Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer (2022) Review

[@JKL246]

Just got a ‘19 LT+ here in the US to try out. It’s a revelation after having had mid and big ADVs, a cruiser bagger, an MG Norge, a K12LT, and an R12RT. So light and nimble with the sweetest engine and great electronic suspension. Best riding experience of any bike I’ve had. So good.

[@arjenbootsma6881]

I love my '15 (bought new in '16) Versys 1000 LT! She has given me ~80k miles, so far. Several 2-week road trips in the US, several 1000+ miles days, all in great comfort and utter reliability.

[@justinGama-vc9mh]

how is it riding with passenger ? looking at a 2022

[@Irish_Biker]

I got the 2022 SE a few months ago. Still 50/50 on the looks of the bike. I am 5' 10" and just had to get the lower seat as its a heavy bike and I destroyed my ACL last year so just needed to flat foot the bike. The bike itself is so smooth and comfortable. 4 plus hour journeys are a breeze on this. Cracking bike

[@ThePalmatron]

Another positive with this bike is it´s so easy to ride; it doesn´t feel heavy at all and I find it easier to man-handle than my old V Strom 650......Amazing considering it´s weight.

[@4tech69]

I own a 22 SE LT+ here in the US. Love it.

[@justinGama-vc9mh]

how is it riding with passenger ? looking at a 2022

[@tedraab5914]

I've got the same edition of the 2020 US model (no significant differences), now with some 8,500 miles. (Work left me very little time for riding in 2021.) Your experience fairly well matches my own, except that I find the seat too hard and too low for my 250 pound, 6'4" frame. I'll be installing lowered foot pegs and highway pegs before some long trips next summer. I don't know whether my problems with my hips and knees being cramped are due to differences in body parts or my being 63 years old. Beyond that, however, I'm very pleased with the Versys 1000.

[@brianeaston3748]

Great review,I've just traded in my H2SX for a versys 1000s,getting bike on 1st September,looking for more comfort to ease my achey wrists,I'm about the same height as you Alex so the review was excellent as you said it was so comfortable,I had a test ride and really enjoyed the bike,so smooth and comfortable,looking forward to seeing more reviews of the Versys😄

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I am also interested in this bike. Going from the SV650 3rd gen to this for the next season. p.s.Drop by when have time. You may like it.

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

I went the other way traded the Versys 1000GT for a H2SX SE+ the Versys was just bland it needs the same engine as the Z1000SX not a version with 20bhp taken away.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@ItsAllJustBollox Believe you man. Better to have more. Drop by when you can.

[@brianeaston3748]

I had the z1000sx before I got my H2SX,z1000sx is more comfortable than the H2SX ,I would even say z1000sx is a better all round bike,but I got caught up in the supercharger hype,had bike for 3 years and I can't put my finger on it but I won't be sad to see it go,you'll get what I'm talking about after owning your H2SX for a few years and to be honest after having 200hp that is too much for the road,I'm looking forward to getting a different style of bike,comfortable ,but still a kawasaki,I also was on my 2nd set of rear wheel bearings,common fault with H2SX,first set was a recall and second set changed when play was found again during bikes first mot, only 9500 miles on bike just now,just something to be aware of on your bike

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

@@brianeaston3748 I sold my H2SX after 6 months and 3500 miles because as you say too much for the road and too tempting to use the full 200 bhp. Comfort wise it was fine for me I could do 8 hours in the saddle no problem at all my concern and reason it went was for my licence. I currently have a Multistrada V4S it ticks all the boxes fun to ride and great for touring.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Detailed review and well done. You got my like. Waiting for the t one.

[@philipfisher4244]

Great review - so good in fact I think I have made up my mind to get one.

[@sorena1973]

only person ever said something about filtering with a bike. and only that shows you are a real world rider .going to test ride one then as long as its good with filtering.i have Tiger GT Pro now and basically almost every part of the bike and any camera or accessories i have on it are coming apart because of vibration.beautiful bike but that vibration its killing it for every day ride 12000 mile in 11 months .subscribe

[@ckkrons2338]

Recently got a 2015. For long-legged riders the V1K is great when you lower the pegs. More roomy than many bigger sport tourers but lighter and still plenty of power.

[@josephlarmor550]

You say that the Quickshifter “can be jerky at town speeds”. Not surprising, since that’s not what it’s designed for! It’s a bit like complaining that a car’s windscreen wipers are squeaky when it’s not raining! Quickshifters came from racing, where they were designed to allow quick up shifts during hard acceleration, and quick down shifts when braking. The concise and easy to understand Kawasaki instruction manual clearly states that the QS “will not work properly below 2500rpm”. Also, up shifts won’t work with the throttle closed, and downshifts only work with a closed throttle. So I’m guessing that you didn’t read the manual. Which I guess is so for most people, many of whom end up with engine/gearbox damage through inappropriate use of Quickshifters. But I would have expected better from a professional reviewer such as yourself. I enjoyed your video, but I do wonder what other misinformation is lurking in your other KZbin contributions.

[@Jonte_W]

I own a -22 gt standard very nice and smoth bike 👍 Best regards from Sweden 😎 Sorry for my eng.

[@andrewshore262]

Never or seldom mentioned - servicing intervals and typical cost, nighttime light performance, seat to peg distance, residuals how well does this bike standup in the depreciation stakes - I’m guessing not so well because I’ve never seen on the crowded roads of SE England why not?

[@davidlisk8359]

Thank you for the overview, great and to the point! One question please at 6'6" what is the make of screen you have on the bike? Thanks.

[@dolahsing69]

This is probably going to be my one and only comment on you tube - I watched your clip and enjoyed it because I have a 2017 version with panniers ( I am a very small person 5"8 not even lowered this bike but love it ) and was wondering whether or not to upgrade. I am not quite sure (I cant Justify the expense for me personally ) but you should have mentioned the lights, Old version terrible lights - the new leds look awesome, merged into the panniers OMG. I will upgrade my versys as much as possible to your fantastic version and hopefully will not notice the huge difference with quickshifter, tft screen and other upgrades you mentioned. ill just dream about them. Thank you I hope you enjoy verity for years to come

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

At over £17k you are in Multistrada v4 price bracket.

[@wol9ver6ine]

Considering this bike in Canada. However what gets me is that you have available in Europe a GT version with a fully spec'd top case, driving lights, gps mount and such, in Canada the VERSYS 1000 LT SE model offering doesn't include these extras, you have to piece them together at a premium cost. Why not spec it from the factory this way? Not fair.

[@tedraab5914]

The top case and driving lights are just Kawasaki-branded Givi items. If you can live without the Kawasaki name on them, you can get the very same items for a bit less. I don't know about the frame sliders (I bought the Kawasaki parts.) I skipped the GPS mount because, without a shade to block sunlight it struck me as fairly useless.

[@philipbassett5129]

I’ve test ridden the SX Ninja, with which Verity shares an engine and while the engine is super smooth most of the time, between 70 and 80 there’s a buzzy vibration through the seat, that makes it feel like sitting on a wasps nest, quite unpleasant. Does the Versys suffer the same?

[@philipbassett5129]

@@c4t-tp238 I’ve noticed it on test rides of previous versions of the SX at the same 70mph point. Maybe it’s just me, maybe because I’ve had bikes that are silky smooth at motorway speeds (GTR1400, VFR800 VTEC)

[@johndoherty8088]

Thank you for a wonderful review. I'm 6' 5" and have been really struggling to find a suitable touring bike. The Yamaha Tracer 900 was an option but the big complaint was the positioning of the pillion pegs to the rider pegs with someone with a bigger boot size! Looks like this is the one. Cheers

[@tedraab5914]

For a slightly different perspective: I'm 6' 4" and find my 2020 Versys 1000 a bit cramped. I'm hoping lowered foot pegs and highway pegs will help. I may look at building up the hard seat and raising the handlebar as a next step. Beyond that, I may be in the market for a BMW GS Adventure in a couple more years.

[@americandude3825]

The guy who does the bike reviews for revzillas yt channel said his wife told him the versys 1000 was the most comfortable pillion bike she rode even compared to the gold wing and other well known tourers.

[@redbull4fly797]

This bike should have 30-40 PS more, 10kg less, better QS and it would be perfect.

[@mikadavies660]

I was going to get one of these, but for me it was too smooth. So there is no character when having fun without panniers. So I chose an Aprilia Caponord, with its fully automatic suspension. The engine is a similar power but it also has a wonder character & and nice step in power delivery.

[@eddymissotten]

Pffffff.......

[@mikadavies660]

@@eddymissotten Problems spelling mate?? Having ridden motorcycles every year for the last 40 years, raced at tracks for 9 years. Worked and ridden motorcycles in over 15 countried.... I think my 500,000+ miles equals some knowledge. Please make an effort to make sense or have a real opinion....

[@pascalparent3137]

How much was the Aprilia?

[@mikadavies660]

@@pascalparent3137 It was just a nice condition second hand... Around £7k.

[@jamesdcarroll1]

That's nice and all but its still not a ZX14 though, is it?

[@jaydee5926]

I bought a leftover 2019 SE. You're better off skipping the GT version and add the luggage separately. Skip the Kawasaki sliders etc and get SW Motech case guards and aux lighting. Much better than Kawasaki's.

[@pascalparent3137]

How is the wind protection for a regular height human being? 😜 I'm 5'10" btw

[@visordown]

I'd say you'd be fine! I duck my head a bit and it's nice and cosy

[@rival989]

I mostly ride the bike in low power mode with the suspension set on normal or hard when I'm commuting back and forth to work or just running to the store I do that because I try to save on gas I feel there's no point in me burning out the gas for commuting to work or just going to the store on the other days when I just want to ride it then I throw it in sport mode but on days when I'm just running to work or going to the store and I keep it in low power save on some gas so I can use that gas later on on sport mode

[@leftlegtrumpcard8152]

I'm stuck choosing between a chieftain and this bike. Just worried about this bikes passenger comfort. My wife and I do road trips up to 12 hours long and I want her to be comfortable.

[@johnnykawakid]

Great review man.

[@SimonBarker-u8h]

I got the 2022 se lt about a year ago, was wondering if you are getting the vibration @ 4100 rpm? I am over in Canada and 4100 RPM is the legal hwy speed which sort of sucks. love the bike otherwise 3600KM on the clock now.

[@ashermil]

Try changing the final drive ratio to get the engine into a different rev range at your cruising speed. (Maybe go down a couple of teeth in the rear sprocket?)

[@SimonBarker-u8h]

@@ashermilThanks. I have had that answer from a few people when talking about the issue. I just wish I could get rid of the vibration as apposed to just moving it to another rev range.

[@ckkrons2338]

@@SimonBarker-u8h seems this is a characteristic of the Kawi 1000 engine-heard the same on the Versys forums.

[@michaelparish2435]

where did you get that Kawasaki green riding jacket?

[@jn1k203]

RST S-1 Mesh CE Textile Jacket. easy to find in the UK, not so much in the US, Sportbiketrackgear in USA stocks it, but green is unavailable, probably could order one in though?.

[@kevinbrennan2004]

No doubt, a great bike, but the reality is, more of us are turning to the Adventure bike range. Unlikely to be a great seller me thinks??

[@garyspracticalworkshop357]

Nice - video, I need to get better on my peices to camera, well presented and well thought out . I am think of choping my BMW for this Modern k, but not my Z1

[@bigfoot2708]

This bike got what you need with the Kawasaki concourse 1400 slightly better but not by much

Very good. Thanks. Regards from Brazil.

[@Icefisher420]

I love my ‘22 v1k. Can wait for all this snow to melt! 😢

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

How's the engine heat?

[@4tech69]

I rode for 4 hours yesterday in 90F heat. First 30 mins was in stop and go highway traffic do to crash. Never noticed it. I do notice it more on cooler days simply because of the difference in the air temp, so it's putting off heat for sure but nothing that is oppressive for the rider.

[@brianv41]

I have the 2017 model. In hot wheather you dont want to stay at an red light for too long...

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Should I get the Vstrom or the Versys or the FJ 09. So many choices

[@ivannbayle552]

V strom for all terrain , versys for touring in good roads

[@maxxbenzz7842]

@@ivannbayle552 what about FJ 09. Heard the Versys 4 banger is a little boring, sluggish

[@ivannbayle552]

@@maxxbenzz7842 I pick FJ 09 for the budget.

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

I have had the Versys 1000 and the Tracer 900GT the Yamaha is more fun to ride the Kawasaki is just bland it needs the extra 20bhp the z1000sx that uses the same engine has.

[@maxxbenzz7842]

@@ItsAllJustBollox ok thanks. Crazy the difference in opinions

[@4tech69]

Anyone know the model of Jacket he's wearing. Matches the bike very well. Can seem to locate it in the US.

[@jn1k203]

RST S-1 Mesh CE Textile Jacket , Sportbiketrackgear stocks this product, but no green in stock, maybe they can order one in.

[@4tech69]

@@jn1k203 Thank you sir.

[@dcxplant]

For a top-tech model of an EU motorcycle it will take thousands more USD. This is a ton of motorcycle for the money, lacks nothing, and will have the benefit of Japanese reliability. The only “wishes” left off is maybe another gallon/gallon and a half or so of fuel and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Make not mistake, this is 100% street bike. For me personally, I would be buying a GS/GSA or another competitor to this motorcycle purely for street use with zero expectations of taking these beasts off pavement. That’s why I have my ADV’d Kawasaki KLX300R.

[@mwkoskamp1]

Side panniers are nice. Always seems these brands dont know how to design a top case. It seems retrofitted, way to high and way to far back.

[@yvonjasser]

Prices in pounds, weight in kg, distance in miles and volume in litres… you guys are confusing me! 😂

[@eshelmen]

I'm sorry - but all of these reviews are the same. Short term ownership reviews on this particular bike - 2,000 , 5,000, 7,500 miles etc... Barely a years worth of riding on it. The 1043 engine has been out for nearly a decade and has proved its reliability. Showing short term reviews does almost nothing. This bike should be hitting 100k miles with proper maintenance without breaking a sweat. 2500? You haven't even hit the first oil change after the break in.... There should be no issues at this point and you're still well within the warranty phase. I get it, you're still new with the Versys and your excitement is peaking. Come back in 25 to 35,000 miles and tell us the real grit: owning the bike for longer than half a summers worth of riding -long term maintenance issues, break downs, etc...

[@richardgiles2484]

Good advantage of being 6.4 🤣

[@Steve-yl1yg]

Still one of my favorites that I don't own...if it only had shaft drive it would be perfect!

[@benitodeorte2715]

I am one of the few that prefer chains. Two of my three colleagues driving R beemers have had to spent "more" than 1000 euros repairing shaft drive bearings. Mine is a 2015 versys 1000, regards

[@dadrider3]

​@@benitodeorte2715 13 years with shaft-driven bikes, no problem at all. Of course they are not bmws but japanese bikes. (Fjrs mostly). Nothing compared to a trustful shaft. Never going bike to a chain bike.

[@benitodeorte2715]

@@dadrider3 Maybe the word "japanese" has something to do with this. Around me, three out of three BMW's cardans have had problems. It is true that these bikes often do a high mileage and what I call problem may be called an "imperative maintenance and replacement" operation. One of them did really break the cardan cross completely, with all which comes with it. That was a RT. Just sold my absolutely flawless Kawasaki versys 1000 (38000 km) and bought a new Tuareg 660. First weekend and back to the dealer to reset an alarm "Mud in the temperature sensor they said".... I started laughing really, couldn't believe it. But anyway I like it very much so far (it is new, 800 km).

[@dadrider3]

@@benitodeorte2715 yes, 2 years with a vfr1200x and 11 years with two fjr's and no problem at all. Let me rephrase: i prefer shaft driven to chain driven bikes only if the shaft is reliable and has the ride quality of a chain. Just like the fjr1300 or the gtr1400 have.

[@edgybikercop]

"Hammered" it down. ! It's A 12v power socket Alex. Sink Miles ? If you want it to sound like a little bit more with maybe 1 hp increase . Getting the braking on. ? The speed can bounce up and down. " I'm Not gonna be telling what I'm doing"( That is a shame) Are you making this up. Alex

[@PaoloD2R2]

Why the f music??

[@GIGABACHI]

She still has a face than only a blind mother could love, right up there with the Super Duke GT. 👎🤮

[@kannermw]

If you base all your decisions based mostly on perceived looks as your primary buying criteria then you will have a challenging life of many diasppointments.

[@GIGABACHI]

@@kannermw yes, Mom . . . 🙄🤣

[@汐観月]

A great road travel motorcycle, priced at 180000 RMB in China. It's really too expensive.😂😂😂

[@davidpearce859]

Verity? People that name bikes lack cred. Sorry

[@prickly-pear]

It's the name itself. Verity sounds like a super christian who just signed her virginity papers.

[@carlotroiani]

Shots in motion are awful!!!

[@theabyss8087]

Mate.... only women give inanimate objects names... just sayin

[@serbanlucian419]

Worst ergonomic bike....especially in duo. That's why I sold mine after 6 months.

[@aleksios2]

Hello! Changed it for what?

[@serbanlucian419]

@@aleksios2 Indian Chief 116

[@4tech69]

Not even. It has very good 2 up reviews. You and your old lady my might not like it, but let's step out side your personal buddle.