High Mileage Bike Review(Kawasaki Versys 650)

We take a look at Alex's high mileage versys 650 and see his opinion on whether a high mileage bike is really worth it.
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[@uglybiketours4344]

You are completely wrong about many things 😉 my 2011 Versys now has almost 138,000 km on it and still runs fantastic. Fork seals... replaced at 118,000 km. Clutch still the first, no oil consumption. My goal is to complete 200,000 km and I see no reason why that shouldn't work. The Versys is very reliable and robust. Even with well over 100,000 km on it. 😉😉

[@jeriksson7686]

I have had mine for 12 years now. Zero issues . Its a bullitproof bike ✌️

[@mattstanfield6097]

My 2012 is the one bike I've kept over the years. Around town and on Iron Butt rides... it's fantastic.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

We have actually ended up keeping it, going to be using for a big trip soon hopefully if all goes to plan! Video will follow

[@andrewroberts6123]

I've got a 2009 Versys 650 with a large Tinted MRA Windscreen, & SHAD Handlebar Muffs. (Like Snowmobilers use) I ride nearly every day of the year, sometimes in the cold rain, and sometimes when it's below 32 degrees fahrenheit. I dress properly, (often, geared up to the maximum). I stay warm & dry, and safer, too !

[@lastinline000]

That is funny, A guy on our forum just sold his 09 that has 109K miles, not klh couple of things, the valves need to be serviced every 15K miles, you probably need to have the throttle bodies synced, there's also drain holes on the under side of the swing arm that need to be kept clear, sounds like you need to lube and adjust your clutch cable

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Yep we have now changed the clutch cable has made a huge difference!

[@neilwiddison6529]

If you look after it and keep on top of maintenance high miles are not a problem. My cb500 has 55,000 on it runs and works great

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Modern bikes are very reliable, if maintained well. All this has needed was maintenance

[@MinrasDotCom]

Haha, I have exactly the same orange model from 2012. Thanks for reviewing it! Thinking about switching to a newer dull Versys 650 of 2022+ probbly

[@disekjoumoer]

I bought a 2009 Versys in 2017. I alternate between it and a KTM 990 SMT. Obviously I ride the KTM a lot more, but the Versys mainly strikes me as incredibly robust and reliable. Leaking fork seals can really happen on any bike, and brake disks need to replaced when they're worn down. It's just something that has to be done. The stripped threads on the swingarm could very easily have been bored out and replaced, or you could have just used a helicoil. The engine sounds like the valves and cams need checking, as well as cylinder vacuum and throttle body synching. Might be worth checking the plugs as well while you're at it.

[@suzyamerica4679]

Cool. I picked up a used 2009 in 2017 as well (my first bike) with 22K miles on the clock, now it's at 71K miles and is still my main ride.

[@etiennevanstraaten6199]

I have the same bike. I'm the third owner 2014 model with 7000km on the clock. Even if it's dull I still like it.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Very good bike and one of the best all rounders

[@rebuscorp753]

Those things, brakes discs fork seals chain sprockets all consumables. Bung a bit of lube down the clutch cable, like new.

[@johnnybravo7733]

I’ve got a 2012 versys 650. Not really high mileage yet but it will eventually. Love it, very reliable and I would not say it’s dull compared with the competition in 650 bikes.

[@daveh5625]

Thank you... dave 2015 versys 650, 42k miles Arizona... new rider 3 years 22k miles are mine

[@Basscrabb57]

Very interesting for me, a couple of months ago I bought a 2008 model with VERY LOW mileage (fewer than 1,400) in 15 years. Obviously there was a story behind it but it was recommissioned and after making a few mods to suit my ageing joints I am delighted and use it most days. I was interested to see what sort of issues to be aware of as the miles start to pile on (still only 2,300)

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Awesome to find a bike like this with such low mileage!

[@andrewroberts6123]

I bought a Candy Lime Green 2009 Versys-650, with Brand New Dunlop tires, Musarri exhaust, & larger MRA Tinted Windscreen.Only 5,000 miles on the odometer, for $3,700. I installed anti-vibration pads underneath the seat, so there's no noticeable seat vibration, at all. I put 850 miles on it in 2 days ! It was the most comfortable 850 miles that I've ever traveled.

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@andrewroberts6123 I have the same bike. Purchased used in 2017 for $3K with 22K miles on the clock. It's now at 71K miles. Rebuilt the saddle finally to make it taller and with more padding plus gel. My highway / camping vehicle.

[@kebyen]

Very interesting review. I love the logical thoughts behind

[@jessesebastiansamuel]

Very well made content. Well done. I swapped my in-line-4 Suzuki 650’with an old 2011 Ninja400r. I love the lighter weight and being able to work on it. One important thing is to get valves serviced as per schedule (or perhaps sooner) and the engine wouldn’t act funny on these oldies.

[@MattMiss79]

Great video. i think it all depends on how much you are riding. I do about 15K miles a year riding to and from work. You can't even get a bike on the PHC over 8K a year. For me I like to buy old bikes, that have been looked after, around 25K miles on the clock maybe more. I'd be looking for service history valve clearance done, bearings etc. all the other bits like tyres, chain, sprockets, brake pads etc are in my view consumables that need changing all the time anyway. I try doing these jobs myself as much as I can to keep costs down. I have two bikes for this reason. In case I need a little longer to do the maintenance over a couple of days I can still ride the other bike. I have a Honda CB500 X (2017) 80K miles on it (never had any issues besides a failing water pump at 55K and I decided to upgrade the shock and replace the oil in the forks - that was a game changer in terms of handling) and I have a Kawasaki Z1000SX (2012) 23K miles on it (my good weather bike :-)). In conclusion: I think it's worth looking at high milage bikes if they have been looked after. If you ride a lot then doing your own maintenance is a must. If you do short trips yes, I agree, a good deal on a new bike is another avenue to consider

[@benz77092]

Such a great in-depth review Alex! Very interesting bike as well. Almost looks like an adventure bike for the road

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Appreciate the feedback

[@jarosawbareja2456]

Failure, I bought a 2007 Versys, I had more powerful bikes. However, I do not lack Power because the reaction to gas is immediate. It rides like a supermoto. I quickly learned to lift the wheel and do a stoppie. Versys may seem inconspicuous, but it's a lot of fun.

[@piotrpanczyk6912]

That was very helpful. I am choosing between PCP and used bike and this vid provides real good perspective 🙏

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful for that! What did you end up going with in the end?

[@casrietveld4205]

Great and informative vid!

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Thank you!

[@bencluroe4183]

Great vid thanks, I am in turmoil at the moment. I have 2.5k burning a hole in my pocket. I’m thinking used versys as everyone raves about reliability in older Bikes, and I do like the riding position. Problem at the moment I’m facing is peoples warped opinion on used motorcycle prices. The price hike bubble has burst and it’s reality time in my opinion. Fed up of arguing with folks who Think there 20,000 mile 07 versys is worth 3 grand plus. There all £1500 bikes 2k for a minter but that’s it. The bubbles burst time to return to earth.

[@247SH]

I have the same bike, same colour with 19000 miles and it goes very well.

[@andrewroberts6123]

Remove your clutch cable and lube both ends. (Occasionally replace it). Burn Premium Fuel Only, and you will have a little beter performance & less exhaust stains. You should be able to find a good used "Low Mileage" Versys 650 for a fair price.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

The bike has had some work recently including replacing the clutch cable and it made a huge difference to be fair! It did a 4000 mile road trip and performed pretty well!

[@andrewroberts6123]

@@HudRodAutomotiveBtw. if you're going to buy a high mileage motorcycle (which I wouldn't recommend) the Versys 650 would be a pretty good motorcycle to buy, if it's been well maintained & it's been garaged a lot. Also, keep both ends of that new cable lubed, and it will perform like new, for a really long time.

[@andrewroberts6123]

@@HudRodAutomotive I rode 850 miles, in two days, on my 2009 Versys 650 . It performed flawlessly, except that my 10 amp taillight fuse blew out, and then the new one blew out shortly after I replaced it. So,I put a 15 amp fuse in it, and it has worked fine, ever since. 😎🏍️💨 The most comfortable seat. Installing anti vibration pads underneath my seat eliminated the vibration, and my seat locks on securely, now.

[@Bud_51]

I think he missed the point of owning a high mileage bike or older bike for that matter. You did not have to put new rotors on it and the swing are problem with the stripped bolt is rare and it did not need to be replaced, you could have put and insert (Helicoil) in it and made it better than new for 10 dollars. The bike is a first gen and it's going to have vibs. Chains and sprockets are a wear item so you will have that no matter what sooner or later.

[@james1113-b4c]

Ive got a 2013 versys650 runs perfect has 60k km on the clock

[@michaelhastings7441]

Do you not think the issues you came across are more down to the last owner not looking after it and also yourself not checking it out correctly? The same thing can happen with cars and are easier to hide !

[@markfletcher3728]

I have the exact same model and year and you are so wrong! If the clutch is heavy, try oiling the cable! All other issues are wear and tear on a bike that is over 13 years old and by the sounds of it not well maintained! Had mine 3 years and wont part with it!

[@andrewbozhozr]

How does a high mileage change the character of a bike??

[@HudRodAutomotive]

It often doesn't a low mileage Versys is very similar however everything will generally feel a little nicer. However in some case high mileage bikes have character because the don't work quite right and have to be ridden in funny ways.

[@james1113-b4c]

There's drain holes in the swingarm btw they get blocked easy

[@Lacehairwigs]

Looks great 👍🏾

[@Cubevanlife]

When you say 49000 miles do you mean 49000 kilometres? I’m looking at an 08 with 29000k, aluminum panniers for $4000.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

50k miles now! Great bikes still going strong!

[@invisible1059]

Good review, thanks for the 125 today. Subbed mate 👍

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Enjoy your time on your 125, that carefree riding is great. Will be there when you come to upgrade :)

[@dadandkids5028]

You should do an oil analysis.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Still yet to do that, would be interesting

[@duanestiles4821]

What was the price point on the versys

[@HudRodAutomotive]

We have actually ended up keeping the Versys and need to do another update on it. The price point of the Versys is around 1500 2000.

[@BLG80]

Stiff clutch due to high mileage? Not really check the cable is lubed and release bearing, 48k is high mileage on a sports touring 650, debatable. Break rotas needed replacing, not in 48k miles unless its been ran with worn pads. Fork seals, meh comes with the territory. Over fueling due to millage? Really 😂. Its a bit dull, yeah its a sport touring. New swing arm because of damaged threads, easy fix. Replace chain and sprocket, yeah its a consumable part, but helps if you lube it which it looks you don't very often. I think the problem here is that you have a combination of millage anxiety and bad maintenance habits. I ride everyday in all weather and its all about how you maintain it. If you dont want to maintain anything then stick with a car, as bikes are not cars.

[@leecbracing]

And leaking oil on floor?

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Bike burns oils but honestly don’t think that was from bike…. Or let’s hope

[@sakhralhadi]

I have it for 2 years now and I don’t recommend it. It’s not a city bike not adventure extremely heavy and headache maker , I hate it

[@adam346]

It may be time to chuck it for sale for like $3k and then use that as a deposit for the next one.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

It’s still going to be fair and don’t think I would get that much for it probably 2.5k max

[@adam346]

@@HudRodAutomotive you have to give them room to argue you down or they won't feel like they have won anything... I always add the cost of every single addon I have put on the bike to what I think is fair and then cut it all off as a sign of good faith lol

[@jefflambert8603]

I would Expect a well Looked after Versys to get to 50,000 Miles No Problem then Put another 50,000 Miles on the Clock The Swingarm thread Could have been Repaired with an Insert What you don't Mention with PCP is You are Locked into Dealer Services & Annual Low Milage agreement So you Might not be able to use it as an Every Day Bike Saw a Utube Video the Other Day About a KTM Bike the Cams were F*#$ed at 16,000

[@ticorrei]

Whats consider high milage on a biike?

[@HudRodAutomotive]

Anything over 20k miles

[@ticorrei]

@@HudRodAutomotive 20 K IS high ?

[@neilwiddison6529]

​@@HudRodAutomotive20,000 high are you serious

[@daveh5625]

I would say 50k is high... i am going run my 2015 high... please dont get a loan... debt will kill you... dave 67yrs old retired

[@daveh5625]

Beautiful sir.... thanks.

[@alandmorley]

Owned a versys for 3 years (2010-2013) the same model and colour as yours ,best bike i have ever owned. If you want to make it more interesting just ride it like a mad twat simple.

[@HudRodAutomotive]

This is exactly what I did too 😂. Actually really easy bikes to wheelie!

[@Peter-uq5jy]

💋 *promo sm*