Riding the Versys 1000 SE in Scotland | Versys Highland Tour 2023

Over the May Bank Holiday Dan joined a group of journalists/KZbinrs/influencers on a three-day motorcycle tour of Scotland.
Dan rode a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer and covered 700 miles during the Versys Highland Tour.
Read Kawasaki’s official story about it here: www.kawasaki.e...
And Dan's feature here: www.adventure5...
It's our first go at a video feature on KZbin, so we hope you like it.
Subscribe to the channel here ‪@Adventure52‬
Follow on Instagram @adventure52dotcom

[@JKL246]

Test rode a 2019 Versys 1000 GT first and then a 2022 1250gs. You know, saving the best for last. The I-4 was a welcome change, having had various v and boxer twins for a long time; 17 front on an adv-style tourer is perfect; suspension is the best I’ve ever experienced on my previous bikes; like the simplicity of chain drive. Having had 12 BMWs, including a 1200gs, rt, LT, other r’s, f’s, and g’s, I was expecting to be blown away by the 1250gs. The gs’s torque is phenomenal but I found the overall ride very boring and imprecise; so much so that I cut the ride short. I couldn’t wait to get off of it-a complete surprise to me. No doubt, the gs is a great bike, but the v1k felt so much sportier and precise to me. And the sound of that 4 winding up is much better than the boxer to me; it’s a much more engaging ride, in my opinion. The v1k is the best all-around touring oriented bike I’ve ever had, followed by the LT-both I-4’s. I guess that means I like 4-cyl’s. Glad to be back on one, and happy that the v1k is an alternative to the mainstream choices.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Totally agree with all you say. The Versys Thou is one helluva bike. I too prefer 4 cylinder bikes. Currently running a Gen 3 Hayabusa which is awesome.

[@garyspracticalworkshop357]

Super Machine " Magic carpet " I do believe so, Good video review , I own an SE myself ...

[@ChavsADV]

I do wish the bike had a better look. It nails everything but the over the top design and at least a 19" wheel for the gravel road.

[@tojj29]

Great video, very professionally done. I've not long bought that very model in that coloue scheme. Agree with everything you said about it, the suspension is immense, it's comfy but I've been averaging 55.6 mpg, and that's giving it some too. I'll take a look at your other stuff, stay safe.

[@dazadorph45]

I am glad to hear that the versus 1000 se gt 2019 version is a good investment when I bought it last year.

[@cpuuk]

Skyhook suspension is awesome. I did test ride this model 2 years back, it was the dealer that put me off.

[@helengallagher7886]

Promo-SM 😩

[@davidarchibald5578]

I had this bike bought it when covid was on the go. Eventually got to ride it to Spain on a tour. Got back sold it just couldn't get on with it terrible turning circle and very top heavy. didn't like the power delivery either. The suspension electronic version i had the SE was good but nothing like my Bmw GS1250 adventures electronic suspension.

[@gopher1471]

As I own both the GSA and the Versys, I am amazed at the comment that the Versys is more top heavy, the GSA has a 30 litre tank, weighs more than 38kg more and has far more ground clearance, more than 8 cm more, the top of the versys tank is about the same height as the bottom of the gsa tank.... I have dropped the GSA twice, now have a GSA low and only dropped it once. the Versys, never dropped. Obviously not an astounding rider, only 45 years exp and IAM adv rider instructor and yes, I ride off-road a little.

[@davidarchibald5578]

@@gopher1471 I have owned 4 Bmw GSA models last one was the 1250 never dropped any of them. Dropped the Kwak 2 weeks after buying it. It’s all a personal opinion but the Versys was not a good bike for me.