Kawasaki Versys 650 pushed hard

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Having a chance to test ride Niel's 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650, I couldn't help it to chase the bike around the Hardknott Pass. Don't tell Neil. Do you have experience with this bike?

[@jeffjeffmenser1120]

The bears have been taking out my trash lately, a little worried about my Versy, the bears might eat it and get unleaded gas! The bike works well, and handles quite nicely, took it up to a ton a hundred miles an hour and it seemed quite nice.

[@kone1976]

Good review. Swapped Kawasaki ZZR1400 to versys 650 year ago. Haven't regretted it. Sometimes would like a bit more grunt but not that often. As said does everything well, maybe not great. But love the all around ability and lightness of it. So easy to swing around back roads.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

You are right. The bike is very agile. The lack of grunt is made up by the elasticity of the engine. Still think it's a belter 👌.

[@makzerty440]

thank you so much, I've been always in love with versys since I saw it for the first time, I wish I can afford one soon, I heard the 2025 versys 650 is coming soon to market with quckshifter I know versys 1000 already has, but the 1000cc has a lot of issues unlike 650 has a proven proof engine... thank you so much giving us this opportunity riding this beautiful bike with you,... wish you happy day, drive safe...

[@MOTOTravelUK]

I have friends on the 1000cc. I have never heard anything negative. The 650 is great if you are into lighter bikes. I loved it.

[@makzerty440]

@@MOTOTravelUK thank you,, good day

[@MOTOTravelUK]

@makzerty440 welcome

[@ContreRiposte]

Bought one new in March 2019. I absolutely love it. Have done a lot on it, from a 600km day on the motorway to a 150km one on little mountain roads. Couldn't be happier with it. More than enough power on the road and very comfortable. Not the best at anything at all, but really good at everything. So if you can own only one bike and have a sub €10k budget, it's an absolute no brainer.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Made up for you. Enjoy every minute. It, a not what you have. It's all about what you do with it. Congratulations my friend. Stay safe.

[@ESX021]

Have you rode with a pillion? I'm thinking of getting this bike and am wondering if its good for a tour with a pillion

[@ContreRiposte]

Haven't ridden it with a pillion yet. My wife only gets in/on vehicles if she is in charge 😃 A friend has asked if she could join me for a ride instead, but we haven't got around to it yet...

[@ESX021]

@@ContreRiposte ah right, let me know how it goes! I probably won't be riding with a pillion daily but will likely take the gf along for a tour every now and then

[@MOTOTravelUK]

@@ESX021 no I haven't still have to try it out

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

It's very fun to see the scales fall from your eyes regarding the Versys. I have two(!) of the gen 1 650's. I bought the second one after I shipped the first one to Europe. The one that is in Europe has been to Alps several times, and has been toured on both solo and two-up. It's been ridden all over England, Wales, and a bit of Scotland, and it's been to the IOM three times. By the way, my favorite road in England is the one that goes over Wrynose and Hardknott passes. The Versys gives nothing away to larger bikes in that environment. It's a bike that is easy to ride, and is remarkably easy to ride quickly. I have gotten quite accustomed to surprising riders on larger bikes. One tip is to let the bike rev. It makes peak power at about 8500 rpm, and while it's tractable down low, it's so much happier if kept above 4K. The engine gets smoother and most responsive if you keep it spun up a bit.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Lol. I'm very open about bikes. I'm no Fanboy. It is a great bike, very different to my GS but I would be very happy touring with it. The only thing is I'm 6'1 and I'm struggling with standing up on the pegs. Traveling behind Neil is very enjoyable. I can't lead as I have a different pace to Neil. But that has nothing to do with the bike. So I give it a big thumbs up. Checked out the 1000 last weekend and it's just not as nice. Thanks for your comments and ride safe.

[@kurtsunderbruch4711]

@@MOTOTravelUK , I'm 6'3" myself. You can get peg lowering blocks for it. I've got them on one bike, but not the other, but will have them on both soon. As for the 1000, I have one of those too (gen 2), and have put over 43K miles on it. It's a lovely and refined bike, and a big comfy couch of a thing. I've stiffened it up with aftermarket suspension, but it's just not nearly as much fun as the 650 despite having vastly greater power.

[@illuminaut9148]

I just bought one Versys 650 2021, and almost crying of joy.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Congratulations , great choice 👏

[@chrisdavie105]

Great, honest review, one of the best i have seen in a while & would have to say there is no bias so well done - i am currently looking at the 2022 Versys 650 & with its advancements since that model am very excited

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Chris, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video. This bike was a total surprise for a big lad my me. Loved every minute riding it. It is a proper work horse. Keep it up. Steph

[@joecamel6835]

Wow the scenery !

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Not to shabby 😉

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I have a 2018 model bought new in spring 2019. I like the upright seating position with feet underneath me. The bike is top heavy with a high seat. And when you add 40lbs of fuel (tank is up high too), it's even MORE top heavy. If you are not familiar with it, it could catch you off guard. 2018 model engine is very very smooth. I've heard that earlier models had vibration problems. But I do like the bike. At 65mph, vibration is almost nonexistent.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Hi John. I can only agree with you. The bike is very agile compared to my GS. I wish there would be another 2' more ground clearance as the front has a habit to bottom out. Have you tried the 1000cc? A very different beast, so different in everything. Thanks for stopping by John. Best Steph

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

I had a lot of questions about the Versys. Your review checked them all off! A shopping I will go!

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Glad I could helping out

[@borkarms]

What a lovely honest opinion.Thanks.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

You are very welcome.

[@ricardocorminal6622]

Best bike for real world scenario.. Let's put it like this, if i can only own one bike, versys 650 would definitely be it. Best bike on the planet! Affordable, easy to ride, reliable, cheap to maintain, it has enough power, frugal gas consumption etc etc!

[@MOTOTravelUK]

+ricardo corminal 💯 with you. It is an excellent bike. 👍 Thank you for dropping by.

[@firesail6707]

Nice video, thanks for trying the bike. Switched from my sport-touring BMW (R1100S) to the Versys mostly for riding position/comfort and bopping around on poor roads etc. Loving it so far (2017 model). Had to get used to the higher revving engine but it begs to be ridden.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

It is a great bike. But so different from a BMW. 👍 Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@aaronlakanen4041]

Brilliant rig and review! Cheers

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Welcome 🙏

[@jeriksson7686]

Swapped my zx10r for a Versys 650 best thing I have done. So much funnier to ride on twisty roads and works excellent for touring. ✌️

[@MOTOTravelUK]

The 650 is a little monster!

[@elitetileandstone]

I'm currently riding a 2014 650 Versey, that I purchased new in 2016 for $4800 U.S.. I had been riding 1000cc + bikes since 1980. My last ride was a ZRX1200, from 2001-2016. Adjusting to a 650 parallel twin took some getting use to. I added some bar risers and lowering blocks, both helped for standing on the pegs whule on dirt roads. The bike is great on back roads and durt roads. On the interstate, the bike is very comfortable cruising at 65mph. Faster than that, things get a little buzzy. In closing, I have to say the Versey is a very good middleweight motorcycle.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

The Versys is a great little bike. Little not because of the engine, more the size. I'm 6'1 and the bike is just to small for me. Coming from a GS I value the dimension of a bigger bike. But saying that, riding the Versys is just absolutely fun. Thanks for your comment and ride safe!

[@elitetileandstone]

@@MOTOTravelUK, I'm 5'8 and just tested a new 1250 GS. I really loved the torque it produced. That is what I miss about my ZRX1200.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

@@elitetileandstone LOL they are great bikes.

[@elitetileandstone]

@@MOTOTravelUK, I just subscribed to your channel. Stay Safe, Rich

[@MOTOTravelUK]

+elitetileandstone thank you Rich.

[@Christian-xd3vg]

Good presentation of the bike and its capabilities. Very informative.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

thank you very much.

[@Christian-xd3vg]

@@MOTOTravelUK Sure thing, but now it makes it so much harder to decide what bike to choose in the near future. A tourer, it surely should be, but yet, I always thought of something more nostalgic-cool, like the Kawasaki Vulcan 650s or Vulcan 900 custom/ LT until this 650 Versys got my attention. Now I'm a troubled man in the fast market-place of bike-world .... Any suggestion?

[@MOTOTravelUK]

@@Christian-xd3vg Well they are all great bikes, but you have to go with your gut. You know what is best for you. I'm a BMW guy and I know many shortcomings of the GS. But, I also know what to appreciate. So check the bikes out and go for it. Don't listen to other people, trust your gut.

[@Christian-xd3vg]

@@MOTOTravelUK Yes, you're right, in the end, it's my decision. Today, I looked at some brand new Triumphs Bonneville t120, and some were reduced down by about $ 2,500.00 - 3,000.00 below regular pricing. Very pretty bikes, especially the scrambler 1200, also to have at a bargain right now. Unfortunately, I can't jump on it now, and those bikes won't be around for long. But thanks for your thoughts, anyway. I hope in the spring of next year I will have a clearer sight of things to come up with something great to be proud of and happy with. Meanwhile, I do my research and continue window-shopping.

[@johnnygross4415]

Cool, I have the same windscreen you are using, works great

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Cool 👍

[@themassofmen]

What screen is there on that, as it doesn't look like the stock one?

[@MOTOTravelUK]

It is all stock, nothing changed on the bike. Cheers for dropping by.

[@simonmoore7316]

I have a Versys Gen 1 Great bike but crap suspension that can be sorted out with some effort. What I want to know is WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GLOVES?

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Hi Simon. The gloves made it back. Neil never knew 😁

[@johnnygross4415]

Two brothers pipe, larger front sprocket, smaller rear also, liked it

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Working great.thanks for dropping by .

[@markarrowsmith6928]

I am on my 2nd versys (2015)gt and tour with mate's on 1000cc + bike's I never have trouble keeping up😉

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Nice 👍

[@makzerty440]

btw, how your 1200gs is reliable in long distance trips, had you faced any issues on road ..

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Herman my old 2007 Gs is incredible reliable, and riding here in South America is a dream. No fancy electronics. Nothing to go wrong.

[@makzerty440]

@@MOTOTravelUK agree... thank you for replying, good day ...

[@TheCaretaker555]

hahahaha...........no just no :)................my gloves man my gloves !!!!.....thanks for the nice honest review mate.....

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Thanks again mate was fun. 👍😁

[@andrewshumate6104]

I know it’s been a while, but do you know the windshield that was on that Versys?

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Sorry I don't know. It is one of the cheap Chinese ebay thingies. Working fine though.

[@mishimposble]

I've put over 40,000 miles on my 1st gen Versys 650. I know your not used to the bike but, noticed you have the revs a little too low while test riding.

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Hi Mike. The 650 is an awesome bike. You right about the revs during the test. I have to say the engine was fantastic even in the low RPM rage. You can't really see it but the hill was very steep. A lot of riders wouldn't even go there. That little bike is a work horse. It put a smile on my face. Thanks for dropping by.

[@mishimposble]

@@MOTOTravelUK The 650 is designed with usable mid range power in mind. Although it has some torque If you get another chance to try it out on more open roads I'd like to watch. I'd Imagine your BMW power curve would take some getting used to. It seems it may be more of a low end to linear delivery?

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Mike Anoneemus You go a point when it comes to my preferred engines. Always said my old BMW is a Mule. The 650 is a happy engine. I liked that a lot. Of course, having only half the cc of my mule, you know the difference. I can ride the 650 all day long. My only qualm is I'm 6'1, and I feel a little cramped in. With a bit of tweaking, no problem making it my everyday runner. I do understand why people are so fond of this bike. Cheers and stay safe, my friend.

[@Flavorpix]

Hello bro, I ride Versys650 aswel at Thailand.. 😋😋

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Excellent choice 👍

[@souravchakrabarti5029]

I feel that the throttle response is too much snatchy

[@MOTOTravelUK]

Not sure what you mean.

[@souravchakrabarti5029]

@@MOTOTravelUK i find that when I am slowing down, close the throttle and then open it again to accelerate there is a sudden hesitation followed by too quick acceleration.

[@josephclemons4308]

If are just on back roads or city a versys is the best but when you hit the interstate the versys ain't a good bike for that you need a 1000 versys but they do cost a lot more but if you want to go that is what it takes

[@danielfrancis2847]

I rode across the US on a Versys 650, interstates and country roads and deserts and mountains. Worked great.

[@theradiantchild]

@@danielfrancis2847 wonder how it would be with a pillion