Kawasaki Versys 1000 , FULL REVIEW , Part 2

[@DavidR8]

Thanks for a great review. So good to hear your pillion's perspective.

[@abritablondeabike]

Yea we did change our opinion after about a year on the bike. I believe the newer bikes have solved all the problems we had. It was mainly the suspension got really soft and we ended up selling it. 👍

[@Mixsta1970]

Fellow sport bike rider like yourself, so hard to step back to something like this but every review I have watched people are so purely happy with this bike, and I want my girlfriend to enjoy it as well. Thanks for your time and insight - going to pick one up this weekend. We all have to grow up sometime :)

[@abritablondeabike]

Nice one mate. Hope you love it. Thanks for watching. 🖒🖒

[@marcelocrdossantos]

I test ride one yesterday under heavy rain and I love it, I ride a Harley 883 every day and I need a 2 up tourer bike that commute every day, rain, storm or perfect weather, thanks for the review, and all the best, greatings from Portugal

[@lanahughes69]

Great review thanks especially from the pillion viewpoint

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks Lana. Although Kim did end up not liking the pillion sets position. She found the seat too big and felt like she was sliding around on it. We bought a BMW s1000xr a year later and she loves thst seat.

[@stephencourtney962]

Really good review mate, thanks very much. Refreshing not to hear all the usual boring stuff and I appreciated that you focused on the "how the bike feels," which is most important. I have a 2015 Versys 650 which I really enjoy and would like a smoother, more powerful ride. The 1000 looks like the logical choice, particularly as I could buy the base model and transfer across a lot of the extras I've bought for the 650 (hand guards, panniers, Givi top box, Puig touring screen etc).

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi Stephen. Thanks for the positive feedback back. yea I think it would be a logical jump to the 1000. it's basically the same bike just quite a bit more grunty. let me know if you do it. 🖒

[@stephencourtney962]

Quick questionTom, where did you get the wheel stripe kit from ? Really brightens up black wheels (and tyres!). Did it come with an applicator? Cheers!

[@abritablondeabike]

+Stephen Courtney yea mate looks great aye. I am really happy with it. good old enough Bay. m.ebay.com/itm/WHITE-REFLECTIVE-MOTORCYCLE-RIM-STRIPES-WHEEL-DECALS-TAPE-STICKERS-CAR-BIKE-SUV-/380362383456?nav=SEARCH

[@stephencourtney962]

Thanks mate, ride safe.

[@elitetileandstone]

Just saw your Winter Blast video, gla to see you are back on the road. Three weeks ago I picked up a new 2014 Versey 650. While it wouldn't be my first choice, it is a very comfortable bike and I got a fantastic deal on it. Essentially the insurance money from the ZRX 1200 covered the cost of the Versey. Can't wait for the weather to cool down bit and put some miles on the new bike. Regards, Rich S

[@abritablondeabike]

Nice one Rich. Glad to hear the money came through OK. I still haven't had a go on a 650 yet they supposed to be great fun to ride.

[@weljo2001]

I had an 09 Versys 650 loved that bike. My girl started riding with me so i bought an FJR in 2014 because i got tired of waiting for the Versys 1000 to come to the states. Well my girl was pissed she loved the V-650 also and liked riding on it better than the FJR. So we test rode a Green 2016 Green Versys 1000LT. She loved it and said buy one so i didn't argue. We got the Titanium colored V-1000LT. Like it much better than the V-650 i had and my girl is happy too.

[@darylcadman2863]

Not v 650s...parallel twin. The 1000 versys is.... I line 4 cyl

[@weljo2001]

@@darylcadman2863 I know I've owned both bikes...

[@deanb6163]

Thanks, I enjoyed your review and it is helping me make up my mind to get a Versys 1000.

[@darkninja67]

Nice video Bike is still on my short list but that Yamaha XSR 900 is looking good for me. Thank you for the upload

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks Will.

[@justinhaskell5502]

Thank you so much for making this video. My girl and I are looking for a bike to do some two up touring on. You answered our questions about the bike, and what a view!

[@abritablondeabike]

Awesome. Thanks mate..

[@abritablondeabike]

Make sure you watch the BMW S1000xr review as well though.

[@63websurfer]

Very nice video about the Versys 1000 Kawa. It has a Ninja engine if that is correct.... Beautiful country side in New Zealand. This bike can do some off road also not Xtreme stuff but dirt or gravel. I enjoy camping on trips so like to get off road.

[@juliof2930]

Beautiful bike. I have the black model. I love the way it rides.

[@abritablondeabike]

🖒

[@borislarsov]

Great review, and beautifull countryside, makes me want to jump on a plane and rent a bike there. Greetings from Holland

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks mate. much appreciated. 🖒🖒

[@Bastii311]

Bought my versys 1 week ago. Can't wait to pick it up from the dealer :)

[@pdofak]

Hi from Alaska. Great review of the important stuff, how bikes actually feel while you are riding rather than numbers on paper that don't matter at all at the end of the day. I've been riding sport tourers like the Yammi FJ1200 for a decade plus. I have one in Maryland for trips in America. Great bikes. My wife has been riding a GSX1100F for 4 years. We weren't looking for a new bikes but I accidentally rode a KTM Super Adventure. Holy crap that was a mistake! What fun! Anyway she wound up riding the KTM and instantly wanted one too but not the price. So we embarked on a search of litre Adventure Sport Bikes that she might find something she liked. We looked/rode Africa Twin, Super Tenere, Vstrom (didn't like the steering at all), The Tiger came close but throughout the search the Versys was always the one to beat. As it turns out the 1000 Versys is very hard to beat. Nothing had more confidence inspiring steering. The suspension is long travel plush but it goes right around corners aggressively. Kimi's pace has picked up and she never made you wait before having the Versys. The super friendly torquey-ness tops everything but the KTM. The seat is comfy both positions but it is wider so it *seems* like it is taller. I can't touch both heels down on most bikes so that is academic as far as I'm concerned. You can ride the Versys at zero speed easier than most bikes. I can go on but will sum it up by saying that if you are wondering what bike will give you a good experience and do it all, you aren't going to get a better bang for the buck. Every time I ride the Versys I can't help but think it is such a sweety. Keep in mind what I'm comparing it to. I love the Super Adventure. Ride safe, ride far, have fun! Patrick ( And I hope I make it back to South Island again someday. But that's another story. )

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks Patrick. Good to hear there are other people out there that are on the same page as me. I think your right bang for buck the Versys is amazing. Thanks for your comments. 🖒

[@hoodiepapa7344]

Very pretty environment! Lovely

[@nigelholloway4380]

Thanks again for the video , i agree with everything you say about the bike. Summer here in southern UK so hoping to get some good riding in. All the best wrap up warm. Nigel.

[@abritablondeabike]

will do mate, Flippin cold at the moment. 😨

[@BIKERMETOO]

Something different...enjoy the videos...keep them coming

[@marcderbidge05]

Thanks for the info.. Like the footage... keep up the good work..

[@elitetileandstone]

Just found your channel 2 weeks ago. Really enjoy your videos. I'm riding a 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200, that I still love after 15 years. Just wish the seating position was a little more relaxed and upright. See you in a few months, stay warm. Regards from Philadelphia, RichS.

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi Rich. Thanks for watching. yea that's a great bike. sad they do the make them any more.

[@elitetileandstone]

+A Brit A Blonde A Bike Sad to say that on Thursday evening the ZRX1200 and I were involved in a collision with a Honda CRV. My first collision in 37 years on the road. Thankfully I walked away, while the bike had to be towed. I may be looking for that new ride, sooner than later! Stay well, Rich

[@abritablondeabike]

+elitetileandstone oh Crap. That's bad luck dude. Hope your all good. New Versys 1000???. 😀😁😃

[@elitetileandstone]

+A Brit A Blonde A Bike Perhaps! I would like to compare the Versey and the Yamaha Tracer/FJ09.

[@abritablondeabike]

+elitetileandstone yea it's a nice bike. my mate has one over here and loves it. if your not going 2 up its probably a better choice. Not as fast as Versys though but with a few mods it would be.

[@zumerzetbiker2442]

New to the Channel still catching up . i have a Triumph Tiger1050 and i some times struggle getting of and on when full luggage is on and i am 6ft.2in. but can flat feet both when stationery . Nice bike the Kawasaki . enjoying your Channel and the chat between the two of you .

[@hfjeff2736]

Love the review and opinions from an couples touring perspective. I can look up all the boring specs as you mentioned. You are obviously an experienced rider and know bikes. I am looking at trading in my heavy FJR for this exact bike and you may have tipped the scales in favor of it. Thanks for your review and also thanks to your wife/gf for the passenger review as well. Safe riding.

[@abritablondeabike]

No worries Jeff. Glad it's helpful. One thing I didn't mention in this video is the total weight the bike can carry is 180kg. So fully Leiden with panniers top box and 2 people we where over the limit. worth knowing. Cheers. 🖒🖒

[@ashwin_travel_diary]

Awesome review guys.. this is called a review and not a spec sheet.. why dont guys understand spec sheet is all around wht we need to see is this, how it feels

[@Greggspies]

I fitted a 16 tooth sprocket and find it less buzzie on the motorway on my Versys. BTW get some Oxford touring grips so easy to fit just hook to the battery and the in built chip switches them on and off no worries of flat battery.

[@ricksipes7619]

Great video.

[@marklloyd4153]

R u guys wearing leathers or textile .in Florida I wear textile just to hot for leather . And humid . Are yo at the feather south end of New Zealand ? Beautiful scenery. Great video . Thank you.

[@abritablondeabike]

Hay mate. South end. So it gets hot but not crazy. Most of the year it's just the right temp.

[@davidmallia628]

Did you ever, at any instance, consider the kawa z1000SX sport tourer given your background with sport bikes and your issue with weight and height of the versys. The z1000sx has good reviews for comfort, rider and pillion. Good to see you so happy with your choice, and enjoying every minute of it. Cheers!

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi David. yes we did. in fact we actually ordered one u till I did some digging and realised it doesn't come with a top box mount as standard. plus the seat was not as pillion friendly. But it is an amazing bike.

[@lefthandedluke]

Good review, i have a ZX9R and my wife slides off the back. I have a XT600e and the seat is like a plank after 40 or 50 miles.........i have purchased the Versys 1000GT and we pick it up next week after i did the test ride, the only thing i thought was a bit odd was the throttle was a bit snachy ? Someone said it was the CAT that makes it like that so i will be looking at a de-cat to overcome that issue.

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi mate thanks for watching and congrats. It was a bit anarchy at first but it goes away. Give it a couple weeks before you spend money on it. 🖒🖒🖒

[@renatokrause8228]

Muito bom....Lindo lugares....Parabéns...

[@darylcadman2863]

As for mounting.... Getting on the bike. Do you need to left foot on peg on side stand, fling right leg over????? New Zealand

[@abritablondeabike]

No I've never done that on any bike mate. I am 5,11 so most bikes aren't a problem. Kim jumps on using the peg. 👍

[@joslin317]

Great review, the exact video I have been looking for. I thought the Versys seemed like a great bike but trying to find a video with the pillion perspective was few and far between. You have helped with my decision making (f850gs, vstrom1000, versys1000), the Kawasaki seems the perfect bike. One question for you, have you ventured on unpaved tracks yet? Also wet grass (campsites etc) would be interesting to hear your views on that 👍.

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi mate. No we never went off road with thd versys. We did end up selling it years ago, mainly because we ended up not liking it....... sorry. It was great at first but then I rode a bmw s1000xr and sold the kawasaki immediately. We ended up not liking the suspension on the kawasaki. It just couldn't handle 2 up riding. That was a 2014 model though and I believe the newer one has better suspension. But beware, if your 2 up check the bikes maximum load limit, you might be surprised how low it is. I now have a GS and it's the perfect bike. 🥰 hope that helps.

[@froglaps40]

The 2020 versys has a 485 lb load capacity.

[@Kevin_Ho70]

Great review...cheers, Mate!

[@stevencooper5161]

Tttttyyy

[@buzz2bug534]

Nice video, This will help me convince my wife to get one.😀

[@tdmshack]

Love your style of review... You live in a beautiful place... One question, Does your full size helmet fit in the side boxes?

[@abritablondeabike]

yes it does. and thanks for the great feed back. 🖒

[@tdmshack]

Thanks so much... Keep the videos coming, Please

[@theradiantchild]

I want to move to New Zealand. No clue where to start.

[@abritablondeabike]

You don't stand a chance at the moment borders are closed. Probably going to stay like that for a long time

[@samiam8779]

Great video. I think the only thing this bike is missing for me is cruise control. Is it ride by wire or does it have a cable throttle?

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi Sam. Hmm to be honest I just font know. I don't have the Versys any more so can't check for you.

[@ashworthautomotiveltd2245]

@@abritablondeabike hi, why don't you have it anymore?

[@tinkermoto212]

Great review guys.. btw what brand of intercom are you using?

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks. We use the Sena 20s it's flawless so far.

[@tinkermoto212]

Thank you sir.. ride safe..

[@e.simons6964]

What I'm hearing is a nother level of maturity! Welcome to the real world!

[@DracoLudens]

Great review! Thanks a lot.

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks mate.

[@chiadennis]

Thanks for your feedback. Can you make a video on the amount of space you have in the panniers? Are you able to put 2 full face helmets in it? The Kawasaki dealer here do not have Versys 1000 models on display.

[@abritablondeabike]

Look up Givi 46 litre mono Key top box. it's exact the same box. and half the price. don't buy the kawasaki one. It's the mistake I made. yes you can get 2 helmets in it.

[@abritablondeabike]

woops sorry. yes you can get 1 helmet in a pannier

[@robsonenduro3316]

so heated grips not included in that price? too bad. How is suspension on bumpy road?

[@chiadennis]

Very nice review. just what I was looking for, true rider and pillion review. Can you partner feet touch the ground? How is the pillion leg position on the foot pegs? I was looking at the MT09 and I feel that the rear foot pegs look a little high for the pillion. Can you comment on this? I am 5' 11" tall but my wife is only 5' 4". I fear that she might have problem getting on and off the bike.

[@abritablondeabike]

Nope that's exactly the same hight as kim. She has no worries getting on and off. The problem we have found is the rear seat is quite long. some people may love this but kim is quite small and feels like she is not part of the ride. if that makes sense. There is like a disjoint from rider to pillion and when cornering she feels high on the bike. It's not been an issue until we sat on a s1000xr. That was a bad move. lol.

[@vstm3950]

Did you guys test ride GS? Interested in your thoughts on it

[@abritablondeabike]

We didn't mate to be honest. Mainly the price put me off. It was another 10k

[@vstm3950]

@@abritablondeabike brand new Versy and 10k for travelling makes a lot of sense ☺ Bless you guys. Ride safe!

[@abritablondeabike]

Haha. No I was talking about the s1000xr we bought. The GS was another 10k. The GS is about 20k more than the Versys. Bless you too my friend.👍😀

[@marcderbidge05]

Hi, Did you consider the Z1000SX as an alternative?... interested to hear your thoughts

[@abritablondeabike]

yes I did very much consider it, in fact I was about to order one before my versys. but it doesn't come with a designed in top box shelf. You have to hack an after market one in after wards. so it was never designed to have one and I read also they are crap for pillion long distance.

[@roadwarrior8560]

great review, thanks, subbed.

[@ACTIONDANhero]

What did u use to record the commentry? A mic connected to yr gopro or a seperate mic device?

[@abritablondeabike]

Hi there. We use 2 x Sena 20s headsets and a Sena blue tooth Audio device that fits to the go pro and captures all the sound. It's not perfect but it's pretty good.

[@ACTIONDANhero]

Thanks Do they have much range to use to talk to friend on second bike up to 50m away?

[@abritablondeabike]

you are supposed to be able to talk to another bike at 2 kilometers away. But it's more like 1.

[@ACTIONDANhero]

Anything over 400m is excellent to me. Ill look at getting one for me n friend to chat while riding. Ill give you my own tip. If you glue gopro mount to front of helmet rather than top the wind wont pull helmet back. And just looks better when watching. Lower camera shows you more..... Bike, speedo hands etc. And is right infront of mouth. But with mic i guess if would only help with view

[@abritablondeabike]

Yea I totally would. problem is there there is an air vent and catch right where I want to stick it. that's why I ended up sticking it up on the top.

[@motto666]

I believe you have tested the Ninja 1000, how does the pick up, I mean low end torque compare to this? And also, do you know whether 2018 versys 1000 is going to be the same or not, will there be a updraded version soon?

[@abritablondeabike]

No I didn't test the ninja in the end mate. I went off it in the end because you can't put a top box on it. I have No idea about the new versys. I think they won't change it for a couple more years but it's usually around this time of year they release the new bikes.

[@motto666]

How fast can you go with the top box and panniers? Because I have read some other bikes with GIVI monorack top box and the monorack broke off when going high speed. One forumner with ZX14r side panniers said he had tried 100mph and no problem, are the panniers mount stronger than the top box?

[@abritablondeabike]

Yea there is a speed limit with them on. I think it's 120kph.

[@motto666]

When I was looking for reviews for BMW S1000XR, I saw that you also made a review, Wow, so now you have 2 super tourers, I also like the BMW xr's low end torque, is it a lot more than the versys? By the way, I am currently riding a Yamaha Fazer 1000, from the specs, I think acceleration should be close to the Versys..And if I am not wrong, the Bmw also has cornering ABS, but also, reliability is the big concern to me. Also, reviews like yours, which you actually own the bike, carry more weight than those 30 minutes test riders, people in some countries where there is no test ride will really depend on these reviews, including me, great job, please continue to make more videos. So which bike do you like better?

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated. Which bike is better...... hmmm. BMW.. wins. It's lighter smaller stronger faster and safer.

[@SickMetalAddict]

Is it much of a compromise in terms of speed and power when you moved down from liter supersports to this one?

[@abritablondeabike]

hmmmm. tough question. To be honest a sports bike is more of a compromise. you can't carry anything on it, it's uncomfortable, passenger not safe on the back etc.... but I know what your saying. yea it's a compromise in power but not much else. I think I have just grown out of super bikes. besides I keep up with my mates and they have R1, Aprilia Tuano, BMW S1000.

[@SickMetalAddict]

That's awesome to hear, thanks for the reply. Keep it up you guys!

[@abritablondeabike]

+SickMetalAddict no worries dude. I am itching to get out on the bike but everything still Covered in ice. I got to go to work on a roof all day today and it's -7. 😨😨😨

[@Spirit_Form]

You guys have a perfect life. Don't screw it up with kids..... ;-)

[@daystate123]

Shame you used the word spastic at the start....🤔😳

[@weljo2001]

You should check out Motowerk's for a lowering kit for your bike. Speedy makes great products for the Versys. I used them on my Versys 650 and will be getting some of his items for my 1000 also. Heres the link.......motowerk.com/collections/kawasaki-versys-1000

[@abritablondeabike]

Thanks mate. I will check it out.

[@weljo2001]

A Brit A Blonde A Bike Good Deal, I'm going to get his peg lowering blocks,handle bar risers,highway peg mounts as well as a flat foot and mirror extendors. I had those on my Versys 650 and it made it such a more comfortable bike for me.

[@twmclean1]

Hey Weljo2001, long time no see. I haven't been hanging around the 650 forum much since I bought my 2013 1000 Versys up here in Canada. I bought Speedy's lowering kit but opted out of the mirror extenders I had on my 650. Lowering kit makes huge difference, also bought an Air Hawk cushion for the longer rides. If you on Instagram, check me out Saultrider. Making a trip later this month from Ontario Canada to Washington DC and back on my Versys. Plan to take many pictures. Hope all is well with you.

[@weljo2001]

Todd McLean Hey Todd, I'm still on the 650 forum and the 1000 forum since i bought my 2016 V-1000 in july. I'm going to Speedys shop next monday. Its not open to the public. But I'm special :) I'll be getting everything but the lowering link. Debating on the mirror extenders they are just on the verge of being needed. I don't do Instagram. But I'll check yours out.

[@twmclean1]

Yeah Speedy referred me to you a few years back on what pegs to get with his mounts. I took your advice and worked out great for my 650. Loving the 1000. Almost bought the 2015 however I couldn't refuse the deal on a 2013, lots of extras and extended warranty to 2019. Looking forward to seeing your capital, 10 days commencing Sept. 23. I belong to both forums, I'll look for you there. All the best!

[@SunShine-yd5xu]

I just hate those fucking ugly looking panniers. On this particular bike, the top case gave me a feeling that I am on Mars!