Kawasaki 650 Versys Review | Its the best middle weight Adventure Tourer

I finally ride an Kawasaki Versys 650 , watch to see how it went.
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My Recording Equipment:
DJI OSMO action 4
USB C mic
Chin Mount
Samsung s20
CapCut Editing Software
PC Rig:
Intel i9
64mb ram 4000mhz
3060i RTX
My Current Bike:
Honda Monkey 125
Since riding in 2005 these are my previously owned bikes:
Aprilia Pegaso 650
Aprilia Dorsoduro 750
BMW R 1200 GS
Derbi GPR 50
Derbi Senda 50
Harley Sportster Custom 1200
Honda CB1000R
Honda CBR600
Honda CB600F
Hornet 900
Honda NC750X
Kawasaki ZX6R
KTM 390
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Royal Enfield Scram 411
Sinnis 125
Suzuki Bandit 600
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki GSXR1000 K1
Suzuki GSX650F
Suzuki SV1000
Triumph Tiger 800
Triumph Street Triple 765 & 675
Yamaha XT125
Yamaha DT50
#versys #kawasaki #versys650

[@ptilrem]

Tank volume in litres, range by the gallon. Height in metric, but person in imperial. Wheight in kilograms, but persons in rocks on the ground. It's like brits have taken both imperial and metric in a big barrel, and stirred it around with a cricket-bat. Really messes with my head sometimes 😂

[@nicksepisode]

I know its a mess lol

[@Andrew-qc9xw]

Add power in hp and torque in NM to the mix along with calling the ground the floor and you’ve got yourself in a right tangle 🤪🤣

[@LivelyMountain]

In Thailand, Kawasaki knocked down the price of versys 650. The bike is now cost roughly 15% more than honda NX500.

[@nicksepisode]

nice

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

they did the same thing in México, it costs now a bit less than the vstrom 650xt

[@orionswitness]

TFT Screen protector is a must, cost about $45 here in Australia. Don’t replace bent front brake lever with cheap aftermarket (identical looking ) units, I did ,my front brake seized , in the middle of a road at low speed. The bike has plenty of rear suspension travel , lighten the rear pre load setting ( remote dial)to near minimum to bring down the seat height.( only if riding solo and not much gear.) It reduces effective seat height( rider sag increases) by a noticeable amount , great for traffic riding …you can just use the remote dial to stiffen it on rough backroads , as long as you turn it anti clockwise again when you reach the traffic zones. My 23 Versys runs very warm , and in Aussie summer it’s not cool…especially wearing protective gear. Versys has done 13000kms , has recently been stalling at lights when pulling away. Might be a fuel issue. In my honest opinion it’s not an ideal learner bike…I am an experienced rider , and the tall seat got me before I lightened the pre load and bought taller boots.( 28 inch in seam).😢 the bike after all weighs 218kg kerb weight. Test rode a Honda NT1100 and a Honda Transalp back to back , they are far away easier bikes to ride than the Versys , due to better balanced feel , I was riding the Transalp through my favourite back road jaunt at 20 km faster without trying . But there is something special about the Versys 650, it’s part Ninja , part scenic explorer, and part motorway cruiser. But to anyone thinking about buying one , it’s a bike you have to respect , due to its seat height and tall centre of gravity . Another thing it has a 21 litre tank , the TFT screen conveys I average 4.1 Litres per 100 km , so that should be giving me close to 500km per tank right? I recently travelled 240 km and the 650 consumed 11 litres , on a cruisy backroad jaunt , so it should be getting 470km to a tank . But the fuel gauge is wildly inaccurate😮 Have a feeling a new model or a hybrid 650 is coming soon .

[@nicksepisode]

Thanks for the great write up from a experienced owner

[@jackmitchell2194]

One small correction: there's a sprung tab to the right of the windshield. You press it down and the screen slides up and down for quick adjustment. No spanners required!

[@nicksepisode]

Thank you

[@mikehatswell3961]

Cracking review Nick, it’s a very underrated bike, I had one and regret selling it, it would do everything you asked from touring to a Sunday morning blast and be a reliable day to day ride with good fuel economy, when you weren’t raging it😂 all the best buddy 👍

[@nicksepisode]

Totally agree

[@andrewroberts6123]

Awwwww, MAN ! Why’d you sell it Mike ? WHY ? 😢

[@johnkoster462]

I,am telling you, had lots of bikes incl sportsbikes like fzr, zx, zxrs touring bikes alroads etc .and after 5 years a harley bought a versys 650 and the fun is back, don't need 100hp or more

[@nicksepisode]

So true

[@ashermil]

See? We kept telling you! Soooo much better than its spec sheet!

[@nicksepisode]

It’s definitely a case of “ don’t knock it until you try it”

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

Looks like a bike that does exactly what it says on the tin, great review

[@nicksepisode]

Thank you

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review nick nice bike.the perfect tourer

[@nicksepisode]

Thanks! 👍

[@christopherreed442]

Had a new one back in 2012. Don’t believe they’ve changed too much aside from the aesthetics. I paid £5600 at the time. It was a well put together bike on the whole. Rode well as I recall and better than the stuff at the same price point. The brakes on mine were naff and my instrument cluster was loose and vibrated and the dealer couldn’t sort it. The engine punched above what the figures would suggest though.

[@nicksepisode]

Thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@alandmorley]

Had a Versys 650 from 2010 to 2013 best bike I have had, only one negative as I remember the bike feels a little top heavy after you have filled with fuel.

[@nicksepisode]

That’s a very good point and one that you wouldn’t realise on a demo ride. Being 21 L capacity I’d imagine it does get heavy. Thanks for that insight

[@andrewroberts6123]

452 lbs - 482 lbs depending on the options. Not an extreme light weight. Not an extreme heavy weight. Rather tall, though. I’m 6’2”. The Versys650 fits me, well. That’s what I ride.

[@orionswitness]

My 23 Versys 650 stalled twice after taking off from traffic lights , 😮….I have put over 12500 kms on it ,first time it stalled ever. Was on way to its 12000 km service , after collecting bike , did a 160km afternoon ride , 500m from home bike stopped with clutch still engaged , fired up again . Any ideas? Both plugs were replaced .

[@nicksepisode]

@orionswitness faulty side stand switch ?

[@orionswitness]

@@nicksepisode Good suggestion , will check it out , I am one of those shorter guys with a seat bag who steps on the side stand to mount and dismount .👍

[@Trevster65]

Had 2019 grand tourer, absolutely fantastic bike very underrated especially now the dash is tft. Oh and to adjust the screen there is a lever under the right of the tft if I remember correctly.

[@nicksepisode]

cheers Trevster

[@royal-enfield1]

¿ which is your top overall pick & why ; transalp vs. versys 650

[@nicksepisode]

Nc750x, transalp and versus all great bikes, for me versys wins because it’s the most enjoyable to ride

[@overkillnick1003]

You can pick these up for about £7k new if you look hard. Bought one last year as an ex demo with 50 miles on. I had the original bug eyed Versys years ago and this is far more refined now, put on 2500 miles so far as a daily commute / do anything bike. Nice review, seen some negatives just based on hp figures.

[@nicksepisode]

Oh Id erge anyone to test ride one before making any judgment based on figures for sure, thanks for the comment :)

[@wboeren1]

50 miles demo, that was a steal. Lucky...

[@merseamoto3098]

Certainly going to have to test ride that one.

[@nicksepisode]

This is definitely one that exceeds expectations

[@makzerty440]

Thank you so much... in 11:17 you didn't use the clutch while shifting, as I know versys 650 doesn't have quick shifter, how did you clutchlessly shift ,,,,

[@nicksepisode]

Just let off the throttle and away you go. That’s all a quick shift up does. Momentarily cuts ignition, if you can do that with your wrist and it slips in, you must make sure you are increasing speed though

[@makzerty440]

@@nicksepisode Thank you so much, Nick... Have a wonderful time

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

I cannot chose between this versys 650 and the vstrom 650xt, both seem grrat bikes to own for decades, which is something I do want to, also to do some long trips and to commute on big crowded cities.

[@nicksepisode]

I’ve ridden both, they are equally great and you won’t go wrong with either, I’d go with the best deal you can get, more money saved, more money left for adventure.

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

@@nicksepisode good Idea. Well, the versys 650 is cheaper at first but the insurance policy is a lot more expensive, and it is also more expensive on dealer services and parts. So the vstrom 650xt is cheaper in the long run.

[@nicksepisode]

@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm your research has come to a sensible conclusion, good job bud you now know which one to choose

[@ZoahPorre]

3:16 Thank you for showing the key. I feel its very important to see what they are like.. I like the design of it, tbh.

[@nicksepisode]

Yes I agree, the key must look cool, it’s what reminds you of your steed when you’re not with it

[@jackmitchell2194]

Something I don't think you mentioned, is it's an RFID key. The small black fob contains a chip, so another cut key won't work. It's a good security device, but replacements must come from a dealer!

[@DyaniBee]

Why does everyone miss the helmet hook under the seat? 😊 Love my 2018 Versys... Not as many electronic bells and whistles, but the same basic bike, economical, comfortable and nimble.

[@nicksepisode]

Nice one! Cheers for your comment

[@sandwaves5642]

To reduce ( to eliminate is, probably, an extra tall order ) buffeting - an extra SPIOLER - over the wind-shield is needed ( adjusted to a certain angle ). Simply, slightly, lifting the WS will do little good - unless the WS is ridiculously high 🤷‍♂

[@nicksepisode]

true true

[@user-ec9dh2oh5e]

As a past owner of versys 650 cracking bike but bennelli are stealing there thunder with simular engined 702/702x... ridden by myself ..... well impressed... ride ..go...fit n finish...equipment...and amazing value for money .....

[@nicksepisode]

I’ve now found out the service schedule is pretty frequent on the Benelli which could be a deal breaker for some

[@emanuelperez2329]

​@@nicksepisodeadditionally, the Benelli TRK 702 that I appreciate also, does not have traction control, which I have experienced is useful.

[@ZoahPorre]

5:00 Something you may or may not know, US gallons are about 20% bigger than UK gallons.... dont ask me why.

[@nicksepisode]

Oh really? So I I’m best off mentioning uk gallons when I say this

[@barrydaly7174]

Other way round. UK 20% more. Not everything in the States is bigger.😉

[@nicksepisode]

@barrydaly7174 lol

[@mariokuppers5686]

Jo has also an adjustable Pan as Nick cleaver 🤣

[@nicksepisode]

lol

[@karlhoward2737]

Funny, this bike is just one bike I am not too keen on the look…for me it sits too high and I don’t like the small exhaust, of course it’s horses for courses……I do like the display though…..hehe I am far too transfixed by my NC750DCT …..great video cheers

[@nicksepisode]

Dct takes the win to be honest !

[@karlhoward2737]

@@nicksepisode For me Nick with my old motorbike injuries, the DCT is a must…..I will admit, watching your excellent videos does make even me question……do I stick or do I look at other bikes…..hehe, wife of course not in same mindset….hey ho

[@sandwaves5642]

Try Guzzi V85TT and the V7.... 😀 ( V9 I myself didn't like, so can't recommend )

[@nicksepisode]

need to find a good guzzi dealer near me!

[@karlhoward2737]

I will also add…I do like those double disc brakes…..so yeah not bad but not for me..

[@nicksepisode]

Yeah nice to have a double disc on a middle weight

[@ZoahPorre]

00:48 Jo spotted! :D

[@volt8684]

Like u I had nc750x but way prefer my v strom650. 650 with 70bhp is the absolute best balance for me and my needs. Same bhp as a honda 750/4 of yesteryear. Not ridden one of these but either top machines and imo better build quality Ryan Honda nc

[@nicksepisode]

I’ve tried a v strom off camera and yes it’s a great bike and a top contender too !

[@niteworlok]

I prefer the Tracer 700 - shame mine is a wee bit broken as you know lol :D

[@nicksepisode]

Tracer 7 is great! How are you doing bud ?

[@niteworlok]

@@nicksepisode not bad - walking again properly now but shoulder still busted - gotta wait until week after next to go to fracture clinic to see if I need plates putting in, good news is I bought parts for tracer £630 in total at moment, hopefully another £100 should see it road worthy again!

[@ZoahPorre]

16:42 a lack of cruise control is a huge demerit to me

[@nicksepisode]

Yes I was surprised it didn’t have that

[@sandwaves5642]

The clip is funny an informative, so 👍👍👍👍👍👍 ( especially the special d'....effects 🤣🤣 ). However, it could be nicer to have mounted ( as standard ) : a CS ( center stand ), a USB, or at least 12V outlet, a rack for a box - sparing the customers the hassle of after-mounting them. I believe, with those on, these bikes would sell like dippers ! I just don't get this STINGY mentality, that dictates the manufuckturers not to do so 🤔🤔🤔🤔 Some cheaper bikes are supplied with the mentioned equipment, without announcing bankruptcy. Yes, it is possible to order everything mounded, from the dealer, but in some cases it can take long time, if the dealer has to ORDER the parts..... which will delay the delivery - I have been there 🤢 So - all the mentioned above + a CC !!! Nice to see Jodie on the case 😀😀👍👍👍👍

[@nicksepisode]

You are so correct Mr Waves

[@pd8559]

Versys 650 is a perfect 5 out of 10 motorcycle, if it was a color it would be beige. No horrible, not fantastic, just beige.

[@nicksepisode]

I kept hearing this, and that’s why I never wanted to try one. I think it’s great, if I was in the market for a do it all bike this would be on my shortlist.

[@pd8559]

@@nicksepisode you're lucky with the lower speed limits, over here you have to take it up to 80-85 (130+) then you need more get up and go to handle any need to emergency maneuver from there. Lots of bikes are usable in the lower demanding speed countries.

[@andrewroberts6123]

“Your” opinion is “beige”. Just beige. But, “my” 2009 Kawasaki Versys 650 is “Candy Lime Green” with a sick Monster Energy Theme ! 🖕💚👍 It also has a very functional MRA tinted windscreen and a beautiful sounding Musarri GP Street Series exhaust system.

[@jefflambert8603]

That's just a Quote from an American U Tuber...

[@andrewroberts6123]

@@jefflambert8603 Yammie’s ex-hammy ?

[@martythompson6509]

If only Kawasaki would change that firing order to remove the wet fart soundtrack.

[@nicksepisode]

lol that made me chuckle

[@Alfra1324]

If it only had more power! 😂

[@nicksepisode]

😅

[@makzerty440]

Try versys 1000 I saw a touring guy stuck somewhere in East Europe after engine failure, and Kawasaki in that country told him to talk and go to Nederland because he bought his bike from there. The 650 has a reliable engine, less electronic less sensors less engine failure or refuse to start like GS1300,...

[@zrx4me1]

Underpowered ,outdated in need of a total makeover.

[@nicksepisode]

I wouldn’t say it’s underpowered

[@zrx4me1]

@@nicksepisode compared to what, a grom? Tiger 660, V strom 800, Trans Alp all out power it. The engine is so old and outdated it has never been changed. Face it dude, it's way underpowered.

[@barrydaly7174]

@@zrx4me1 How often do you need to ride a bike at over 120mph? which this bike can by the way?.. Those bikes may have a little more spec sheet HP but if the other things that Nick explains are better, Then that out ranks HP IMO.

[@nicksepisode]

When I say it’s not underpowered I’m talking about for normal road riding. It gets to 60 in seconds, it can over take sensibly too. Wait hang on, have you tried one ?

[@zrx4me1]

@@nicksepisode yes, years ago.