Kawasaki Versys 650 Review: Test Ride and First Impressions

The search for a new bike has begun! First up: I ride a Kawasaki Versys 650. This first impressions video is less a Versys 650 review and more of a test ride/stream of consciousness as I explore the bike's capabilities, comfort, acceleration, and handling. Overall the Versys is a fantastic bike that is really fun to ride? Will the Kawasaki Versys 650 make its way into my garage?
Check out my other videos where we pit the Versys 650 vs Versys 1000 vs FJ-09 vs V-Strom 650.
Kawasaki Versys 650: • Kawasaki Versys 650 Re...
Yamaha FJ-09: • Yamaha FJ-09 Review: T...
Kawasaki Versys 1000: • Kawasaki Versys 1000 R...
Suzuki V-Strom 650: • V-Strom 650 Review: Te...
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CB500F Mods:
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CRF250L Mods:
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Flatland Racing Skid Plate: www.flatlandrac...
2016 Honda CB500F
2016 Honda CRF250L
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[@vanveen8472]

In 2007 I bought a Versys 650 in burnt orange, loved the color, kept it for 10 years, loved it mediocre suspension but an incredibly comfortable bike, and that motor, it really wakes up at 7000

[@glyngreenwood8377]

Probably the best bike. ...in the world lol,my second versys 60 mpg,cheap insurance, reliability, all day touring ability, looks good,reasonable power,what else do we need

[@komalley35]

I get more like 48 mpg with 10% ethanol gas and over 50 with pure gas. I had the seat reworked to remove the forward slope which was perty miserable on rides longer than 50 miles.

[@TheMattManTN]

Found your channel while researching the Versys 650 LT. I have been looking for a while to replace my KLR. The Versys may very well be the bike I own very soon. Good luck in your search.

[@TheMattManTN]

Sorry but I can't see reply

[@BrendonBradleyDC]

I just bought the exact same bike about 6 weeks ago. It was a 2016 that had never been sold. Same color as yours. I love the bike and have enjoyed watching your channel. Keep up the videos, thanks.

[@13Palkia]

I brought mine recently and i love it! Has power, comfortable on highway, can lean very well, good storage capacity, and sport look! Great sport touring bike! but if you want the off road capability of the v-strom, get some dual sport tires & skid plate to hit some trails!

[@peguito31]

I used to ride a cb500F., then upgraded to the versys. It's been 2 years now, love it. Added a lot of accessories, changed the seat, didn't like sliding forward. You will love it!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Glad to hear the Versys is a successful upgrade from the CB.

[@elitetileandstone]

A Sargent Saddle will certainly resolve your issue with sliding forward on the seat. The down side is it will set you back almost $400.00. The 17 inch front wheel will make the steering a lot lighter than the Suzuki V Strom. Both are great bikes!

[@ianlam1445]

I got the exact same bike, I love it. Perfect all rounder and wheelie machine

[@vsimileac]

I bought a 2017 one, LT SE. Recently visited bike expo, tried many of them in this budget and can tell you - Versys 650 is the best for weight, seat, position and etc. For mirrors, there's some extenders to install so you'll see the road behind

[@DorkintheRoad]

I definitely enjoyed it more than I expected to. I felt great to ride. Glad to hear you're enjoying yours!

[@vsimileac]

Will be enjoying... Bought it in the end of the bike season, it's at the dealer's storage. So I'm waiting for mid-April to throttle it for first time. We still have snow here )))

[@bennyang8049]

Just wondering why its little brother, the versys 300x has a built in gear indicator since 2016 and this doesn’t.

[@simonthomas5367]

Currently doing my bike test. Got 3 targets on my list! Versys 650, Tracer 700 and the new CB500X 2019 version. I've been in love with the Versys for a while. Tracer was very comfortable though.........Choices, choices.

[@Jimbo4575]

Mirror extender will fix the mirror issue

[@Tritamer]

@Dork in the Road! Hey, you test-rode at the same place I picked up a previous year (but new) Versys 650. Surprised when I heard you say Stayton / Scio. I bought the 2015 ABS model in 2016 for $5500 cash. If I had a little bit better timing, I could have gotten the same bike at Hillsboro Motorsports for $5000. They seem to swing awesome previous year/new deals out there, but this one wasn't bad, either.

[@chadkline4268]

I really like the way you organize playlists with all your reviews for each bike in their own section, Dork 😆👍 I wonder what you think about highway stability of the Versys, given the short wheelbase? Is there enough frame in the rear to strap things down for travels?

[@noyopacific]

Excellent test ride report! I'm looking forward to The Dork's view of the V-Strom.

[@captsam54]

I have not ridden the Versys... But looks bad ass... I have many miles on a Suzuki 650 V-strom... Was a Great bike and a loyal following and great aftermarket products...

[@jimmytheshark86]

I traded my cb500f for a BMWf800r, best decision I made! Great all around bike, got a used one with 500 miles for less then a new versys

[@DorkintheRoad]

Jimmy Theshark Sounds like a great deal!

[@My17A]

I have not been on a Versys, but make sure you try an FJ-09 before you buy. You will really like that bike.

[@qiweiwang8191]

Lol I live in Covallis and test rode this bike a few months earlier

[@Ryder335588]

Try out an Airhawk R seat cover. ITS AMAZING. Loved it on my 1k in 24 hr ride.

[@mondragon078]

It's really going to have to go down between the versys 650 in the V-Strom 650 that's all I got to say. 😛

[@KingSarathos]

Just picked up a Versys myself... It rides beautifully, but it's really heavy for me. I've been struggling with low-speed maneuvers.

[@kiggaxwut]

Nice video man. Mind breaking down your camera set up? Thinking of picking up a cam for insurance purposes. Hope to see more soon!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Kigga Plays There are links to all the gear I use in the description. l mounted the GoPro to my chin with the j mount that comes in the package.

[@zaccanasta93]

I’m a beginner. The lack of traction control would a problem for me? I’m concerned because of this. Would be too dangerous? I feel a little regret I bought this bike

[@DorkintheRoad]

I have never owned a bike with traction control and I've survived this long. The 650 has decent power when you need it but it comes on smooth and easy. It has rarely surprised me. Just be careful until you get used to the bike (which is good advice on any bike) and you'll be fine.

[@zaccanasta93]

@@DorkintheRoad thank you

[@HippoDrones]

nice first ride mate! :-)

[@RoadE]

I have the er6n same engine with versys. Its a good bike..not to much power,but excelent torque..

[@disekjoumoer]

You rida mah bike!

[@DorkintheRoad]

disekjoumoer It definitely seemed punchier than my 500. I enjoyed it!

[@warpedjester]

i have a 2016 versys 1000 and i love it

[@warpedjester]

the one down side on my bike is that im 6'3" and i can not get the windscreen high enough

[@DorkintheRoad]

Nice! Has it been a reliable bike for you?

[@warpedjester]

Dork in the Road yeah it really has. And I have beat the poor thing pretty hard, including running into the side of a mountain ;)

[@nstsport-touring5224]

Great video, I have the same versys. How do you care for the matte paint? Thanks

[@DorkintheRoad]

Personally I love it. I couldn't be happier with the color.

[@therealaaron8767]

Check out the Suzuki gsx-s 750 or 1000

[@DorkintheRoad]

Those are sweet bikes but I'm not super into the sportbike ergos these days. Comfort is my priority at the moment.

[@Sundude901]

As someone who is getting ready to purchase their first road bike, would you recommended the 500 or the Versys 650? Have some dirt bike time under my belt when I was younger.

[@DorkintheRoad]

That's honestly a tough question. It depends on how tall you are and how comfortable you are on a bigger bike. If you were a true noob I'd say the lower seat and stability of the 500 would be good for you. If you're taller than me and have some experience with tall dirt bikes, then the power of the 650 is probably not going to be as big a concern for you. Either way, plan on taking it easy, doing some parking lot stuff, and just tooling around the neighborhood for a while until you feel pretty comfortable. No reason to rush it. Ride both for sure.

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

2013 Versys produces 67 HP at 8,400 RPM !

[@BobJJ9999]

Love my Versys!

[@FraeschD]

How awesome that you're considering a Versys 650! I want to start riding this summer and i will be deciding between a CBF 500 and a Versys 650 (1st Gen) for my first bike. Or, at least i'm heavily considering them (still saving up). How would you compare your CB500F and the new Versys 650? Would you recommend the Versys for a beginner, since you're saying it is smooth and has no overwhelming power surge? Or is the Honda 500 a better bet? I'm 26 yrs, 6'4", 165 lbs.

[@captsam54]

Check out the Suzuki 650 V-Strom before you decide.. Price is good too...

[@FraeschD]

I will, definitley. Allthough it's a little bit over my budget where i live. Its also a bit bigger and heavier, even more so compared to a CBF 500. But it is definitley on the list.

[@DorkintheRoad]

For your height, I'd strongly recommend the Versys. I feel cramped on the 500F and I'm 5'10". You might check out the CB500X. Same engine as the F but taller and more comfortable.

[@elitetileandstone]

Check out the Versey or a VStrom 650, which is physically larger than the Versey. At your height, you will need a larger bike.

[@riflemann14]

What did you think when you sat on the fz-09?

[@DorkintheRoad]

riflemann14 I actually rode the FJ-09. More details in a future video, but it wasn't very comfortable in my opinion.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Kawasaki makes a good bike. I had a 2012 ninja 650

[@TheWyldeTide]

In one of your videos you mentioned you were in Oregon. Where are you located? I'm stationed in Portland. I'd love to have another person to ride with.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm in Albany.

[@BryanRheem]

How tall are you? Thinking about this also but I'm barely 5'7

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm 5'10" This bike might be a bit tall for you but definitely go sit on one to see for sure. They make lowered seats and stuff that can make it manageable.

[@elitetileandstone]

Bryan Rheem, Moto Werks makes a suspension lowering kit for the Versey 650. Sargent Saddles also makes a lower seat for the bike. One big advantage of the Sargent seat is that it is much flatter than stock. It really prevents you from sliding forward , like the stock seat.

[@JayBuccola]

Put a few thousand miles on an ‘11. I’m 5’8. I could tip toe both feet or lean to one side easily. Tall leg throw over the rear seat.

[@tomwilson1710]

You should ride a bmw gs before you make a decision

[@dhiatt333]

I second that! I absolutely love my F800GS.

[@bcclark8681]

We get it you’re cold...