Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT Review - The Ninja 1000 Does ADV!

[@kevinjohnatan2201]

I got mine same year, I’ve had several bikes all types. I stick to this one. Just did a trip from Long Island NY to Canada 15 hours straight. Drive this bike is a true experience combined with power and comfort.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree, Kevin. It's probably the best all-around motorcycle I've ridden - given my values when considering bikes. Enjoy your Versys!

[@Mike-hu8yz]

Yep, great bike and video was excellent, well done.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Mike-hu8yz Thanks, Mike!

[@smoberdeen]

The route looks a lot like my routes in southwest Ohio. I opted for the 650 after riding a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 for 17 years.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The Versys 650 is also a favorite of mine. Cheers!

[@froglaps40]

Sweet. I've been binging on versys 1000 vids for awhile. But these last two days have been really really tough... I just bought a brand new 2020 versys 1000 se lt+ in Philly. But I'm stuck working in Ohio till next Thursday, and my ride to pick it up won't happen till next Sat the 9th. The agony is making sleep a hard thing to come by. I have them sing the top case, a lowering kit, and the factory gig lights.. oh and I finally get a bike with some kawasaki green!! Wahoo. Last kawasaki was a 2004 concours, then I went back into a (2013) goldwing. CAN'T WAIT

[@froglaps40]

And had it marked down $2000.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Awesome, I think you'll like it! Yeah, nothing like having to wait for the new toy - brings me back to my childhood at Christmas.

[@froglaps40]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I think I'm gonna love this! I'm pretty happy with it. Picked it up Friday, my ride got back in time to run me down to it. Then got to deal with Philly traffic, and put some miles on it to evade that. Ended up 150 miles later in the Poconos as the sun was going down and temps dropping. In my rush out the door to go get it, I didn't grab any cold weather gear. Not sure why anyone would think it needs more power. The seat isnt terribly uncomfortable, but after about 50-60 miles I found myself moving in the seat a bit. The windscreen was better than I thought it would be watching reviews. Went through some rain, and my electronics stayed dry. I'm 5'11" and didn't experience any wind buffering on my helmet. I did get the rideology app to connect. But have yet to do anything with it. Awesome bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@froglaps40 Glad you made it back safely. I believe the 2020 has some features that the 2015 doesn't. I did a 100 mile day this week on the 2015 and really enjoyed it. The ride started as a parts run but included some aggressive sport riding over Gold Mine road, some cruising at highway speeds and some back roads. The Versys handled it all in stride! Enjoy the ride!

[@froglaps40]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Nice, I have about 270 miles on it already, good mix of 4 lane and 2 lane.. with traffic and rain tossed in. A wee bit of flurries today, so it'll wait till tomorrow for more miles.

[@birdman4434]

Great video!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@markhenderson8131]

How tall are you, and were your comfortable riding with all stock parts? I'm contemplating about purchasing a Versys 1000, but I'm 6'6" with a 38.0 inseam. Do you think I would have problems riding this bike?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm 6'-4" and the Versys 1000 fits me just fine. I would recommend it to taller riders. Cheers!

[@bradmyers6429]

I really enjoy your real world reviews! You do a great job. I am in the market to replace my much loved Yamaha FZ6. It has 122,000 kms on it and I share your love of all around, sporting, UJM's. I am thinking of a few bikes and you have reviewed a few of them now... Suzuki GSX S 750, Yamaha FZ1, Versus 650 and 1000. Also the old style V Strom 1000 and Yamaha Fazer 8, if you have ever ridden those bikes. I do a ton of riding, almost exclusively on small twisty roads, or at least in the search for those roads and commuting. I am wondering what your opinion is on your favourite bike of that group? To actually own. You seem to ride very similar to me and you also share the same sensibilities about what you like in a bike. Thanks and please keep up with the videos, I am a fan! Cheers🍻

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Brad for the encouraging comments - they made my day! I have ridden both the FZ8 (naked Fazer 8) and several generations of the V-Strom 1000. Both are nice all-around motorcycles. Though I never thought I would recommend a 650cc parallel twin over a bigger 4-cyl or 90 degree V-twin, if you like small twisty roads, you should at least arrange a test ride of the Versys 650 on those types of roads. The later versions have better wind protection (3rd gen style and later). They are also a bit more refined and have more options than the earlier bikes. I also really enjoy the Versys 1000 and the ridiculous power, luxurious ride, and great wind protection it delivers. Both Versys bikes offer long travel, well controlled suspension in combination with 17" wheels, giving the best real world ride I have experienced to date.

[@bradmyers6429]

That is exactly my reluctance to go for the 650. I have always owned 4 cylinder bikes and have never liked parallel twins. Everything else about the bike is right up my alley. Does it handle as good, when you are really giving it on two lane twisty road, as a more sporting bike, like my FZ6? I really enjoy the front end grip, and more importantly feel, of my bike. It's able to hang with much more expensive, sophisticated bikes. Would the Versus 650 be as good? Btw mine is the proper R6 based FZ6, not the less serious FZ6R. Thanks for your reponse

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@bradmyers6429 The Versys 650 is the most fun, confidence inspiring, tight back road burner I've ridden. I never liked parallel twins either but I love the Versys 650! I also like the original FZ6 (much more so than the FZ6R). Motorcycling is subjective and that's why it would be good for you to try a bike (if possible) before buying. While the FZ6 may make more absolute power, the Versys makes power/torque much sooner in the rev range, making 4000rpm corner exits nice. The Versys power is more immediate (less rubber band like) than a 600cc 4-cylinder. It is also a nice motor to wind out - it's not just limited to lower revs.

[@bradmyers6429]

Thanks for the advice! Like i said, I really enjoy your videos, and the roads you ride are exactly what I'm looking for. However in Ontario the pavement quality is atrocious lol. We have many a trip down to the Adirondacks, Catskills and Allegany Mountains because the roads are so much better. Even the best roads in Ontario aren't as good as the area of Pennsylvania sort of between St. Mary's and

[@bradmyers6429]

Sorry lol, and Williamsport. I envy those roads you ride on, if they are close to your house! I can tell you are knowledgeable, excellent rider and I definitely value your opinion. Thanks again

[@makzerty440]

i saw a lot of fails versys 1000 bikes on KZbin, I can't trust it for long trip, it may let me down in the middle of nowhere... have you faced any issues with yours?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I bought this bike from the original owner who had no issues with it while he owned it. I had no issues with it during my ownership either.

[@makzerty440]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I wish you'll never have a problem with it, enjoy your trips, safe trips, ...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@makzerty440 Thanks!

[@Mike-hu8yz]

I've seen zero fails.