Kawasaki Versys 650 Review and Testride!

[@jde9095]

"The sound is just orgasmic" that is one hell of a selling point for Kawasaki

[@techHmrk]

"Ohh adjustable suspension !" Dicovered while doing braking test. Thats why I like you reviews :D

[@michelemicoli]

I did a test ride on this bike a few months ago. And I liked it alot. But now i've seen your video and the one of the guys from Overdrive. And you guys convinced me to buy this bike. It's a very practical everyday bike. You can do almost anything with it. Thank you for your test ride video! Cheers and ride safe!

[@andybryant9105]

This bike has 68bhp and 53lb/ft torque

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

9:35 Water in the exhaust ? 🤯 Don't flood the intake, don't stall the engine, and the exhaust pipe won't fill with water, it will just blow bubbles ! 🧐 Even if you did manage to stall the engine, while in water, it wouldn't hurt anything to have some water flow back into your exhaust, (so long as the water isn't as high as the tops of your exhaust pipes), then water won't get into your engine. You should be able to restart a Versys, even with the engine more than half way submerged in water, and then ride it out to dry land, without any problems. 🙂👍

[@joecamel6835]

Also the exhaust is down there to keep heat off the rider.

[@chiefcamon]

As long as the bike is running, the exhaust being underwater shouldn't matter. I would like to see a video of someone taking a Versys places like that though.

[@benjamincs1]

Yep. Air intakes are what you need to worry about. Not sure where they would be on the versys.

[@yurionabike99]

@@benjamincs1 its right above the engine, directly below the tank

[@garywest3763]

Adjust the front and rear suspension some, and it will feel more planted. the suspension may be adjusted to soft from factory. The 1000 being heavier is providing the more planted feel but suspension adjustment should make up the difference on the 650 Versys

[@koubilai2]

I had a 2010 versy 650, I now own a FJ-09 (MT-09 Tracer) , they are both street bikes that are really only adventure themed :-)

[@StuHolland]

Another great review cager, thank you

[@Andreboitchenco]

Which one did you like more? The V-Strom 650 or the Versys 650? And why?

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

You didn't say what year the bike was, but I'm pretty sure it DID have ABS.

[@OtisENGINEuity]

those things with a decent muffler sound amazing, they sound like a classic brit twin way more than modern Hinkley Triumphs do. The only bike that sounds more like a classic brit bike is the new Norton. You should try a Ducati Scrambler and a Husqvarna 701. The 701 is based off the KTM 690 engine.

[@XxDeckxX]

which one is more comfortable? Versys 650 or V strom 650? thank you!

[@jazzysaravana]

Versys 650

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

@@jazzysaravana I feel most comfortable on my Versys 650. I wouldn't trade it for a Vstrom. I've watched lots of KZbin Review Videos where multiple riders will often compare the Versys 650 to the 650 Vstrom and to the BMW F650GS. The Versys always seems to win in comfort comparisons. Some people complain that the forward slant to the seat forces them to ride too close the gas tank. I even experienced that problem, (when I first bought my Versys650) But, I didn't need to modify my seat or anything. I simply changed my sitting position, and realized that the seatfoam is very soft, and will gradually contour to your rear end, keeping you from sliding forward, (or needing to put a lift kit on the front of your seat).

[@dry509]

One reviewer found the clutch grabby and an abrupt open closed throttle response on the 2017 Versys 650. Did you have the same experience? Is the NC700x more manuverable? Is the clutch and the throttle smoother on the Nc700x? What bike do you currently ride?

[@kiwiandyt123]

So you've now ridden this and the Tracer 700 - which did you like more? Seems this one has better suspension but the Tracer has perhaps a better engine?

[@RiderObvious]

If you already have an NC 700x, would this be enough of an upgrade to consider trading up? Or would you just stick with the NC?

[@calcrappie8507]

I felt a lot safer watching this video than the Versys 1000 you did. Still recovering from that one.

[@jimmyjr.salvadora8919]

Hi there! I'm 5'5 and I'm planning to get versys 650 as my next bike. Can I at least tiptoe on this? Im worried i might not touch the ground with my feet.

[@1963eM]

For off roads you should change tyres for proper one

[@brents3906]

what was that weird juddering sound at 4:52? was that the breaks or were you in too high a gear?

[@kyotosal]

Cager, what time of day is it? Where are all the people?

[@szeriman13]

it has ABS i can hear it when you break :) 4:52

[@dbauernf]

+szeriman13 That's the rear end hopping up and down, he did a lot of skidding and even stalled it in the video.

[@highsnburgers4862]

Nice tour of the dump.

[@turbo311]

I’m somewhat surprised that you were not so enthusiastic about this bike. It’s seems like exactly your kind of bike. It’s extremely popular in Europe with commuters same as the NC700X and is more similar to the Honda than the Suzuki V-Storm 650. But you were far more enthusiastic about the Suzuki and compared it much more to the NC700X. It was like you saw this Versys as the adventure bike when it’s really the city/backroads sporty bike and the V-Strom is the Adventure bike.

[@masseyfergusonab]

So your money would go for vstrom or the versys?

[@jazzysaravana]

masseyfergusonab Versys

[@asaguias]

hey Cager! when will you release the video from the zzr? Really looking forward to it! love your job! Cheers!

[@johnanderson1149]

Thanks for the video, shopping around comparing v-Strom. Wondering, what kind of camera / mic setup? Ride safe.

[@trykozmaksym]

nice ride.. what do you say comparing NC700X suspension with this one? and btw, isn't that air intake which has to be above the water? exhaust should just blow it out as long as the engine is running, there're vids illustrating...

[@BMRTV]

Thanks for your review. Your vid helped me decide to pic up a 2015 Versys 650 LT! The sound IS really good :)

[@oguzdonmez6201]

Absolutely awesome review, thank you very much.

[@ab-ud8np]

Ora viva! Dirias que a Versys 650 é uma boa moto para fazer longas viagens com passageiro? Ou para isso será melhor a Versys 1000? cumps

[@turbo311]

Also that noise you hear that you love sounds more like induction noise that exhaust. And it's about 65hp.

[@dapster]

FYI both 2016 Versys models have ABS. They come standard, not as an option.

[@koubilai2]

hey Cager! :-) of all your test rides which would be your favorite bike or the bike you would love to have?

[@ninjakat8922]

Dude your reviews are amazing, just earned a sub!

[@CristiCBU]

Nice review cager :) Could you review the honda hornet 2007+ preety please?If you manage to find one to review...Thanks,keep up the good work

[@enriad]

Hello Cager, been following your reviews for the last 6 months or so and think you are doing a great job. But, I cannot help but think that the Versys did not get a proper review from you due to tiredness and lack of ABS on the test unit. Please make an additional review for this bike if you can.

[@1ducktape]

dear lord cager I have a question for you . ive been told the seat height is 840 mm I'm only a short arse , how did you get on with the seat height and being able to put your feet on the ground

[@turbo311]

The Versys is not an adventure bike. It's low exhaust and 17 inch front wheel make it a road bike. It's a very nice handling, comfortable and capable bike, but has no off-road pretensions, like the CB500X and your beloved NC700X. A V-Strom 650 has more off-road intentions and you can tell in the handling.

[@trykozmaksym]

NC700X has off-road pretensions? seriously? I've never ridden versys, but hearing such things about NC700X is kinda funny...

[@trykozmaksym]

lol :D for sure ) Dakar emblem on the screen instantly makes it off-road )

[@Christianthephotographer]

+CagerOnTwoWheels that was a very cool video. So, you can take those bikes offroad. :-)

[@disekjoumoer]

Lol, Cager really doesn't like switching the indicator off.

[@twowheelpops9356]

I would be interested to know your thoughts on this bike in relation to the V-Strom 650.

[@didiergorre8048]

Do you think this is a good bike for a first bigger bike? Love the review

[@borysdewar9741]

didier gorré I think Versys is a good option for the first bike,although you can't really compare, you can only have one first bike in your lifetime ;) I'm 172cm tall and I think this is more or less the limit to feel comfortable, any shorter person might struggle as a beginner. It is a great bike,but I would not call it adventure. You dont need rehabilitation after riding the whole day and it gives a lot of fun on corners.

[@ripmax333]

you need to test the KLX250S !

[@Ray-Koto-McLellan]

Hey Cager. I'm looking to trade to this from the Kawasaki z750s. how's it overall on the open roads? did you ever look at the rpms at 100 km/hr?or would you recommend the 1000? looking to do city and long trips. but i weigh 145 pounds. uh 65.77 kg and 6 ft tall 1.82 meters.

[@ninjakat8922]

Well the 650 Versys is considerably slower and underpowered compared to the Z750. A very good bike, but since you are downgrading you might be a little bit dissapointed from the power, otherwise it is pretty good! I'd say go and test drive both the Versys 1000 and the 650. The 650 will be better for city riding since it is lighter and thinner but the flickability of the 1000 will seriously astonish you. The 1000 likes to lean into conrners way more than the 650 so once you start going the extra size and weight just dissapear. On the highway the 1000 is just way better than the 650. Pros for the 1000: Very confortable, Powerfull, amazing on the highway and once it moves it doesnt feel heavy. Cons: Price, Size when stopped and weight when stopped (not good at traffic lights) Verdict: Better for long trips, decent on the city (also the 1000 is probably the best tourer you can go to on twisty B roads) Pros for the 650: Size, Weight, Comfort, Decent power, decent on the highway Cons: (Compared to the Z750 and the Versys 1000) Underpowered. Verdict: Better for city riding, decent of long trips (and good fun on twisty roads) We have the same height so that shouldnt be a problem but I do weight 95 kg. I just hope you have enough muscles in those 65kg to be able to move the 1000 around since when stopped that thing is a heavy beast :P

[@mulayimsert2033]

I did not understand Would you like to tell me please can ı trawel off road riding with this bike ?

[@samelight5958]

This is one heck of a motorcycle. After watching this video I got myself a 2016 Kawasaki Versys 650LT!

[@fa6529]

Hello mate! any pros and cons? It does wheelies a bit more easily than it should right..?! How is it with a second rider?

[@fcalin21]

The water must not get into the air intake. If it gets into the exhaust it is fine. I recomand you , Cager , to read the specifications of the motorcycle before making a review. You are not serious. Also , this bike is 80 % road oriented.

[@draft5809]

Are you going to do a testride and review on z800/z800e ?

[@honeyjaffa4724]

I would love to see that as well :3

[@crusherog2267]

uma opinião, para um iniciante em moto aconselhas a sym Wolf 125 ? melhor do que essa só a duke mas o preço é bem diferente...

[@zireael666]

Sim é ele já tem um test drive e review se quiseres ver

[@abhiroy1993]

hey cager, awesome review as always, I had a question, what advantage do we have or what do we get to know by locking the rear wheel(you did that quite a lot in this bike as compared to reviews of other such bike like the v stirm)?

[@abhiroy1993]

haha.. got it.. ty for the reply

[@musguelha14]

Não tem problema nenhum em passar a vau com o escape debaixo de água, o que interessa é a admissão.

[@musguelha14]

Mesmo assim, dificilmente causa algum problema.

[@virajvnaik]

which country is this?

[@gordian2007]

I would't consider this an adventure bike, but a middlewight-street- sport touring bike ,with high handlebar, and with some soft trail capability.

[@TheGeoShocker]

Check out the Thai Versys 650 videos then, where they do creek crossings and single track stuff with these (with difficulty lol). Granted, those bikes are not stock, but my point is that one can easily mod this bike for light offroading. For anything serious there are dedicated dual sport bikes.

[@gordian2007]

I know they do :) I don't do with mine... so maybe my fault LOL

[@pavelmullo2326]

Weard that it doesen't have ABS, at least in Finland and other EU countries it should have ABS in stock not as option.

[@trexiwantri181]

Water will not get inside the exhaust while the engine is running.

[@andybryant9105]

will the MT07 Tracer be a 2017 model?

[@DrumHeadV]

+Andy Bryant Even earlier! www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/yamaha-tracer-700-revealed/31143.html

[@ripmax333]

Twin cylinders always sounds better. as a stock exhaust this one sounds cool, not cool as an africa twin tough, but good

[@elijahbrooks8589]

I met some lovely Portuguese soldiers in Afghanistan

[@winship7891]

So this bike or the v strom 650xt?

[@winship7891]

As of may 5 2018

[@morico5576]

68 hop or so

[@peterfallows6802]

bhp 👍🏻

[@bratnikola]

I don't know, but those offroads you went, i think my 250 kilo scooter could do that. I don't think this is an adventure bike, more touring.

[@bratnikola]

***** Yes, 15 inch.

[@goten259]

bratnikola I get what you're saying. I have ridden on mountainous off road trails on my 300 that were wayyyy worse than what he road on. The only problem I have is trying to stop down hill with ABS braking and low ground clearance .. I know the Versys has ABS too but the real selling point for me is its an all purpose bike and built for long distence riding with good ground clearance .

[@turgutkemal]

i can buy it just for sound... perfect...

[@goncalojacob1039]

Guys, really??? how could you expect more from cager if he was doing reviews all day?

[@philclarke7712]

It feels hoffenhoff!

[@richardmann800]

poor mans multistrada....

[@1990-t1j]

I think I'll stick to my Buell Ulysses, still easily the best bike in this class. By that I mean faux Dakar bikes with 17 inch wheels. 100 bhp! No way in a 650. Clamping on to the brakes and letting ABS sort it out is exactly why everyone should have a non-ABS bike for two years. Learn how to ride properly.

[@andybryant9105]

You mean NC750X ?

[@GeorgeTheGreat93]

He said NC 700 because he had one and did around 40,000 kilometers with it. ;-)

[@denismguitar1552]

Not adventure bike. Mid-sized sport tourer.

[@dbauernf]

100hp? 50/50 bike? :) Yeah, no. :)

[@IRQ1Conflict]

You should go the other way and test some dual sports Cager. ;)

[@robmckay4162]

riding in a garbage dump?

[@masterspin7796]

A slipper clutch would be a big improvement...

[@VFRZen]

Nice review, Cager. I am a 2015 Versys 650 owner and have done a review of my own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4ecY3mbnbOdq9k I have also posted a LT follow-up review, as well as a review of the Honda NC 700x. BTW, where was this review filmed? Ride safe out there!

[@Sunrazor]

Slap a coouple of TKC70 or Mitas E07 or something on there and I bet it will become a really nice gravel bike also. I don't care that the V-strom has spoked wheels and a bigger front wheel. It's ugly as fuck.

[@okangulbak4370]

The worst of your test rides, and this is not because of the bike.

[@mrj3795]

why do you call yourself cager? weird.

[@TheGeoShocker]

He used to drive a car and only recently (2 or 3 years now) started motorbiking.

[@Tony-8280]

Far too long review and too much talking. You could have told us all this in 5 minutes.

[@bigdogpete43]

This bike is too expensive for what it is.

[@fib6156]

Its actually much more value compared to competitors

[@hughjones5832]

Just an observation: you say: test driving, no you ride a motorcycle you don’t drive it