New or Used? Buying a Kawasaki Versys 650: 2015 vs 2022 - Crash on Demo Ride

[@Kawboy13]

I love the Versys 650. I'm on my 3rd one! Started out with a Red 2008, then bought a white 2013 New and now have a white 2018. I likes me some Versys. ;-)

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

The white versys looks so sick!! You're upgrading at the right points too- big generation changes. You'll keep the '18 for a while longer I'm guessing, right?

[@Kawboy13]

@@alexdombi-weridetwo I've had it for about a month now and really like it. Less vibes than the 2008 and 2013 I had and it's nice having the Gear Indicator.

[@dragoclarke9497]

Nice video. I have a 2019 Versys 650 GT which I bought from new. Now got just over 30,000 miles on it. Its been totally reliable and comfortable. I have been thinking of changing it but there's nothing to beat it in the price range. I did think of the latest model but after seeing your video I think I'll stick with mine for another 30,000 miles 😁

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

Glad it could help. Ride safe!

[@ElSancho311]

2015 LT owner, just hit 20k miles, ride most days to work, a few tasteful upgrades (gear position indicator, fog lights, R-Gaza guards, mirror extenders, etc). Fantastic bike. Absolutely no desire to upgrade unless they add from stock: a bit more power, cruise control, heated grips/seat, center stand, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, smart phone integrated TFT display, etc - all the bells and whistles you don’t really need but would love to have. I am a very happy owner, the bike hits a sweet spot to carry gear, comfortable upright position and very fun in regular city/rural speeds. It is the bike most people would find perfect for their actual needs and end up loving it. Great for long weekend getaways. You could honestly go on a long tour without any upgrades. It is quite “versatile” - Kawasaki nailed. BTW- absolutely zero issues during ownership.

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

Fantastic feedback, thanks! I agree. I've been hard pressed to find a bike I would sell my V650 for. Glad you enjoy yours. Ride safe!

[@VoIPPortland]

Old guy here and the Versys 650 really looks appealing after 30 years off of bikes. In my youth I was an irresponsible maniac rider, lucky to have lived through it. That is all out of my system now, so this appears to be a good choice. Thought about going small with at KLX300 but a little more luxury, creature comforts, the bigger bike seems the ticket. 62 and 6' 195 lbs.

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

I am not there with you in years yet, but sounds like in mentality 😀 The Versys 650 is a great intro to an old man's bike. There are conveniences that some others have that I think I'll look for as I get older. The KLX300 is fun. But lacks long distance comforts. If you're into city jaunts and wheelies the KLX300SM is a blast. I wouldn't do 200 miles in one day on it though- Versys is only waking up at 200 mile rides. Have fun and be safe out there!

[@shreksexy6879]

As a owner of 2021 Versys 650 LT & 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT I'd say they Versys is a great bike for what it is and for it's price. Although, if you are able to upgrade I recommend a Tracer 900 GT. More premium features,TFT dash, more power, cruise control, heated grips, center stand, and looks awesome! Finally, I will say a Versys 900 is what's needed from Kawasaki. More affordable than the 1000 SE LT and smaller & less weight. Kawi Could use the Z900 inline 4 engine. Would be a powerful bad ass bike & serious competition to the Yamaha Tracer 9. Good video and good luck in your upgrade search.

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

I'd love to get my hands on the Tracer. Someone else suggested that in the comments of either this video or the one I have of the Versys 1000 as well. Do you feel like the 3 cylinder is better than the 4 in the V1000? The Z900 engine would make for a fun sport tourer too, good thought on that one.

[@TheCaretaker555]

I ride a 2016 Versys GT after watching this vid i think i will wait and see if Kawasaki bring out an 850cc version like Suzuki has for the Vstrom i think they will but lets see :)

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

That'd be awesome! I love my 15, and the 22 wasn't enough to get me to buy new. If they had a competitor to the Africa Twin, that'd get my interest for sure.

[@TheCaretaker555]

@@alexdombi-weridetwo absolutely

[@americandude3825]

Glad that fella was ok. I test rode the new v1000 a few weeks ago. What an amazing bike right from the factory. In 2017, I bought a new on showroom floor 2015 versys 650. They wanted 8100. I told them $6100 out the door. They said no. Within ONE MINUTE from leaving, they called me and said ok. I got it for $6100. Added a custom seat, two brother full exhaust (amazing. Amazing. AMAZING). Then….I sold it right before Covid. What a regret. 😕 I could get a gentle used 2019-2023 v1000 for around 11-13k. I think that’s a much better buy than a new 2023 v650 LT/GT.

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

You got a fantastic deal on your V650!! I'd agree with your sentiment on getting a gently used V1000 instead of the new 650. Unless, or course, off road riding is a priority. The 1000 is not well equipped for true off road use. As a sport touring bike it is so amazingly comfortable and peppy.

[@germagic2]

you just answered all my questions!!!

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

Hope it helped with your decisions 😀

[@germagic2]

Buying today a 650 Versys 2014 with 4000 miles for 6000

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

Awesome! Ride safe

[@2allvideo]

And... Which motto did you get? Or do you still have your great versys

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

I kept the Versys 650 for now. It does everything I need fairly well and I didn't pay a huge amount for it. I'll be replacing it sometime in the next 4 months, though. I'm unsure what right now- I need to do more demo rides :)

[@2allvideo]

@@alexdombi-weridetwo I get it... I still have my 2015, but due to my surgeries I have to find a great new home. So sad 😓, it's such great all around bike, on and off the tarmac

[@ryanleon9602]

the 2015 looks better

[@alexdombi-weridetwo]

I think the 2015 is a sharp looking bike for sure!