The MAM Journals- Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE GT . Easy to respect, hard to love?
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- Опубліковано 3 кві 2024
- Having tried a number of the straight 4, adventure and sports tourers, when I was offered the chance to try the Versys 1000, I was delighted to do so. Kawasaki's big adventure tourer is fitted with a detuned version of the 1043 cc engine that they use in the excellent Ninja 1000 SX , sports tourer.
How did I get on? Fantastically equipped for touring , very comfortable and competent, is this the bike we should all buy , but probably won't?
Other straight 4, adventure and sports tourers covered on the channel include ...
BMW S1000XR • The MAM Journals- BMW ...
Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GX • The MAM Journals - Suz...
Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT • The MAM Journals - Suz...
Comparing my Suzuki GT to my BMW R1250GS .. A slightly controversial comparison for some 😂, can be found at
• The MAM Journals - BMW...
All other Journals are at / @michaelmam - Авто та транспорт
I have owned a Versys 1000 for a little over two years. I have ridden about 15,300 miles on it and it’s been rock solid and dependable only requiring regular maintenance and tires. I will say that in my 50 years of riding since I was 14 years old in 1974, this is the best and most comfortable, capable and fun motorcycle I have ever ridden! It is a great touring bike with the most comfortable passenger seat of any I have tried. It will happily cruise smoothly down the road easily and effortlessly munching the miles or, if I feel the need for speed, just remove the luggage in less than 5 minutes and hit the twistiest roads with the performance of a sport bike and the comfort of an adventure bike! It never fails to make me smile and giggle like a hooligan! I think it is the most motorcycle for the money you can find!
My friend really enjoys and rates it as well . Glad you are happy with yours ! Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your real world experience 👍
I to decided on one of these, but bought the S model. I tried the bmw, ducati but the versys was a better tourer and better reliability, why anybody needs 170bhp on a tourer is just a dick measuring exercise. Excellent review michael as always, professional and well executed.
The versys is a very capable bike . If you wanted to add track days to your versatility , the BMW has obvious attractions . I see a few in the faster groups every time I go .. 👍
Real gentleman's review. Thank You. So, having seen and sat on on all three, Versys, Suzuki GT and Suzuki GX, the Versys made the best impression on me. It gives out some grown man, serious motorcycle kind of vibe compared to other ones and to me, it makes for more powerful road presence. I've ridden sport bikes, sport nakeds (also considered comfortable), but once I sat on Versys, it was comfy as 5 star hotel room. I couldn't believe what I used to consider comfortable compared to Versys lol. The seat, the bar height, equipment that comes with it, the engine, the luggage, and so on. It really is everything a man needs. Sure, there are better looking bikes but I think that's a matter of personal preference and I'm at a point in my life that I don't care if the bike is not flashy or egzotic as long as it makes me happy and it works for what I wanted it for. Big thumbs up for Versys 1000 SE.
Always great to hear from happy owners . Glad you found the review fair 👍
Great review. I have the 2022 V1K S here in Australia. My (21 y/o) daughter. who rides an MT-09 SP, calls it a ‘Dad’ bike. I’m happy with that label as I recently rode it comfortably from Canberra to Perth and back (approx 10,000 kms). Like to see my daughter do it on her MT-09!
😂. It is a bit of a Dad’s bike . Very sensible , which of course is what makes it capable of doing those sort of trips 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .
Yes, your last few words on the film wrap it up perfectly. Your description differentiates charismatic from competent bikes. After owning a few (many) bikes, I now lean towards the former. It’s why I spend hours in the garage looking at it. Charismatic motorcycles are also good value, since you are less tempted to sell it after one or two years. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment . I agree . 👍
Great review, thank you. I have a 2020 SE GT that I bought new after the first lockdown at a bargain price. 14,000 miles later I still smile when I open the garage door. Totally reliable, smooth, comfortable and well equipped. The solution for Capt Kirk and his like is to simply put a Ducati badge on it and charge £5000 more!
😂
Great video Michael! I have a versys 1000s gt and I love it. Super-comfortable, practical and reliable; I guess I'm in the Spock camp....hehee!
He never made a bad decision 🤷🏼♂️😂
@@michaelmam you’re not wrong! 😂
Nice to listen to a thoughtful reviewer who speaks in whole sentences.
😂… well sometimes . Thank you for watching and your kind comment .
Great vid and very informative. I bought the Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer 2024 model in Malta in December 23 and have just returned from a short trip to Sicily and the Nebrodi's which is a large mountainous area with trails. Bike performs as you clearly explained. Did it all and managed the twisty, winding uphills and downhills as well as the autostrada in Sicily. Cruise control worked like a peach as well. Just 2,000 Kms on it but very happy with it.
Always good to hear from owners ! Thank you for watching and taking the time to share your experience . Have fun 👍
If you really...need more power it's relatively easy to do on the Versys 1000
Thank you for posting, Michael; yet another polished, articulate and excellently presented review that other reviewers may well learn from!
Obviously, this Kawasaki is a very capable and accomplished touring bike, albeit, on the heavy side; I’d argue that straight away that eliminates sales from some of us older and lighter riders as I believe there’s simply too much bulk to cart about when it’s not in motion. I do like Kawasakis and I’ve owned a few in my time, but, whilst this is clearly an excellent bike for touring or riding around, it’s not a Kawasaki that particularly excites me for some reason. I think the Suzuki is the better of the two, but that would simply be an informed guess as I’ve ridden neither. A friend has recently bought a brand new Moto Guzzi Mandello V100S; he traded in his rather lovely Guzzi V85TT ‘travel’. I have to say it looks and sounds marvellous; would you consider, if possible, doing a review of one of the newer Moto Guzzis?
Thank you Nigel . Glad you enjoyed the review . I do respect the Versys but didn’t love it , as I do my GT . It was quite heavy to get on the ramp . A better tourer than the GT , it is not a sports bike . Kawasaki’s ninja 1000 is the sports tourer ..
I currently don’t have access to Moto Guzzi bikes , but If I am offered it , will certainly be happy to review their tourers . 👍
Great review! I have a Canadian spec 2023 SE LT+ which is the highest spec. Just clocked over 9,000km this past weekend.
I agree with pretty much everything you noted about the bike. Its certainly not a popular choice here in North America but I have found it a very underrated machine. I can tour all day solo or two up with the girlfriend. I can also remove the bags and throw it into twisties and its quite capable of being tossed around (as my scraped center stand will attest).
Its no Ducati Pikes Peak or BMW S1000XR but for the price point, its a great bullet proof sport tourer with a seating position even more relaxed than a Ninja SX. It certainly lives up to its name Versys (Versatile).
Sounds like it works for you 🎉
A very fair review, thank you. I have owned one of these for over four years, it's a great bike and perfect for me, but no way perfect for everyone, its too tall, too heavy and too detuned. I don't need the power and I have lowered mine but I may have to change mine for something lighter under 230kgs in the next five or so years as I will be 66 by then. There are lots of great bikes available, its a shame that a lot of people ignore this but its their choice and their money.
Cheers MM. :)
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . I appreciate it .
Very enjoyable review as always, I could listen to you all day 😂👍!!
😂
Well done again, sir. Thank you for the details, insights, and most importantly the opinion. Keep 'em coming.
Thank you Michael . Whilst I am happy to express my opinion , I am an enthusiastic , experienced motorcyclist rather than an “expert” . My opinions are no more , nor less , valid than all of us . I feel that once people start seeing themselves as experts they run the risk of vanishing up their own exhaust pipes 😂 Glad you enjoy them though . They are fun to make 👍
MM, it’s your varied experience that makes your opinion so valuable to us followers.
As a Spock fan i approve this bike!
That is logical .. 😂
We read MAM journals, we click immediately because we know it will be a good VDO 👌
Thanks for your restless work of educating us rider with high quality bike reviews, Michael 😘
Very kind comment Eric . Thank you 👍
@@michaelmam pleasure is totally on my side, Micheal 🤝
Another great episode to add to the collection Michael. Many thanks for the hard work and insight. This bike seemed to have passed me by a little. That being said, as someone who can justify really only having one bike in the garage; one able to cover a multitude of tasks, your review was a very interesting and thought provoking watch.
Very welcome ! Glad you found it thought provoking . It is one of those bikes that , despite being very versatile and capable , somehow flies under the radar . 👍
@@michaelmam agreed
Thanks Mike, another fantastic review👍👍
Thanks Steve . Glad you liked it 👍
I got mine 4 years now. 26.000Km until now. I couldn't be happier!
Great to hear !
Yes, forget the range indicator until the tank is down to about 1/4 full...only then does it start to give you any reliable guide. No judder on pull off with mine 🧐. Great review overall, thanks!
Sensible and comfortable, this Versys can be fast as far as tourers go but comfort is the main focus on this one. I own a 22 Ninja 1000 SX and that is a true sports tourer. The sportiness comes at a price in legroom and wind protection but for me it works great.
I agree . I have a sports tourer too . The Suzuki GT ..it is not as comfortable as this Versys but is more dynamic and engaging ..
Love my Versys 1000 S. The range indicator alters with your current riding conditions. In town it shows less but on the highway it will adjust due to the different fuel economy.
I'm considering to buy Versys 1000 S, after having sold my Z900. It had 125 hp, only 5 hp more than the Versys and as far as town riding and regular road use, I felt I never could have fully utilize all the power from the Z900. I feel people have gone mad with the hp numbers. I rode 125 hp motorcycle and it was fast, really fast when you open it up fully. So, for touring I really don't need more than 120 hp that the Versys offers plus I'd have all the comfort no naked bike can ever give you.
People having been chasing horse power since they first domesticated horses , but I do agree . Most people, including me , don’t use all of the power they buy …
Sports and Adventure tourers have varying levels of comfort but all are more protected than naked roadsters . Lots of good bikes to choose from 👍
Great stuff Michael.
Thank you 👍
A great review, your genuine enthusiasm may well be responsible for selling a few of those in the coming months.
The sort of machine that is almost a well kept secret.
Definitely an “under the radar” bike .. 👍
I bought a 2019 versys 10000 SE GT with only 4,500 miles on th clock almost two years ago. Just enjoy the bike solos or two up with fully loaded luggage. I find it a easy bike to ride and very capable Touring bike. Strong wind likes to catch the front end. Fitted road 6 to it and just spot on for my riding style and speed. The is lower seat option if I wanted to buy it.
It does appear that a lot of owners are very happy with the bike which is great to hear 👍
Very informative review 👍
Thank you . Glad you found it useful . 👍
Great review again that is some serious piece of kit if you want to cross continent's. I currently don't these days and would personally go for the 1000SX sport tourer much less bike for me to handle these days.
Always good to hear from you Ian . Is not a big bike to ride but is heavy and bulky in the garage for sure ..
I have the S model, it's amazing!
Thanks for commenting 👍 Feels like quite a few riders are pleased with their bikes , which is great to hear ..
great vid fab bike
Glad you enjoyed it . Very capable bike..
Another nicely balanced review Michael, thanks. I think Mr Kawasaki has missed a trick but not keeping the power of the SX engine for this tourer. It seems to do everything you ask of it, but without making a significant impact whilst doing it. Onto the next ....
Hi Chris . Yes , very comfortable and capable bike but just not particularly exciting …
Keep my 2019 RT or jump on a new V1000 SE GT? Truly a tough decision…thanks for a great review. Liked and subscribed
Sounds like a first world problem though .. have fun , and thank you 👍
Thank you for your review, mate. I appreciate the effort that went into this video. :) keep it up! Will ask my friends to subscribe to your channel as well.
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it . There are 86 on the system so hopefully your friends will find something they like ! 😉
Excellent review and an new subscriber 😀 I have test a lot of those sport touring bikes but my problem is that I am tall 194 cm and 119kg but on the Versays im sitting realy good ,i tray the Yamaha tracer 9+ gt but that bike feels like Mikey Mouse bike it was to small for me , as you say in the video the adventure bikes are for an other type of riding i think i will stay and crusing on the backroads and enjoy the Versays not guts no glory 😃
Glad you enjoyed it . Thank you 👍
A very interesting, informative and thorough review, including both mechanical and affective domains. Although Scotty had beamed you up a bit via the Kawasaki Sky Hook your camera was positioned too low on the ride. We mostly got to examine the mount for the Garmin rather than the road ahead. You convinced me that this is _not_ a future bike for me; I like to enjoy the scenery and the bike's weight and complexity would demand too much attention.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment !
The complexity is easy to ignore . Just pick a setting that suits and leave it in that . It is a heavy bike though . Particularly with all the luggage..there are lighter bikes out there .
Camera angles are tricky and bikes with sat nav holders definitely do not suit my preferred camera position - a slightly lower than eyesight , riding position . I have tried top and side mounts but feel they give a distorted view . Buying yet another camera is an option but making these videos is already quite an expensive hobby and I am not convinced I want to increase that further . I will leave that to the professionals . Hope it doesn’t detract too much from the fun of watching 👍
@@michaelmam No, it didn't detract from the fun of watching! And when it comes to hi-tech cameras and usage thereof I am at the level of a D1 Bantam.
@@m2menuiserie540😂
Interesting and informative, as usual Michael. Back in 2014, a bike mag had a Ninja 1000 as a long term test bike. Each month, their writers wrote about it, they loved it, so I bought one. The 10 years newer Versys has a few similar features. You say it is turning 4500 at 70 MPH. Mine does too, after I went up 1 in front and 2 down in back as it was geared for an E.T. number on a magazine page. Crazy for a sport tourer. The clutch may smooth out in time. The 2015 and up has a different clutch hub that oils the plates better. I modded mine, but it is still not totally smooth from a stop. I don't notice that any more. I never put the bags on unless I need them for a trip. All that weight hanging up there has got to hurt the handling. The N1K came with a 190-50-17 in back, and a 190-55 improves the turn in a lot, but it does raise the back a half inch. After 10 years, the engine is still trouble free, and out of my 6 bikes, it is still my favorite to ride on the street. The Versys should put a smile on the owner.
Thanks for such a helpful and insightful comment ! It feels like one of those bikes that people either take to or not ? I certainly respected it but didn’t “love” it like my GT , which is a much edgier bike and less comfortable …
I don't like the look of the front end of the N1K either, but I can't see that when I'm riding it. :)
@@cadmanchannel 😂 a pragmatist then . I smile when people tell me that they won’t buy a bike because of the headlamp . Each to their own of course but I have had a fair few really good bikes that are, in areas, “visually challenged”….,
I've been called worse. I have always been a "function first" kind of a guy. When I see something that has had function removed for the sake of personal style choice, I feel pity for the object (car, bike, building, etc. ) I just retired from drawing building plans for 24 years. Some of the stuff I have seen "designers" come up with has been upsetting. I am working on a '08 CBR600 today, and I am on my way out to the shop now to finish putting it back together.
Good luck on the build . Nice bjke 👍
Great review on a much overlooked bike.
There are a few 2023 non touring, poverty spec bikes about at sub £10k which makes the Versys a bargain.
Not sure how much can be retro fitted? For me it is huge spec that makes it so comfortable and easy to ride. It is not the most dynamic of bikes so its virtue is comfort ..👍
I have a 2020 se lt version with about 20k. It's definitely great at many things. The engine pulls quite hard from 5000rpm on up and has more than enough power for me. The weight is a big deal whilst moving it around and I've had it fall over in the garage twice and it is extremely hard to get upright. The fact that it has basically the same engine as the Ninja sx, but has significantly more weight, less power and is significantly more expensive than the SX just doesn't make sense to me. It would be very easy for Kawasaki to lighten the Versys significantly. The exhaust is very heavy and it's over-built in many areas, which makes it pretty indestructible, but comes with a weight cost. Those negatives aside, it's very comfortable, the suspension accomdates two-up riding without a whimper, despite it's size, it actually handles pretty damn well, it's got very usable torque is as relaxed or dynamic as you might want it to be. I've had 4 great years with it, but at 65years now, I'll be looking for something lighter and more manageable for me. I think it's a great bike for two-up touring, but if you're mainly riding on your own, there are better, cheaper, lighter choices out there.
Thanks Michael . Appreciate you taking the time to share your experience 👍
Seems like that Vstrom RE would do most anything the Versys does with the benefit of being considerably lighter and more economical. The suspension’s not as fancy on the Suzuki but do you need it to be with 30-some kilos less weight on board ? Fair comparison?
For some the RE would be a better choice .. weight , value for money , better MPG .. others could argue the right Suzuki comparison is the big Vstrom or GX ?
When I was looking to change my bike in 2022 this was one bike I looked at, but as soon as I test road the ninja1000sx I bought this instead. I'm 58 but still like the to ride pretty quick some times. I bought the tourer model so panniers, larger wind shield, heated grips , fitted a tank ring and sat nav and feel I have the best of both worlds on long trips. I think if the versys had more power and less weight I could have been tempted. I'm 6 ft 1 but still feel some of these adventure bikes are to big for me.
I liked the SX as well . A good sports tourer . I went for the Suzuki GSX-S 1000GT . Just physically , fitted me better ..👍
@@michaelmam saw your review on the suzuki GX just wonder do you still prefer your GT as you say it fits youwell
I’m exactly in the same boat could be tempted by a lighter Versys with the H2 supercharged engine though…
@@chrisgibbs1615 I really liked the GX but have kept the GT as it suits us so well . Off to Portugal soon . The new electronic suspension on the GX is a big improvement on the standard GT suspension .. I put Nitrons on mine . I suspect I will be tempted by the GT with the new electronics, if and when it comes , but it will depend on the price to change 👍
@@carlosalonso9866 That certainly sounds interesting , if it arrives ..
they might have to call that a SPORTS/ tourer .. 😂
I have a 2016 that I am looking at upgrading in the next year. Really torn on whether I should keep it on the road and get another Versys with the updated suspension...or go for an ADV bike for a bit of off road capabilities. If I am being honest, I would probably be doing at least somewhere around 80-85% road v. 20-15% dirt riding.
You will know from your own experience the Versys is very capable and practical on road . Off road requires very different capabilities depending on your definition of “off road” .
Personally I would try a few ADV bikes and see what you think . Maybe try the Suzuki 800 DE but that is quite a tall bike ?
I sat on one today. Thinking of trading my 2014 CTX 1300. I want the technology. But damn it’s tall.
I own a versys 1000 (base model) and a ktm 1290. I changed the suspension on the kawa since the stock components are rubbish. I love this bike so much. I ride it balls to the walls with over 50degree leans in corners it ks absolutely amazing. The ktm is faster but in corners the kawa might be just as quick if you know how to ride it. Fact remains that the engine is boring and power delivery is very predictable. Truly one bike to do it all
Factory Suspension is plush and slightly detached and the engine tune , laid back . Very versatile bike but not as dynamic as some out there .
So how does those two compare in weight in the city. I own gsa and i m looking to sell it. I love the looks of 1290sas 22 and newer but it sounds like that power delivery comes little unpredictable
@@doctorstrangelove8587 Versys is more stable and manageable in the city. Gasrespons/jerkiness is better on the KTM (almost as good as BMW). They weigh about the same with fuel (250kgs). KTM more stable on higher speeds and more power obv. KTM is the better bike imo but costs also 10k EUR more in my case.
@@Nyez tnx on your response. Well some options of new versys with everighing is going more than 20k e and right now they have promotion on sas with tech pack for 20k. Still waiting the new gsx to come out and i hot to try sas. 1250 rally is always a option if i dont like these two. Ghe gsa that i have right now i find too top heavy and kind off tall and when you have to moving around loosing just a bit of angle will make bike fall. No way to holding it. Not to mention that pepole get scared of me when i m pooling in between cars in a trafic😂. Looking kind of terminator ish😂
Agree except best bike for any amount of money.
Sounds like another happy owner ?
Hi Michael
I would have thought it would be the torque difference you would be more likely to feel rather than power?
Denis
Hi Denis , the map of the ECU actually delivers the early torque well . Above 6000 revs it gets a bit buzzy and although it definitely livened up , I got no sense that it enjoyed it . My GT is the opposite . Very competent at lower revs , it does like to press on ..
Needs a more powerful engine, but thats my opinion. smooth bike I rode it.......
There are definitely faster engines out there . I sense Kawasaki have made a very conscious decision to go with a softer ride and engine tune with this one .👍
Do you believe this bike is only best suited for those intending long distance touring? Would a Tiger 900/850 or Suzuki 800RE better complement local rides and shenanigans?
Firstly thanks for watching ! I haven’t ridden a Tiger 900/850 so as yet , have no view .
The RE is probably more nimble , lighter and with a sportier , less plush ride. It is also a lot less money !
For longer runs , the Kawasaki would be more comfortable and it is a more powerful 4 . If you can, try both ? Very different price points though?
This bike is an amazing machine in all conditions. I like cruisers and choppers but i also have this bike for the last 2 years and i’ve been more then happy with it.
I use it as my every day bike, very nimble for going through traffic and comfortable for a long ride.
I had the chance to try a Tiger and it can’t compare to the Versys, the 800 is a lot softer and feels cheap compared to the Versys.
Its a good, well made motorcycle that is soo good that its booring. Just one thing to keep in mind, finding the tires that suite you is very important on this bike.
I'm anxiously awaiting the updates to the Kawasaki Versys 650 &1000. I see a 750 and 1200 in our future!
I really liked this bike but the insurance quote was insane for my area, even higher than the Ninja 1000 for some reason. :(
That is hard to understand 🤔 Very competent bike but would be surprised if it would be considered a high risk model ?
@@michaelmam Perhaps, same excuse they gave when a 660 Triumph was more to insure than an 800 Suzuki.
If your buying new your insurance is higher than the ninja1000sx because of the cost it is much more expensive than the sx
okay.... so how far this bike is different from a Ninja 1000 , i think i can convert Ninja 1000 to a Versys for cheap.... (if it's not some major expensive mods)
I really like the engine tune on the ninja 👍 I suspect it will be tricky to create the spacious riding position of the Versys though 🤔
I hear rumours of a Versys with the H2 engine . That sounds interesting !
Love is overrated 😂
😂
The verses 1000 is not A adventure bike It is a sport touring bike It has been mislabeled You can't just put handguns on it And call it adventure bike You're just gonna get You're just gonna get stuck in the mud on this
I know what you mean , which is why I specifically said it is not designed to go off road . Kawasaki call it an adventure tourer and in a way I get it . It is a tourer , styled like an adventure bike. Kawasaki’s sport tourer is the ninja sx with 143 hp .. which is probably why they call it what they do ..
Got one brilliant bike very comfortable
Always great to hear from an existing owner 😉
BMW S 1000 XR... NUMBER 1.
Great Sports Tourer .. fast 👍
Kawasaki versis 1000 number 1
@@user-uu4ww4td4c 😂Lots of good bikes out there !
@@user-uu4ww4td4c OLD MOTORCYCLE!!
@@user-uu4ww4td4c MOTORCYCLE OLD