It's the right bike, right price point, wrong engine. We don't like 180 degree crank twins anymore Kawasaki! The Z650 and Vulcan and the Versys would be so much better with Vtwins or 270 cranks
@@galadler 180 degree inline twin doesn't have that v twin kind of thump like the Triumph or MT07. The 180 degree crank just has this loveless buzzing sound. I would have been sold on the versys if it sounded like an MT07, just for that im getting an MT07 Tracer
Thanks for the clear and detailed review, Serena. The biggest problem with the 650 Versys is, I think that Kawasaki has done extremely little development on the bike since its first release in 2007. The changes have only been in rubber mountings to reduce vibrations in later models, some gearing changes and other minor cosmetic changes. It is an amazingly robust bike along with the 650 V-Strom, but it is outdated in terms of electronics, performance, handling and weight these days, and the new Triumph Tiger 660 Sport will eat its breakfast.
@@dragoclarke9497 I don't disagree on that point. A bike in that class doesn't need traction control. But, and here's the problem, the throttle is still as snatchy as it was 14 years ago, the brakes are still mushy, the engine is still poor at low revs, the bike is some 15 kg (33 lbs) heavier than the first models. The dash now has a gear indicator and it got two facelifts, one in 2010 , the other in 2015. The engine mounting was changed twice to improve vibrations. The gears were changed to give taller 1st and 2nd gears but the bike still has that feeling it needs a 7th gear or a taller 6th. The engine is identical to the first model with tiny changes over the years. Kawasaki have wasted years by doing no basic development on the bike. No weight reduction, no reduction in actual engine vibration, no brake improvement, no fueling improvement, no attempt to smooth out the gears. I still own 2009 model and I love its simplicity and robustness and decent real world performance, but this has always been a bike that has had the feeling that its potential has never been explored by Kawasaki.
@@disekjoumoer Yup, I also have a 2009, the 2015+ rides exactly the same, just slightly less polarizing in its looks. It rides well but has the character of an appliance. When it's competition has 270 degree twins with some actual character or triples, the Versys is starting to feel really long in the tooth.
I've had my 2018 for two seasons, good for about 8000 miles, and have no complaints. Practically everything COULD be better but everything is also good enough. I can say that everytime I ride with anyone else I am glad I have my bike and not theirs. It's not as "cool" but it is better.
It is long overdue an update. Can’t agree with you about seat comfort, as after one hour I really do have to get off. I’m replacing the seat with one fromSergeant next month. I brought up the throttle issue a few months back on a UK Kawasaki forum on Facebook and received nothing but condescension from a couple of clowns. It is abrupt. There’s no denying it.
Completely unchanged since 2015. That old 650 is bulletproof and cheap to run, but sounds like an appliance and is quickly getting down on power compared to its rivals. Kawasaki needs to update the entire 650 lineup, but especially the versys. Bump up the displacement, get the power up to around 75-80hp, switch to a 270 degree crank, and for the love of Rossi give it cruise control
Very good review. The need for LED lighting (standard lighting is excellent) and handsome dash replaced by Kindle / Play station unit has seemingly increased purchase price for 2022 model by nearly US 1,300 dollars ( all in the name of fashion ). Only the traction control added seems to be a bonus. I'm afraid the prices of even these mid size sports tourers will be unaffordable for many new prospective riders and long term this is damaging for our beloved hobby.
CYCLE WORLD magazine used to tell you useful stuff like maintenance difficulty and octane requirements. I bought my 2009 Versys after reading about it in the CW magazine. I expected valve adjustment via shims, but I did not expect needing to remove the camshafts to swap shims. Would have been nice to know. Would also have been nice to know how friggin’ long it would take just to get the air filter out. I put 107,000 miles on a ‘73 Z1 - didn’t need to remove the cams to adjust valve clearance, and it literally took three seconds to yank the air filter. The 180° crank has its ups and downs - less pumping of the air in the the crank case than a 360° crank, but the sound isn’t great to my ears. It reminds me of a CB450 I had fifty years ago; sounds like a sewing machine at idle, screams like a wild animal at full throttle. At least it’s quiet enough that the sound isn’t an issue. I kept track of my gas mileage for all of 2013 - for the year, about 6,500 miles, it averaged 57 mpg. The most I ever got on one tank was 292 miles. Maintenance issues aside, I can’t think of anything I would trade it for. I guess the valve adjustment thing gets a pass, since the intervals are 15,000 miles, and the old Z1 was 4,000 miles. I also have an R1200 CLC BMW, which probably feels neglected. It doesn’t get out much. Kinda wish I hadn’t bought it sometimes. Never regretted getting the Versys, although it might have been a V-Strom instead… (TWO cylinder head covers, FOUR camshafts. Yeah, that figured into it.)
Thank you for all that info! I’m thinking of getting the 2022 updated one. I trade my main bike every year as I have a 25,000 mile a year of commuting to and from work. Currently doing it mostly on my Tracer 7. Happy holidays from Israel 🇮🇱
Cycle World, Excellent recommendations for Kawasaki to improve this already great bike, I agree that it is past due also. Very interesting to see what Kawi comes up with on this bike while also keeping the msrp low. Huge gap in price between this bike & the big brother Versys 1000 SE LT. A Versys 900 with all the modern features at a competitive price to the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is badly needed! C'mon Kawasaki!!!
The Tracer 9 competes directly with the Versys 1000, it just undercut the Versys in price by using a simpler electronic suspension solution. I'd like to see a 800ish CC 270 degree twin and cruise control, bump the HP to around 80 or so, and run it head to head against the upcoming Triumph Tiger 660 Sport, and maybe the Tiger 850, but keep the price under 10k.
I have the 2018 non-LT version. She addressed many of the pros and cons. Most people don't mention the 'abrupt on/off throttle'. But one thing...and maybe it's just me...is the bike is really top heavy. It has a really high center of gravity. Made worse by the high seat height and the big 5.5 gallon tank...which is also up high. Slow parking lot maneuvers/turns are difficult. The bike wants to tip over....fast! And because of it's weight and high center of gravity, I would think this would be a poor off road bike. On the pro side, having such a high seat height is wonderful when you're above 20 mph. Power is more than I'll ever need. Vibrations are almost non existent. It handles well at anything over 25mph.
lowering it helps a little bit. I have a 2009 that was lowered by the previous owner, I decided to keep the lowering link as the bike actually rides pretty well with it, almost sport bike like, except you have to intentionally weight the front when riding twisties
it's geared really low, spins over 6000rpm at 80mph in 6th gear. Hard cases off it might get more like 45 to 47, it's also a pretty old engine, very little change since 2006ish
I owned a 2016 a few years back. Much better mileage than what was reported. I would easily get 275- 290 miles per tank. An I didn’t baby it. I also did not find the throttle snatchy like many have complained. I now ride a Tiger 900. For me, its the sweet spot in adventure touring.
I too am old and happen to own this bike. There are rubber mounts for the engine and the handlebars. The foot pegs also have a rubber contact patch so I don't notice any significant vibrations. Hope this helps!
I don't get why they have been making this model now for years and still have not changed the wheel sizes to suit what it is made for, why have an adventure bike with street wheels.
2015+ requires a full system, the stock exhaust is 1 piece. The 2014 and older use the 2 piece exhaust from the Ninja 650 so slip ons are available for the older ones.
@@mrvwbug4423 OK cool thanks that’s what I was thinking. Probably a pretty easy job to do so no issues. Am I going to need a fuel mapping or a tune done? Will the full exhaust affect the bike that much?
5.5L/100km..that s toooo mouch.... What is the mpg or L/100km in 6 gear relax solo ride on open nice flat asphalt road at 90kmh or 55mph?? I m 179 100kg
They are, Showa SFF forks, same forks as the Triumph Trident, but with preload and rebound adjustment unlike the Triumph. Suspension is one of the high points of the Versys, it has extremely good suspension for a 650 class bike.
@@sarahdell4042 Gotcha. Was just curious. I've owned my gen 3 since 2015. Love it. Unfortunately, will be selling it soon but still absolutely love it!
Take a look at this, Sarah: ua-cam.com/video/T1OG0jA32x4/v-deo.html It's amazingly good bike in the twisties if you know how to ride. That siad, it's really outdated these days.
@@disekjoumoer I’ve ridden plenty of them over the what’s, and have been road racing for over a decade. Almost any bike can be quick in twisties with the right rider. It’s a boring bike, and 10k buys a lot of other machines
Love Serena's reviews, sharp, properly critical, and to the point.
I've watched dozens of reviews and there long winded and miss important elements. You nailed it! Thank you
It's the right bike, right price point, wrong engine. We don't like 180 degree crank twins anymore Kawasaki! The Z650 and Vulcan and the Versys would be so much better with Vtwins or 270 cranks
Agreed. Not enthused by their exhaust sound either.
What's wrong with it?
@@galadler 180 degree inline twin doesn't have that v twin kind of thump like the Triumph or MT07.
The 180 degree crank just has this loveless buzzing sound.
I would have been sold on the versys if it sounded like an MT07, just for that im getting an MT07 Tracer
The adjustable forks is a surprise at this price point.
Thanks for the clear and detailed review, Serena. The biggest problem with the 650 Versys is, I think that Kawasaki has done extremely little development on the bike since its first release in 2007. The changes have only been in rubber mountings to reduce vibrations in later models, some gearing changes and other minor cosmetic changes. It is an amazingly robust bike along with the 650 V-Strom, but it is outdated in terms of electronics, performance, handling and weight these days, and the new Triumph Tiger 660 Sport will eat its breakfast.
The Triumph will be stripped for parts in 5 years and the Kawi will need wheel and steering head bearings.
That's part of the charm of the Versys, you don't spend ages fiddling around with traction control, abs, riding modes etc etc. Just get on and ride.
@@dragoclarke9497 I don't disagree on that point. A bike in that class doesn't need traction control. But, and here's the problem, the throttle is still as snatchy as it was 14 years ago, the brakes are still mushy, the engine is still poor at low revs, the bike is some 15 kg (33 lbs) heavier than the first models. The dash now has a gear indicator and it got two facelifts, one in 2010 , the other in 2015. The engine mounting was changed twice to improve vibrations. The gears were changed to give taller 1st and 2nd gears but the bike still has that feeling it needs a 7th gear or a taller 6th. The engine is identical to the first model with tiny changes over the years. Kawasaki have wasted years by doing no basic development on the bike. No weight reduction, no reduction in actual engine vibration, no brake improvement, no fueling improvement, no attempt to smooth out the gears. I still own 2009 model and I love its simplicity and robustness and decent real world performance, but this has always been a bike that has had the feeling that its potential has never been explored by Kawasaki.
@@disekjoumoer Yup, I also have a 2009, the 2015+ rides exactly the same, just slightly less polarizing in its looks. It rides well but has the character of an appliance. When it's competition has 270 degree twins with some actual character or triples, the Versys is starting to feel really long in the tooth.
I've had my 2018 for two seasons, good for about 8000 miles, and have no complaints. Practically everything COULD be better but everything is also good enough. I can say that everytime I ride with anyone else I am glad I have my bike and not theirs. It's not as "cool" but it is better.
That's my bike! From new, bought in end July 2022 and now have 26,000 km on it. Very comfortable. Longest ride was 750 km in one day.
Great review Serena! Concise but very informative.
I have this bike it is really a nicely balanced machine it really is a very good bike 👍
Awesome review. Very concise and to the point. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming.
Nice review. I especially appreciate them graphic statistics explained and the riding videos.
It is long overdue an update. Can’t agree with you about seat comfort, as after one hour I really do have to get off. I’m replacing the seat with one fromSergeant next month. I brought up the throttle issue a few months back on a UK Kawasaki forum on Facebook and received nothing but condescension from a couple of clowns. It is abrupt. There’s no denying it.
Great info and review, I love mine.
Completely unchanged since 2015. That old 650 is bulletproof and cheap to run, but sounds like an appliance and is quickly getting down on power compared to its rivals. Kawasaki needs to update the entire 650 lineup, but especially the versys. Bump up the displacement, get the power up to around 75-80hp, switch to a 270 degree crank, and for the love of Rossi give it cruise control
Exactly! People will gladly pay more for something that is on par with the competition.
It's already ten grand, no way could I pay fifteen for one.
A T7 Competitor from Kawasaki KHI would be great!
No cruise control but they did update the bike nicely 👍
Thank you for a great review!
Very good review. The need for LED lighting (standard lighting is excellent) and handsome dash replaced by Kindle / Play station unit has seemingly increased purchase price for 2022 model by nearly US 1,300 dollars ( all in the name of fashion ). Only the traction control added seems to be a bonus. I'm afraid the prices of even these mid size sports tourers will be unaffordable for many new prospective riders and long term this is damaging for our beloved hobby.
Thanks dear Lady great review. I share it with my KLR friends in Costa Rica 🏍🇨🇷
No TFT, please. Keep it simple and functional!
EXACTLY !!
Great video. Thank you. Would love to see a back-to-back against the Suzuki dl650.
Thank you for the great review
Versys’ abrupt on/off throttle
Great bike by all accounts but badly in need of an update - maybe EICMA this year?
Excellent review. Thank you
that 180 degree crank sounds horrible compared to a T-7.
CYCLE WORLD magazine used to tell you useful stuff like maintenance difficulty and octane requirements. I bought my 2009 Versys after reading about it in the CW magazine. I expected valve adjustment via shims, but I did not expect needing to remove the camshafts to swap shims. Would have been nice to know. Would also have been nice to know how friggin’ long it would take just to get the air filter out. I put 107,000 miles on a ‘73 Z1 - didn’t need to remove the cams to adjust valve clearance, and it literally took three seconds to yank the air filter. The 180° crank has its ups and downs - less pumping of the air in the the crank case than a 360° crank, but the sound isn’t great to my ears. It reminds me of a CB450 I had fifty years ago; sounds like a sewing machine at idle, screams like a wild animal at full throttle. At least it’s quiet enough that the sound isn’t an issue. I kept track of my gas mileage for all of 2013 - for the year, about 6,500 miles, it averaged 57 mpg. The most I ever got on one tank was 292 miles. Maintenance issues aside, I can’t think of anything I would trade it for. I guess the valve adjustment thing gets a pass, since the intervals are 15,000 miles, and the old Z1 was 4,000 miles. I also have an R1200 CLC BMW, which probably feels neglected. It doesn’t get out much. Kinda wish I hadn’t bought it sometimes. Never regretted getting the Versys, although it might have been a V-Strom instead… (TWO cylinder head covers, FOUR camshafts. Yeah, that figured into it.)
Thank you for all that info!
I’m thinking of getting the 2022 updated one.
I trade my main bike every year as I have a 25,000 mile a year of commuting to and from work.
Currently doing it mostly on my Tracer 7.
Happy holidays from Israel 🇮🇱
much better if the panel gauge is TFT like with Z650, engine crash guard, handguard, voltmeter & usb charger👍😎
Cycle World,
Excellent recommendations for Kawasaki to improve this already great bike, I agree that it is past due also. Very interesting to see what Kawi comes up with on this bike while also keeping the msrp low. Huge gap in price between this bike & the big brother Versys 1000 SE LT. A Versys 900 with all the modern features at a competitive price to the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is badly needed! C'mon Kawasaki!!!
The Tracer 9 competes directly with the Versys 1000, it just undercut the Versys in price by using a simpler electronic suspension solution. I'd like to see a 800ish CC 270 degree twin and cruise control, bump the HP to around 80 or so, and run it head to head against the upcoming Triumph Tiger 660 Sport, and maybe the Tiger 850, but keep the price under 10k.
I have the 2018 non-LT version. She addressed many of the pros and cons. Most people don't mention the 'abrupt on/off throttle'. But one thing...and maybe it's just me...is the bike is really top heavy. It has a really high center of gravity. Made worse by the high seat height and the big 5.5 gallon tank...which is also up high. Slow parking lot maneuvers/turns are difficult. The bike wants to tip over....fast! And because of it's weight and high center of gravity, I would think this would be a poor off road bike. On the pro side, having such a high seat height is wonderful when you're above 20 mph. Power is more than I'll ever need. Vibrations are almost non existent. It handles well at anything over 25mph.
lowering it helps a little bit. I have a 2009 that was lowered by the previous owner, I decided to keep the lowering link as the bike actually rides pretty well with it, almost sport bike like, except you have to intentionally weight the front when riding twisties
Great reviews of a great bike we cant buy in Canada WTF Kawasaki cant find that bike anywhere
For a 650cc bike, 42mpgs sounds too low 😭
it's geared really low, spins over 6000rpm at 80mph in 6th gear. Hard cases off it might get more like 45 to 47, it's also a pretty old engine, very little change since 2006ish
I owned a 2016 a few years back. Much better mileage than what was reported. I would easily get 275- 290 miles per tank. An I didn’t baby it. I also did not find the throttle snatchy like many have complained. I now ride a Tiger 900. For me, its the sweet spot in adventure touring.
I get close to 50 with mine. It is not even broken in yet. 42 is probably just the way it was ridden for testing.
Nice job, I'm always curious about vibration levels. A little arthritis goes a long way when we get old.
I too am old and happen to own this bike. There are rubber mounts for the engine and the handlebars. The foot pegs also have a rubber contact patch so I don't notice any significant vibrations. Hope this helps!
I got one with Givi bags and top case. Great bang for the bucks. I wouldn’t buy the LT. Rather spend the money on better metal bags.
The Kawasaki bags are made by Givi. The optional top case is a Kawasaki branded Givi V47.
Just got my 21 Versys LT for 8500 love it
Why in the world doesn’t Kawasaki build a Dirt/Street Tracker. This the base engine they use in their factory dirt tracker which has good win record.
Yee
Awesome bike 👍🇵🇰
This was like a polar opposite to listening to Adam Waheed. Not a positive or negative for either person, just a funny observation 😂
There's nothing like Waheed on camera. Well, there's nothing like Waheed in the world, really...
No update, when Z, Ninja also RS has new engine, Versys 650 left behind, so cruel...
switch to 270 or 225 degree crank shaft
That's just following the trend, nothing wrong with a 180 degree crankshaft.
@@dragoclarke9497 Yes there is, 180 degree crank has the personality of an appliance.
9299 usd? We paid almost 13000usd here in Indonesia 😓
I don't like the two boxes beside the bike.
I don't get why they have been making this model now for years and still have not changed the wheel sizes to suit what it is made for, why have an adventure bike with street wheels.
Can anyone tell me why I can’t find a Yoshimura slip on exhaust for this bike
2015+ requires a full system, the stock exhaust is 1 piece. The 2014 and older use the 2 piece exhaust from the Ninja 650 so slip ons are available for the older ones.
@@mrvwbug4423 OK cool thanks that’s what I was thinking. Probably a pretty easy job to do so no issues. Am I going to need a fuel mapping or a tune done? Will the full exhaust affect the bike that much?
All I heard was 6 feet tall 🤗
I had a Versys 650 as my first bike a couple years ago. The thing felt downright lumbering compared to my current Superduke GT. Great bike otherwise.
Noooo!!🙄really!?
I mean 55mph constant speed
5.5L/100km..that s toooo mouch.... What is the mpg or L/100km in 6 gear relax solo ride on open nice flat asphalt road at 90kmh or 55mph?? I m 179 100kg
Love the bike but can't accept the fact they went with one side of the headlight lit up on low beams ....uuuuugh!!
The paintjob graphics look like stickers from the ¢0.99 store. Otherwise looks like a solid bike.
Only problem is wouldn’t buy a bike like this without cruise control wouldn’t even consider it
Tall girl
Beautiful review with a beautiful lady 😍
The telescopic forks look like USD forks 😗
They are, Showa SFF forks, same forks as the Triumph Trident, but with preload and rebound adjustment unlike the Triumph. Suspension is one of the high points of the Versys, it has extremely good suspension for a 650 class bike.
tall girl
Front suspension is not telescopic
I mean, I just can't get past the wimpy power and lack of cruise control for an ostensibly touring bike
Sorry, but why post a video where you just read a spec sheet out loud?
To annoy you.
6ft tall, will u marry me and give me a ride?
Yes. Yes I will.
Yawn machine. Shocked people pay 10k for these.
Have you ridden one?
@@s.p.9582 Yes.
@@sarahdell4042 Gotcha. Was just curious. I've owned my gen 3 since 2015. Love it. Unfortunately, will be selling it soon but still absolutely love it!
Take a look at this, Sarah: ua-cam.com/video/T1OG0jA32x4/v-deo.html It's amazingly good bike in the twisties if you know how to ride. That siad, it's really outdated these days.
@@disekjoumoer I’ve ridden plenty of them over the what’s, and have been road racing for over a decade. Almost any bike can be quick in twisties with the right rider. It’s a boring bike, and 10k buys a lot of other machines