Its a guess, but ive watched about 50+ reviews on this bike. What im sure about though, is your video is the best and most detailed. Ive watched it several times (also watched the 1000, and the 650 vs 1000). Thank you for your great videos! I appreciate it :)
Great video. Last year as a 49 year old I went from car driver to mod 2 unlimited within about 16 hours of riding lessons to reduce my 3.5hour, 80 mile return daily commute round the m25 car park. Passed my test on a Wednesday, bought a 2019 versys 650 gt on the Friday and was on the motorway commuting on the Monday. Certainly a learning curve but I love my versys and love riding to work everyday. Even though I can choose to work from home 4 days a week, I still go in almost every day and have clocked up about 12k miles in the last 11 months. Enjoy your new bike. Sure you'll love it for a long time
It's nice to hear that Kawasaki finally changed the dual headlights to BOTH work at the same time. You have no idea how many times people come up to me and say "hey one of your lights is not working"...
Great review, very confused to pick one between the versys 650 and the nc750x for everyday commuting and long touring, both seem great for those tasks, I love the frunk on the nc and the sportiness on the versys, both are great practical bikes, what a pickle.
I've been riding a Z900 2017 version in the past 6 years and looking to upgrade. I love the Z900 power but need something a bit more touring capable, as my son is old enough to pillion. Versys 1000 is way out of my budget so I'm willing to downgrade to a Versys 650 or upgrade to a few years old Ninja 1000SX. Thanks for this video.
Good times! I'm currently looking myself and trying to decide between the 650 and 1000. Any chance you could tell me where the RPMs are at doing highway speeds? Like if you are going 75 mph in 6th gear, what RPM are you seeing? My concern is that the 650 might be a bit more high strung or buzzy compared to the 1000 on the highway, especially with a passenger. Thank you! And congratulations!
Hey, nice video ! At 4:03, I think it has something to do with the rain, at least for the drilled bits, because the water is then "broken" and do not make a slippery film under the break pads.
Good review. Im Still very split between this Bike and the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 for my first Streetbike after quitting motocross. Its so hard to decide xD
Great review, very useful information. Am considering my first bike and can’t really choose between Tracer7, Versys 650, Vstrom 650 and Honda NC750, but is inclined to choose Versys. It’s cooler looking, higher seating position and simply was fun to ride. Am a bit worried though how it feels on longer distances on the German Autobahn(motorway) as the engine seems to be working the best with high revs. Will it be noisy and unpleasant on longer tours? Any inputs on that please? Thank you
We don't have an autobohn here in Canada, but it's not a noisy bike, and it's definitely comfortable for long trips, I think you'd be very happy with choosing it out of the list of bikes that you're looking at. Thanks for watching!
Thank you, it’s really appreciated you’re taking your time making videos and answering comments for the benefit of the viewers. Let me know if you drop by tiny Denmark and I would be happy to show you around👍🏼😀
Question please... RPM rev range at highway speeds. Can you tell us where the RPM sits at in 6th gear at 65, 70, and 75? And how does that compare to the 1000 model? Thanks!
Honestly, I don't remember. I've driven this engine for years, but that was a few years ago. The 1000 is going to have more torque down low, and more top end power, it's a big difference, but the actual RPM, I don't remember. If I'm going by memory, I feel like 5000 may be close? But I'm honestly not sure off the top of my head.
Hey Peter, thank you for this valuable information. I am kind of stuck between Ninja 650 and the Versys 650. Would it be possible to get them side by side reviewed? Thanks.
Hi Peter, I kind of wanted to ask you that would you recommend Versys 650 as a beginner bike for a responsible rider who doesnt want to speed but for commuting and touring with comfort ?
Yup! I love that bike. Make sure you’re comfortable with the height of it, remember that the tank is large, so when it’s full, the bike feels a bit too heavy while stopped, but riding that bike is great, and it’s a bike that can do so much. Thanks for watching and sharing your question!
@@PeterLoweOne thank you so much for the help Peter, I am a new rider and I ve been learning so much from your videos I appreciate the effort you ve been putting.
If Kawasaki would have a versys line with spoke wheels slightly taller shocks and move air filter out from under the fuel tank to the side or front of fuel cap, they would likely be finding it to near impossible to keep up with demand. Thoughts?
I want Kawasaki leave the Versys 650 and 1000 as sporty and luxury tourers, and take the Versys-X 300 and turn it into a KTM 390 adventure competitor with modern tech, and then I want Kawasaki to come out with a high tech middleweight Adventure Tourer to slot in above the KLR and between the Versys 650 and Versys 1000 in price. I think that would be a great bike!
It really is a personal choice. I've owned the Versys 650 for several years in the past, so full disclosure on that. To me, I think the Kawasaki is a little more sporty, but it's very much an on-road only bike. The V-Strom is going to allow you to head off the pavement, where no variation of the Versys 650 is built from the factory for that. If you're not overly aggressive on the road, then there may not be a better or worse one for you. I love both. I bought the Versys because at the time, I wanted the sporty handling. If I was to buy one today, I'd lean towards the any road ability of the V-Strom but I think if you're comparing them, at least sit on both. Check out the dash on both. The Kawasaki now has LED headlights which is an upgrade over the V-Strom and the 2016 model that I had. So it's really a personal choice.
As versys 650 is more road biased bike or let's give its capabilities a little up to easy trail riding. I understand the KTRC system but the option to turn off KTRC system totally, when one should or will use this on a bike like versys 650? My assumption would be when you are stuck in mud or sand then it's time to turn off, may be?
No, I wouldn't take this in mud or sand, especially with street tires. I used to own a 2016 Versys that didn't come with traction control, and it was very manageable for me. Having said that, I think the only time that I would turn off the traction control on these bikes is if you wanted to wheelie, or something like that. Most of the time, I would keep it on.
@@PeterLoweOne Hey! Thanks for a quick reply. I am not sure if you are aware but I would highly recommend you to watch videos where people have taken it through Himalayas in India or Nepal, places like leh-ladak, mustang (upper or lower), Spiti valley. People have taken and tested versys to its core. You will really be impressed by the capability of this bike. Happy riding 🏍️.
While I like the bike, I can't hear comment or provission for an essential in which to claim itself a "tourer": Cruise Control. Have or have not on this bike?
Just bought the same bike over the weekend here in Indianapolis, IN. I love it so far, but have noticed my saddle bag on the right hand side rattles and moves quite a bit more than the left one. Common issue? Any tips or tricks for this?
It can be tweaked. Make sure the rubber pad near the passenger foot peg is holding the bag correctly on both sides. I haven't had issues with that in my experience, but it's not the first time I've heard it, and my understanding is that it's definitely fixable. Great choice by the way!
In my reviews, I never talk about servicing. The owners manual is available through www.kawasaki.ca and owner's groups online can usually fill you in on any oddities with servicing. As far as negatives, it's hard to find many. Some people want this bike to be more off-road capable, but doing so would make it less fun on the roads. Some people want a quick shifter and cruise control, but those would increase the cost of the bike which is one of it's strengths. It is a tall bike, some people wish it had a lower seat height, but that would change the very comfortable seating position for those who do fit it. Negatives are often preferences wrapped up in negative words. I let the viewer decide if what they see is best for them, or if another bike is better suited for them.
Yes. You'll find it to be tall, and if that bothers you, you'll have to decide if you want to learn to work with it, or look at a different model, but you're not exceptionally short, so you'll probably find that you can get used to it. I'm about 6 feet tall and it's very manageable for me. My wife is your height, and although she doesn't ride, I can't see someone her height having difficulty with the height of they're committed to getting comfortable on it.
For a shorter rider...could one step on the peg to gain height to swing their leg over? Can the peg support that weight? Very much considering getting this thanks to your reviews!!
The peg can definitely support the weight. Shorter riders shouldn't shy away from this bike if you think you're comfortable with a taller bike. Having said that, I do hear from a number of shorter riders who don't want a tall seat height to their bikes, so I try to make sure that I communicate things honestly with everyone.
@@cheekster96 I'd personally recommend something much, much smaller in displacement. 650 is alot, especially for a new rider. I've just gotten a 2019 model after riding on a 125cc for over a year, and it's still intimidating even with experience.
Hi Peter very informative details of the versys 650, you gave me more reason why I should get the this bike. Especially, when you discuss the difference between the off road and on road bike. Hope to see more reviews on versys 650. Thanks!
I film in Canada and we don't have those names. My guess is that one has luggage and maybe hand guards while the other doesn't but you could add them in the future.
The V-Strom is a little more off-road oriented, so I can see why people would choose that if you think you'll be going more off-road. I'm biased, not just because I do videos on Kawasaki bikes, but even before I did this, I had to decide what bike I wanted, and I bought the Versys 650. I LOVED it. I think it's a little sportier, and more fun than the V-Strom. To me, motorcycling is about fun. I really appreciate a good handling bike, with good brakes, and I have no doubt that the Versys was the best bike for me.
My friend bought a 650 versys, had it 6 months and hated it! He got me to try it, - I hated it too, much prefer my V Strom! And both of us have been riding over 60 years on all sorts of bikes, so we are very experienced!
While I like the bike, I can't hear comment about assist and slipper clutch, quick shiffer,traction control, riding mode. Have or have not on this bike?
Great review, I am still torn between this and the klr, I am 6ft 4inches so it’s more about riding comfort rather than off-road vs off-road. So the saddlebags are standard and non exclusive to the LT?
no one responded to this but KLR also has a spec that comes with saddlebags, the adventure spec. For me personally it's just that the KLR isn't exactly great for highway speeds and I'm not taking a bike this large off road when smaller trail and dirt bikes and duel sports are lighter and easier to manage
@@REAPEROFTOES I ended up Buying the klr adventure model, I am a new rider I took it on the highway once and definitely on the scary side, not sure if it was the bike or inexperience, I don’t see myself going over 65mph on these New York roads regardless of the bike though l.
Inseam? If less than 38in, it won't matter. KLR is simpler+cheaper and it's good to 70mph, on or off road. Versys is sport touring. Maybe better for cross country all day highway use. It's going to be a little smoother because it's a twin. 😊
@@paragodful I think you'll like it. Most people do. It will do almost everything you want, unless you're a speed freak. Perform the required maintenance and it won't make many troubles, if any 👍
Sounds like it's not for you! I love this bike. I drove it for years. Its form is all about function, and it functions well. To me, there's a beauty in that, but I now drive a Z900RS SE, and that's definitely more of a looker, but it does miss out on some of the great features that a bike styled like this will bring.
Its a guess, but ive watched about 50+ reviews on this bike. What im sure about though, is your video is the best and most detailed. Ive watched it several times (also watched the 1000, and the 650 vs 1000). Thank you for your great videos! I appreciate it :)
Thanks so much! I've got big things planned for this channel moving forward! Stay tuned!
Great video. Last year as a 49 year old I went from car driver to mod 2 unlimited within about 16 hours of riding lessons to reduce my 3.5hour, 80 mile return daily commute round the m25 car park. Passed my test on a Wednesday, bought a 2019 versys 650 gt on the Friday and was on the motorway commuting on the Monday. Certainly a learning curve but I love my versys and love riding to work everyday. Even though I can choose to work from home 4 days a week, I still go in almost every day and have clocked up about 12k miles in the last 11 months. Enjoy your new bike. Sure you'll love it for a long time
It's nice to hear that Kawasaki finally changed the dual headlights to BOTH work at the same time. You have no idea how many times people come up to me and say "hey one of your lights is not working"...
Haha! Been there! My 2016 had the single light on. I hated that.
Great review, very confused to pick one between the versys 650 and the nc750x for everyday commuting and long touring, both seem great for those tasks, I love the frunk on the nc and the sportiness on the versys, both are great practical bikes, what a pickle.
I've been riding a Z900 2017 version in the past 6 years and looking to upgrade. I love the Z900 power but need something a bit more touring capable, as my son is old enough to pillion. Versys 1000 is way out of my budget so I'm willing to downgrade to a Versys 650 or upgrade to a few years old Ninja 1000SX. Thanks for this video.
Awesome as well as thorough presentation of this interesting bike, Peter 👍
Thanks Eric!
My dream bike...thanks for the brilliantly explained specs
Thanks for watching!
Just got it 2 days ago worth it
Just bought this today! Got a good deal on it too! Can't wait for riding season!
You're going to love it! Thanks for sharing!
Good times! I'm currently looking myself and trying to decide between the 650 and 1000. Any chance you could tell me where the RPMs are at doing highway speeds? Like if you are going 75 mph in 6th gear, what RPM are you seeing?
My concern is that the 650 might be a bit more high strung or buzzy compared to the 1000 on the highway, especially with a passenger. Thank you! And congratulations!
Hey, nice video ! At 4:03, I think it has something to do with the rain, at least for the drilled bits, because the water is then "broken" and do not make a slippery film under the break pads.
i love this bike....
Me too! Thanks for watching!
Good review. Im Still very split between this Bike and the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 for my first Streetbike after quitting motocross. Its so hard to decide xD
Great review, very useful information. Am considering my first bike and can’t really choose between Tracer7, Versys 650, Vstrom 650 and Honda NC750, but is inclined to choose Versys. It’s cooler looking, higher seating position and simply was fun to ride. Am a bit worried though how it feels on longer distances on the German Autobahn(motorway) as the engine seems to be working the best with high revs. Will it be noisy and unpleasant on longer tours? Any inputs on that please? Thank you
We don't have an autobohn here in Canada, but it's not a noisy bike, and it's definitely comfortable for long trips, I think you'd be very happy with choosing it out of the list of bikes that you're looking at. Thanks for watching!
Thank you, it’s really appreciated you’re taking your time making videos and answering comments for the benefit of the viewers. Let me know if you drop by tiny Denmark and I would be happy to show you around👍🏼😀
Question please... RPM rev range at highway speeds. Can you tell us where the RPM sits at in 6th gear at 65, 70, and 75? And how does that compare to the 1000 model?
Thanks!
Honestly, I don't remember. I've driven this engine for years, but that was a few years ago. The 1000 is going to have more torque down low, and more top end power, it's a big difference, but the actual RPM, I don't remember. If I'm going by memory, I feel like 5000 may be close? But I'm honestly not sure off the top of my head.
Hey Peter, thank you for this valuable information. I am kind of stuck between Ninja 650 and the Versys 650. Would it be possible to get them side by side reviewed? Thanks.
I could definitely do that review in the future. Great point!
Hi Peter, I kind of wanted to ask you that would you recommend Versys 650 as a beginner bike for a responsible rider who doesnt want to speed but for commuting and touring with comfort ?
Yup! I love that bike. Make sure you’re comfortable with the height of it, remember that the tank is large, so when it’s full, the bike feels a bit too heavy while stopped, but riding that bike is great, and it’s a bike that can do so much. Thanks for watching and sharing your question!
@@PeterLoweOne thank you so much for the help Peter, I am a new rider and I ve been learning so much from your videos I appreciate the effort you ve been putting.
If Kawasaki would have a versys line with spoke wheels slightly taller shocks and move air filter out from under the fuel tank to the side or front of fuel cap, they would likely be finding it to near impossible to keep up with demand. Thoughts?
I want Kawasaki leave the Versys 650 and 1000 as sporty and luxury tourers, and take the Versys-X 300 and turn it into a KTM 390 adventure competitor with modern tech, and then I want Kawasaki to come out with a high tech middleweight Adventure Tourer to slot in above the KLR and between the Versys 650 and Versys 1000 in price.
I think that would be a great bike!
Hey there Peter just wanted to say hello and great job on the vid which bike would be best between the Kawasaki and the v strom in the 650 class
It really is a personal choice. I've owned the Versys 650 for several years in the past, so full disclosure on that. To me, I think the Kawasaki is a little more sporty, but it's very much an on-road only bike. The V-Strom is going to allow you to head off the pavement, where no variation of the Versys 650 is built from the factory for that.
If you're not overly aggressive on the road, then there may not be a better or worse one for you.
I love both. I bought the Versys because at the time, I wanted the sporty handling. If I was to buy one today, I'd lean towards the any road ability of the V-Strom but I think if you're comparing them, at least sit on both. Check out the dash on both. The Kawasaki now has LED headlights which is an upgrade over the V-Strom and the 2016 model that I had. So it's really a personal choice.
As versys 650 is more road biased bike or let's give its capabilities a little up to easy trail riding. I understand the KTRC system but the option to turn off KTRC system totally, when one should or will use this on a bike like versys 650?
My assumption would be when you are stuck in mud or sand then it's time to turn off, may be?
No, I wouldn't take this in mud or sand, especially with street tires. I used to own a 2016 Versys that didn't come with traction control, and it was very manageable for me. Having said that, I think the only time that I would turn off the traction control on these bikes is if you wanted to wheelie, or something like that. Most of the time, I would keep it on.
@@PeterLoweOne Hey! Thanks for a quick reply. I am not sure if you are aware but I would highly recommend you to watch videos where people have taken it through Himalayas in India or Nepal, places like leh-ladak, mustang (upper or lower), Spiti valley. People have taken and tested versys to its core. You will really be impressed by the capability of this bike.
Happy riding 🏍️.
While I like the bike, I can't hear comment or provission for an essential in which to claim itself a "tourer": Cruise Control. Have or have not on this bike?
Just bought the same bike over the weekend here in Indianapolis, IN. I love it so far, but have noticed my saddle bag on the right hand side rattles and moves quite a bit more than the left one. Common issue? Any tips or tricks for this?
It can be tweaked. Make sure the rubber pad near the passenger foot peg is holding the bag correctly on both sides. I haven't had issues with that in my experience, but it's not the first time I've heard it, and my understanding is that it's definitely fixable. Great choice by the way!
Does the versus 650 2023 LT have a slip and assist slipper clutch or not?.. your stating that it does not but other forums say that it does?..
It wasn't listed on the Versys for 2023 in Canada. I'll be reviewing the 2024 as early as this week and will check the specs on that soon.
Would of been good to add some info about servicing the bike. Maybe some cons about the bike.
In my reviews, I never talk about servicing. The owners manual is available through www.kawasaki.ca and owner's groups online can usually fill you in on any oddities with servicing. As far as negatives, it's hard to find many. Some people want this bike to be more off-road capable, but doing so would make it less fun on the roads. Some people want a quick shifter and cruise control, but those would increase the cost of the bike which is one of it's strengths. It is a tall bike, some people wish it had a lower seat height, but that would change the very comfortable seating position for those who do fit it. Negatives are often preferences wrapped up in negative words. I let the viewer decide if what they see is best for them, or if another bike is better suited for them.
I have a Honda CB650F right now for daily commute, but i really want to trade it for this one. The higher comfort is a big sell for me.
Yeah this really is a great bike for comfort. I've owned it and taken it on plenty of longer trips. It's awesome. Thanks for watching!
I am 5 ft 7 inch and medium expertise in riding. Would you recommend this for me?
Yes. You'll find it to be tall, and if that bothers you, you'll have to decide if you want to learn to work with it, or look at a different model, but you're not exceptionally short, so you'll probably find that you can get used to it. I'm about 6 feet tall and it's very manageable for me. My wife is your height, and although she doesn't ride, I can't see someone her height having difficulty with the height of they're committed to getting comfortable on it.
New year’s day two up or Sunday night
May Allah bless you and all of us Aaammmmiiiinnnn
Aammmmmiiiiiinnn
Awesome video thanks! 😊
Thanks so much for watching!
For a shorter rider...could one step on the peg to gain height to swing their leg over? Can the peg support that weight?
Very much considering getting this thanks to your reviews!!
I do this all the time, haven’t had a problem doing so. Hi Ho Silver!
The peg can definitely support the weight. Shorter riders shouldn't shy away from this bike if you think you're comfortable with a taller bike. Having said that, I do hear from a number of shorter riders who don't want a tall seat height to their bikes, so I try to make sure that I communicate things honestly with everyone.
@@PeterLoweOne ...as a brand new rider who has not purchased a bike, my 2 choices are the 650 Versys LT or Vulcan S. Recommendations? Want comfort 😀
@@cheekster96 I'd personally recommend something much, much smaller in displacement. 650 is alot, especially for a new rider. I've just gotten a 2019 model after riding on a 125cc for over a year, and it's still intimidating even with experience.
Hi Peter very informative details of the versys 650, you gave me more reason why I should get the this bike. Especially, when you discuss the difference between the off road and on road bike. Hope to see more reviews on versys 650. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I do plan a lot more reviews!
Hello Guys!
Whats the difference between the versys 650 and the versys 650 Grand tourer? pls help me! thanks!
I film in Canada and we don't have those names. My guess is that one has luggage and maybe hand guards while the other doesn't but you could add them in the future.
Thank you! I will dig in it , thanks for your video!
@@PeterLoweOne
How do you compare this with the VStrom 650 XT ?
I’ve personally tested both, but can’t make up my mind on it
The V-Strom is a little more off-road oriented, so I can see why people would choose that if you think you'll be going more off-road. I'm biased, not just because I do videos on Kawasaki bikes, but even before I did this, I had to decide what bike I wanted, and I bought the Versys 650. I LOVED it. I think it's a little sportier, and more fun than the V-Strom. To me, motorcycling is about fun. I really appreciate a good handling bike, with good brakes, and I have no doubt that the Versys was the best bike for me.
My friend bought a 650 versys, had it 6 months and hated it! He got me to try it, - I hated it too, much prefer my V Strom! And both of us have been riding over 60 years on all sorts of bikes, so we are very experienced!
While I like the bike, I can't hear comment about assist and slipper clutch, quick shiffer,traction control, riding mode. Have or have not on this bike?
This bike doesn't have the slipper and assist clutch or a quick shifter, but it does have traction control.
@@PeterLoweOne Thank You for respond
Who is jim gilberto
Great review, I am still torn between this and the klr, I am 6ft 4inches so it’s more about riding comfort rather than off-road vs off-road. So the saddlebags are standard and non exclusive to the LT?
no one responded to this but KLR also has a spec that comes with saddlebags, the adventure spec. For me personally it's just that the KLR isn't exactly great for highway speeds and I'm not taking a bike this large off road when smaller trail and dirt bikes and duel sports are lighter and easier to manage
@@REAPEROFTOES I ended up
Buying the klr adventure model, I am a new rider I took it on the highway once and definitely on the scary side, not sure if it was the bike or inexperience, I don’t see myself going over 65mph on these New York roads regardless of the bike though l.
Inseam? If less than 38in, it won't matter. KLR is simpler+cheaper and it's good to 70mph, on or off road. Versys is sport touring. Maybe better for cross country all day highway use. It's going to be a little smoother because it's a twin. 😊
@@chadkline4268 Thanks, I ended up buying the KLR a month ago.
@@paragodful I think you'll like it. Most people do. It will do almost everything you want, unless you're a speed freak. Perform the required maintenance and it won't make many troubles, if any 👍
my problem is I can't find one to buy anywhere
I mean... we have them here in Fredericton New Brunswick. I'm not sure where you live.
Love this bike, but im 163cm height, no hope :((((
Hi
1st😊
Back to claim your throne! Thanks, as always!
Have a cookie 🍪
That's one ugly bike.
Sounds like it's not for you! I love this bike. I drove it for years. Its form is all about function, and it functions well. To me, there's a beauty in that, but I now drive a Z900RS SE, and that's definitely more of a looker, but it does miss out on some of the great features that a bike styled like this will bring.