2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Test Ride & Thoughts

Don't want to call this a review in case some people bring up why didn't I mention any of the technical data and jargon etc. If you follow my channel you will understand I'm looking for an upgrade from my current Honda CB500X.
The Versys 1000 is super smooth and has all that power when you need it. It will eat all the miles on highways or twisties so it is a do it all machine. That's if you are a tall person. I find the seat height is a bit too much for me for town riding and it's heavier than the KTM 1050 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 800 or the Yamaha MT09 Tracer. It's a small trade off I guess for all that comfort.
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[@komerka35]

Got this bike a few days ago, this year and colour, absolutely love it man.

[@VeeFour]

An excellent review thanks. Actually imparting useful information that I need to know when considering this bike, rather than just talking in superlatives like most of the so called pro channels out there. Good work

[@SkyRider365]

Thanks very much buddy. It's so encouraging to receive comments like this.

[@ZiggySheppardUK]

Thanks for such a down to earth review. It is refreshing to find reviews that include small details that would be used daily.

[@SkyRider365]

Ziggy Sheppard Thanks Ziggy my pleasure.

[@Herzankerkreuz67]

+Sky Rider Hi ! Congratulations to a flawless assessment of a good bike ! I did enjoy your approach and can only encourage you to do more 'assessments ' ! One thing that amazes me though is that on bikes like the Versys we seem to accomplish exactly the opposite of what we want in terms of wind protection.... I am a fan of naked bikes, just bought the z1000, and I do experience absolutely no buffeting whatsoever. Just a smooth and of course with more speed an ever increasing wind flow, but no buffeting ! I wonder if no screen at all would be more effective ? Cheers from Costa Rica

[@Mike-hu8yz]

@@Herzankerkreuz67 Come to Scotland where the toughest bikers in the world freeze their bollocks off and never complain about buffeting.

[@thealtered7]

I bought one of these in February 2015. I am 6 foot even and am able to flat foot it. Here in the states there exists a cruiser culture that I don't perceive existing in Europe (I confess to having never been to Europe). I myself came to this bike by way of a Vulcan 900. I feel like this bike is a better cruiser than a cruiser. Sort of a futuristic hyper cruiser if you will. Keep the engine below 5k rpm and you can just cruise along, absorbed in your own thoughts and a very comfortable seating position. Above 6k rpm the engine really starts to reflect its sport bike nature and can put a smile on your face that no cruiser can match. It does highway very well and feels very comfortable blasting down the road at 80 miles an hour. It also does very well negotiating the potholes that often exist on the poorly maintained back roads that we all find so much fun. It is a great all around bike in my opinion, though it is probably going to be too heavy and have too gentle a tuning for the sport bike fan. I mostly do day trips around Colorado with the occasional extended road trip. This bike was made for touring around the Rocky Mountains. Anyway, I am rambling. I tend to do that when I talk about this bike. Nice video. I feel like your observations and criticisms are valid. Sometimes I wish the bike were an inch shorter even though I can flat foot it but if one wants a tarmac touring bike with some beans the Versys is a great choice.

[@SkyRider365]

Jeff Keene Great owner review here Jeff. I like that 1000cc engine very much and the real life performance is outstanding on the Versys. Enjoy your ownership and the thousands of miles that you will be riding it. I don't think in this day and age there is such thing as a bad bike. Engine, build quality, reliability are very good with all of them now.

[@blackbird69xxx]

Yes ive heard and read it before better cruiser than a cruiser with a bit off light off road ability and 80% superbike performance . what more can you want or need... Hmmm maybe a v strom 1000?

[@darylcadman2863]

@@blackbird69xxx 120 hp on a mid tuned ZX10 Motor is a little down. Think they could have uped it a little more

[@bombousboy]

Well done. An excellent overview of this bike. I'm thinking of buying one, and your comments on it have proved very useful. Thank you.

[@SkyRider365]

+bombousboy Glad I could help :) Thanks for watching.

[@Banditmanuk]

I've just bought this bike, it suits my 6'4" frame. Super comfortable, pulls hard from low revs, 200+ miles range on the fuel. My GT model has nice integrated panniers and top box. Its good for over 130mph, turn off traction control and it wheelies off the throttle. It tours and is a fun bike what more could you want.

[@SkyRider365]

Thanks for stopping by banditman. It is genuinely a great bike especially for a tall rider. I'm about 5 9 so find it a bit tall for me that's all. Speed, comfort and handling is superb as I have said. The GT version is a the best of all as you get gear indicator too. What colour is yours?

[@Banditmanuk]

Sky Rider I've gone for this colour in the GT version. I've added heated grips (should be standard) an Akropovic exhaust and a taller tinted screen. After having the bike a month I'm still awaiting some of the GT kit to be fitted as Kawasaki uk have ran out of some GT parts!! Have panniers but no coloured inserts, no driving lights, power socket and gear indicator

[@SkyRider365]

Banditmanuk Oh dear that's not good news you having to wait. I like the GT spec but didn't know you have to wait for the 'parts' to be fitted separately. That Akropvic must sound amazing on the bike :))

[@Greggspies]

You've ridden many bikes and been searching for over 12 months when you going to buy one! BTW a run one of these they're stupendous for the money and look cool, I put a 16T sprocket on for lower RPM too. Oh yes good review.

[@SkyRider365]

+Howard Morton Hi I actually bought a Yamaha Tracer last year. Great bike for what I need it to do.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Wow your a great reviewer. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@SickMetalAddict]

Gear indicator + power socket + cruise control = you can get them in the premium version + aftermarket parts easily

[@Jimo368]

Thanks for showing all the details.

[@SkyRider365]

+Jimo368 My pleasure Jimo!

[@jimandrews2154]

I own this bike in the same color even. Mine is a 2015 Versys 1000 ABS . Bought it in spring 2016. I just love it. I love the fuel economy it gets also ,very good for an engine of its size. More than plenty of power on tap any time you want it. Plenty of power for riding double also. I also love the 6 speed transmission it has. For cruising winding roads ,you'd only need the first 3 gears. For interstate highway driving at 130 KPH or 80 MPH that 6th gear is nice , like an overdrive gear.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Hi H! Nice "assessment"! :-) Amazing set of technical gizmos these modern bikes have! It makes my SR500 look like it's out of the stone age! 8-D You mentioned the nice clutch lever action: I once had a Ducati 916 and that clutch would have qualified as a work-out for Superman! On longer tours I felt I had carpal tunnel syndrome. But real men don't complain about that, eh?! I think the rear tyre is a 180 - I have found 190s look cool but spoil the handling unless you're on the track all day. I'm enjoying your search for the next perfect bike! Keep it up! All the best, Rob

[@SkyRider365]

Hi Rob. Thanks for watching again. I'm glad there's a lot of support from nice people like yourself. A bike is a work of art and tech no matter its age or origin. Your SR is just as special as any modern bike :) The fact that the Ducati gives you something to talk about is cool. I guess no bike is perfect so I have to look very hard, compare closely to find that near perfect bike for me. I'd love to ride the Triumph tiger again as at the moment it's my favourite. Take care.

[@stefanonegrini3739]

i really love your review! thank you!

[@SkyRider365]

+stefano negrini Thanks make sure you have subscribed :)

[@0123427467]

Minha próxima máquina!!!!

[@cascadianpuget]

Nice job. I was happy to like and subscribe. This is on my short list, and if I can flat-foot it it's probably at the top.

[@SkyRider365]

CaptPuget Thanks CaptPuget for checking this out. That engine is such a gem. Unfortunately I can't flat-foot anything in this adventure class. I may have to take leg extension surgeries.

[@ylism]

Your thought were good & concise. Do have a question about the avg fuel useage, hope you can remember what the bike was doing ? Thanks you, yl

[@SkyRider365]

***** Can't remember the fuel economy but I'm guessing in high 40s (MPG)

[@ylism]

Yes, I think others have said in the low forties area, maybe even more depending on how it is ridden..Thanks...!

[@darkninja67]

Thanks for the review. Might be my next bike as the girl wants to ride with me. Needs heated grips stock though, they are a $289.95 US option. :(

[@SkyRider365]

+William Kayal A friend of mind had the Oxford one fitted and it works well. Even with the stock one you still have a control box on the bar I think.

[@LenScapoff]

Thanks for this. That's one crossed off my list - reckon it would be too tall for my comfort, too.

[@SkyRider365]

Take a test ride first. I wear 29/30 inch inseam trousers so short legs is my problem. It's an amazing machine though. One for long distance trips. I'm worried that if I parked on uneven surface I may not be able to support it with my feet.

[@staninjapan07]

You guys have the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in The UK yet? Be interested in a comparison between this and that. I have the 2012 V-Strom 650, which is plenty here in Japan with its narrower roads and much lower speed limits (80 k.p.h on the motorway but everyone does about 100 k plus). The strom 650 cruises at 100 kph / 63 mph in 6th at 4,000 rpm, just for your info. Oh, and gives me about 70 miles / UK gallon at that speed, 2 up. Thanks for the video.

[@SkyRider365]

+staninjapan07 Hey thanks for the info. I was going to test ride the V 1000 but was put off by the price and performance data compared to the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. I'd love to visit Japan but the speed limit could be an issue haha. I really liked the V Strom 650 for its simplicity and comfort but wanted more power therefore Yamaha MT09 Tracer.

[@timhickey9898]

I'm about to upgrade in the next 6 months and I was wondering if you think the 1000 Versys is a better option than the Honda VFR800 Crossrunner.I do mostly freeway commuting and a few highway trips with friends.Cheers mate

[@SkyRider365]

I've not tried the VFR800X yet so can't comment that. I'm sure that both bikes will be good at the job. Here are a few facts to consider. engine character - the V4 VTEC is different to the in line 4 on the Versys. I really liked the 1000cc engine when I rode this bike. Comfort - the Versys is great for long distance trips so I'll soon compare that to the Honda. Personally I prefer the Honda dashboard and heated grips come standard. I also prefer the looks of the Honda and the twin LED headlight is standard on the crossrunner. All in all there's no bad bike here but personal preference.

[@timhickey9898]

Good on you mate thanks for the reply. I'll keep watching. Cheers

[@tinsonthomastravel]

Which bike did you end up buying..?

[@phamster18]

very good review you did a great job.. did you find a shorter lower seat solution upgrade bike?

[@SkyRider365]

+Ct Pham Thanks buddy. I got the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer in the end. It's a lot lighter than the Versys 1000 but just as tall though. Next thing on my shopping list would be some leg extensions.

[@phamster18]

+Sky Rider I am also looking at the fj09 for my next upgrade u still like your Yamaha?

[@22fret]

Very decent machine, but I very much disapprove the short intervals between the necessary maintenance services. It's only 6000kms, which is ridiculous. That would force me to the shop twice a year...

[@eastjava8114]

very good explanation dude

[@SkyRider365]

+East Java Thank you :)

[@djbgatekeeper]

Great review, thanks very much :-)

[@shaneweightman]

You didn't mention what height you are . . .?.thanks Shane

[@SkyRider365]

173cm with short legs :)

[@noostNL]

very thoroughly, nice!

[@raico001]

Hey m8, maybe you explained already in the previous comments why you chose the Tracer above this bike, but would you mind telling me why? The more I read about this bike, the more i feel the pressure to test it myself (and not only for Belmoto :-) ) Another question I have is how tall are you? I am 1m87 and I wounder if this bike will suit me in hight?This is an axcellent review :-)Greetings,Mister M from Belmoto :-)(BTW, keep up the good work m8)

[@SkyRider365]

Hi Mr M it's always nice to read your comment. This is a much heavier bike compare to the Tracer. I'm 1m73 so a shortie for this bike especially trying to move it with my feet from sitting down. It's more comfortable than the Tracer but at a big price difference. The GT version costs around £11k in the UK which is similar to the spec level of the Tracer which is £8k. That ugly exhaust is another reason I didn't go for it. A friend of mine bought the black one with all the extras and replaced the exhaust with an aftermarket one. It's rather nice. I did a video on it too if you look at my recent upload.

[@RebetavolutionRealm]

Great Assessment Video... BTW...How tall are you?

[@SkyRider365]

5 ft 9 without my gears and rucksack. Thanks for checking this out.

[@RebetavolutionRealm]

i less 3 inches...so no no for me :(

[@saddle8bag]

Rebetavolution Realm I just bought one and put a lowering link on it. I'm 5'7" with a 29" inseam and I can almost flat foot it on both sides after dropping the clamps on the tubes an inch and lowering the seat an inch. And the lowering link can be adjusted up to lower the bike's seat by 4".

[@RebetavolutionRealm]

saddle8bag i knew about the lowering kit...but some say it will make the bike suspension less effective especially during corner...any feedback...

[@saddle8bag]

Rebetavolution Realm Let'em try and keep up. ;) It's nonsense. There is a difference between lowering a bike with a link and lowering a bike with a shock that has less travel. Neither the link nor dropping the clamps on the forks changes the travel of the shock. Even if it did change the travel, the damn bike has almost 6" on both ends which is ridiculous overkill for a street bike. So even if it reduced it to 5" you'd still have more travel than most street bikes. Lowering it will also have the benefit of lowering the center of gravity, which will make it less top heavy. That is particularly nice at lower speeds. Not to brag, but I ride a little harder than the average bear and there ain't nothing wrong with this thing the way it's set up. It's a great bike. Don't let its height dissuade you.

[@darylcadman2863]

Seat very uncomfortable after bout 40 min. Looks comfy, but isn't. I'm going to get a after market one

[@seanalcala9840]

You mean listen to the intake tract! that's were all the noise comes from.

[@SkyRider365]

+Sean Alcala Hi Sean. The stock exhaust is rather quiet and you do hear more engine noise as a result. A subscriber has changed his can to an after market one and you can hear it in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4LRo32njd6ajpo&safe=active

[@seanalcala9840]

Yeah, I have an aftermarket can too, and the intake wine still annoys me a low to mid rpm's.

[@antoniomartins9394]

Lindissima

[@matthewjones3395]

How tall are you btw?

[@SkyRider365]

173cm but with quite short legs. My Yamaha MT-09 Tracer is 845mm tall and I'm just about to tiptoe it.

[@matthewjones3395]

Im 178 cm ( had to use a converter! lol) I bought a versys last week - love it! Though I'm not surprised you struggle as I'm not flat footed on the bike

[@ronfeast932]

Purchased a 2016 model and at 203K mileage....faultless.

[@Mike-hu8yz]

Really?

[@Chalky29]

Camel is not the first thing to come to mind when thinking 'comfy' :)

[@SkyRider365]

FreshChalk Well perhaps a sofa then. :)

[@koop5365]

180 rear tyre

[@tomsadventure708]

I’m 5’9 and it’s not much for me to control this bike on my toes 🤣

[@thejayvyas]

cruise control is available or not ?

[@SkyRider365]

No it's not.

[@rubensaguilarjr2094]

Nc travel edition

[@RobertBrumley60]

I love this bike but love to go on long cruises. It has traction control, and engine mode settings, but NO cruise control? WTF Kawasaki. This bike would be perfect for me if it had cruise control. I won't buy it because it doesn't. Also get rid of the chain and put a drive shaft.

[@MJT-DA]

Robert Brumley Buy a fjr1300 it has both of what you're looking for

[@DoctorYoda2]

Lol you're 5' 9" and at the tallest option it hits your eyes, I'm 6' 4" so it'll probably just straight up blow my head off xD

[@SkyRider365]

+Docter Yoda In the end I went for the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (FJ-09) which is 845mm tall. You'll got the perfect height for the Versys then :)

[@DoctorYoda2]

Sky Rider Oh, okay thanks xD

[@blackhat400]

The exhaust designer , must be blind,,

[@ylism]

blackhat400 Some Bikes exhaust need longer pipes for volume to get the desired torque & HP delivery, that could have something to do with overall length ? Just incase you was curious as to why it's so long, or not ? ..lol

[@VeeFour]

Kawasaki make some of the most beautiful looking bikes out there, yet their exhausts are, without exception, the ugliest. They need to sack their exhaust guy

[@ylism]

Thats one way to look at it, being nice, the other would be as they say " Off with his head " your choice of course. lol -----> get what your saying, I have one, different bike though.

[@iXDubiosXi]

So, First things first.... nice review. But I'm not going to blow smoke up your ass like some of the other posts. Instead - because some people are an ass (me) and like to point stuff out, here's what I think... ** You had your indicator on during a straight piece of road. ** You recorded yourself speeding several times (twice on the motorway 85mph+ and one time in-particular you did 54 in a 30 past a pedestrian crossing. That's just irresponsible. **** You recorded your number plate to make it easy for anyone wanting to report you (not me) to the police.**** ** You did an emergency stop on a painted white arrow. So good fortune that it wasn't wet or greasy - but it may have shown a decent abs/traction control event (or accident). ** Lastly I noticed that you WANTED a gear indicator. Why do you need to know what gear you are in? (think about that one). Thats all. But honestly, a good review.

[@SkyRider365]

+iXDubiosXi Thanks buddy so are very thorough with the details :)

[@datcubanguy4517]

please PC,don't issue him a violation and we will all,the ones that watch him do this,love you to the end of times!thanx mate!

[@TheVitalishe]

Gear indicator is particularly useful at slower speeds for example to avoid downshifting into 1st gear thinking you are going into 2nd. Yes, it is possible to develop intuition about it, but it is a question of convenience. We already have speedometer, tachometer and fuel gage. Gear indicator is just another useful indicator.

[@Me-yh4uc]

You put me to sleep