Kawasaki Versys 1000 Standard vs S vs SE differences

[@KousikPaul]

I have Versys 1000 SE and I just love it. It’s a fantastic sport tourer with superb comfortable ergonomic. Love the usable inline 4 linear power with enough torque in any speed. If anyone loves to ride with passenger and loads of luggage then it’s a top of the list reliable and fun motorcycle. Nice review as usual btw 🙌🏼.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and I'm glad to read that you're happy with your Versys. It surely can give a lot of pleasure when riding in different sorts of conditions. And I've also only heard good words about its reliability so it may be a safe choice here too for years. All the best with the bike!

[@ravivhillel6197]

Hi, did you try the regular one. Is there such a big difference with the se suspension?

[@carlofanelli9756]

Had two Versys 1000S, loved both of them to bits. Toured around Europe, no problem at all. Extremely comfy even with passenger and full lugage. I now have a BMW S1000XR, and have to admit that it's another fantastic piece of equipment. Much, much better

[@milliegrowler5976]

I bought the standard 1000, added a taller aftermarket screen, also top luggage box, I also own the top of the range Ninja 1000sx with full luggage, TFT etc, I also have rear rack fitted to the 1000sx, The idea was so i could swap and use the luggage on both bikes as i cannot ride both at once, I can say from my experience the TFT brings nothing to the party i would pay extra for, The side panniers are overpriced junk, One broke first time i tried to remove it, Way too tight fitting, Had to get it repaired by Kawasaki and they are now in storage, The top box however is far better, So i recommend using it in place of the panniers, Possibly adding aftermarket soft panniers if required, The basic Versys 1000 is a great bike in all regards and good value, The further up the range you go it starts to lose it's value for what is really added parts that bring little to the party, Save your money, Buy the basic and use what is left to go and enjoy yourself.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I get the point about value. Getting every little improvement on top costs incomparably more. It's like selling them used - one's never going to get back the investment put into the additional equipment.

[@sharonsharon2604]

I have the s... not because of the money, but because I don't need these fancy suspension, I won't stress the bike to enjoy them..they are another system that can go wrong. I liked the bigger tft screen and and wind screen. Liked the hand guards for wind and debris. Hand warmers aren't my cup of tea. The extra space under the seat is huge because all the fancy suspension stuff isn't there, so you can fit some tools and other stuff. I don't use the quick shifter...but it's there

[@Richaag]

U.S. spec versions are all SE LT+ models and they don’t sell very well. That’s good news for anyone who wants one because you can negotiate huge discounts. I purchased a 2022 model last year that originally had an MSRP of $18,399 (US) but ended up getting it for $16,399 after only a few minutes of negotiating. I’m very happy with the bike at that price point but probably would’ve opted for a Concours 14 had the dealer not been as flexible.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

They might be due for an upgrade sometime soon. It's a good platform and Kawasaki could make it even better. On the other hand, refreshing the design could do the trick too.

[@Richaag]

@@VToldsMotoShow My hope is that all the electronic wizardry will stand the test of time. I’ve owned several Kawasaki motorcycles over the decades and never had major issues with any of them. I’m hoping this one will continue that tradition. Given all the ADV (in this case ADV styled) bikes on the market, it’s literally the only reason I stayed with team green.

[@kannermw]

I paid $16,800 for the same bike this past fall. They don't sell very well because most individuals in U.S. are buying Harleys, ADV bikes, or other large cruisers. The Versys 1000 is a sport tourer with more emphasis on the later which is OK by me because it provides very comfortable riding adjustable suspension, 2-up capability, and room for ample luggage. At the same time it can be ridden somewhat aggressively at closer to legal speeds that are less likely to get you killed and with critical rider aids like lean angle traction control and ABS that can be the extra margin to save you from tragedy in a panic/emergency/unexpected situation.

[@naversys1000]

I paid exactly the same.

[@scotthuxtable5121]

Good review, thank you. I bought the 2022 S variant late last year - it’s the only one available in Australia. I like the bike as it’s easy enough to ride and not too powerful (I’m a returning rider after 30 odd years away from bikes). As nice as it is, I’ve got my eye on the 1300 GS when it eventually comes out later this year or early next - I like the idea of it not diving under heavy breaking which the S variant Versys does a bit. I’ve only ridden a boxer once (2022 Scrambler 1200) which made me really appreciate the smoothness and turbine like characteristic of the Versys in line four.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Then new GS may bo something to wait for. I hope they don't follow the path of their BMW car colleagues and disappoint in the field of design.

[@americandude3825]

USA only sells the SE + with the electric suspension, cruise control, etc. It’s $19000 USD. But if there is a left over one at a dealer you can find them for around $15000. I test rode on for twenty minutes. Loved every second. 18:00 I read someone’s experience on the self healing paint and said it was pretty awesome.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I hope that this paint really is as advertised, even if only on a small scale. I've heard of good deals on Versys 1000 and that may be a way to go if one wants to get a new bike.

[@MultiGoulash]

Have a '22 basic version with a bigger screen (Givi Airflow) and put Givi racks on it for panniers and topbox. Let's not forget the Kawasaki luggage is made by Givi. Couldn't be bothered with the extras and instead saved myself over 5k. Great bike, used most days, love the balance, fuel consumption between 38-54 mpg, mixture of town and faster roads riding. Also, buy the oxford heated grips, way cheaper than the Kwak option.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad that you've found a good combination for yourself and enjoy the bike. That's exactly the way to go! Cheers!

[@ravivhillel6197]

Have you try the SE? Did you find such a big difference with the suspension? I did test ride on the SE and I loved it. Is it worth the extra money? For me the suspension is quite deal breaker. If I can adjust the basic model so enough for me. What I mean if you feel difference when the electronic suspension really change bike behavior?

[@rosandpl]

Got Versys S as my second bike to XV1900, amazing bike, thx for review

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'm glad you like the bike - that's the whole point!

[@Nyez]

I bought a brand new Versys standard with quick shifter, handguards and taller screen for 13.5k eu. The S and SE are way to expensive. TFT would've been nice but not worth the money increase. SE costs almost 19k where I live.. for that money I'd buy a 1290 SAS

[@VToldsMotoShow]

OK, this I understand considering the price difference - it's very similar in my country and that makes the S and SE versions ridiculously expensive.

[@moniquemoors1974]

Got a versys 650 myself for about 2 years now. I saw the standard edition and i want it ! Just a few more months

[@Nyez]

@@moniquemoors1974 you wont regret it!

[@spdaltid]

... and please give me a matching needle speedometer that I can quantify at a glance.

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

What would you choose for yourself: Versys 1000 base model (with additional Quickshifter, heated grips, higher windshield and handbars) or Honda NT1100?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I wish I could answer that but I haven’t ridden the NT1100 yet. I’m not sure how close it is to adventure bikes actually. I personally wouldn’t go with either. Would prefer to be touring on taller adv bikes like BMW R1250GS or a Triumph Tiger 1200.

[@jkristjanvalk]

Analog? What is analog about a liquid crystal display?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That I don’t know but the rev counter uses a physical needle and not a digital display. Perhaps this will be a hint good enough in terms of defining analog.

[@jkristjanvalk]

@@VToldsMotoShow It seems to me that you call the LCD panel "analog", not the tachometer dial. As if the definition of analog vs digital was LCD vs TFT. Which is fine I mean, brain farts happen, your videos are great in most of the aspects, most of the time.

[@daxtay]

Which bike you compare with this versys?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

BMW S1000XR because of a 4-cylinder inline engine and Fully onroad focus, Suzuki V-Strom 1050 because of performance and Japanese heritage, Yamaha Tracer 9, because of similar performance and fully onroad focus too. Those would be the closest I think.

[@Red-74-]

SE rear shock cannot be serviced and in time will lose damping until it completely goes, then it's £2500 for a new shock 🥶. Also the SE suspension is still to soft and underdamped.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Set SE to the harder suspension setting and what then happens is pure hammer to the rider's bottom and spine, that's how hard it becomes.

[@pedroreis552]

Sorry but you are rong about south european countrys. I live in the North-Interior of Portugal and the heated grips are a essencial feature for those who ride their bikes all year round.

[@johnnyblue4799]

Still can't get over how ugly that bike's front end is. But the very first Versys on the market was also an exercise on anti-aesthetics. Btw... I'm not sure blurring your speedometer really help. They can still calculate your avg. speed between two markers on the road, knowing the distance between them and the time it took. :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Naaaah, the video is sped up for the bike to appear quicker ;). Design is questionable pretty often in this category. No idea why but there aren’t many bikes that don’t look in a controversial way. Maybe Africa Twin and BMW S1000XR.

[@TheTwinPost]

​@@VToldsMotoShow You're lying...the bike was clearly ridden on a test track and in a controlled environment... All the vehicles we see on the road were paid to be there 😶

[@VToldsMotoShow]

OK, OK, some parts yes, but some others were recorded on a German autobahn ;)

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@VToldsMotoShow The XR's face looks like a wasp's head to me, but both Honda bikes the Africa Twin and the new Tenere look decent.

[@tomg6284]

Just get the ninja 1000se, Better all round and more power,. Cheeper.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Wouldn't expect it to be very comfortable though. Especially in the city when leaning forward and resting on the wrists. So it may be down to where and how one rides.

[@kannermw]

I have 2022 Versys 1000 SE and my brother has 2020 Ninja 1000 SE. Rode them back to back and I would call his bike a fun hooligan bike with stiff suspension that likes to stand-up in the corners but way less tolerable to ride on the open highways. I need to ride 40 miles each way just to get to fun twisties and then the rider comfort sacrifices are simply not worth the other trade-offs including 2-up versatility

[@triv7252]

neither, get the base and save thousands

[@VToldsMotoShow]

The "Standard" is the base I guess.

[@maldridge7630]

Well its about time you test some real bikes 🥰

[@tomvaversky7201]

versys has serious trouble since 2022r, it is HONDA NT1100.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It could be considered as a worthy competitor but in the photos and videos it looks more like a traditional touring bike rather than something that attaches itself to the big adventure category. It seems lower and the position on it appears as more leaning forward. But yes, it may be somewhere there. Still, Versys 1000 also has 20% more power which matters to some.

[@tomvaversky7201]

@@VToldsMotoShow paradoxically, the honda nt1100 has a higher ground clearance and lower weight in the manual version. Also an engine with character and a lot of torque from the bottom, not a sexless 4. A lot of genes from africa. Which one is closer to adv?

[@AZAROV-o7t]

Tom Vaversky I mourn nt1100. unfortunately it is not delivered to the USA. I really want it. I love DCT.

[@otori9136]

Patrzę, patrzę oglądam, słucham a to co ? Polska ? :) WTF ? :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Nie potwierdzam, nie zaprzeczam ;)