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Most riders in North America know little or nothing of Kawasaki’s long-running KLE500 enduro which has been available, all over the world, since 1991. By 2007 (it’s last year before being replaced by the KLE650), the KLE500 had evolved into a feature-packed, sport- looking, affordable, light-weight enduro with lots to offer. Amongst its top features was the reliable 500cc parallel twin, the same found in the Ninja 500R, a 21" spoked front wheel and—and perhaps most interesting—a double snorkel fed air box!

The 2007 Versys (only seeing U.S. shores in 2008) was an obvious and dramatic departure from the KLE500’s conceptual model. The dirt-loving 21" front wheels were set aside for sportier 17" cast alloy wheels shod with street tires. Gone too, was the snorkel, full cradle frame, standard luggage rack and enduro-style saddle. For whatever reason, Kawasaki decided to remove these features from the KLE line and, like Triumph who also released the Tiger 1050 in 2007, decided the North American market was ready for their tarmac-tamed configurations.

Thankfully, not all was lost. With a larger, reliable and fuel efficient parallel twin 650, comfortable riding position and over 6 inches of suspension travel, it wouldn’t take much to get this horse back on dirt touring duty. Understanding the Versys’ latent potential, ADVMoto contacted Kawasaki U.S.A., Twisted Throttle and a host of the industries finest aftermarket suppliers for ideas to help transform the Versys into the “ADVersys”—a machine more fitting of its KLE heritage.

Wheels

The biggest issue facing the Versys in terms of becoming an adventure bike is the stock 17" cast wheels. Thankfully, RAD Manufacturing from Utah made this all possible through an unlikely shift in market demand. Although traditionally makers of dirt bike hubs, RAD found new overseas competition had forced them to diversify their lines—and we’re glad they did!