Kawasaki Malaysia’s Media Press Introduction of 2015 Versys 650
In the past few years, Kawasaki Malaysia, has transformed the whole superbike market in Malaysia, with the introduction of Kawasaki ER6-N, way back in 2008 which ushers in a new milestone for the local motorcycle industry. With the introduction of locally assembled superbikes with CBU quality. Kawasaki has risen the bar. In March 2015 Kawasaki introduce the new Vulcan S cruiser at Tambun, Ipoh to the Malaysian Media, and promised more introduction to the Malaysian media. 
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The new 2015 face lift Kawasaki Versys 650 was the model for the second Kawasaki MPI held at Pulai Springs Resort, Johor.
Pulai Springs Resorts
We were stoked to see the black beautiful Versys all waiting for us media to ride them tomorrow.
Photo session after the product briefing.
Day One Journal: The Journey to Versys MPI
Sunday morning was raining since 3am but that did not stop us from heading to Kawasaki Malaysia Glenmarie at 7 am to board the bus provided to the media. The bus departed at 8am. The journey took only four hours to Pulai Springs Resort.
Lunch was served upon arrival before we checked in to our rooms. Some of us took some rest buts some of us were buzy mingling with fellow journalist from other media.
Product introduction of the Versys 650 was at 5pm by Julian Kong, Marketing Manager, after the opening speech by Dato Jeffrey Lim, General Manager & Director Kawasaki Motors Malaysia.
Also present at the product briefing was Executive Chairman of Kawasaki Motors Malaysia, Yang Mulia Raja Dato’ Hanipuddin Bin Raja Nong Chik and his beloved wife Datin Katrina, Technical and Factory Controller Mr. Satoru Akitsu and Assistant General Manager, En Awaluddin.
Kawasaki calls the new Versys 650 the SUV of Bikes, as the Kawasaki engineers has developed the new Versys 650 with long travel suspension, sporty 17 inch wheels, new slim upright riding position, and low mid range parallel-twin engine that offer maximum riding excitement in a wide variety of street riding situation, and versatile even of twisty mountain roads.
We had a sneek peek at the Versys 1000 too at the MPI. Two models was displayed one with panniers and one without.
Day Two: The Ride Day
7.30am: The sky looking sunny and looks like a great day for riding. We were briefed of the route we going to ride by En Ahmad and his team of Marshall.
8.30am: We got to ride the new Versys after a five minute morning exercise and ride briefing, through a 252 km route from Pulai Springs Resort to Dataran Yong Peng (mostly straight route to get use to the bike) for our 1st 
refreshment stop, boy! the fried chicken at the Warong Nasi Bryani Yamen (do recomend bikers who are riding to south to drop by, located after the Yong Peng Bus Station) was delious, while enjoying a few cups of Teh Tarik!. At the highway we tested the front Nissin brakes at 130km/h, was proving good stoppage by slowing the machine down by 15km/h with a slight tap.
Next we head to Paloh , that where the we got around 25km of long twisty corners to test the handling of the Versys 650, 
the handling was good and even when 
you are standing on the foot peg and counter steering it was precise. The low and mid end torque was powerful as the new Versys has additional 5 hp compare to the older model. You could pull a wheelie easily. (we waited till the front was clear until we did that, dont worry as safety first was always on our mind) Tested the lower gearing and mid gearing provided a good torque feel. Then we reached a 25km twisty stretch of about 25km before Pagoh, and we had some fun riding the Versys through high speed corners through palm tree plantations. Tested the handling, was precise and good even when the the roads were bumpy and some parts has red earth after heavy downpour the day before.
The next destination was Kluang Town where we will stop for lunch. This part of the route was up hill down hill but a mostly straight roads.
The route to Renggam and to Simpang Renggam was a mix of twisty and straight roads through suburban villages and town. Traffic was controlled by JB PDRM and the Marshalls, who clear our path through these towns as traffic was getting heavier toward these towns.
We reached Kulai for the last town before heading back to our Resort at 2.30pm.
What we liked about the new Kawasaki Versys was the comfortable seat, which most of the Sports Touring bikes in the market will give you a pain in the buttocks once you get off the bike after a couple of hours of riding, but not the new Versys.
Handling was good with the new Showa front up sidedown fork and the KYB rear adjustable preload rear shocks. We got less handle bar vibration as the Versys has new 
rubber mounting at the handlebar and the engine for reduced vibration. The modern Ninja sporty design incorporated in the new Versys 650 as well as the Versys 1000 was a perfect “10”.
Kawasaki has increasing the fuel tank from 19 Liters to a 21 Liter tank, which would give you about 80-100 km mileage.
What we didnt like was the extra weight on the Versys 650, but that just us, cos we are short and reversing to park the extra 5kg is noticeable. But once riding the Versys was nimble and great handling with the extra 5hp. Other than that the Versys was great bike and we had a great ride in Johor.
Overall was 8/10 verdict from i-moto.com.my. Carried on the the versatility of the second generation Versys and with much greater improvement on a modern design, and at RM38,369 including GST, would be a great choice for new riders to travel beyond the borders and enjoying the ride. You can view and book the latest Versys 650 from any authorized Kawasaki dealers.
More shots of the new Versys 650.
