KEY FEATURES
2 0 1 2 MY V e r s y s 1 0 0 0 MO D E L I N F O RMAT I O N
14
* Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cc In-line Four with a bore and
stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm offers strong low-mid range torque with
smooth power delivery. Compared to the Z1000, the engine delivers a
stronger low-mid range with a slightly reduced peak power. Both peak
power and torque occur at lower rpm than on the Z1000.
(Illustration E)
* A number of key differences from the Z1000 engine help achieve the
lower-focused engine performance:
Compression ratio is 10.3:1 (down from 11.8:1) care of a new
combustion chamber.
IN/EX cam profles have shorter duration and reduced lift.
(Valves and springs are also unique to the Versys 1000.)
* Downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in
the shortest possible distance, contributing to performance. While
downdraft throttle bodies often use short intake funnels to maximise
high-rpm performance, the Versys 1000’s are longer to offer the best
power characteristics for street riding excitement.
* Throttle bore is ø38 mm, chosen for low-mid range response.
* Oval sub-throttles are used to deliver extremely smooth response. The
oval sub-throttles also help keep the engine slim – important since the
throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees.
* An intoxicating intake howl contributes to the engine feel and tempts
riders to twist the throttle just to enjoy the aural sensation when
accelerating.
* Good over-rev characteristics mean that power does not drop off
suddenly at high rpm.
* Power delivery is quite linear and, thanks to FI settings, response is
both quick and silky smooth. Both characteristics facilitate control
(especially for low-rpm manoeuvres or when rolling the throttle back
on) and contribute to sport riding potential.
* Flexible engine character means the Versys 1000 will be just as happy
cruising along at low-rpm as it is being ridden more aggressively in the
mid-high rpm range.
* A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the 6th web of the
crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration. Of course, a certain amount of
engine vibration was desired as part of the bike’s character (vibration
contributes to the feeling of acceleration, increasing linearly with rpm),
so vibration was not totally eliminated.
E
Exciting Engine