MD 2015 Bike of the Year: The Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT

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If one machine can haul ass, handle like a sport bike, provide the comfort of a long distance tourer, and leave the showroom at a bargain price, well … maybe it deserves to be MD’s Bike of the Year. Those attributes describe Kawasaki’s 2015 Versys 1000 LT. A machine that lives up to its name.

Delivered with standard, removable saddlebags at a U.S. MSRP of $12,799 (it gets a $200 price bump next year), the Versys 1000 LT is also a relative bargain. It doesn’t mess around with a 19″ or 21″ front wheel … it gets 17″ wheels front and back with some of the best sport touring rubber we have sampled (Bridgestone’s T30). With its wide handlebars, you can confidently toss the big Versys through corners, and still enjoy freeway cruises while sitting bolt upright on a comfortable seat behind the adjustable windscreen and hand guards.

We tested a black model earlier in the year, but borrowed the Candy Burnt Orange version for our BOTY photo shoot. Enjoy the collection of new photos below.

For 2016, the Versys 1000 LT gets two new color schemes, including Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Raw Titanium/Metallic Spark Black. Take a look back at our review for all of our thoughts and impressions (including our suggested suspension adjustments) or take a look at Kawasaki’s web site for further details and specifications.  Congratulations to Kawasaki!

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Source: www.motorcycledaily.com