Kawasaki’s Versys 1000 updates are here now, and there’s not a lot of change in the lineup, mechanically speaking, but there are some changes in the series, at least for the Euro models.

For 2021, the Versys 1000 base model is no longer available in Europe; now, there’s the Versys 1000 SE and Versys 1000 S. Both models are powered by the same liquid-cooled inline four. Like we said last time we looked at it, it looks like the basic engine is unchanged: “Same 120-horsepower liquid-cooled 1043cc inline four with slipper clutch, electronic cruise control, power modes, quickshifter, cornering traction control, and so on. The Versys 1000 LT SE has cornering lights, 28-litre saddlebags, and a full-colour TFT screen (with smartphone connectivity). All the same basic stuff as last year’s model, with the same look.” Of course, it should be Euro5-compliant now. There’s a quickshifter now, and the engine’s riding modes are overhauled as well.

The main difference is the SE model now has Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension (KECS), combined with Skyhook Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA). This sounds like Kawasaki’s mashed up its tech with Showa’s know-how, to build a better “smart” suspension. Supposedly, EERA tech is designed to optimize the bike’s suspension damping.

Otherwise, it looks like the S and SE are the same, mechanically speaking.There are three sub-models for the S, though—the Tourer, Grand Tourer and Tourer Plus in the Euro market, while the UK gets a standard S and a Tourer and Grand Tourer. All these bikes have 43mm Showa front forks with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. There’s a Showa laydown shock in back, also adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload.

While the sub-models and their configuration will vary market by market, it seems the general loadout the Tourer bikes get is panniers (28L capacity per side), a tank pad and plastic handguards. The Grand Tourer also gets a 47L topcase. The Grand Tourer model also gets fog lights, a GPS mount and frame sliders, at least in some markets.

All Versys 1000 models now have a new TFT dash and taller windscreen, cornering lights, and heated grips. Kawasaki also put its clever new self-healing paint on all the 1000 models.

So what’s this all going to cost, then? From what we know, for 2021, the Versys 1000 SE LT will sell for $18,199 in the US, $20,099 in Canada. If there are sub-models available here, we’re not sure what they’ll cost at this point, or when they’d actually be here.

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