2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Review

[@dazadorph45]

The Blue tooth is set to work with the rideroligy app on your phone, works great, the app also track route using the mobile gps app. , The gps mount on the handle bars I had to remove and get n and sw-motech screen mount as well as engine sump guard. This then allowed me to fit a SW-motech tank ring for tank bag. I bought the gt se 2019 version in Green for 4,500 miles on the closck for £11,500. I got the lower seat and it helps, the comfort is a little less padding. I changed the screen from the puig touring screen that came with it to the emarx sport screen, The only down side is the headlight need to be adjusted manually and not set up / linked with the rider modes. Its great two up adventure tourer fully loaded up with two up. Fitted the Mitchelin road 5 to it for all weather riding all year round.

[@davidkeddle4192]

Hi Richard, bought my bike second hand with just over 5000 km's on it, and it came with an aftermarket Cal Science dark windshield, which I didn't like. I have tried the National Cycle VStream, sport touring windshield, the MRA Vario, and the Puig which I am currently using. The VStream was very noisy so I sent it back. I used the MRA Vario on a 3 week ride to New Mexico last year and found it a little less noisy, but still too much buffeting and noise, so I went back to the Puig, which is the best of the 4 I have tried. I also thought of the KTM 1290 GT, but my riding style no longer requires the need for that much horsepower or going fast for the thrill of it. The 2019 Versys seems to fit my need for a good handling, comfortable, and upright ride. The custom seat on my Versys was done by Rich's Custom Seats & Upholstery out of Kingston Washington. Great seat, and I would highly recommend them.

[@dry509]

Hello..do you still have your Versys and recommend It?

[@flooredford9350]

Rode one of these last weekend here in the us, at a Kawasaki demo ride. Didnt go in expecting much. Im used to, and comfortable with, older motorcycles. I ride a honda blackbird, and I have an 80 yami and a 77 kawi dual sport. I was blown away by this versys, and I very badly want one. I'm old school, but the tech on this thing is unreal. Nice review, very plainly spoken, and that's a good thing.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Glad you enjoyed the new versys buddy. I was exactly the same. Didn't expect much but its an amazing bike! Like you I'm old school, R1150GS, Yamaha XT660Z and ZZR1100 😂 All the best and stay safe. Thanks for the feddbacl

[@steve-wu7jp]

Fantastic bike and great review. I hope your channel gets big, cheers buddy.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thank you very much buddy! Glad you liked it!

[@MystogunTM]

You're the only one who mentioned height , I'm also 5.6 but I was checking too much videos of this new versys about height wise... Thank you so much, you got me subscribe from Liverpool lots of love..

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

No worries and thanks for subscribing. I'm hoping to do more videos as soon as work allows me to 😂 Being on the shorter scale I find seta hight and bike weight really important to mention. Stay safe buddy

[@MyMednas]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to make it 👍

[@johnhodgkinson4311]

Really enjoyed your review bud, keep up the good work 😊

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thank you matey. Really appreciate it. Unfortunately with work and the current situation we are facing I've not had chance to do any more. But I think after all this blows over I will be making time to do more! Stay safe buddy and all the best

[@stevieburrows3953]

I had the 2015 version ex demonstrator .The fuel tank range at 60 mph is very good I once had 245 miles to a tankful.ON a trip to see the Moto gp at Jerez in Spain on my big V it was frustrating getting 118 miles to a tankful.I do however know all the fuel stops from Jerez to Seville to Santander.It also has a strange weave going on at higher speeds.Saying that I loved the bike I had some great holidays on it

[@doctorstrangelove8587]

So when you compare to a standard 1200 gs does it feel heavier when you lean it on the spot- not moving. That s my only concern. Like how is menage in the heavy trafic compare To non adventure 1200 gs or 1290 sas for example

[@andrewshore262]

I was looking to trade my V Strom 1k (current gen) for an SE, do you know if there’s a noticeable power advantage on the Versys,. Don’t need any off road capability so I think this would be a better fit for me. Nice review 👍

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Hey buddy. I would definitely go and have a go on one if you get the chance. The versys is a totally different bike to the V-Strom. A lot more electronics etc. The twin on the V-Strom is such a great engine, very torquey, punchy and sounds great haha. The suzuki rides well too. The kawasaki is very smooth and has good power, not much in the power department but overall a very good package.

[@andrewshore262]

TheBoy 888 A test ride is on the list thanks for the feedback👍

[@davidkeddle4192]

I have the 2015 Versys 1000, which of course doesn't have all the electronic wizardy. There are a couple of things about the bike that I don't like, first off the stock windshield needs to be replaced, way too much wind noise and buffeting. I have 3 aftermarket windscreens, the Puig seems to work the best. Secondly, the suspension transfers all the road imperfections to the rider. I ride with a couple of friends who have the KTM 1290, and when it comes to riding a bumpy twisty road they just ride away from me. So, the suspension alone is enough to convince me to upgrade to the 2019 model. The seat isn't a custom job and is by far the best seat I have had on any of my motorcycles, so I can't comment on that, but it seems to be fairly good from other video reviews I have seen. Good job on the video, I quite enjoyed your commentary and the countryside.

[@richardwaid4718]

David Keddle - hi david I have a 2016 and would like to suggest that folks look at the California scientific windscreen, calsci.com I think -or google will get you there. I upgraded to their version and it has worked great for me. They will cut the height to fit you perfectly and their website clearly explains how to measure. I’ve ridden a friends Versys with the Puig and the CS windscreen was much better to me. Cost was slightly below $200 The biggest shortfall to me re my 2016 is no cruise control, with heated grips second. I’m saving for my next bike and was looking hard at the 1290 Superduke GT, my son has one that I’ve ridden extensively, but when both bikes are available to me, I find myself picking the Kawasaki most of the time. Better seat and less vibration as primary reasons. But regret not having cruise ( I have a nice throttle lock but it’s not even close to the KTM’s cruise). Sooooo, the 2019 Versys looks like my next bike all things considered. Kawasaki heard what I wished my bike had a did it.

[@Duffloop]

Great reviews - more sir!

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thank you buddy. We will be doing the new kawasaki range very soon!

[@markjones3551]

Top review...been looking at all the adventure bikes and not sure which way to go....adventure tourer or adventure/with off road capabilities,but this bike looks and sounds superb.....

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

It's definitely a good contender. It doesn't have the off road capability of a GS (even though they are quite limited anyway) bit definitely a comfy adventure style bike with decent power and good technology too

[@markjones3551]

Rode a gs and it lives up to its name in my opinion.....boring as hell

[@jage6126]

sounds from the gear box during quick shifting sounds horrible. Wonder how long before the gears are worn / chipped?

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

No issues that in aware of. It may have been the audio on the video that made it sound bad but I can assure it wasn't bad when I rode it. All the best

[@buggyride1229]

Base on your review. Do you recommend if i use it as an adventure bike? is it capable to ride on muddy areas and light gravel like?

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

In my opinion no, even with nobbly tyres it wouldn't do any good off road. It is basically like a less powered s1000xr rather than a GS or a KTM Adventure etc

[@Neighbor51]

It does have heated grips.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

It does matey I mention that on the video. Just fiddly to work I thought

[@Neighbor51]

@@joelawrencetheboy4929 my bad I thought I heard it didn’t have them. I want one!

[@McTipple]

Have you had a chance to rider the Triumph Tiger Sport or Yamaha Tracer 900 GT? How would you rate the 3 bikes, being similar in their intended use, in terms of power, comfort, agility, etc.?

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Hey buddy. I've ridden the tiger 800 and the multistrada and s1000xr but mot the tracer or explorer. I would say with regards to power it wouldn't stand a chance against the multistrada, s1000xr or even the r1250gs but with regards to comfort and rideability and value it definitely stands up to them in that respect. I am planning on getting the yamaha and explorer out on a test ride as soon as I can get my hands on them haha

[@garytaylor9474]

Does anyone know how to use the heated grips.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

I still don't haha

[@garytaylor9474]

@@joelawrencetheboy4929 I think I have it now.. Press once it cycles one blink 5 times for lowest heat press twice it blinks twice for 5 cycles for a bit more heat press again and it blinks 3 times for the 5 cycles for the maximum.. I think lol

[@VideoInformation]

Got versys 650 2018, would it be a worthwhile upgrade?

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Definitely! The 650 is a great bike, if you want to upgrade to a bigger "adventure" tourer then I would definitely recommend test riding one if these

[@JUFFAIR101]

Is the windshield the normal size or the larger one from Kawasaki , i just bought one SE model and i am little concerned about the windscreen leave it stock or get the bigger one from Kawasaki Great review 👍🏼

[@andreeericsson]

great video and awesome bike

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thanks mate!

[@travelinben1966]

I’d give it serious consideration if it were shaft drive.Nice review, thank you.

[@dreadnought1984]

I have this bike and a shaft drive Guzzi. Modern chains are almost maintenance free. Throw some wax on it every 2k miles. Adjust every 5k miles (if it needs it)? Replace every 20K? It's like 30 minutes of work a year. Don't let that keep you from an amazing machine.

[@travelinben1966]

@@dreadnought1984 Thank you for your response.Fact is, I'm sure I would love any Versys.Kawasaki nailed it with this range.You may have convinced me!

[@nealebradford6417]

another good vid pal, as for menu's, can you get the just eat app, its beyond me all these gizmo's.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thank you buddy. As for the menus I wouldn't put it past them! The technology is crazy now on bikes, it's a good thing but I'm more of an old school, manual suspension adjusting kind of guy too 😂. I'm off to France on the old beemer this week so I'll take the gopro and do a video if I get a chance

[@nealebradford6417]

@@joelawrencetheboy4929 look forward to that, safe trip.

[@nealebradford6417]

ps, cracking vid, let's have one on the bm, look forward to that, older model lookihg back to older bike's.

[@NickTruelsen]

Good video, well presented thanks.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thanks Nick. Appreciate the feedback!

[@NickTruelsen]

TheBoy 888 just watched again, I think the bike has a Quickshifter both up and down?

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

@@NickTruelsen hey buddy thanks for the comment. It only has a quick shifter, it doesn't have an auto blipper going going down the box unfortunately (I tried to shift down without the clutch and it had none of it hahaha)

[@NickTruelsen]

Shame it’s not standard, but it’s not all bad as it seems to be available as an aftermarket accessory www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/accessories/motorcycles/Versys_1000/2019?UidCat=01FFWUYNBkU9Iw&UidSubCat=0545WlhZXFhaWllYWFlYWVhYWF9aRg0GRT0j&CodeBaseInternal=01B2IyQyWVhYWA&Uid_Model=0943Cg5fCV0MUQ4KWAsLXFBfCQleWlhQWQsLWwleDFpdWQk&Uid=0826X1xeUFsJUVsMUFBfXFBZDlBQCV4OWVELXgxRXF1dDFg

[@volt8684]

Come on do some more reviews please

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Sorry buddy. As you can imagine with covid it has been tough but also running a business is taking a lot of our time up. However as soon as we are allowed out I have my own new bike to review and also an older one too. Stat safe buddy and I'll be back soon

[@josephlarmor550]

I have the Versys 1000 SE GT and I liked your review. But why didn’t you have a good read of the (very clearly written) owner’s manual before trying to demonstrate the controls? It’s so boring watching someone stabbing at the buttons while giving a meandering and confusing running commentary. Why don’t you know how the heated grips work? Why do you talk as if the manual is a last resort, instead of essential preparatory reading? You said that the standard Versys doesn’t come with luggage, but the SE does. Let’s be clear, there is a standard model and an SE (Special Edition). Either model can be specified in addition as a Tourer (panniers) or a Grand Tourer (panniers + top box). Cheers!

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you liked the review. I did exactly what I do whenever I ride or get on a new bike or a new car, truck etc. I am a bloke and I only refer to the manual at a last resort 😂. Heated grips should be easy to use and not need a manual to tell me how to do it (in my view anyway). A lot of people are the same and like it when you just dive into it unknown like you would do if you got the bike. I thought it would be a good idea to show if it is easy to use straight away or not. Also you have to specify the touring pack. If you just buy the standard or base model Versys it doesn't come with luggage, so to me, it doesn't come with luggage standard. Sorry for any confusion buddy! Anyway stay safe in these mad times and keep it rubber side down. Enjoy that bike!!!! I'm trying to get out on the KTM as much as I can before we get to winter.

[@josephlarmor550]

TheBoy 888 OK, we are all different I guess, but the heated grips are very straightforward to use - if you read the manual 😀 Personally, I have always read through the owner’s manual of every new car or bike I have ever owned, sitting in the garage or on the driveway. Saves lots of time, frustration and mistakes later. Having spent all that money, why would you not want to benefit from the advice and assistance of the people who designed and built it?

[@josephlarmor550]

TheBoy 888 But you said “the SE model comes with luggage”. Wrong!

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

@@josephlarmor550 😂😂 I know, it must be the mechanic in me. Growing up building bikes and cars my dad never read manuals, and I just carried on. Always figured it out 😂 unless we were very stumped haha. Especially building race bikes, every build was different. I still haven't read my KTM manual for the new 790 Adventure, I just like to go through it all lol.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

@@josephlarmor550 at the time kawasaki had a deal on, it was promoted at the bike shows if you bought one in that time period it came with luggage as a promotion 😉

[@mrdee1986]

Thanks for the honest review Its obvious your not a reviewer and as such you make it sound real instead of blinding us all with science ,in other words you say it like it is. Tripping over words stammering all the bloody lot great, I watched this clip twice and went to Robbinsons in Rochdale and bought one on the strength of it and I love the the bike,I had done my research before hand and had a good idea of what the bike was about but it suits me fine for training and Sunday day out and touring holiday it does it all in fine style . You don't really need all the toys and I bought the G T version top box and panniers no quick shift or heated grips or cruise but if we are honest we can manage with out but they are nice additions for those who wan t them. Thanks again

[@MrSang-py3dd]

-blinding us all with science Are you twelve? I think motorcycles isn't for you if you hate science.

[@mrdee1986]

I have nothing against science,the point I was making is that the review was honest and straight to the point not contrived and long winded. Now you have clearly missed the point so lets not get into a slanging match or name calling ,you could do us all a favour and learn some manners instead of being a keyboard warrior , now go away

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Thanks buddy appreciate the review. I try and make the videos as honest and as straight to the point as I can haha.

[@TheFlemmo123]

The wheelbase on this bike looks like it will flip over every way possible, longer swinging arm would have made it look better. 👍

[@adamperkins3125]

Wrong it is auto blipper.lol Quickshifter works up and down the box :)

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Wasn't on the one I rode matey. Trust me I tried 😂

[@pipingmad11]

@@joelawrencetheboy4929 You have to be doing over 2,500RPM for downshift to work.

[@johnmatthews3990]

I don't get why a tourer like this doesn't come with an electric screen.

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Probably mainly down to development costs which then reflect on the cost of the bike? But yes I would have liked to see an electric screen on there. But saying that, the GS doesn't have an electronic screen...you couls say the GS is an adventure tourer where this is just a sports tourer though. Its a mind boggle 😂😂

[@johnmatthews3990]

@@joelawrencetheboy4929 thanks for replying. You pay all that money and no electric screen? Even a 15 year old Pan European had one. I won't be buying this bike. Have a great day!

[@mathieudumez253]

man I get a headache of your videorecording

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

@@mathieudumez253 I wouldn’t watch it then buddy 😂. It’s no different to any other helmet mounted camera. Stay safe out there and please don’t make yourself get headaches watching my videos

[@nikos-giorgos]

When I hear a reviewer saying "I think" I just go and watch something else...

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

No problem buddy! Stay safe

[@MyMednas]

Surely every review is just what that person thinks? What do you expect, a review incorporating the views of hundreds of randomly selected members of the public? A double blind trial?

[@pauleduardjavier6003]

It is ok to buy this bike without cornering abs? Im choosing versys or vstrom today

[@joelawrencetheboy4929]

Hi there. They come standard with the cornering abs. I'm not 100% whether you can turn the cornering abs off fully but I would ask your local dealer if this is a turning point in your decision. Many thanks