Offering a veritable playground for bikers, Northern Ontario boasts smooth, wide open highways that wind their way through pristine forests, along sandy beaches and rocky shores of rivers and lakes for as long as you have to invest. Without a word of a lie, the scent of the fresh air that wafted through my helmet was literally intoxicating at times for a city slicker like me.

Not only was the Versys competent and comfortable across long stretches, but it is also a heck of a lot of fun to ride too! While I was initially concerned that the 649cc powerplant may not be potent enough for highway passing, the thinly-padded seat wouldn’t be supportive enough for long stretches, and the windscreen wouldn’t offer enough protection, it turns out that my reservations were without merit and I couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate companion for the trip.

The Versys has proven relatively popular so far, but whether it will manage to carve out a significant market share in this competitive and loyal segment. (Photo: Kawasaki)

So much so in fact, that after returning home from the 1,300-km ride and ditching the bags, I went out for an evening ride in the city. I don’t think I can give more of a compliment to the new Versys than that.

The biggest challenge standing in the way of the Versys’ continued success is inevitably the strength of its competitors, which have managed to secure themselves a loyal following. Most riders who favour this substance-over-style segment likely already reside steadfastly behind either the Suzuki V-Strom or BMW’s F650GS. The former is a comparable yet less expensive alternative, while the latter is lighter and more refined so it’s up to Kawi to scope out new riders and brand them green. Both the Suzuki and Beemer offer more standard equipment and ABS, so it seems that Kawasaki certainly has their work cut out for them.

The Versys has proven relatively popular so far, but whether it will manage to carve out a significant market share in this competitive and loyal segment, only time will tell. One thing is for certain though; it has my vote.

For more information on riding in Ontario, check out GoRideOntario.com

Plus
Sharper styling and smoother ride than its predecessor
Comfortable, upright riding position
Well-balanced powerplant is responsive through rev range

Less
Competitors offer ABS
Competitors offer heated handgrips