

Whether buying a new bike or not the vid makes you yearn for the warmer weather.