BattleToad! The $800 Kawasaki Versys 650 hits the street | Daily Rider

[@RevZilla]

Enter to win a new Indian Chief in our #IRODETODAY sweepstakes! rvz.la/3eHyDat Read about this bike hitting the track here: rvz.la/3eF7lRY Watch the CTXP video featuring the BattleToad here: rvz.la/3e4V9e3

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Zack what bike do you use as your personal "daily rider" - is it the ATM 950 SM? (I call them ATMs because they empty your bank account) LOL

[@alwaysplaythegame]

What if I want to win the BattleToad!

[@larsmortensen1247]

You should do a video series on how to revive a used bike! New bars, replace brake pads, new cluster bracket etc... I think it would be interesting

[@lovelessissimo]

Yes.

[@michaelmurray8962]

Definitely would watch that.

[@lovelessissimo]

Ari would do great things with a video series like that.

[@adrianmanlupig8894]

Hoping revzilla would do this series

[@chrishart8548]

Set of green renthal bars would be nice

[@momchilyordanov8190]

This looks much more like the motorcycles people actually ride, than the shiny, new models usually reviewed :)

[@OrangeGenerator]

uhhhh

[@noeagosto9231]

mmmm

[@piperfect]

It probably depends where you live. Where I am, I mostly see newer Harley Touring bikes.

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

Someone out there will now build a Battle Toad replica and I approve of this.

[@jfess1911]

I have seen a few of them. Well, maybe not exactly, but "naked" Versys bikes with the plastic bodywork removed. They are usually advertised as "streetfighters."

[@chrishart8548]

I would prefer it with twin round headlights. And after market clocks.

[@PhantomNr5]

As an '08 Versys 650 owner, the temptation is real. But the bike is looking snarky at me, and I treasure him too much.

[@BassOutcast]

Zack : Says 28K is high mileage Me, looking at my 60K mile NC700X: "You're still a good bike"

[@00grayfox00]

Looks at my 20 year old V-strom 1000: Your still pretty V.

[@techten1012]

How many valves checks so far. Heard those nc700x needs valce clearence check every 7k miles.

[@chrishart8548]

@@techten1012 waste of time valve checks they never even change.

[@Dowent]

It's basically a half of a Civic engine. When you r at 200k, it'll be just about worn-in.

[@richards61]

Not all miles are created equal 😂

[@27Zangle]

I would totally daily the Battle Toad without complaining. I love a motorcycle with a story and character.

[@CoreyBrass]

She's apologizing because she seen your bike and just feels bad for you in general.

[@arsyadgafli8749]

she saw it and thought he was gonna crash again because she made him stop😂

[@awdrifter3394]

But he's riding a Superleggera.

[@seanylewl]

17:31 imagine what the guy in the car is thinking... some dude rolls up next to him on the front wheel, then proceeds to fiddle with their dash cluster which is attached to the bike with wires

[@jakobcrawford2753]

I sold my 2014 Versys 650 a few months ago and upgraded to a 2015 Yamaha FJ 09. The Versys was a great entry bike for me coming from the off road scene. Now I'm loving every minute of the FJ 09 / Tracer.

[@BobMcDougall]

I bought a 2020 Versys 650 LT because of Daily Rider. Glad to see it is still in top 2. And apparently some longevity. 😉

[@Pebbzor]

And I the 2020 Versys 650 GT! I am still struggling with the turbulence created though. Fourth windscreen on its way.

[@triumphbill]

Still near the top of my list for next bike for same reason.

[@dry509]

@@triumphbill let me know what works?

[@dry509]

Like those bright driving lights...and what are recommended tires?

[@eckes13]

i was dying when he said "Someone blocked our jump"... lol

[@jamesatwood4433]

I have a ninja 500 in the exact same state as the battle toad. I've replaced all ware components on it using Ari's motorcyclist magazine videos and it rides like a dream. I also love being able to adjust the headlight on the fly!

[@shadowred1980]

Lucky that backing in, didn't pull the tyre off the rim with the whole 11 psi holding it on. Glad it got you to the office.

[@The333]

Internet: "Here's another video of Zack riding BATTLE TOAD". Me: "Someone get me a f--kin' helmet!" :)

[@themainmanontheblock]

I actually really like this look.

[@paulwillson8386]

I own an '09 Versys 650. I've put 40k miles on it in the last 4 years. A wonderful machine.

[@72timhall]

I'm currently looking to buy a first gen versys650 Does your 2008 have excessive vibration?

[@kleinbottled79]

That under stressed 650 twin probably hasn't lost much power at 30k miles so long as oil has been kept in it.

[@chrishart8548]

In the mk1 the verseys had the least hp. The er6n (same engine) had around 10hp more. Very under stressed. I looked at one and wondered if it would have enough power.

[@farmoboy83]

Loose power with 30k???lol many bikes with more than 60k with the engine performance even better than when new!

[@jessed7544]

Love this episode. The fact that a clapped out, $800 versys can hold it's own as a contender on your board warms my heart. I look at a daily rider, or a work commuter, as something you are excited to get up and ride. Otherwise, just get a car. The excessive features lose their honeymoon appeal, and you're left with "the feeling" (good, bad, or indifferent) you get from riding, or even the thought of riding. Hopefully your daily rider gives you the jollys. It's good to hear the playful joy in your voice as you reviewed this bike.

[@davidklementis5913]

I agree and also look for simplicity to maintain since as my daily I don't have time to take it to a shop and leave it nor to tear it 1/2 apart to get to what needs fixing, lol. Added benefit of a clapped out bike for work is most criminals won't mess with or steal it...unless they really just need it to get somewhere, 😆. Sometimes I worry about leaving my 07 FZ6 with 48k miles of wear and tear sitting at work all day and can only imagine leaving a high tech, fancy new bike in the same situation.

[@wobblysauce]

No depreciation with this bike.

[@Choirboyjr11]

I don't know if you've ever seen Regular Cars Review on KZbin. But this gives me that vibe and I dig it! Hope to see more not new bikes on this channel. Keep it up Mr. Courts! You're a motorcycle legend of our generation- As well as Ari Henning.

[@jodyc]

Your non-review comments were amusing and relatable in this one..... "Please don't pull out in front of me....", the odd rear-end sensations you mentioned a couple times, etc. Great reviews as usual, but the added comments about your ride in general added a lot to it.

[@ObitoUchiha-ck6kx]

The fact that this bike is cheaper than most phones nowadays

[@chrishart8548]

Anyone buying $1000 phone that only last a few years are crazy. The last phone I had was a galaxy s6 edge given to me for free.

[@ObitoUchiha-ck6kx]

@@chrishart8548 yes you are right , i miss the times when the most expensive phones were 500-600$, Nowadays they overcharge tremendously for a underperforming phone.

[@ferociousfrankie]

@@chrishart8548 Just sell it after 3 or 4 years and get some money back.

[@chrishart8548]

@@ferociousfrankie I love it when they up to £200 trade in. And that's for the latest Samsung galaxy s21 I phone 11 etc.... I would rather give an old phone to a friend or family member.

[@JoshuaTootell]

I buy cheapo phones when they go on sale. They are disposable items, no reason to spend that kind of money on a phone. I usually break at least one a year.

[@bgreen2266]

I have 09. Ride to work most days. Has 49K on the clock. its a good bike.

[@skylerlovell1780]

I love my 2011 650 Versys, it's my first bike and I would recommend it as a first bike to anyone. Highways, cities, gravel roads, does it all. Sure there are cooler, better more capable bikes, but the Versys truly is all you "need". I have mine slightly more "adventured" out and man it looks pretty sweet, kind of a poor mans" BMW.

[@andrewbozhozr]

Poor man's multistrada I named mine 😂

[@mermerac]

I just bought strawberries and cream. Came home, opened YT and voila. You could not plan for this. 👌🏻

[@Vicenev]

I might be 2 years late, but I just wanted to say, Zack - I appreciate the Battletoads face you made in the thumbnail!

[@That_Cajun_Guy]

Finally! The daily rider we’ve all actually been waiting for.

[@brucearena]

I love that bike more and more each time you showcase it, reminds me of the ER-6N I took my license's riding classes in. The rounded headlight seats so well there. Kawasaki could learn one thing or another from this to the design of the next iteration of their Z650. I would love to see a budget-capped restoration to that machine, maybe some 3d-printed or hand made pseudo-fairings, new cables and a new budget dash. Cheers

[@epicmotorcyclechannel307]

I think Zack has never had a bad day when a Versys is involved! Now I'm going to go ride mine!

[@mermerac]

"I don't know what this is but I'll hit it" Famous last words 🤣😂

[@guard13007]

As someone who crashed their Versys at 40 MPH into a guardrail, I like your comment about "a bike that has been crashed, rebuilt, and is still ridden, there is more hope for it" Technically, I totaled mine, but half of the dollar value in totaling it is cosmetic damage, so I fixed what was important and enjoy the hell out of it regardless. :3

[@kyleMcBurnett]

Thats funny. I really like the sound of a parallel twin.

[@Horazzify]

Can we get the “new” Z900 on the daily ride?

[@richardworks1837]

Zack I always look forward to watching the Daily Rider videos. I've been a big fan of you and Ari for a few years now. I'd love to see more content from both of you guys. Are there any other riders you'd recommend to watch?

[@willyray5976]

That’s a good starter bike. It’ll keep you humble.

[@jfess1911]

Plus it won't upset you too much if you drop it while learning!

[@willyray5976]

@@jfess1911 Exactly! I had a ninja 250r just like this dropped it a couple times, no worries the scratches added character.

[@chrishart8548]

I had a work mate had a early yamaha TDM850 matt black. Stripped back just like this with twin round after market M&P headlights and 2 universal clocks rev/speedo.

[@JoshuaTootell]

My friend finally replaced his Ninja 250 after blowing his second engine at 115000 miles. He got an MT07. Same guy has also raced at Macau.

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

The budget build Kawasaki bike! Happy to see it make an appearance and a new video

[@yarilich544]

I love tongue-in-cheekery in this video. Actually makes me think among bikes which have been heavily modified it is harder to choose the right one for you, but if it is right, it feels much better than a mint condition bike. Just like people.

[@henrymarriott5636]

31:35 you're telling me you would buy heated grips over replacing the bent handle bars.

[@stoneblue1795]

Why would a guy need heated grips in CAL ?

[@IvanGarcia-ug7mf]

@@stoneblue1795 bet you don't cummute much to work ehh? nights and early mornings can get to 30 degrees farenheit in SoCal bud. . even harley big boys wear gloves then

[@JoshuaTootell]

I have seen temperatures in the 20's on my morning commute in SoCal (Inland Empire). Heated grips are nice @@stoneblue1795

[@msaemi1255]

"TOOLS OF ADVENTURE" well said! Talented rider , articulated reviews. Moved up a notch in my book.

[@kevinsdb1]

Zack just rated a wrecked bike better then a HD Low Rider S and a BMW R18...LOL!

[@WaterWiggly]

I get so excited when I see a Daily rider episode. Zack crushes it!

[@_Makanko_]

Great specs write-up :) A real survivor bike this is

[@Matt_Rowan]

I'd love to see Zack and Ari do a KLR vs DR 650 used competition.

[@sparkythewildcat97]

Zack PLEASE do a nc750x or one of the similar hondas (ctx, nc700, etc). Would love to see how it stacks up with with the versys, and would especially love it if it wasn't the automatic version (or at least doesn't focus the whole time talking about the auto transmission, like all the other youtubers do).

[@techtoth1]

Got myself a 3rd (!) hand first-gen model, 4 or 5 years ago, and I kept it over a Benelli Tnt; it was that good! It's a mule. After having some proper maintenance done, I toured italian, swiss, and french alps with no problem whatsoever. It's cheap to run. It does 22 km/l easily; it's got a HUGE rpm range to exploit. Don't be fooled by it being a 2 cylinder. It pulls hard down low, and goes up to the red line without hitting any wall. The saddle is super comfy. The first models had really poor breaks, but the actual one seems to have improved a lot. Super agile but stable, and with proper tires, even some rough white roads are within its reach. My only complaint is its center of gravity, which helps agility, but sits about half a meter above your helmet... :) Not an issue if you're tall, prone to flip overs, if you're average height and are on slippery surfaces. Would I buy another one? Absolutely.

[@techtoth1]

Oh, put a Roads Italia slip-on exhaust, and it sounds amazing. Police aren't happy, but it's perfectly legal. Don't know how they managed to homologate it... ;) Greetings from Italy!

[@abelcastillo3494]

It belongs in a museum!

[@fallinginthed33p]

So do you, Dr Jones!

[@FBSXiX]

Arriving at the office with 11 PSI in the tire is almost as good as the shifter falling off that MV ;)

[@Oscee613]

I would take this bike over most of the others on the board when it comes to commute. Lack of the ABS is the only one con here. But can't forget the fact that some of those bike cost 20x more and parts are also lot more pricey. Great bang for the buck this one is.

[@DennysPlantBasedJourney]

BTW, I did the Shoodaben ECU flash and it has stopped that herky jerky throttle and created smooth decel.... it also has lowered the temp when the fan kicks on 10 degrees lower than stock. This is very helpful in hot west Texas summers

[@xcaliber7779]

I would totally rock the Battle Toad as a daily commuter after straightening out the handlebars and getting a digital speedo.

[@phreenom]

Well, this gives me reason to believe my new (now with 3,900 miles in less than a month) 2020 Versys 650 LT will be with me a long time, and still make me happy to ride it. Funtastic machine. Edit: I do wish mine was the awesome Battle Toad green rather than the very cop-like white and gray scheme...

[@dr.rupture8467]

They say you need to be careful when you get a Japanese bike because it’ll last you the rest of your life.

[@PaulsMotoZen]

The first true naked bike was a sport bike that has been wrecked, and the owner never put the plastics back on. For some reason it became a trend to purchase a new bike that did not have the aero dynamic plastics.

[@naturalconditions]

Best daily ride yet.

[@blackriverrides]

VERsatile SYStem indeed!

[@quickcheckcoke]

That’s the same exact bike I have same year & color & everything just minus the crashes😂

[@stoneblue1795]

Booger green was the fastest V's!

[@disekjoumoer]

The team green colour gives you an extra 5 mph.

[@paulwillson8386]

Same. I've added luggage to mine. 40k miles and counting!

[@laz1go286]

Loving the rat style Versys. The Kawasaki lime green is still a stunning color. What a wheelie machine in Zack's hand.

[@noworkdave]

Love this video. The bike is imperfect off the bad and no apologies are made. I think Zack has a soft spot for this one which makes the video fun.

[@darrenfitzpatrick6490]

dude this guy is the best! that's my exact bike! keep up the good content

[@psjones1961]

This was humorous, pragmatic and fun. Thanks so much for keeping the fun in what you do - I’m a big fan. Separate request: how about a daily ride on a SV650X? Love to see how it compares. Or, in the spirit of the RZ, I offer my 86 Interceptor 500 (less than 15K miles!).

[@Vince702]

Love this! Every rider can relate to having a cheap fixer upper. Refreshing!

[@Dom-nt4gn]

MOAR JUNK BIKES. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THE BEST CLASSIC TOP GEAR EPISODES WAS CRAZY STUFF BEING DONE ON OLD JUNK. Great content looking forward to more!

[@diegocella6791]

I like the CTXP/Daily rider crossover!

[@NateB240z]

C'mon Zack... It doesn't sound that bad. I like the parallel twin sound personally. I daily a 2018 LT and it never fails to impress. There's nothing exotic about it, it just works and works well. The throttle chop can be fixed as well.

[@stoneblue1795]

I think the 'V' sounds like a more sophisticated KLR. : )

[@enhinyerorider5914]

Personally love the stock sound. Maybe its because I'm an engineer by profession and sounding like a smooth sewing machine is a complement.

[@Arthurzeiro]

In what world is 28k miles a lot for a bike over 10 years old? I really like this Idea of stripping down and old Versys making It into a streetfigther "Battle Toad", kinda like what Roadkill did to the C4 Corvette spawning the "Vette Kart" craze.

[@Remymoto]

I saw one with similar miles but no visible damage, going for $7k yesterday. Didn't even include a top case. It WAS in good shape visually but still... People keep saying the market is softening but I don't see it locally.

[@clivedarwell5732]

As far as I'm aware the 2010 got rear rubber engine mounts which basically fixed the 2007-9 vibe issues, the 2015 got additional front rubber mounts which hardly seemed to get mentioned as a noticeable improvement in the reviews. 2010 is a lighter bike also. Don't know how much difference the 2015 ergonomic changes made.

[@ThePatriot4freedom]

You’re having a lot of fun on the Battle Toad!

[@hugoalju]

If no one is saying this, I am: I love this 'naked' look on the bike. It's sketchy AF, dangly, but I love it. I'm a sucker for this cheap scrambler naked look.

[@AntaresSQ01]

3:55 rookie numbers, my ER6F (same engine, bit higher spec) still put 74 on the dyno at 50k miles (full exhaust, filter, tune, and some other light performance mods), these engines are bulletproof.

[@erikjansen8597]

I am calling shenanigans on this. Battle Toad needs to be on top of the list!

[@jnault6441]

I vote for Jen Dunstan to be the driver for one of these Daily Riders episodes while Zach is doing the review monologue from the passenger seat.

[@Jake-fk5zw]

Love the content and effort to show how motorcycling doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. That said... Ninja 1000sx please! Hope it dethrones all the adv bikes. If Kawi wont lend you one, DM me. I live local with a 2019 model.

[@vintagetintrader1062]

Kawasaki need to get onboard putting the 270 degree crank in their twins. They sound so good :)

[@chrishart8548]

180° 270° (90°) 315°(45°) 360° If one was so great why are still bothering with the others. First Street scrambler was 270° the T120 wasn't. I don't think the new one is.

[@ntdscherer]

MT-07 engine swap? hmmm

[@VermontMan]

My 2013 Vstrom got the same treatment lol. Crashed into the guard rail after losing it mid-corner on an oil slick. Still works, just missing part of the front end 🤫

[@stoneblue1795]

Much love for big green!

[@arnoldis24]

The best deal I've found on craigslist is like a barn find that hasn't run in 27 years and only needs everything to run for the low price of $1800 firm.

[@lucasrustt]

My favorite bike from this channel LOL

[@yarekk]

When are you gonna test a gen2 SV650S? Awesome video btw!

[@bowzerdude5646]

I drove around Australia on a stock versys 650! It was perfect except for the seat 🤠

[@stoneblue1795]

They never improved on the torture-seat. Some sheepskin is required, just sayin.

[@luis545x39]

that's a great 800 dollar bike

[@chrishart8548]

Just needs a pair of handlebars and a metal bracket for the clocks.

[@Discotechque]

I've seen worse bikes go for higher, but yeah 800 for the Battle toad is fair.

[@whimsicalstray]

Corvette guy's going to love this.

[@ashermil]

OMG! Reminds me of my KZ550, right down to the dodgy clutch cable. Keep a spare around!

[@bobertbirkely]

I just traded in my 2008 Versys with 32K on the clock and not quite as many mods as this one. But at lot of these problems sound very familiar.

[@mewserino]

Would be nice to see a "dave" style tune-up on this bike and the gauges/turn signals on the front seem like a good candidate for a 3D printed bracket if you've got anyone on staff that's good with that stuff.

[@AustVaiv]

This thing makes my 2008 Versys 650 with 40k miles look like a collector's piece

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

My favorite Daily Rider thumbnail photo yet....

[@southend26]

Zach, you are a machine made for adventure yourself.

[@alexbaskov]

despite versys 650 doesn't really have tons of power or whatever, i believe it has the shortest wheelbase in class. hence it's always trying to either wheelie when you rev or stoppie when you brake :D at least that's what i heard, never ridden one. but actually aiming to get one - it's #1 in my list )

[@billvick7011]

Outtake quite humorous. 11 pounds! Lucky man! I guess the Battle Toad would have brought up the rear on the board if it left you on Lover's Lane lol.

[@scorpion-ninja8228]

LOL now you guys can make a "how to fix a flat" episode! :)

[@beamdoctor5637]

Love the show but my guess is you drank some strong coffee prior to the Battle Toad Daily Ride test? Or was it that awesome green Kawasaki paint. I bet if the Toad was yellow it would have been at bottom of the board.

[@242tdryan]

if there is a sizeable dent and scratch on the header under the bike then that was my old bike. you need to pull up just a little to clear the exhaust when dropping into some steeper stair sets on this bike.

[@chazlyle41]

Going to compile a daily rider, below 32” seat height list haha. The wife has a Grom and is looking that next bike, but she’s tip toeing on a 30” seat height mini bike so outside of cruisers like the Rebel 1100 and Indian Scout there’s not a lot of options for those not inclined to learn to side to side ha.

[@Land-Shark]

Kawasaki needs to work a signature deal with Zack for a limited run "Battle Toad R" Versys 650... with a supercharger, fully active electronic Ohlins, full titanium and carbon fibre exhaust, aluminum tank, Marchesini wheels with Stylema brakes, and a pair of 6-axis IMU's to make riding in the 4th Dimension possible.

[@starkparker16]

Epic backing in

[@lovelessissimo]

Hey! I just saw the cover of the Cycle Gear catalog (7/2022)! Battletoad is famous!

[@Mr.ZiggedWhenHeShouldaZagged]

Don't even need to watch, TOP OF THE LIST!

[@stefanreiman3527]

The Parallel Twin 650ccm Engine made by Kawasaki is great and bulletproof.with normal maintenance these engines last forever.

[@lokichoki_]

Just lost my 09 Versys :( dude got waved out and just pulled out square to me. Only had half a second to brake and I stood up. Flung me like a ragdoll and shattered my right Femur like a corkscrew. Damn cagers

[@simonbealing]

Hair cut and a battle toad daily rider, winner!

[@JH_182]

Can we get a Bonneville T-120 on the show? Sure it’s a boring-ish old man bike, but SPURGEON DUNBAR owns a Bonnie and it might be highly ranked on the leaderboard