Let's get that name out of the way first. Kawasaki claims the Versys moniker is a portmanteau of Versatile and System which, while hardly evocative, is a fairly accurate description of the ethos of this non-off-road adventurer.

Yes, KTM's 990 SMT and Ducati's air-cooled Multistrada might both offer a little more charisma, but neither is quite as well rounded and such good value as the Versys. And it's a lot cheaper than the BMW R1200GS! Kawasaki may have unashamedly jumped aboard a bandwagon but, as this bike clearly demonstrates, sometimes being late to market simply allows you to thoroughly engineer your product.

If you've access to £9,628, you could see your self riding out of your dealership on one of these. The bike looks well finished with a neat digital display, new Kayaba 'next generation' front forks and some very high quality detailing. The Versys might not be the best looking bike on the road but as an all-round adventurer, it has something to be said for it.

The engine is a modified version of the 1043cc Z1000 unit with a new combustion chamber that changes the compression ratio from 11.8 to 10.3:1.

New cams, valves and springs all add to the engine's improved characteristics. The Versys 1000 is a no nonsense bike. It's not designed to go off-road and Kawasaki is quite upfront about that. This bike's habitat is the open road and city commute making a pretty good fist of both environments. The high bars and upright riding position lead you to ride this bike more like a supermoto than a sportster, pointing and squirting and relying on the engine's considerable torque to haul you out of corners. Is it fast? Certainly is. Is it fun? Most definitely. The 21-litre fuel tank and 45mpg consumption means a range of about 150 miles, although the bikini fairing is a bit insubstantial at fast cruising speeds.

The Versys does a very creditable job of addressing both touring and commuting requirements.

If you need your bike to really earn its corn and fulfil a variety of roles, it's well worth putting your prejudices on hold and giving the Versys 1000 a try.

It might well surprise you!