Riding the Kawasaki Versys 1000

[@oscarderrick]

Going to buy a 2015 tomorrow. Thanks for the review

[@İkitekerşart]

Did you buy and are you happy? I am thinking to trade mt 2024 vstrom 800SE to 2015 versy which is 28k.

[@carlotteman994]

What an absolute spot on review of this bike! I own a 2017 and agree with everything you said. I think the smooth power delivery gives some the "boring" or no character feel. I always considered it a perk, and use the throttle as an on/off switch to go from a sedate cruise to a hyper fun ride depending on my mood. I too was shopping the 650s when I found a great deal on this one, it would have likely been a better fit for an all rounder for my riding. This thing is an amazingly comfortable sport tourer. I find myself on rougher roads and some gravel lately so will likely add the versys x 300 to my stable when I want to ride in the dirt or maximize twisty road fun. No plans on selling the Big Versys for a long time though. Excellent review.

[@NitroRoo]

Awesome, thanks for riding along with me! I haven't had a chance to ride the Versys 300 but I'm guessing it would be a lot of fun!

[@carlotteman994]

@@NitroRoo Enjoy your GS, I've always wanted to try one. I think if the V1k was a bit more dirt capable I would be all set, I've done a lot of unicorn chasing and think I could settle into these two bikes quite well. Time will tell.

[@kannermw]

I purchased 2022 Versys 1000 late last fall and now have over 6,000 miles. This is more miles in only 4 months riding than any other bike I have owned by far wthout any long trips. It has everything I need cruise, semi-adaptive suspension, quick-shifter, and 6-axis IMU that already saved me and wife from bad situation due to another mindless driver.. To suggest this bike lacks character because of the engine is certainly a personal opinion. Previously, I owned 2011 DR650, 2013 VStrom 650 and 2018 VStrom 1000XT. The power characteristics of a 650 twin is adequate but no-where near the fun factor of a 1000+ cc bike. I prefer refined engines with twist and go torque driven acceleration versus downshift rev to redline power. This gets old on longer rides that inevitably involve some open highway and less adequate for passing especially for 2-up. I put over 22K on the VStrom 1000XT and though it was fun bike there is no cruise and engine characteristic in low revs was ok but still required more clutch work. Riding back to back with Versys it felt very agricultural as in tractor due to its 270 deg firing order and less sophisticated suspension. The added top end power of Versys above 6000 rpm is hugely noticeable compare to VStrom and on-road handling characteristic is far superior. IMO if NitroRoo would've had all of the features of current Versys 1000 then he would have much different opinion. Suggesting Versys 650 has more character is a huge stretch. The 650s biggest appeals are lighter weight, fuel economy, lower price, and lower insurance (mostly a budget compromise) because the other 90% is just not as good. Especially, when just riding occasional gravel the electronic suspension is better all-around bike with less compromise providing a smoother ride on rougher roads and sportier fun on quality roads. The Suzuki 800DE is a nice bike but has tires with tubes (huge negative when travelling as you need to carry spare tube and tools), weighs over 500 lbs., and still no cruise. After having cruise control I will never buy another bike without unless it is strictly for off-road use. Last to mention the 800 has 30% less power. Better than 650 but if he did not have GS1150 then he would have some buyers remorse.

[@NickMcC]

Rides with Reuben are back?? LETS GO

[@Uniden1100]

I am going to buy mine tomarrow. Great touring bike.

[@keeno86]

Glad you're uploading again!

[@danharrington2976]

Excellent presentation

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Thank you, you just confirmed that i don't need to upgrade my 2018 650 to a 1000, i'm also looking for a 2014+ R1200GS for long range touring

[@KeithTheContractor]

Glad to see you're uploading again. Been so long from the other channel days. Why now I'm bias to the green ninja 600 if i were to find one cheaply.

[@COWBOYTEA1932]

Do you know where your weekly rides with Ruben vids went?

[@COWBOYTEA1932]

Because I can’t find them on competition accessories.

[@NitroRoo]

Sadly they were all made private for some reason - no idea why or who even has access to that channel anymore as the company has changed hands.

[@adamwright8131]

@@NitroRoo that sucks! I just started riding last year in June. I watched your " how to shift gears" video religiously as a tutorial to help me learn and i say my man that was an awesome tutorial. It helped me tremendously. I would listen to it riding my car to and from work. Lol. My son wants to get his motorcycle license if you could post something like that again it would be amazing man!

[@sebbwebbo7557]

I don't own a versys 1k, I own a Versys 650. Thing is..i never had issues on gravel roads..sure..it's not better than GS for example but it's perfectly fine for everything that's not a single trail or similar. I took the V650 on tracks where you normally see just real offroad capable bikes....it's not easy as it would be with a Tenere 700 or similar but it works fine if you pay attention to ground clearance etc. but if you do 90 % street (what is quite normal) and 10 % gravel roads I'm sure the versys is great bike- also the 1k. You can put some TKC70s or Avon Trailriders on it and you're good to go. The only thing I was always worried about is how she does when she's going down. Not sure if the V is as indestructible as a KLR for example. But just gravel road? I was always fine with my Versys :)

[@NitroRoo]

Great feedback, thanks! Part of my problem was definitely street tires, but even so I felt a lot more through the suspension on the big v and just had to go much slower. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I like to go a bit faster than I was comfortable with on the Versys.

[@sebbwebbo7557]

​@@NitroRoo yes - the versys definitely is a street bike. If you're more of an off-road rider it might not be the best choice. But hey..if it's just gravel it will be fine :D

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Nice and honest review I think. Just thinking of buying a new one for the 2023. Would go for the base model. Did you try 2-up? What do you think? Does it get too heavy for longer trips? Thanks mate. p.s. I am your long term sub.. :) Drop by when have time.

[@NitroRoo]

The bike is great for two up - although the front does get very light very quickly with someone on the back (which I think is fun - your passenger may not agree haha). I would definitely include an aftermarket seat in your budget if you plan on longer rides. The stock seat is pretty bad from what I hear. Weight was never an issue for me on this bike! Thanks for following along all these years!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@NitroRoo Thanks man. Appreciate your answer bro.

[@markfisher2683]

So the NEXT bike that you’re selling;)? After you run out of bikes, are you gonna stop posting again;)? Ha- I just got a new ‘22 Versys 650- I love it!! Thank you for the comprehensive review, and good to see you back, if only for a moment! Also, what happened to the Harley- ?? or is that to be sold next? Ride safe! P.s. sorry- I’ve got a bad habit of commenting BEFORE watching an ENTIRE video- you answered ALL those questions 😜🙄😂😂😂- cheers!

[@NitroRoo]

I sold the Harley, my GS, and a Vespa last year and bought the Kawi. Decided I missed the GS too much ;) Definitely not planning on running out of bikes any time soon so stay tuned :D

[@ohiobackroads1548]

I disagree on your opinion on the versys off road capability. It is as capable as any GS.. I have used my versys 1000s even as dirt bikes. It's all about your tires and time in the saddle leaning the bikes handing off and on road.

[@NitroRoo]

I agree that tires can make a huge difference, but the underslung exhaust and oil filter right behind the front wheel would definitely make me hesitate to take it on very rough, rocky terrain - at least not without a very beefy skid plate. Have you spent much time on a GS before?

[@benjicb6481]

@@NitroRoo The deafening silence… 😂

[@ResQ166]

What was top speed that you hit in that bike?