In 2012, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer, a motorcycle that combined the modern cutting-edge style with Kawasaki's exclusive engineering style, which resulted in a multi-purpose machine with great flexibility.
The bike came as standard with a complete set of color-coded panniers and a top case that provided a maximum of 47-liter storage space, with the ability to swallow a full-face helmet and a top-quality gel-resin self-adhesive tank protector.
The model was fitted with a three-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) system as on the 2012 ZZR1400 flagship model, which combined the best elements of the two traction control systems S-KTRC and KTRC that offered three riding modes and four various riding conditions.
A power mode selector allowed the rider to choose from two modes for personal preferences or various riding conditions, with Low Power Mode that limited the output to 75 percent for a milder throttle response and Full Power Mode that unleashed the full potential of the 1,043cc engine.
Also, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 featured a 30 mm height adjustable windscreen and a functional bodywork designed for increased wind protection with its front cowling sides and side fairings that contributed to the overall rider comfort.
The 2012 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Grand Tourer was powered by a 1,043cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 118 hp with a peak at 9,000 rpm and 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,700 rpm.