Little Money, Maximum Fun | 2020 Kawasaki Versys 650
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2020
- You cannot get much motorcycle below 10k, but Kawasaki say "yes you can".
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Have a 2016 with about 20k miles, factory side bags and top case. I find this bike impossibly frustrating. It absolutely refuses to give me any reason to get a new bike, damnit.
Ken O'Malley fxxking agree, I’ve owned many bikes, turns out versys 650 really versatile n great quality ~~~I really can’t find a reason to get a crf1100~~
haha - totally agree - because I love motorcycles i keep looking for other bikes but cannot find anything better. Love my Versys - will probably never sell it. I may buy other bikes, but will not sell this awesome bike
I got the same feeling about my 2012 gsx 650f, it´s so hard to find a substitute for it..
What is your average fuel consumption?
@@1Mcoach Upper 40s
Thanks for the review. I bought a 2019 Versys 650 LT in July 2020. It was brand new and the dealer had it for thousands off. Before that bike I had a 1981 Yahama xj650 that got stolen in July. I had the bike since 1993 and was the only bike I ever owned so I was crushed. Little did I know it would lead me to the Versys and the incredible time I have riding it. With my old bike I would plan a ride to get to a destination, get off of it and hang out. With the Versys I just ride and keep going, I never realized how my other bike beat the hell out of me, feeling every bump in the road. I smile every time I get on my Versys.
That is some gorgeous countryside right there.
With my second gen, one day I woke up early, made a right turn in front of my house, headed south and did not turn back until I reached the southernmost tip of my continent. Solo. That's what this bike did to you. I nodded to your every laugh in the video :D.
That must have been an interesting phone call to your wife 🤣😂😜
In the first 2 months of ownership, I put 4,000 miles on my (Gen 1 💀) 2009 Versys 650.
I rode the entire Coastline of Washington State on Hiway 101, all the way around Puget Sound, Downtown Seattle, and then to Paradise Lodge (via hiway 7) and all of the way around Mt. Rainier.
(Via Hiway 410)
I rode up to Mt. Baker National Park, and also rode Hiway 20 to
Diablo Lake & Lake Ross, and then up to the Canadian Border.
(I often enjoy short rides along the Chuckanut Bay). 🌠🐿🐰🦝🦉🌛
Solo.....
💚 KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 💚
Just sold my 1100 Honda Shadow, and bought a 2015 Versys 650 for $4600.00...Cannot complain. Versys makes me smile every time I ride. It's just so happy to do anything you ask of it.
Thank you for the review! I enjoyed watching! I have the 2020 Versys 650 and it is my first motorcycle. I bought it in October and unfortunately I didn’t have time to ride it much yet, but my first impressions were incredible. I rode it from the dealer to my garage with the smile on my face, it was a breathtaking feeling!
Went from a '17 SV650 to a '18 Versys 650 full option. No regrets! Wanted more comfort and got that and more. Lovely engine and transmission. Love to rev it out, deep burbly noice from it!
This was a great review! Thank you. I'm in the market...again...for a new motorcycle. Just a few short years ago I sold my '08 Harley Davidson Fatboy and promised my wife I would refrain from buying another motorcycle; and it's been a hard promise to keep. I've been riding since I was 19 and now I'm 73. As I watch all of these motorcycle reviews my heartbeat is elevated and my throttle hand starts to itch. I love to overland camp in my Jeep but it's just not as much fun as it was on my motorcycles. This Yamaha Versys 650 seems like it would be perfect for me. AT 5'7" and 73 years old I could handle this bike nicely. This is the fourth Versys review and all have been positive. Also, I love this black with green trim; perfect compliment to my black Jeep. BTW I was stationed in your beautiful country for three years and I loved it.
This is an excellent review! Thank you for an actual informative rundown, and not another boring 20 minutes of somebody riding a bike gushing about how wonderful it is. I learned a great deal about the Versys 650 from your thorough review. Again, excellent job!
Thank you John,
I do this for guys that ride and not for guys that just watch videos of motorcycles :)
Thank you once again,
Scott
Nice review thanks. I bought one, same colour scheme, last year. Done 9000 miles on it, no problems. Came from a VFR1200X and don't regret the change, 60kg less weight 50% better fuel consumption (72mpg UK) and more performance than you need on the road 😁
Update May 2022: Now up to 21000 miles. Bike as good as new, no problems whatsoever, fuel consumption now 67 mpg, guess I'm riding it a bit harder after a training day on track.
Update October 2022: Now at 29700 miles. No problems whatsoever, bike performed flawlessly on a 3600 mile trip to Bosnia and Croatia. Fitted a Booster Plug (30 minute job) which has smoothed out the slight jerkiness coming off idle throttle, and seems to improve general throttle smoothness, wish I'd done that earlier.
You're right, everybody who owns one loves it. I showed one to my buddy several months ago, he loved it, bought it and we just rode down to central Baja and back up to San Diego. Great ride and great bike.
The quality of your videos and presentation are second to none.
New subscriber.
Great review Scott! Love seeing the countryside of Germany! Pure, green & great roads. I’m sure you can stop at little farm restaurants & soak up the atmosphere!🥇👌👍💯🏍
Thank you Steve, yes, the German country side is really great.
I'm new to biking and was thinking of buying on of these machines. Really good review.
Just subscribed.
Keep up the good work 😃
One of the best bikes at any price. I had a second gen briefly and want a third gen! Comfortable, nimble, fun, fuel efficient, and practical. It’s a tall Ninja 650, but better in so many ways. It remains popular in Europe especially with commuters but is often overlooked in the US. I do hope Kawasaki sees fit to make a fourth generation soon!
Alex LaJeunesse give it a new screen, LED lighting, maybe adjustable suspension
@@rantANDrave1987 It already has adjustable suspension. To kill the wind buffeting I put on a 24" Madstad windshield. I put on the LED lights too to make myself more visible.
Great rundown on this bike, you do a great job of going through the bike. Thanks
Another terrific review with another great bike! Loved the color scheme on this Kawasaki. Sounds great, too! Ride safe!
Good accurate review. I had the gen 2 Versys and have nothing but fond memories of it (and I’ve been riding 35 years). Sure, the current breed of tech heavy middle weight do it alls will ace it in most disciplines but this is about a bike that does 80-90% of what they do for a ridiculous low price. It was great fun, very capable and will never break.
Exactly, I couldn't have said it better myself. 👍👍
You did it again! Great review. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the Versys 650. If I could have two...
Really the best Motorbike reviewer on youtube should have much more subscribers.Love all the reviews and the way in which they are done.Sir you really have nothing to prove because in my eyes you are the best reviewer out there on youtube.Awesome content!!
Agreed. He is super!!!
Great review. I got to sit on one of these this weekend. Super comfortable. Definitely a contender for my next motorcycle in the coming years.
Great bike, I have the same bike, it has it all, I added heated grips, taller windshield, USP charging port and a hard-wired GPS made by Tom Tom, model number 550.
Riiiide like there's nothing to prove 🤘🏻 Love it! Great review man, I'm considering this same bike, dwelling between it and new Yamaha Tracer 700 :)
Excellent video. Beautiful country.
Nice review. Got a 2017 GT model (top case, fog lights etc) with 40+ modifications (some factory) that even other Versys owners don't spot at first glance :-) The list includes progressive front suspension, Scott oiler, ECU, wind deflector, vertical stand, slide protectors, hugger, fender extension, heated grips, Versys-specific tank bag, black reflective decals, camera mounts, soundbomb horn, the list goes on. The extra weight is mostly me ;-) Love my Versys.
Great review Scott, and such a fantastic place to take a ride out
Had a 2010 model for 3 years..best bike i have ever had, will do everything and good value.
Great review. I have the 2015 model and it’s just a great all around bike, does everything.
A got 2021, didn't want to miss out on that tachometer.
Awesome review... Amazing bike, well done Kawasaki..
nice review as always, have to admit love the look of it and color scheme is just gorgeous, cheers from Colorado, V!
how is the bike on highways? much vibration at 65 -70 mph?
As always... excellent review. Cant wait to see the Vulcan S 650 review from you :)
as always enjoable video Scott. Thanks!!
Nice review. Clear and not too quickly speaking and not moving the camera too fast for me.
Never thought of being able to adjust the rear shock pre-load while on the bike.
Can use passenger hand-rails for bungee cords.
It really helps that you provided your height.
The rear of the saddle bags looks very nice but could have a straight up down for more internal storage.
So happy to see you do a review of the Versys 650 love the bike great review 2 thumbs up
Thanks! 👍
Love the Versys! I have a first gen and I agree with your question on weather or not its an ADV or sport tourer. I definitely think its more on the sport touring side though since it's not very offroad capable without some mods.
Just a wonderful peace of bike, more Sportstourer than Adv. 😍 a friend of mine loves his older versys so much, every time I am able to get a ride while changing the bikes I wonder, how much fun and ease it is to ride it 🤩😅
Could definitely imagine to get an used one in 1-2 years as an all round-fun-weapon 😍. And the hole thing with bags for -10 k 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻, well done 👍🏻
I have a 2017 and I could not love it more. It keeps up with my husbands Honda ST 1300 with no problems.
He’s letting you keep up...
@@naps3386 he’s ridden it, he knows how fast it can do.
I can keep up with all my mate's on their bigger adventure bikes and can leave them behind on the twisties
I have to admit never considering this bike. This review is making me rethink that a bit. Great reviews as always! Merry Christmas!
I think this is probably the best overall motorcycle in the ADV Market when you take everything into consideration, specially price.
Lovely Review.you just helped me finalise my next bike....Thanks....
I really enjoy your reviews, with all the angles recording at the same time and cutting between them so nicely and all. One thing though: may I suggest a phone on a gimbal as the handheld camera for the closeups so the video quality is more similar to the other ones you use.
Nice review. Good video. I've been looking at the Versys 650 for some time. It really is a nice bike. I'd love to have one. For now, I'm keeping my ZRX.
Of all the ADV bikes, the Versys seems to give you the most bag for your dollar.
Barry
I've owned this bike for a little more than a year, and I can tell you that for someone who is 6'5" it offers more room than many larger cc machines.
The forward sloping seat needs corrected, and lower foot peg mounts are available....but once you set it up, the power is OK, the gearing is spot on, and the handling is strikingly good.
You really get some quality chassis pieces for the price.
The forward slope can be corrected with a 19in V-Strom front wheel.
Really enjoyable review, good work with some very cool angles too. That has to be the best colour scheme I’ve seen on a Versys (or anything) for a while. This review is going to be expensive for me I can feel it. 👍🏼😬
Love my 14 green
If it has two wheels and an engine it spells fun
Great review as always👍 I'm looking forward to see a Ninja 1000SX done by you with the nitpicks😋. I'm thinking to buy one but it would be nice to hear what you thinking about it😃
This is one of the touring bikes i'm lookin into in couple of seasons :)
I've got a 2015 Versys 1000 that was new to me last year and it's such a solid bike. The "do everything" nature of this bike is a huge plus for me. Took it motocamping last year and she performed admirably! Looking forward to many more years to come!
Best middleweight segment !
Very interesting and well done video!
Classy review and very well done! Subscribed
Thank You for the review!
BTW. Are You using any special trousers extension ( visible at 05:05 ) ? I'm asking because my trousers tend to shift up when I'm getting the position on a bike and so my ankles don't like it :-)
What is your sound setup? I like it. I wanted a Versys when they came out, but couldn't find a used one so I got a 650R no regrets. My ADV bike 10 years later is a Tiger 800 but that Versys is indeed great!
Also it sounds very very good to the rider.
I went to my local Kawasaki dealer to test ride a ZZR1400. Unfortunately it wasn't available, but having made the journey I test rode a Versys 650 as there was one ready to roll outside. I bought the Versys.
Yea, this bike does that, people don't know how good it really is till they ride it. 👍👍
Enjoy it!
Scott
Lovely way of talking about motorcycles. Nice pace and no shit music or silly graphics. No ego. I drove like a loon for 40 years now i have mk 1 verys 650 and st1300 but i still need raw speed so maybe no i dont need 5 bikes i have a verys
Great video Scott. Great.
Honestly if they added cruise control, it would be an instant sell, looks like a good bike to tour highways on. Was looking at them this year, but between the retailer charging double msrp (claiming chip shortage lol) and competition choice like the Triump 660 sport, I ended up not deciding on it. Maybe next year prices will be reasonable here.
Great daily rider bike.
Nice review, but i missed your opinion about the overall wind protection and how this bike performs on a highway. Regards and awaiting the next review
With a *cough*, *cough* Madstad 24" windshield you can ride all day at 160kmh / 100mph if you wanted to without buffeting and still look over the top of the windshield.
I'm looking at a Versys 650 for touring this year. I just have to pass my test first. :)
Awaiting the review of next bike in the 650 family- Vulcan S
Good bike and very satisfied
thanks for the video please do a video on the Vulcan S
very nice bike and from what you said and how it looks it might be considered as a light tourer. it's proabably best suited for single ride without a passenger (on tour). i can think of a daily commuter that is capable of ditching into the smaller tours over a prolonged weekend trip 3-4 days with your friends. maybe kawasaki set their target group for this bike on rookies that started biking and won't spend too much on the first / second bike, but want an alrounder of some sorts.
thanks for your comprehensive overviews
La compre hace 2 meses y solo puedo decir..una chimba papa
When you ride the new 700 Tracer, I would be interested to hear your comparative thoughts
Another entertaining and informative review, Scott. I've been considering the Versys 650 to replace my Tiger 800, but when I test-rode the Versys, I found a LOT of foot peg vibes at 6000 rpm. Did you notice that in your ride, or did Kawasaki somehow fix that for 2020? How would you compare the Tiger 800 and the Versys 650? Any mention of vibrations in your reviews would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Thank you Michael,
Yea, there is a little bit in the foot pegs and handle bar above 6k but really any parallel twin will have that, my BMW F900XR has it too. The Tiger is smoother because it's a triple, it's just an inherent thing with twins, no matter the motor configuration. But and this is a big but, for normal riding, you don't take this motor above 6k, all the torque is really coming on at 4k and by 6k I'm shifting any way. For example I just did 3,600km in one week in the French and Italian Alps, and with the BMW Connected App I took a look at the statistics and my highest RPM for each section of the ride was between 5-6k, very rarely did I go over 6k RPM. The torque is all in the low to mid range for a parallel twin. The triple the torque is in the middle to upper range, that is the difference in the two motors.
For example on the Autobahn doing 130 km/h is ok, very little vibs in bar/foot pegs but by the time I get to 150 km/h and RPMs are at 6k then I can start to feel the vibs a bit. But let's be honest, those speeds on the Autobahn are better suited for the heavyweights and not middleweight bikes.
Ride safe,
Scott
Wow. This bike looks like the winner.
Please do an update Versys 1000 SE. You didn’t seem to like it that much on the 2019 model. It would be nice to see if it’s improved since that time.
Great review, thank you! Riding jeans look good and protective as well. May I ask what brand and type? Happy New Year
Thank you, the jeans are Trilobite Agnox, great for all round weather.
Ride safe,
Scott
I had the 2015 Versys 650 in white with the original panniers. A nice bike to ride, however I would have had more confidence in the longevity of the motor if the oil sump would hold more than the mere two quarts required by the manual.............
A Honda Nc700s holds double that amount. More Oil = less wear & tear given equal maintenance schedule.
Safe rides 👍🏍
Thanks again.Cheers.
I've had the earlier generation of this engine in the driving school with an ER6n....horrible vibrations, but besides that, not much to complain about. Greetings from Austria!✌️
I think the 2015 and later have resolved much of the vibration issue. My 2017 is mostly vibe free at 4500 rpm+
@@firesail6707 a Z650 from 2018? with 45k km that I drove lately still had a good amount of vibrations at ~4k rpm, but it was for sure better than the old ER6n
@Len Page at 100kmh it was about 5k rpm if I remember correctly, so at 120 I guess 6k?
Great review👍
Just wondering, what would be the next new versys 650 look like?
This model, looks like nothing change from the 2015 aesthetics except from the color scheme.
This is quite evident. It will look like all previous versions 🤣
I got him 2023 model, dashboard is updated well that's all , ok traction control, I don't care because it's a great bike on secundair roads, I love Versys 650
Solid bike. Wore my NTP shirt yesterday. Thumbs up!
My 2014 is great , though if I knew the changes they where bring in for 2015 I would have waited. The 2020 looks even better.
Great review! Any other reviews all say the same thing...is it really an adventure bike? Or something else? I think Kawasaki has invented a new bike category..."Versey". For those of us that can only afford one bike, this is it! A "do-all" bike!
In 2015 I was looking at getting back into motorcycling after a couple of decades without. I ended up going with a new Versys 650 based on some personal critera .1- A twin which I enjoy for my style of riding, ala the torque. Mountain twisties up and down and touring. 2- A short wheel base and 17 inch wheels. Super nimble pony this bike is and really dances on any pavement. If you like off road you can get a bike with bigger wheels, like a V(wee)Strom. 3- Under 750cc. Not interested in a big bike really. 4- Dependable. Japanese bikes are great and Kawi pretty bombproof.5- The looks. Lets face it,you gotta love the look of your bike as long as it delivers the goods. Kawi hit a home run on the Versys 650 design in 2015 in my opinion. Unchanged thru 2020 . 6-Large gas tank. So 67,000 K in now, no problems other than maintenance. The versatile platform,which is a modified sport platform allows a wide spectrum of riding styles. Im 5 foot 8 and only negative for me is its a tallish bike and can be top heavy with all that gas. But alot better after I lowered the bike and the seat as I dont off-road on this bike. Also got the ECU flashed for better low end response, no more lugging at the lower revs. Honestly this bike is super fun and the Kawi engine (which I would not classify as "sane" sounding!)seems to ask for more. There are more sensible middle-weights but Im not bored with this bike at all. For me, its really hard to top dog it no matter how much you spend..
Thank you for the comment. I always like it when long term owners made comments about their experience, that way I learn about personal experience with a particular bike, instead of just "reviews".
Thank you once again,
Scott
I'd have to imagine this bike is due for a cosmetic redesign for next year. I think this model was last updated in 2015. If you look at the Versys 1000, it's updated to Kawasaki's latest design language, reflecting the design of their zx6r super sport and 650, 400 sport bikes.
I would love to see a single headlight upfront again
Just purchased a 2020 versys 650. Smoother and more power than I expected. Throttle is a little snatchy off idle but something I think I can get used to. Gearbox worked good, not overly clunky very direct. Very rideable torque band, anything over 3000 rpm’s like this review says. Seat height wasn’t the issue I thought it would be. Vstrom and tracer 9 felt taller/wider and not as comfortable to sit on. Great video review here, it was one of the reasons I bought the bike.
Thanks for your insights. I appreciate your comparison to the vstrom and Tracer 9 seat height. I'm 5'8" on a good day lol
I'm going to look at a new 21 at the dealer tonight.
I realized I wanted to be riding longer than my 19 Vulcan. Custom was built for.
Cheers
I’m 5’9” with a 30” inseam and I haven’t lowered it and don’t plan to. Would be nice to have an inch lower but I’ll leave it for now. I found the tracer 9 seat pretty uncomfortable to sit on first impression and the vstrom didn’t seem lower seemed higher if anything to me. You do have to watch the abrupt throttle when going slow. Fuel economy is very good, 65 mpg imperial. Has lots of power for anything sane you want to do. Been messing with suspension settings but usually come back to the factory default settings for a good compromise. Makes a good commuter with good wind protection, huge difference than my last bike. Fun to drive fast or slow and passengers seem comfortable for at least an hour or so. Would recommend for sure
I dud fit a Booster Plug and it dies help a bit with the slight snatchiness but the main thing is keep the chain tension correct and I have the tick over set at1400rpm which I think helps. Oh, and ensuring not too much slack in the throttle cables.
NTP,
Having riden both the 650 & 1000 versys, what bike would you prefer to buy if price wasn't the main factor? Also always enjoy your bike reviews, great job & ride safe.
The 1000 is a little too top heavy for my taste, I mean I don't mind heavy bikes but if they are heavy, the weight should be low. I dived the heavyweight ADV group into 4 too heavy and 4 just right :) Tiger1200, Ducati1260, Tenere1200 and Versys1000 all have their weight too high. The 1250GS, Africa Twin, 1290SA, V-Strom1050 all have lower weight feel to them and usually are lower weight too. So I'd take the 650 over the 1000.
Ride safe,
Scott
Nice review. Just a heads-up, motorcycles can be an expensive hobby but having a couple horses ... might just top it :)
Had horses and cycles, horses are little more $$ but not by much I'd say :)
I had been looking at that very bike for some time before I found your Channel. I'm glad to say that you and I are both 5-10 200 lb and I'm pretty close to your age I'm 59. You created a good Baseline since we are the same height and weight thanks for driving in the city and on the highway. I plan on selling my car very soon and heading into Mexico traveling from City to city that I would like to see even this far down as Panama. I believe this might just be the machine for me based on everything you said and especially it's a nice price. Thanks for giving a meaningful review. I keep trying to find somebody that has negative things to say about the bike I guess I'll just have to keep looking😉
Thank you! And good luck with your endeavor!
Yes one can criticize this bike but and this is a big BUT for the money one cannot complain. It just does what it's supposed to do and it does it well. Simple.
take care,
Scott
@@NothingToProve God bless good riding be safe
Great review!
Moto excelente ✌️
Anyway to get about 10% more power? Airbox, injectors, timing, what can you do?
Great video!
The only thing I wish this had was a little more leg wind protection from the fairing.
Your reviews are great.
I appreciate that!
IMO one of the most underrated bikes, in terms of how the press treats it. I've read some horrible things about that engine's reputation, but it is probably fixed in this generation. I also like the traditional instruments, best combination for me (digital+analog)
The more I research this bike the more I like it and would like to get me one.
I own 2014, put two brothers pipe , windscreen change, and bigger sprocket front, and smaller rear, loves it with the torque. Riding in mexico, we don't need to steekin rules country.
I do clutchless upshifts on all my bikes (2-and up) but this Versys has a quickshifter (up and DOWN) or he tranny is so smooth and reliable that you downshift clutchless too?
I think ive found my bike! I got the yamaha 155 aerox now and this looks like the perfect upgrade
You definately won't be upset with the versys 650. And adding a few accessories isnt very expensive compared to other motorcycles.
in the opening you speak of the suspension .......if you take the time and know how to , properly , and dial that mother in , you can carve turns , be smooth over bumps and abberations , whilst smiling. i have the 2019 it is a great bike it likes to be pushed through the rev range fantastic review
You can't really carve turns and be smooth over bumps. You have to choose one or the other or have a compromise.
Fun review very comfortable bike
is it bad for the transmission to shift without pullin in the clutch?
Not if you do it right :)
Would've bought it if the parallel twin motor had a 360-deg or 270-deg crank... basically, anything but a 180-deg crank...
i like ur review......TQ bro
Splendid !