2023 Versys 650 vs. Versys 1000 - Complete In-Depth Comparison Review!

[@dsambernardo]

The cornering light of the Versys 1000 its incredible.

[@PeterLoweOne]

See! that's what I thought! Another commenter didn't think so. Thanks for sharing!

[@smoberdeen]

You are spot on. My Versus 650 LT does everything well.

[@johannesmaas4080]

just bought the 1000 SE - I'm 181 cm tall, testride was fantastic and it felt great, time will tell how easy it is to move around when turning it e.g. in my garage or on my lawn.

[@alichamas63]

Really thorough reviews man, well done. I used to ride a VStrom 650/1000, then a BMW R1200GS and traded bikes for a ute (better for family and little kids) but I'm missing riding and eyeing off the Versys 1000SE or Ninja 1000SX. My heart likes the 1000SX but my head tells me the Versys will be smarter in terms of a tourer. I sat on the 1000SX and wasn't thrilled with the ergonomics, even though i hear good things about it so ill probably end up with a Versys...after i cough up stupid amounts of owed taxes 😫

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's funny because I almost bought the Ninja 1000SX before I went with my Z900RS SE (different bike for this stage of life, I may end up with something different again in another decade! 🙂. I didn't really give the Versys 1000 a second thought as I figured it was too big, and not really for me... but once I saw it, and was able to go over the details myself, I was REALLY impressed. I'm a big fan of that bike, and I could totally own one!

[@ridepastu1418]

Stay off two 👍

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice review of the Versys versus the Versys! I like the modern updates of this model.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm a big fan of the entire Versys line. Thanks for watching!

[@WendellWcrozier]

This is the video that made me subscribe to ur channel, keep up the good work 👍

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really appreciate that!

[@robhayes8295]

I've had to mod my 2021 Versys650L to suit my needs, but it's very reliable, economically, fun, and great value. (And versatile!)

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Currently considering a Versys 650. Have you done any longer trips on yours? If so, how did it feel from a comfort point of view?

[@robhayes8295]

@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne I live in semi-remote outback Australia. A typical ride is 400km round trip. If I head to Perth it's a 1600km round trip. It's good.

[@Loiczzr]

​@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne a couple months ago I did 1339 miles in 23 hrs. Oem seat but half way thru the ride I put a sheep skin on top of the seat. (Paid like $40 for it) also I added hwy pegs on the crash bar. I have the oem screen but I added a puig clip on (works great)

[@kwakithailand]

@@Loiczzr 1340 miles in 23 hours? That's *INSANE*, mate 💪 Thought I was the champion by riding 1340 kms in 17 hours, but compared to you I'm a bloody noob, mate.

[@Loiczzr]

@kwakithailand lol, I was doing an "iron butt, saddle soar" it's 1000 miles in less than 24 hrs. I rode from Las Vegas Nevada to Las Cruces New Mexico and back. To be certified by the iron butt association you must document with pictures and gas receipt next to odometer and write down time you stop, where, time you leave. I want to do the 1500 in less than 24hrs, called the "butt burner"...lol

[@djb523]

Excellent comparison Peter! I currently own a 2023 Vulcan S which I just purchased after 19 years without a bike. It's my first cruiser and I really like it, but I am also quickly outgrowing it. I've owned sport touring Honda's in the past (1985 Honda Sabre 700 & Honda ST1100). I am considering the Versys as my next bike, but I am wondering why Kawasaki doesn't go with shaft drive on their touring models. Also, why don't they put a center stand on any of these chain driven bikes? I find it ironic that my Honda ST1100 had a center stand with shaft drive, and the Versys 1000 does not. All in all these look like great bikes and I can't wait to see which one I get! LOL Thanks for the video!

[@Calmmind-living]

Thank you , as had made it so much easier to choose, as the 650 is enough for what I am looking for

[@heretohear8662]

Everybody always complains about "tall" bikes," I like the tall ride!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, it's not too tall for many people, and the visibility from a relatively tall bike with an upright seating position is great.

[@CalgaryGuy71]

Great review as always. I'm a tall guy and these Versys' are my kind of bike for my needs.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! I love the Versys lineup! I'm glad the video was useful for you!

[@ler3968]

Great comparison review, just what I needed because I have been looking at both for some time as my next bike. I had 90% decided on the 650 based on my needs with base pricing, height, and weight wet.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really loved the 650 for the years that I owned it. For most people, that's probably the right bike.

[@michielshub]

Great comparison! I see more and more useful tech entering the mid-sized models, unfortunately cruise control is still missing in most models and is also not optional. Maybe relative to expensive to get homologated or riders in the category don’t want it? For me it is almost a dealbreaker to have it.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I agree! My guess is that it's the expense as a modern cruise requires a modern electronic throttle, and most of these bikes don't have it. I can see that changing in redesigns moving forward, but as you know, they've been running with this powertrain for quite a while now, and it's been very successful as is. We'll see what the future brings!

[@Loiczzr]

Also i forgot, front turn signal, relocate them or put some that are "flexible" cuz if you drop the bike, even on your driveway been static, it will crack the fairing... I have some barkbuster hand guard and added led into them.

[@kawajocb1685]

Thanks fore the video. Greats from the Nederlands

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! My mother was born in the Netherlands!

[@Tbone0163]

Superb demo. Thank you!

[@bobterrwillinger4502]

I have an 18 Versys 650. Great bike, super powerful, but when I get to around 3500/4000 RPM.. I get a high pitched almost vacuum sound and in the rain, it's insanely annoying. I probably wouldn't get another one for fear of that sound. Looking at the 1000 or the Vstrom 800 RE as I think the 1000 would be overkill.

[@mypov9790]

Here in the Philippines the price doubles if you'll choose Versys 1000.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah. It's a big jump here in Canada too but our Versys 1000 is extremely well equipped compared to some markets.

[@dryogi4055]

Thanks for another great video. That matte red is beautiful btw.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! And yeah, I agree!

[@rival989]

I have the 2022 1000 versys and I wish the foot to peg position was like the BMW GS , or at least put some high way pegs on it for long rides sense it's a sport tourer too

[@terrylapointe282]

i had a 650 kawaski, not enough power. Traded it in for the yamaha 2022 tracer9gt. Love this bike. I did like the versy 1000 but the seat height was to high and feet didn't touch the ground. The kawaski seat height is 2" taller that the yamaha.

[@duckieduck3287]

My 650 has a center stand i bought from my local motorcycle shop, only thing it interacts with is the rear brake light sometimes staying on which we worked around by adjusting how far you have to press before the light comes on. Similar to my crash bars, i don't use the Kawasaki one, i have one and installed additional fog lights for cornering. And there hasn't been a single day i haven't driven it.

[@jDot2414]

Is this bike doing 80mph comfortably?

[@duckieduck3287]

@@jDot2414 it does 100mph comfortably

[@jDot2414]

@@duckieduck3287 have you road with passenger?

[@duckieduck3287]

@@jDot2414 yep, drove 2 hours with a passenger that's taller than me on the highway and the bike did not care

[@jDot2414]

@@duckieduck3287 appreciate the response. Ride safe

[@jtrogue]

I had the 08 model. Loved it. It had the Givi boxes and i added a top large box as well. I also added a vario wind shield and some speakers from Kuryakan. I am curious if the saddle boxes you showed are smaller as they look smaller and are the 650 and 1k boxes the same size?

[@kwakithailand]

Awesome indepth presentation of these two incredible Kwakis, Peter 👍 I would choose the 1 liter Kwaki, if (a BIG *FAT IF* ) I could avoid the BKK jams 😢

[@chrispack3131]

I had a Kawasaki GTR1400 rode it through BKK & Pattaya.. it was a nightmare! Looking to buy a Versys 650 now

[@kwakithailand]

@@chrispack3131 a 650 Versys is an excellent choice, indeed 👍 Nimble enough for city jams (Pattaya jams worsened, BKK's improved lately, though), oomph enough for the highway limits.

[@chrispack3131]

@@kwakithailand cheers mate…ride safe

[@kwakithailand]

@@chrispack3131 Thanks for your highly appreciated wishes, same to you, mate 🙏 Are you still riding through The Land of Smiles, mate?

[@chrispack3131]

@@kwakithailandI’m living in Jomtien ( near Pattaya ) now, I’m married & have styled here. Where are you located?

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Great review and comparison! I've been starting to do research on some bikes including this Versys series. I'm looking to regain my "spark" and interest in riding. ***truth be told, I'm looking more into the used market and was curious if there are things that I should consider in the earlier Versys series from around 2015 to 2018 or so?

[@ashermil]

Do it!!! I have a ‘15. Once you’ve set up the suspension to your liking, I can’t think of any compelling reason to want/need the newer model-other than more tech and more cost. Two power modes and three traction control modes (plus off) should be enough to keep a competent rider out of trouble. Spend the difference on gear and riding lessons. They have a more stripped-down version (essentially the same bike with last-gen tech and an updated screen) in other (non- US) markets. That’d be an awesome bike.

[@leviefrauim1425]

So disappointed when Kawi updated the V650LT and didn't bump displacement or add cruise control. If Kawi had done that, they would've had a winner, plus another buyer. The V1K, in comparison, is too big/heavy, unattractive and expensive so there's no consideration of that bike either.

[@PeterLoweOne]

The Versys 650 is already a huge winner for Kawasaki. It continues to sell very well for them. I'd like to see cruise control on it too, but that would require a change to a throttle by wire with Kawasaki's current technology. Also, I'm not sure that it needs a bigger engine. People generally like this engine and it hits a sweet spot in affordability and insurance rates. Having said that, Suzuki introduced a V-Strom 800 so we'll see if that pressures Kawasaki to head in that direction in the future.

[@Johnnybimble]

Had the 650, great bike and very comfortable. Struggled a bit with the seat height as only 29” inside leg

[@247SH]

I have a MK2 650 Versys. Here in the UK these bikes are quite popular. The only problem is the height of these bikes. I have a 29 inch inside leg so have had to lower the rear suspension and drop the front forks by about 20mm. I would like the 1000cc but cannot deal with the height. Why doesn’t Kawasaki cater for shorter riders? I find their approach disappointing. They are missing out on sales.

[@robhayes8295]

Agreed. You can get a lower seat which would of been better than lowering the bike but they are pretty expensive. The other tip I heard was buying lady motorcycle boots as they tend to have thicker soles. I'm 5'7" and I'm on my toes on my Versys (2021) - I've just learned to adjust over time. Not confidence inspiring when in the city doing frequent stops or on roads with a lot of taper, oil or gravel. It's interesting because the Versys is popular in Asian markets and on average they are shorter than Europeans so I guess it's something you just get over if you want the versatile machine.

[@JordanCran]

The 650's bags are only standard on the LT model - at least in Australia, where there are 2 models, the LT with bags and the standard model without.

[@lachlancannard]

Shame the full power version isn't available in Aus.

[@JordanCran]

@Lachlan Cannard agreed, though it is making an amazing first bike for me. Thinking about what to get next. Maybe the 1000, or a GS 1250. I think it has two restrictions, an ECU map that you would need to replace the ECU or buy an expensive flashing tool to adjust, and a throttle stop screw that stops the throttle from reaching the last 20% or so of its range. But the stock LAMS tune moves the peak power to around 4k RPM so the throttle screw doesn't actually limit the bike much. It's mainly the ECU map.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, in Canada the bags come standard. We no longer have an option to buy the bike without them, which, I think, makes sense for this market.

[@JordanCran]

@Peter Lowe One interesting, not sure why you would buy it here and not want the luggage. If I got mine new I would have gone for it. Second hand it is too expensive to upgrade, cheaper to buy givi boxes that don't look as nice but are a better shape for helmets etc.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@JordanCran yeah. I never had an issue fitting any of my helmets in the bags but Givi does give great options and often you can move those bags from bike to bike if you sell and move on. I will say though that there are a lot of brands that aren't as good as the Kawasaki branded bags.

[@hwa803]

Hi Peter, am a follower, great review. Is a 2015 versys different from a 2023 versys and is it a good buy for 4100 km a good buy at $8000? Thanks

[@PeterLoweOne]

The 2015 doesn't have updated dash, and body work. This one has LED lighting, I used to own a 2016, and it will drive exactly like this newer one. I'm not at all an expert on used vehicle prices, but the 2015 era Versys is the exact same as the one that I used to own, and I highly recommend that bike.

[@andyhallme]

Great review, I'm looking to purchase the 650 but I noticed that the Radiator on the 650 looks very exposed, do you think this is a weakness of the bike?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Not really. I think it depends on what you're planning to do with the bike. If you view it as an off road bike, it's really not that, and in that case the oil filter would be more of a worry to me (for off-road use) than the radiator. But this is an on-road bike, and my Z900RS SE has a radiator that is even more exposed. I put a Kawasaki accessory rad guard on my bike, and I don't think about it. So if you're concerned, there are options.

[@andyhallme]

@@PeterLoweOne Thanks for the advice Peter and point taken. The reason for the question, I noticed in the video that the 1000 did not appear to have such an exposed radiator, is this because of a different design or is there a rad guard on it?

[@HvV8446]

@@andyhallmethe 1000 rad is black, 650 is grey. It just stands out more if you put the bikes side by side

[@robhayes8295]

I fitted a radiator guard (cheap) and a bash plate (cheap) to avoid any issues but in 3 years, on a variety of roads and tracks in Australia, no issues. It has a reasonable ground clearance.

[@andyhallme]

@@robhayes8295 Hi Rob, thanks for the heads up. Do you have any other comments regarding the bike? Specifically, reliability, servicing? Thanks Andy

[@Loiczzr]

Anyone who is getting the 650, get the ecu flashed. The throttle is too "snatchy" from when living the dealer floor.

[@kwakithailand]

Didn't realize that as yet, though. Perhaps a snatchy "wrist"?

[@Loiczzr]

@kwakithailand no, like closing the throttle and opening back up its Jerky, also the bike from dealer run a bit to lean (like most bike now , easier to pass antipollution test)

[@kwakithailand]

@@Loiczzr "snatchy wrist syndrom" Tbe same was reported about the Z900RS by most journalists, too. Yet, I'm having the Z900RS as well as a Vulcan 650. I would describe it "prompt throttle response". Especially when compared to the first GPZ1100 EFI Kwakis. It's mostly a matter of personal preferences, isn't it?

[@stargazer4298]

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