Test ride and review of the 2020 Kawasaki Versys 1000

[@overland_west_bath]

It evens sounds smooth! Beautiful day there in the Kingdom of Fife!! 👍

[@johnthebiker4402]

Smooth was the word of the day haha, I was lucky that day with the weather and makes the ride through Fife all the better.

[@peterboczan2116]

Would you choose this over the Yamaha Tracer 9? After a 30 year absence from biking I bought a 2005 Ducati MTS 620 and it's fair to say that I have had "reliability issues" . (The bike is presently SORN and has been for the last 3 years or so) I am after a 800 to 1000cc sports tourer, in the £10,000 to £12,000 price range. Something comfortable and powerful for doing long distances, but not too extreme. I have been agonising over whether to buy Japanese or European. I have decided to to go Japanese because after the Ducati experience I would rather play it safe with reliability and piece of mind. Any suggestions?

[@johnthebiker4402]

If I were to choose I'd probably go for the Versys as you will get more bike for your money. And as I said the Versys is probably one of the most comfortable bike's I've ridden. But If I were you I would check out the new 2022 650 Versys as it now has a lot of new features and reasonably priced. I own an older Versys (2016) and I have ridden all over and had zero issues. Other bikes to maybe consider for touring are BMW 850 GS Triumph Tiger 850,900 Suzuki V Strom 1050 (I did a review a few months ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/gafCf4JsnLKhrNU

[@peterboczan2116]

@@johnthebiker4402 Thankyou! I am also interested in the Z900 or Z1000 which are powerful and potent machines and again good value. The H2 SX is just a bit too extreme for somebody of my ability! In my "ideal bike world" I would buy a Japanese bike as an everyday work horse (i.e. Versys 1000 or Tracer 9) with a second European exotic for "special occasions".

[@johnthebiker4402]

@@peterboczan2116 The Z900 and Z1000 are great bikes and the H2 is absolutely mental but a lot of fun. Another bike to maybe consider is the Z900RS which i loved and would have one in a heart beat if I had the space to have another bike. As for the tracer again I really like that bike and with the new 2021 model it only got better.

[@peterboczan2116]

@@johnthebiker4402 Agreed! I really do like the 900RS. The only problem is the 2 grand premium over the Z900.

[@barrypearson8262]

how tall did you find it? I am tempted but having test ridden the 650 think it might be too tall?

[@johnthebiker4402]

on paper the 1000 seat height on this is lower and If memory serves me correctly Its a different position almost leaning forward and legs tucked in a little more, Almost sporty I guess. The 650 is defiantly more upright . I'm 5'11 and I was able to get both feet comfortably on the ground. My advice is to just try it and I'm sure you will enjoy it either way

[@pauljason2039]

Great review. How did you find this compared to the V strom 1050 XT? Are they miles apart or quite similar? Thanks

[@johnthebiker4402]

I wouldn't say they were miles apart but the Kawasaki was much more comfortable and was of a better quality overall. But the Suzuki was cheaper and I really liked the engine in the V-Strom so I guess you need to try both and decide which one is better for you. If I had to choose I would go for the Kawasaki as I really like the bike overall.

[@pauljason2039]

@@johnthebiker4402 Thanks for the reply. I was leaning more towards the Suzuki due to it having the more off road capability but yeah it makes perfect sense to try both. However the Kawasaki is a better looking machine! Thanks again.

[@johnthebiker4402]

@@pauljason2039 If your planning some off-road riding then absolutely go for the Suzuki, But I wouldn't know its full off-road ability as its something I know little about. Maybe check out other you tubers for that stuff. Whatever you choose enjoy.

[@kevinroberts2395]

So what did you end up buying?

[@johnthebiker4402]

I bought a Triumph Tiger 1200 lol