Based on the long-running Kawasaki Ninja 650, the 2020 Versys 650 ABS and Versys 650 LT are Kawasaki’s nominal midweight entrants into the ADV category.
While the suspension travel is a bit longer than a pure street motorcycle, the Versys 650s are pavement-only motorcycles at heart, featuring street tires mounted on 17-inch rims at both ends.
That’s not to say the Versys 650s can’t take on a dirt road. As long as the road is in good shape, feel free to take a spin—the chassis and plastic are designed to offer the rest of the motorcycle some protection from flung rocks.
As a do-it-all motorcycle, the standard Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS is difficult to beat. It can be a sportbike, an excellent commuter, and an adventure motorcycle in a pinch.
The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT (not shown) is the same motorcycle as the standard version, with bags and handguards added at a $900 premium. This adds touring to the many capabilities of the Versys 650 platform.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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