Kawasaki Versys ABS 2013 Owner's manual

Quick Reference Guide

This Quick Reference Guide will
assist you in finding the information
you’re looking for.

A Table of Contents is included after
the Foreword.

GENERAL INFORMATION j

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE j

SAFE OPERATION j

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT j

STORAGE j

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE j

Whenever you see the symbols
shown below, heed their instructions!
Always follow safe operating a nd main­tenance practices.

NOTICE

NOTICE is used to address prac­ticesnotrelatedtopersonalin­jury.

DANGER

DANGER indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious in-

jury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious

injury.

NOTE

NOTE indicates information that may

○

help or guide you in the operation or
service of the vehicle.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehi­cle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproduc­tive harm.

NOTICE

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN
MANUFACTURED FOR USE IN A
REASONABLE AND PRUDENT
MANNER BY A QUALIFIED OP­ERATOR AND AS A VEHICLE
ONLY.

FOREWORD

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Kawasaki motorcycle. Your new mo­torcycle is the product of Kawasaki’s advanced engineering, exhaustive testing,
and continuous striving for superior reliability, safety a nd performance.

Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before riding so that you will be
thoroughly familiar with the proper operation of your motorcycle’s controls, its fea­tures, cap ab ilitie s, and limitations. This manual offers many safe rid ing tips, but its
purpose is not to provide instruction in all the techniques and skills required to ride
a motorcycle safely. Kawasaki strongly recommends that all operators of this vehi­cle enroll in a motorcycle rider training program to attain awareness of the mental
and physical requirements necessary for safe motorcycle operation.

To ensure a long, trouble-free life for your motorcycle, give it the proper care and
maintenance described in this manual. For those who would like more detailed in­formation on their Kawasaki Mot orcycle, a Service Manual is a va ilable for purchase
from any authorized Kawasaki motorcycle dealer. The Service Manual contains de­tailed disassembly and maintenance information. Those who plan to do their own
work should, of course, be competent mechanics and possess the special tools
described in the Service Manual.

Keep this Owner’s Manual aboard your motorcycle at all times so that you can
refer to it whenever you need information.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should

remain with the motorcycle when it is sold.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without our

prior written permission.

This p ublication includes the la te st information available at the time of pr inting .
However, there may be minor differences between the actual product and illustra­tions and text in this manual.

All products are subject to change without prior notice or obligation.

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Motorcycle & Engine Company

© 2013 Kawasaki Heavy Indu stries, Ltd. Apr. 12, 2013. (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIFICATIONS............................... 10

SERIAL NUMBER L OCATIONS......... 14

LOCATION OF PARTS....................... 15

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES

INFORMATION................................ 18

GENERAL INFORMATION................. 21

Meter Instruments ............................ 21

Tachometer................................... 22

LCD (Speedometer, Clock,

Odometer, Trip Meter A/B, Fuel

Gauge) ...................................... 22

Warning/Indicator Lights ............... 29

Key................................................... 32

Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ........... 34

Left Handlebar Switches .................. 35

Dimmer Switch ............................. 36

Turn Signal Switch ........................ 36

Horn Button .................................. 36

Passing Button ............................. 36

Hazard Switch .............................. 36

Right Handlebar Switches................ 37

Engine Stop Switch ...................... 37

Starter Button ............................... 38

Brake/Clutch Lever Adjusters........... 38

Fuel Tank Cap .................................. 40

Fuel Tank ......................................... 41

Fuel Requirement ......................... 42

Stand................................................ 45

Seat.................................................. 46

Helmet Hooks................................... 48

Tool Kit/U-Shaped Lock

Compartment................................ 49

Rear View Mirror .............................. 50

Windshield........................................ 51

BREAK-IN ........................................... 54

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE .56

Starting the Engine .......................... 56

Jump Starting ................................... 59

Moving Off........................................ 62

Shifting Gears .................................. 63

Braking............................................. 64

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) for

models equipped with ABS........... 66

ABS Indicator Light ....................... 68

Stopping the Engine ......................... 69

Stopping the Motorcycle in an

Emergency ................................... 70

Parking............................................. 71

Catalytic Converter........................... 73

SAFE OPERATION............................. 75

Safe Riding Technique ..................... 75

Daily Checks .................................... 78

Additional Considerations for High

Speed Operation .......................... 81

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 83

Periodic Maintenance Chart............. 88

Engine Oil ........................................ 99

Cooling System ................................ 105

Spark Plugs...................................... 112

Evaporative Emission Control

System (California model only) .... 113

Valve Clearance ............................... 114

Kawasaki Clean Air System ............. 115

Air Cleaner ....................................... 116

Throttle Control System ................... 117

Engine Vacuum Synchronization ..... 120

Idle Speed ........................................ 120

Clutch............................................... 122

Drive Chain ...................................... 124

Brakes.............................................. 132

Brake Light Switches........................ 136

Front Fork......................................... 138

Rear Shock Absorber....................... 141

Wheels ............................................. 144

Battery.............................................. 149

Headlight Beam................................ 155

Fuses ............................................... 157

General Lubrication.......................... 160

Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................ 161

Bolt and Nut Tightening.................... 168

STORAGE........................................... 171

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE............ 174

YOUR WARRANTY/OWNER

SATISFACTION .............................. 175

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ...... 181

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION..... 182

MAINTENANCE RECORD ................. 183 LOCATION OF LABELS ..................... 188

10 SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

PERFORMAN

Minimum Turning Radius

DIMENSIO

Overall L

Overall W

Overall H

Wheelbase

Road Cle

Curb Mass:

ENGINE

Type

Displacement

Bore × S

Compr

CE

NS

ength

idth

eight

arance

troke

ession Ratio 10.6:1

2.7 m (8.9 f

2125mm(8

840 mm (33

1330mm(5

1415mm(

180 mm (7

KLE650C 206 kg (4

KLE650D

209kg(4

ke, DOHC, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled

4-stro

3

649 cm

83.0 × 6

t)

3.7 in .)

.1 in.)

2.4 in .)

55.7 in.)

.1 in.)

54 lb)

61 lb)

(39.6 cu in.)

0.0 mm (3.3 × 2.4 in.)

SPECIFICATIONS 11

Starting System Electric starter

Cylinder Numbering Method Left to right, 1-2

Firing Order 1-2

Fuel System FI (Fuel Injection)

Ignition System Battery and coil (transistorized ignition)

Ignition Timing (Electronically
advanced)

10° BTDC @1 300 r/min (rpm) ∼ 33° BTDC @5 000

r/min (rpm)

Spark Plug NGK CR9EIA-9

Lubrication System Forced lubrication ( semi-dry sum p)

Engine Oil:

Type

API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or
MA2

Viscosity SAE 10W-40

Capacity 2.4 L (2.5 US qt)

Coolant Capacity 1.2 L (1.3 US qt)

12 SPECIFICATIONS

TRANSMISSION

Transmission Type 6-speed, constant mesh, return shift

Clutch Type Wet, multi disc

Driving System Chain drive

Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88/42)

Final Reductio n Ratio 3.067 (46/15)

Overall Drive Ratio 5.473 @Top gear

Gear Ratio:

1st 2.438 (39/16)

2nd 1.714 (36/21)

3rd 1.333 (32/24)

4th 1.111 (30/27)

5th 0.966 (28/29)

6th 0.852 (23/27)

FRAME

Caster 25°

Trail 108 mm (4.3 in.)

SPECIFICATIONS 13

Tire Size:

Front 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)

Rear 160/60 ZR17 M/C (69W)

Rim Size:

Front J17M/C × MT3.50

Rear J17M/C × MT4.50

Fuel Tank Capacity 19 L (5.0 US gal)

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Battery 12 V 10 Ah

Headlight:

High Beam 12 V 55 W

Low Beam 12 V 55 W

Tail/Brake Light LED

Even if one of LED (Light Emitting Diode) tail/brake light is not lit, consult with an
authorized Kawasaki dealer.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

14 SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS

The engine and frame serial numbe rs are u se d t o re g ister the motorcycle. T hey
are the only means of identifying your particular machine from others of the same
model type. These serial numbers may be needed by your dealer. when ordering
parts. In the event of theft, the investigating authorities will require both numbers
as well as the m odel type and any peculiar features of your machine that can help
them id entify it.

Frame No.

A. Frame Number

Engine No.

A. Engine Number

LOCATION OF PARTS

LOCATION OF PARTS 15

1. Clutch Lever

2. Left Handlebar Switches

3. Meter Instruments

4. Ignition Switch/Steering Lock

5. Brake Fluid Reservoir (Front)

6. Front Brake Lever

7. Spring Preload Adjuster (Front Fork)

8. Re bou nd Damping Force Adjuste r
(Front Fork)

9. Right Handlebar Switches

10. Throttle Grip

16 LOCATION OF PARTS

1. Headlight/City Light

2. Turn Signal Light

3. Spark Plugs

4. Air Cleaner

5. Main Fuse

6. Battery

7. Seat

8. Helmet Hook

9. Tool Kit/Storage
Compartments

10. Seat Lock

11. Brake Disc

12. B rake Caliper

13. F ron t Fork

14. Shift Pedal

15. Side Stand

16. D rive Chain

LOCATION OF PARTS 17

1. License Plate Light

2. Tail/Brake Light

3. Rebound Damping
Force Adjuster (Rear
Shock Absorber)

4. Brake Fluid Reservoir
(Rear)

5. Rear Shock Absorber

6. Spring Preload
Adjuster (Rear Shock
Absorber)

7. F ue l Tank

8. Fuel Tank Cap

9. C oolant Reserve Tank

10. Muffler

11. Rear Brake Light
Switch

12. Rear Brake Pedal

13. Oil Level Inspection
Window

14. Idle Adjusting Screw

18 LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

WARNING

Incorrect loading, improper in­stallation or use of accessories,
or modification of your motorcy­cle may result in an unsafe rid­ing condition. Before you ride
the motorcycle, make sure that
the motorcycle is not overloaded
and that you have followed these
instructions.

With the exception of genuine
Kawasaki Parts and A ccess ories ,
Kawasaki has no control o ver the
design or application of accessories.
In some cases, improper installation
or use of accessories, or motorcycle
modification, will void the motorcycle

warranty, can negatively affect per­formance, and can even be ille ga l.
In selecting and using a ccessories,
and in loading the motorcycle, you are
personally responsible for your own
safety and the safety of other persons
involved.

NOTE

Kawasaki Parts and Accessories

○

have been specially designed for
use on Kawasaki motorcycles. We
strongly recommend that all parts
andaccessoriesyouaddtoyour
motorcycle be genuine Kawasaki
components.

Because a motorcycle is sensitive to
changes in weight and aerodynamic
forces, y ou must take extreme care

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 19

in carrying cargo, passengers and/or
in the fitting of additional accessories.
The following general guidelines have
been prepared to assist you in making
your determinations.

1. Any passenger should be thor­oughly familiar with motorcycle op­eration. The passenger can affect
control of the motorcycle by im­proper positioning during cornering
and sudden movements. It is im­portant that the passenger sits still
while the motorcycle is in motion
and not interfere with the operation
of the motorcycle. Do not carry ani­mals on your motorcycle.

2. You should instruct any passenger
before riding to keep his or her feet
on the passenger footpegs and hold
on to the operator or seat strap. Do
not carry a passenger unless he or
she is tall enough to reach the foot­pegs and footpegs are provided.

3. All baggage should be carried as
low as possible to reduce the effect
on the motorcycle center of gravity.
Baggage weight should also be dis­tributed equally on both sides of the
motorcycle. Avoid carrying baggage
that extends beyond the rear of the
motorcycle.

4. Baggage should be securely at­tached. Make sure that the baggage
will not move around while you are
riding. Recheck baggage security
as often as possible (not while the
motorcycle is in motion) and adjust
as necessary.

5. Do not carry heavy or bulky items on
a luggage rack. They are designed
for light items, and overloading can
affect handling due to changes in
weight distribution and aerodynamic
forces.

20 LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

6. Do not install accessories or carry
baggage that impairs the perfor­mance of the motorcycle. Make
sure that you have not adversely
affected any lighting components,
road clearance, banking capability
(i.e., lean angle), control operation,
wheel travel, front fork movement,
or any other aspects of the motor­cycle’s operation.

7. Weight attached to the handlebar or
front fork will increase the mass of
thesteeringassemblyandcanre­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

8. Fairings, windshields, backrests,
and other large items have the ca­pability of adversely affecting stabil­ity and handling of the motorcycle,
not only due to their weight, but
also due to the aerodynamic forces
acting on these surfaces while the
motorcycle is in operation. Poorly

designed or installed items can re­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

9. This motorcycle was not intended to
be equipped with a sidecar or to be
used to tow any trailers or other ve­hicles. Kawasaki does not manu­facture sidecars or trailers for mo­torcycles and cannot predict the ef­fects of such accessories on han­dling or stability, but can only warn
thattheeffectscanbeadverseand
that Kawasaki cannot assume re­sponsibility for the results of such
unintended use of the motorcycle.
Furthermore, any adverse effects on
motorcycle components caused by
the use of such accessories will not
be remedied under warranty.

Maximum Load

Weight of rider, passenger, baggage,
and accessories must not exceed 180 kg
(397 lb).

Meter Instruments

A. Water Temperature

Warning Indicator Light

B. Oil Pressure Warning

Indicator Light
C. RESET Button
D. Neutral Indicator Light
E. MODE Button
F. High Beam Indicator Light
G. Left Turn Signal Indicator

Light
H. Tachometer
I. Red Zone
J. Right Turn Signal Indicator

Light
K. LCD (Speedometer, Clock,

Odometer, Trip Meter A/B,

Fuel Gauge)
L. FI Warning Indicator Light
M. ABS Indicator Light (model

with ABS)

GENERAL INFORMATION 21

GENERAL INFORMATION

22 GENERAL INFOR M ATION

Tachometer

The tachometer shows the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (r/min,
rpm). On the right side of the tachome­ter face is a portion called the “red
zone”. Engine r/ min (rpm ) in the
red zone is above maximum recom­mended engine speed and is also
above the range for good performance.

When the ignition key is turned to
“ON”, the tachometer needle momen­tarily points to the last reading to check
its operation. If the tachometer nee­dle does not operate correctly, have it
inspected by an authorized Kawasaki
dealer.

NOTICE

Engine r/min (rpm) should not
be allowed to enter the red zone;
operation in the red zone will
overstress the engine and may
cause serious engine damage.

LCD (Speedometer, Clock,

Odometer, Trip Meter A/B,
Fuel Gauge)

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) lo ­cated in the tachometer face is used
to display the Speedometer, Clock,
Odometer, Trip Meter A/B, and Fuel
Gauge. Pushing the MODE button
shifts the display th rou gh the follow­ing four modes: CLOCK, ODO, and
TRIP A/B. When the ignitio n key is
turned to “ON”, all the LCD segments
are displayed for three seconds, then
the clock or meters operate normally
depending on the mode selected.

A. Clock
B. Odometer
C. Trip Meter A
D. Trip Meter B
E. Push MODE Button

NOTE

For safe operation do not press the

○

MODE button while riding.

GENERAL INFORMATION 23

Digital Meter

A. Fuel Gauge
B. Speedometer
C. Clock, Trip Meter A/B, Odometer

NOTE

Do not shift the digital meter display

○

while riding for safe operation.

24 GENERAL INFOR M ATION

mph·km/h Display -

mph·km/h Display can alternate be­tween English and metric modes (mph
and km/h) in the digital meter. Make
sure that mph or km/h is correctly dis­played according to local regulations
before riding.

NOTE

Do not operate the vehicle with

○

the digital m eter displaying in the
wrong unit (mph or km/h). Shift the
mph·km/h display in the digital meter
as follows.

Display the odometer in the digital

•

meter.
The mph·km/h display shifts by push-

•

ing the RESET button while the
MODE button pushed in.

A. mph·km/h Disp lay

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

The mph·km/h display shifts as fol-

•

lows.

A. mph Display
B. km/h Display
C.PushRESETButtonwithMODEButtonin

NOTE

The data is maintained even if the

○

battery is disconnected.

Speedometer -

The speedometer shows the speed

of the vehicle in digital value.

Clock -

To adjust the hours and minutes:

Turn the ignition key to “ON”.

•

Push the MODE b utton to display the

•

clock.

Push the RESET but to n for more

•

than two seconds. Both the hour and
minute displays start blinking.

26 GENERAL INFOR M ATION

Push the RESET button. The hour

•

display only b links. Push the MO DE
button to advance the hours.

Push the RESET button. The hour

•

display stops blinking and the minute
display starts blinking. Push the
MODEbuttontoadvancethemin­utes.

Push the RESET button. Both the

•

hour and minute displays start blink­ing again.
Push the MODE button. The dis-

•

plays stop blinking and the clock
starts working.

NOTE

Pushing the MODE button momen-

○

tarily advances the hour or minute
step by step. Pushing and hold­ing the button advance the hour or
minute continuously.
The clock works normally fro m the

○

back-up power while the ignition
switch is turned off.
When the battery is disconnected,

○

the clock resets to 1:00 and starts
working again when the battery is
connected.

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

Odometer -

The odo meter sh ows the total dis­tance the vehicle has been ridden. This
meter cannot be reset.

NOTE

The data is maintained even if the

○

battery is disconnected.
When the figures come to 999999,

○

they are stopped and locked.

Trip Meter -

The trip meters show the distance in
kilometers traveled since they were last
reset to zero.

TRIP A: 0.0 ∼ 999.9

TRIP B: 0.0 ∼ 9999.9

To re set the trip meter:

Push the MODE b utton to display the

•

trip meter A or B.
Push the RESET button and hold it

•

in.
After two seconds, the figure display

•

turns to 0.0, and then starts cou nting
when the vehicle is operated. The
meter counts until it is reset.

28 GENERAL INFOR M ATION

NOTE

The data is maintained by the back

○

-up power if the ignition key is turned
off.
When the trip meter reaches 999.9

○

(TRIP A) or 9999.9 (TRIP B) while
running, the meters reset to 0.0 and
continues counting.
When the battery is disconnected,

○

the meter display resets to 0.0.

Fuel Gauge -

The fuel in the fuel tank is shown
by the number of segments displayed.
When the fuel tank is full, all the seg­ments are displayed. As the fuel level
in the tank goes down, the segments
disappear one by one from F (full) to E
(empty). When only the most bottom
segment is displayed, approximately

5.0 L (1.3 US gal) of usable fuel re­main. Furthermore, when the lowest
segment and “FUEL” blink in the digital
meter, approximately 3.6 L (0.9 US gal)
of usable fuel remain.

Refuel at the earliest opportunity if
the most bottom segment of the fuel
gauge blinks.

When vehicle stands with Side
Stand, Fuel Gauge cannot show the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank exactly.
Stand upright the vehicle to check the
fuel level.

GENERAL INFORMATION 29

A. Blink

NOTE

When pushing the MODE button

○

while “FUEL” is displayed, th e dis­play can be shifted to odometer, trip
meter, or clock mode.

Warning/Indicator Lights

: When the transmission is in neu-

tral, the neutral indicator light goes on.