I own this exact bike and, while I can't disagree with a lot of the criticisms, I can say that I don't spend my days riding every other bike out there. I spent $6500 on a motorcycle and got something that is great for commuting, can tour and is a lot more fun to spend time on the road with than a car. I have hard cases that fit a full-face helmet on each side, are key matched and a top case that can hold a weekend's worth of stuff. I have heated grips, adjustable wind protection and 250+ miles of range with an adjustable suspension. If you are a moto-journo who rides everything, everywhere, I can see why this wouldn't blow your hair back. If, however, you are a regular person who has other priorities in their life than whatever it is these gate-keeping, condescending blowhards have, maybe the top of the bell curve for a reasonable price with excellent reliability is exactly what you'd want. Have fun and stay safe on your ride fellas, maybe someday I'll be as cool as you.
Totally. I own one, too. Not everyone has to be Evel Knievel or have 150hp pack of firecrackers between our legs. I sold my DRZ400S (jetted, pipe, etc) that I usually roaded for something I could ride more than two hours and hear myself think. Goes a lot faster than my DRZ, for sure! My riding is not that “technical,” as I like a bit more of a zen thing, but hey, something not mentioned is that this bike can can be pushed and it’s pretty fun to push a bike that will honor you with decent acceleration when you crank it and deliver good cornering… basically a bike you can wind out and it not kill you. As a mix of features and capabilities, there is harmony there and it serves it role well. Oh, and I’ve had kids “wow” at my Versys while parked next to a Ninja, so there! :-)
100%... I can't afford to have a garage full of bikes for every occasion. Instead I bought a cheap, reliable (in my opinion) good looking bike, that is comfortable, has plenty of good looking easy to connect/ disconnect storage, plenty of comfort for long rides, agile enough for good twisties & around town, enough space & power for my wife to ride along... I love this bike, it does everything I ask of it, short of going off road.
“Gate-keeping, condescending blowhards”. I wish I’d said that. Your comment is spot on. I don’t own a Versys, but I’m really done listening to these guys.
It is great for people who only ride for fun and/or can afford a bike for every situation... for most of the world, that is not the case, and I would argue that the Versys ticks more "must have" boxes than most bikes for most people.
@@vebez5993 Where do you live? The reason I ask is that I live in the UK, the older people I know who ride, do drive cars, but that is only when the weather is really bad, or they have to move something big, or they have to take the kids somewhere (so purely practical constraints). Younger people I know who ride, just ride bikes. I have a number of friends from India, and all of them have ridden motorcycles before moving to the UK. I suppose my issue with Yammie and Spike's approach is that they are concerned about their needs and wants, not that of other riders... and so while they have an amusing meme channel, I would suggest that their reviews are lacking as they don't take other people into consideration, and I would suggest that is something they need to work on if they want to be taken seriously.
@@petervenkman69 Probably America. Until the past 2 years, cars have been cheaper than bikes. The roads are large enough and everywhere has enough parking that there's no convenience advantage to motorcycles. Maybe if you live in a college dorm parking is easier, maybe. Winters are cold enough in most of the country that it is either unsafe or impossible to ride a motorcycle. There are 0 practical reasons to own a motorcycle instead of a car in America, they only exist for fun or leisure. In California, filtering through traffic could allow you to commute much faster. But as a dedicated Midwesterner, California is not America.
@@rightwingsafetysquad9872 That's pretty much what I figured to be honest, while here my parking is free, I can filter, snow is very rare (haven't had it at all for 3 years), bikes can be cheaper, petrol is cheaper. Basically if you are single or a couple who needs a 2nd vehicle, I would argue a bike should be seriously considered.
Have you seen the other bikes Kawasaki makes? Compared to its brethren it's ugly as sin. It's like a Maxima and a Juke, you wouldn't believe they were both made by Nissan.
@@johnkluge3421 I mean ktms are ugly too, you're absolutely right but so is this thing. And I'm a Kawasaki simp, I've bought nothing but Kawasaki for all my years riding and I love them to death but this one just isn't where the bread is buttered
I even think the 1st and 2nd gen look great (though admittedly I own the former.) I've seriously considered a KTM for my second bike, but cannot get over that headlight. So gross.
Love the vids guys but Im starting to think riding the best of the best so often that your loosing touch with what it's all about. Sometimes just being on two wheels and taking in the scenery is just as good as going fast. Also beginners and intermediate riders would probably build a whole lot more confidence on this rather than a BMW 1250.
So to get this straight... You don't like it because it comes with lockable waterproof hard bags, it's comfortable to commute on daily, handles well in turns, quicker than all of the traffic around you while getting 45+ mpg, has a huge tank that allows 250 mile fill-ups, and is as reliable as they come? So it's practical and that makes it suck? Sounds like you're the kind of "riders" that use your bikes as toys. Those of us that commute daily regardless of weather and put 12k plus miles on the clock every year know the true value of the Versys. But hey, I bet your friends think you're cool. Thought this might be the video that brought me back to the channel, but nope. You should probably take some lessons from real moto-journalists like Zack Courts and Ari Henning.
I think he’s just saying it’s not a “great” bike. When there’s so much better competition it’s still good but is it competing? And yes yammie views bikes as toys, it’s just a different perspective that you get mad at when he doesn’t think your bike is that great. I daily commute on my motorcycle but I know most people don’t do that and are not going to have the same perspective of motorcycles as just transportation. It’s a bike that makes sense to you and I and it’s still fun but lacks a bit of umphh. I think they need a different engine in a few of their bikes to change that.
@@vebez5993 I wouldn't disagree about the different engines. When it comes to how they evaluate bikes, I think they really need to go on record to state that they view bikes as an occasional vehicle rather than as a daily rider. There is nothing wrong with that perspective, except a lot of people actually have practical uses for a bike, and therefore while the memes on the channel might be fun, the reviews are fairly meaningless for those people. The problem is Yammie tries to be funny and a serious bike channel at the same time. It is possible to do that Ryan F9 pulls it off. The trick is to understand riders and their needs. Now I think that Yammie felt he was broadening his horizons when he brought Spike on as Spike is a Harley dude.. and yes, actually that did help a bit... but not much, that just meant that you have 2 people with different biases. To be a "propper" motorcycle reviewer you need to be concerned with the needs of other people, not just your personal desires.
I own the same exact bike. I bought it new in 2015 and have put almost 80,000 miles on it so far. It’s incredibly dependable. I ride it to work almost every day. I also own a 2021 Kawasaki zx14r. Each bike is built for a purpose. I love my Versys and I’m going to ride it to the ground. It’s the best $8600 I’ve ever spent.
Pfft what do you know riding every day and 80k !? I'd rather listen to someone who rides their big liter sport bike for half an hour once a year while shiting themselves...... (Obviously joking - I like you)
@@georgel3657 lol. When my Versys dies in maybe 5 to 10 more years, I’m buying another one. Since i live in Miami, I ride year round and only use my car when it rains. 50mpg’s on regular gas is great right now.
Lets put it this way... Its 5k bike that you dont like cause it doesnt feel like 30k bike... it has 70hp but it doesnt give you hardon like 150hp. Its comfortable bike but not as sporty as you want it to be... And its not screaming like hell.... oh btw, its unkillable lawnmower engine that will outlast most of the super expensive screaming ones👍
Agreed. Spite picked a Harley Davidson Pan American which comes with a sticker above $20,000 and then dunked on the versys 650 because it was so much worse at 5K. If I was to get a bike that is the same price as the versus 650 they test rode but is better in every way which they supposedly give the impression is easy to do, which bike would that be? They never tell you
Just like they did with the Vulcan S. Spite just can't admit that the Vulcan S will dust up on everything in the Harley lineup except for the V-Rod and Livewire for $8k.
The mt07 engine is also super fun and reliable. Kawasaki needs to create a better/more fun engine. I think his point is that it’s just a average bike, it’s not super fun or special in anyway, and lacking character. It’s still a motorcycle at the end of the day so it’s still fun and it’s not a bad bike at all but it’s definitely not the best bike. If you have one that awesome don’t listen to anyone else, but if you’re looking for motorcycle around that price there is a lot better options.
No need to hate the Versys. It's very similar to the V-strom. It's very reliabe and with the right farkles it can do some off road work. The motor is way better than the KLR650 thumper. It is also way more fun to ride than a Harley. Ohhhhhhhhhhh!
@@MrKillervincent I guess the other angle a VStrom has over the Versys is that it can be, or at least look, a bit more adventure, esp if go for XT version spoked wheels, throw on a real skidplate on. Also, as you say, the V twin (or L twin) gives the VStrom 'something' but I hear that is going to be replaced by parallel twin. So that might be a risk to the brand - can it still be a V if no V.....- will it suffer Versysitis in engine terms??
@@eamonnmurphy5039 VStrom has no chance keeping up w/ the Versys on the backroad. It may be a better interstate bike, and can do some off-road, but if you're gonna carve corners, not close.
One of the best motorcycles of the 20+ I've owned. That engine is way more exciting than they are willing to give it credit for, the intake roar when you open it up in the right gear is really nice. Comfortable all day touring, great bags. Heated grips are a $100 aftermarket install. Faster and more fun in the twisties than the average bike. I only sold mine because the KLX in the garage gave me a bit too much taste for dirt so it's stable mate is now a 850GSA. If I didn't need the knobbies the Versys would have been a real long relationship, it just does everything well enough. But to each his own and if you're comparing it to a 1250cc adventure bike or a turbo Busa then I guess it's just not exciting enough.
What this review fails to acknowledge is how remarkable an achievement it is to be a little above average at everything. That's incredible. It lived up to its name as a versatile system. It's practical and very much not recreational in its riding dynamics. Motorcyles are romantic objects, usually. I get it; you want a motorcycle that knows what it is, and excels at that, at the expense of other things, because those specialized motorcycles are what give us amazing riding experiences most easily (particularly guys who are spoiled with a variety of more expensive machines very regularly). You guys are reviewing that versys on the wrong terms. It is not an uncompromising, specialized tool. I get it that someone who is used to riding amazing machines, doing the thing that they're best at, for a day at a time, isn't going to be impressed by the versys over the course of a one day review. But most people can only afford one motorcycle, and they have to live with it for a few years. The fact that a versys owner isn't held back from dipping a toe into any kind of riding experience is really something. You can try anything on the versys and you're not gonna have a terrible time. And if you're not used to a wide swath of expensive bikes, and the versys is all you know, you're going to LOVE it. Being average at everything is great. Instead of comparing the versys to the performance leader in every type of riding you can do with it, grade it more holistically; what bike can do a little bit of everything better than the versys?
Totally disagree with most of the negative things they say. I literally saw it and said: MAN, this the bike I want! It's more than enough power than most people know what to do with, great (adjustable) suspension and all day comfort. The intake note is lovely, exhaust is not impressive, but if that's really important for you to have a load bike, you're probably over compensating for something!
I own a 2020, trust me you don't want a different exhaust if you are using it for long trips, it will pierce your head. It's one of the best road oriented tourers you can get.
Yeah, this review sold me. The Honda Civic sport hatch of motorcycles is what I want. Just a bit sporty, looks ok but mostly comfortable and reliable. Jack of all trades? Yes please.
Its interesting reading the comments because my feeling is that they actually loved this motorcycle. I am a totally biased Versys owner but I've ridden a lot of motorcycles over 30yrs for reference and I still think it is a good bike 👍.
To each his own, but i love riding my Versys 650. I do at least 10k a year on it... And I like a bike that i can ride to the limit and still master, not one of the hundreds of massively overpowered bikes that 95% of riders buy to look cool but need to come with tons of electronics in order to just stay alive ... And I ride with ear plugs, so about the sound: 🤷🏼♂️
I had a first gen versys, I was doing unspeakable things. Scraping peg/foot on a regular basis. I'm not sure how I didn't die, but I did ride it like a moto gp bike
This is the bike I own and I absolutely love it. I can imagine thinking it’s boring if I’ve ridden every liter bike out there, turbocharged busas, and basically every flagship motorcycle like these guys have. I guess having access to such premium motorcycles all the time is a double edged sword.
Have you done and exhaust, intake and tune on it? I have owned a few bikes, mostly dual sports, I have yet to own a bike that wasn't a blast to ride. My Honda C70 (still have) or my Honda 230L was just just as fun as my custom built Honda XR250, 2 KTM 625SXC's, my KTM 450EXC (still own) or my new Harley Softail.
I bought my 2016 Versys 650 without even testriding it. It just ticked all the boxes for travelling and commuting. And track days? It’s all about the rider. I’ve chased some much faster bikes around. This bike is not bad - it’s the suv of the bike world. It’s nothing special in any category, but it can do very good in most of the categories.
What is funny about that to me is the guy they rented the bike from is also a Moto journalist. Ari rides super bikes like the H2 or Ducati V4, and all the latest and greatest bikes in the world. He holds several track records and is one of the best riders in the world. Yet this is his personal bike that he "dailies", and loves it. This is the bike he chooses to use when he just wants to go out and have fun. That is a testament to how great of a bike it is. Yammi and Spite have just built a brand out of dunking on the Kawi 650 line up (Vulcan S, Ninja 650, Z650, Versys 650, Z650RS).
@@NeoTunedOfficial can recommend that for commuting. With the automatic transmission, the thickest of traffic is relaxing to drive through, and the fuel to fun ratio is okay enough. Especially compared to other commuting options, it is about the best, only beat by electric motorbikes, probably. So many people treat motorbikes as they must must must be toys only and must not have a practical transportation use. Most of these guys ride it only on the sunny weekends, tho. I like the bike that doesn't push itself in the foreground of the ride experience. Like yam here enjoys the road and the scenery, not the bike. The bike is a tool, and some see that as heresy.
@@es-br8ck I agree. Most Americans have motorcycles as a side vehicle and I think most subs do too. I guess I shouldn't make assumptions though. Anyways, for those of us that use their bike as primary transportation the more boring bikes that get poor reviews often make the best daily riders and gain a cult following. Like the Honda Pacific Coast. I was using my boring FZ6 since I bought it new in 2007 and still love it. I've also used some scooters in that time and am currently riding a mini moto most days until I narrow down on my next daily. Reserving the FZ6 for touring mostly. I do have to agree that if your getting a bike just for fun then go for the one that inspires you even if it's less practical, unless your just learning 😉.
2 wheels beats a car unless there's ice on the road, for me. When there's ice on the road, still the case but I have to switch to my bicycle which has Nokian W240 carbide studded tires. Gets around better than a car on ice.
I really don’t what there is to goof on with this bike. Not sure I can say the same about the reviewers. ahem. It’s a great beginner/ do anything/ do everything/ easy to live with/ commuter/ tourer bike. Nice job Kawasaki.
I have to agree w/the comments about gatekeeping below....this is an unsubscribe from the channel for me (better late than never - first time seeing this video). I've found other videos entertaining, knowing that many have a love/hate w/this guy. But I don't think making fun of other people and their bikes is the way to go. And, as a female rider who is on the receiving end of gatekeepers on a consistent basis, I'd be on the wrong side of the fence, I think, if I kept listening to what Yammie has to say.
I saw that thumbnail and my first thought was “Ari you serious? You guys have got to be Henning me with this. It’s a Versys 650, not some major Revzilla machine!”
Full disclaimer: I have a '18 Versys and love it. Here's the thing I think they miss: Kawi made it this way on purpose. On my ride into work There's a few traffic circles, 24 miles of interstate, and then two rail crossings that make nice little wheelie bumps. You can ride comfortably standing up (like a supermoto!?), over obstacles or through gravel or crappy pavement. This is one half hour of my day, each way, that is way more fun on a Versys than I could ever have on a liter sport bike or naked especially when you factor in the interstate stretch where the Versys is superb. If you approach it like a bland, boring, bike that's probably how you're going to ride it.
Grew up on dirt bikes and then sport bikes in my college days. Went 20 years without a motorcycle. The Versys 650 was the perfect bike to get back into the game. Now that the skills and experience has come back its time to step up to something with a more power, handling, features…Ducati supersport 950 maybe. No regrets buying the Versys!
While the Multistrada is a great bike, I’m looking to go back to my sport bike roots. But given I’m a couple decades past my 20s nor do I need 200HP …Supersport 950S or RS 660 seem to be my best options.
Please stop pushing the fallacy that a street bike is "high mileage" at 20-30K miles. The only thing high mileage about a street bike at 30k miles is that motorcyclists just tend to not ride very much and tend to not put on miles like a car. This gives people the false impression that bike miles of 30k are equal to a car at like 175k as far as wear an tear so they think a bike at 30+ K miles is worn out and worth half as the same bike that has just 10k miles or so, or less! Bikes are just like cars and can easily last 100-200k miles the same as a car as long as maintenance is kept up.
Five out of ten my ass. The reason this review fails miserably is because the reviewers frame their assessments in the eyes of their own particular wants. Mr. Panamerica is Exhibit A. I appreciate reviews where the assessment is are from the perspectives of potential purchasers of that class of bike. These two guys don't understand that.
That is not just any Versys 650, that is THE Versys 650. And I gotta say, it looks much better than the one he and his buddy took around the race track
But clearly, THAT owner wouldn't choose such a "boring, souless" bike to travel all over with, right? Its not like HE'S tried tons of different motorcycles in his lifetime, but STILL chose a Versys 650 as one of his personal bikes.....hmmmm......
So let me get this straight: All your criticisms very much go like, "The engine sucks, but...it doesn't for what it is meant to do"; "The looks suck, but...they don't, not realy"; "The handling sucks, but...they are great for those that it is designed for"; "The presence sucks...compared to a bike you cannot even get in America"; "It is cheap, but....rather inexpensive, and actually quite loaded"; "It sounds like a lawnmower, but...so do all other twins, and by the way, it is an indestructible lawnmower", etc., etc..... Did I miss something else? You know, I drive a Honda minivan (Two in fact), and I have friends who give me shit because they drive the likes of Honda Type R, etc., but I noticed every time we go out of town on a trip, I'm the one who is driving them. And not because of space, but for any trip over four hours? Yeah. I also had for years a Porsche, which I absolutely loved to drive...occasionally, given that I had to change the battery once a year because I didn't drive it all that often. But whenever I did drive it, I loved it for what it was and what it did. And I remember one time "racing" a guy in a Corvette on a long, slightly twisty highway, doing 120, until I noticed behind us a first generation Chrysler minivan, with the fake wood on the side, keeping right up with us. Yeah, that is what is called, "PERSPECTIVE". I do understand how fun is to beat up on the small kid in the school yard, but maybe you should grow tha' fuck up, and do your jobs, which just in case you keep forgetting, it is to give encouragement to people who don't ride, help those who do want to ride, and steer those who do ride - not on your own uninformed prejudices, but on what the gear is designed for, how well it executes its design, and who would benefit from it. Or maybe I'm wrong and you actually do think that everyone who doesn't ride a "turbo busa" should be looked down upon.
I've been commuting in LA traffic with one for a couple years now. It's the perfect commuter. Also have fun taking it out in the Twisties like Little Tujunga canyon
This bike seems to get a lotta hate. I have a 2021 and love it for my work commute. Reliable, fun, and great MPG. I installed a Leo Vince exhaust to make it sound better, Corbin seat, and bigger windscreen. I worry a lot more about loving the ride versus trying to present a certain cool factor to the world.
I've got one of these and love it! For those of us w/out big budgets, it's a good bike for the daily and fun in the twisties w/out giving you a backache after an hr. Two Bros exhaust gives me a way better sound than stock, btw.
Plus you can get a Versys 650 + a KLR 650 + a huge pile of brand new ATGATT gear for the price of the Pan America. That's a lot of fun to be had for the bucks. in my area, you can get your choice of dozens of brand new outgoing year Versys 650 LTs for around $6500. That's what I always do. Especially since for years at a time, the only difference between model years is the color.
My thought is, if you can’t have fun on almost any bike (short of it just being the wrong ergonomics for you or something) then you’re doing something wrong, or approaching motorcycles in a way that needs a reset. I have tons of fun on my Z400, and I did on my CB500F. Weekend rides with guys on every type of bike, weeknight rides to unwind after work, touring all over Ontario including 2500km trips. Loved every kilometre of it. *edit* I should add, I’m not tall and weigh about 160 lbs, so my Z may be not enough for some, but nobody should need 200hp to have fun on the road.
Another words... It's for mature people that don't go 80mph around blind corners in a 40mph zone, that enjoy the scenery and nimbleness of a bike on twisty roads. like along California's coast.
Bought a Versys 650 to get back into riding and it's an amazing bike over 20,000 miles in two years and I don't use it to commute just for fun and cruising. I've taken it on multiple 3000+ mile trips, did 760 miles in one day. I ride it more often than my ZX-6R it's just playful and fun.
Man i love my 2012 Versys! It's my daily commuter, it's great on gas, it's low maintenance and it's never let me down. You guys sound like a couple of spoiled rich kids. I don't ride 20k motorcycles, but all the extras that you talk about can be added aftermarket so don't complain about that crap. I love riding, guess it don't matter what I ride as long as I'm riding somewhere.
I Had a Ducati scrambler Icon, really fun and the engine ( despite the countless fake neutrals ) was much faster than the Versys 650 but I have to tell you ( and it's personal of course ) I changed it for a Versys 650 2021 and I never felt happier. the Bike is a lot more fun than what they make it look like in the video, I change the front sprocket for an extra tooth and the bike is perfect for easy long rides but also for curving twisties because it allows you to play more with second and third gear: if ridden on the sweet spot 3500 to 8000 rpm the engine is actually very responsive It's not the engine of the century but if you use it well it can be loooooads of fun: I annoy (overtake) a lot of guys on naked bikes in the twisties that cannot believe how agile this bike can be, I never see him pushing the gears in the video, he's riding it like a grandpa. Needles to say that you cannot compare it to a 1 liter but it's a much better bike than one can think of.
I love my 2015 Versys. 53K miles on it. I have other bikes but always end up on the Versys. Ride it in the Santa Cruz and San Mateo mountains with no issues. I also ride it in San Francisco, pretty much daily. Also gets great gas mileage - minimum 50 mpg, but as high as 70 mpg. Yes, really.
I've owned my Versys 650 for 3 years and it is by far the best bike I've ever owned. Comfortable with good wind protection and storage for long rides, good gas mileage, reliable, can carve twisties no problem all for under 6k. I don't mind the engine sound, like the way it looks and can get down on it in a way that it is plenty peppy and fun. Not a drop of buyers remorse with my Versys and will never sell it.
I love when these tools talk about something being boring or beige. Spite is a walking talking cellphone belt clip and Yamantha wearing around his "dad" hat and Darth Vader boots. Stick to reviewing bikes that you like, because that was dreadful. The bike isn't for me either but damn .
I love my 2021 Versys 650. Yesterday two guys in a heavy-duty lifted Chevy pickup truck pulled beside me at a light, rolled down the window, and said .... NICE BIKE Man!
Always have disagreed with using boring as a negative light on some bikes. Where boring can honestly be switched with beginner friendly or easier to control. Boring can also be a better commuter or travel bike where something more jerky would be better for the track or short trips.
Only saying this because thinking of my younger self or people who are more impressionable. Seeing videos likes these where bikes are described as boring make steer newer and less experienced riders to buy a bike they can't handle due to certain videos. Nothing against you guys and I still watch every video. Just food for thought ✌️
@@ahunterohio Also that "boring" usually mean stable and safe. A grom with 69 horses would be exciting, but probably not too fun in highway traffic where you are fighting for your life.
Only speaking for my own tastes I think it looks great, and as far as the sound who cares. It's a parallel twin. None of them sound good regardless of the configuration. The quieter the exhaust system, the better. Just 69 hp you say? Out of 650cc's that's nothing to complain about. I had one of the early 750 Hondas (a 1974 that I bought new) and if my memory serves they were 67 hp which was plenty then and probably still is. If you're riding high powered bikes all the time, of course it might feel a bit underwhelming, but for the average rider I think it would probably rate a lot better than a 5 out of 10. Just my opinion, and still a great video. Would love to see you do something similar with the V-Strom 650. ;)
What? Parallel twin that sounds good: Yamaha Cp2 , Hondas 1100, basically all twin triumph's....hell even the 650 by royal Enfield sounds awesome... Not true..they can sound better than any inline 4 imho.
@@eQui253 I guess different strokes for different folks but I started out on a 500 BSA Royal Star that belonged to my dad, bought a 500 Triumph Tiger 100 of my own, then a 750 Matchless, followed by a 450 Honda (best of the bunch by a long way so far) followed that with my 750 Honda, and then a new CB1100F in '83. To my ears the 4 cylinders sounded a thousand times better.
The MT-07, 890 Duke, Bonneville, and others sound significantly better than the abysmal flat plane in the Kawi. The Versys is a good bike. But the engine just sucks. The Yamaha engine is punchier and more responsive while having practically the same displacement and output.
Yeah I literally couldn't give less of a shit what my bike sounds like once I'm on it. I like the sound of a revving bike with a nice exhaust note in theory, but then I imagine having to listen to it all the damn time or ride through a quiet neighborhood and can't get my head around wanting that.
Let's put it this way... It is affordable bike, that is reliable, decently quick, capable and comfortable... And has more personality than most riders on the road.
You guys kill me. You lambast any of Kawasaki's 650 bikes, EVEN THOUGH, they continue to be very popular. Hmm, so you guys are right and everyone else is wrong huh? Funny, very funny.
You guys are funny this is the crappiest review ever lmao lemme go do some turns and try and brap a stock non race bike , but never tried anything to actually compare it to any bikes besides the z650 🙃
Versys does not deserve such a poor review, especially one with a big ad in the middle. The bike deserves an 8/10 rating, but the review only gets a 2/10.
ARI'S BIKE! I love my Versys! (1st Gen, though) I shopped used bikes, looked at, sat on them forever. In contast to many, apparently, I fell in love with its quirky looks immediately, and bought as a first bike especially for universal-ness of it...my only disappointment really has been engine note. Knew you wouldn't hate it. Wish Spite had ridden it, he was just nonstop hating!
I re-entered street riding after a long absence on a new 2007 Versys. It was absolutely PERFECT for that mission. Totally controllable, comfortable, free of nasty surprises, very competent. A fantastic platform to work on ME. Today, I ride an MT-10, so yeah. Not sure I'd go back. BUT that Versys is super great for lots of people. And no wheelies the bike decides it wants to do of its own accord. Bonus for beginners. :-)
Oh, but it will do great wheelies when desired! Clutch up second gear, or 1st power wheelies (a careless person could do those accidentally for sure though, imho)
I think you guys are suffering from "motorcycle reviewer syndrome". You get to ride all kinds of bikes, often the newest and most upspec ones, for just a few rides, so you essentially get spoiled, you're not impressed with "good enough" you always want something that has something more. That's all well and good but it doesn't speak to the reality of actually owning said bikes, living with them every day. I was dead set on the category of a tall sport tourer with 17inch road wheels and I needed it for daily use. This category is not as big as people think since most tall tourers are adv bikes, with an off road element that most people rarely take advantage of. The KTM 990 SMT, the old Multi, the Tiger 1050 Sport, and others. All great bikes, all top of the line with great performance and no compromises, but looking into buying either one of those and you inevitably hear all about their iffy reliability and high cost maintenance. The Tracer 700 has a great engine but is overall in every other respect less of a bike. It's smaller, more budget, more fun at times but less utilitarian for all around use. The Versys is most definitely a bang for buck bike, and the fact that it's popular in both the west and east, as well as the fact that it's biggest competition, the Tiger 660, came out 15 years later, it's really a testament to how well designed this bike has been since the beginning. Looking at its contemporary 2007 competition when it released paints an even clearer picture of just how big a void in the market it filled. I did get one, replacing a BMW GS, and sure I do miss the engine, but in literally every other regard it's been a better bike, not just for me but the money I've saved on maintenance and the trust I have built over its reliability compared to my experience with the bimmer has enabled me to enjoy motorcycling more overall. I use it more often, I take it on longer trips and I'm having a better experience. Sure there are other better bikes out there but they're toys for richer people, this is a very approachable bike for a whole lot more people
Rode it once. Bought one the next day. Conceded 90hp coming from my beamer 1600. Never regretted it one second. And still riding with the beamer club. Even on dirt, sand and through forests she holds her own. I’m really, really happy with this bike!
I once was riding my mountain bike around town and saw a high viz. vest with the markings of our local power company laying on the road, so I grabbed it. Wear it every time I ride now. Whether it’s Popping wheelies or clocking 150 on my liter bike, because it’s an FZ1 with a top case and the high viz. makes me invisible to cops. do other people look cooler? Maybe, but I am more comfortable and a better rider doing cooler shit, I win. It actually is a great troll lure for squids; I’ll get people on 400s trying to dunk on me all the time because I got the high viz. vest, so I MaxPass™ them in a dank nooner, top case, high viz. and all… The only people worried about looking like a square with a high viz. vest are people who are actually squares.
I don’t understand these guys. I own a 2019 Versey 650 and I absolutely love it. I came from riding a CBR 1000 and a Yamaha R1. And this bike has more than enough power for you to have fun while also getting 50 miles to the gallon and being very comfortable to ride. Bought this for 7700 brand new. No complaints and it’s the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. These dudes don’t know what they’re talking about
I’ve got a 2014 Versys, being 6’4” there’s few mid range bikes I can fit on and not look ridiculous. It came with 28k miles on it. I spent a bit of money servicing all the main parts. Cost me £3000. Cheap Motorcycle, never gives me any issues, just a good all rounder. I’d love an MT09 but can’t afford one right now, I’d like an MT07 but they’re too small for me, so will save my pennies and maybe one day with be on the MT09. Sounds like you’re just crapping on people with limited budgets and need something reliable and functional. The sniggering just pisses me off.
As a owner of the GT650 I'm gonna go with the royal enfield. The bike is like a blank slate when it comes to customization and upgrades. It's up to you to fit it with everything you want cause that's what café is about
Can't really compare. The Enfield has far more presence and character. 270° crank gives the engine a beautiful throaty sound unlike this bike's sewing machine quality. Steel brake lines, slipper clutch, ABS standard, Bosch FI, etc.
@@rudolphpyatt4833 they will certainly not judging by 4 years worth of Discord shitposting. That said, I was glad to see that it's at least liquid cooled.
Finally, some Versys, dare I say, love? Haha! I own the 2011-2014 version which I would argue is the best looking version. I have some farkles for rural country riding, bash plate, engine guards, grip warmers, honestly it has that budget GS look. Great bike, fun on twisty's, and capable on gravel roads with some 80/20 spec rubber. Is it the ultimate "one" bike, no, but will it make you smile, yes. Perhaps the best beginner bike that you can keep for more than a year and still enjoy.
Honestly I've settled on a two bike solution, versys 650 as my tourer/everyday bike and something for pure fun. Having a bike that's comfortable, super easy to maintain, handles well in twisties AND can do 250 miles to a tank is useful. But i still want an rs660 or a supermoto for the fun factor.
The big fat guy couldn't fit in any type of bike in my opinion. The thin guy would fit only for a 125cc bike in my more honest opinion. There you are, my thoughts
i really dont get this review at all! i have owned hayabusa, blackbird, vfr 1200f, gtr 1400, firestorm 1000, vfr 800 , ninja 1000.. By far this has been my favourite!! better fuel, insurance, comfort, fun, license keeping. i love the engine? Beginners bike? i have been riding 20 years? you can ride the pants of it in comfort and still keep your license. anything over 120hp you cant use legally on the road and can only go fast in a straight line.. no you cant brag about its prowess buts thats more to do with your ego than anything else.. Name a better bike for same price, with same attributes mainly comfort ... i'm 6'4....
I have a 2018. I know it's nerdy, but as a tall person, I wanted a bike I didn't look ridiculous on. It's my first bike, so I wasn't trying to break the bank.
I'm tall but not super tall, and it wouldn't be my first bike, but the versys 650 is a sweet spot bike for me. Comfortable and practical enough to tour on, light enough and powerful enough to have fun on. Seriously underrated imo
You guys are lame. Not everyone has unlimited money. This bike is awesome for the price. Has more than enough power to cruise at 80 mph then rip past traffic. Comfortable and smooth when cornering. Not an adventure bike but can do gravel roads and hard trails. Go ahead and spend twice the money for a slightly better bike with more power. Done with Yammie Noob.
You see, guys, not every motorcyclist is an ironic-unironic millennial asshole; some people can enjoy things without worrying about whether you think they look cool, and appreciate the huge value.
Yes, Yammie you were. I have 11 horses in my stable and a Versys 650 is one of them. I do all my Iron Butts on it. If I could keep only one it would be the Versys 650. If you ever find yourself in St. Louis hit me up. You can ride any one of them.
I did everything on a versys. Rode it at CoTA, Put knobbies on it, used it as a woods bike, used it for commuting. Lowered the gearing when the power started feeling predictable. Got a heavy duty skid plate when the off road riding kept ripping off the muffler. Raised the front fender to a dirtbike fender because the tire hugging fender would get broken off or stopped the bike from mud clogging in it. I learned alot about how and why everything was configured on a motorcycle because I could keep adjusting this strong little versatile machine more into what I wanted. There is limits, so I did replace it, but it wasn't possible with a single bike. I replaced with a street legal Honda XR650R Dirtbike and a Triumph Street Triple 675 Daytona. In my view it was the only way to replace all the Versys offered. I still miss it. Now, The experienced motorcyclist in me knows that the excitement a 675 triumph motor would add to Versys 650 frame would be a near perfect motorcycle- better than the triumph 675 it would borrow the motor from. At any rate, anyone who ever bought a klr650 has no right saying anything about a Versys. Not only do you look like a dork, your bike is also turd that weighs more with half the hp.
Planning to ride from Yosemite, Area 51 in ghe Nevada Sierras on some gravel and dirt roads, and some loops above the Grand Canyon North Rim. Lost some strength due to health issues. What’s your opinion on this bike for handling that sort of offroading? I figure it can handle the highways berween there and back to the Midwest fine.
I am on my third versys MK1,MK2 now a MK3 Grand Tourer I go all over europe its done almost 18,000 miles its never broke down starts first time every time , its comfy and for a single guy on tour its more than enough fitted a Center stand ,heated grips, MRA screen front and rear huggers rad guard GPS mount and more its a great bike i will be getting the MK4 next year :)
I got a versys 650 for my first real road bike I think its great. It takes me from home to work and back again. Plus it has way more power than the crf250l I started on. I personally think that it is a good bike for less experience riders and it will help them learn before they move to anything bigger
In my opinion the bike is less Dweeby than Yammie wearing hardcore moto boots with literally any motorcycle style. Appropriate for sport or maybe adv but looks a little goofy wearing street gear. With all due respect 🤝
These guys have never felt the pain of a road trip with a Yamaha XS650 Special....a lot of complaints about a great motorcycle. All their complaining sold me on getting one of these LOL.
Here in the UK, the ER-6f/ Ninja 650 has always been proclaimed as a bike that is way more than the sum of it's parts, and generally lives up to that reputation. The Versys kind of tags onto that hype when actually it is just a premium commuter bike; simple, comfy, practical, reliable and quick enough to have fun on the ride home. I use two-wheels for my daily commute and general running-around and so bikes like that are great; they do a fabulous job a being the "second car" alternative, but the Versys (And V-Strom 650) will never set the world alight. I think of the Versys as the ancestor of the old ER5, a dumpy old parallel twin 500cc bike that was THE training school bike and the budget commuter choice for decades because they are basically un-killable, and we do need a few bikes like that in the world. At least this gen Versys is better than the old stacked headlight model which was genuinely awful to look at.
So then quick question. If I was to buy a bike for the same price as the one test rode in this video but is better in every way because the versys 650 is so bland boring and aggressively beige, which one would that be?
@@BaldKiwi117 I owned one, and I own a versys and a Tracer 900. The fz6 is actually pretty slow until you hit at least 10000rpm, which you seldom get to in every day riding. The versys is a perfect commuter and light on fuel.
@@AllTheNamesAreGone lol I have one too. I get what you're saying but the guy said he wanted suggestions for something not bland. I think the fz6 with the modified r6 engine has more character than a versys
hey next you guys should compare a schoolbus to a bugatti chiron..Just so I can waste 29mins of my life watching you shit on the schoolbus for not being a very good hypercar.
I think personally the versys 1000 makes more sense i test rode both these bikes and while the 650 has it's shine in certain small aspects the 1000 versys has the true Versys magic
I tested both on Kawasaki Green days (testing day where you can borrow a bike for small fee for one hour) and I have to say Versys 1000 is a dad bike. I felt Im not old enough for that shit. I own 2007 Versys 650 and newer model is basically the same maybe bit more muffled by newer Euro emision norms. On the other hand, Z 900 was such a blast Im now considering switching to naked from the V650 :D
@@thilo7546 Z900 RS is kinda a dream bike of mine, but it cost 1/3 more than regular Z900. I know the target customer is not necesarily the same for those but w/e. So, maybe I'll buy used one in few years :D
My wife bought a 2018 V650 new. After a variety of farkles, she still never got to like it. It did suffer from some fairly serious throttle snatch that an ECU only partly cured (and made it faster and smoother, thanks Shoodaben Engineering). She sold it in favor of the Ninja version, more to her style. She has two of them, older and new. I rode her '18 some and never fell in love, either. Not that it wasn't exceptionally functional, but it didn't really grab me at the time. But at the 2021 EMS outdoor bike show the Kawasaki rep insisted I try the demo V650 and so I did. For some reason, it was far nicer in the engine bay than my wife's '18, smoother and non-snatchy (old guy raised on carburetors- throttle snatch is just not acceptable). It bears mention that maybe the Versys 650's best feature is the suspension, which is rather upscale from this bike's price point. The ride is really, really nice, and well-controlled. The hard parts are a big improvement over the Ninja, Z, and Vulcan versions. A V-Strom 650 has a better engine and is a bit faster, but the Versys is superior in almost every other way, including build quality. (I own one myself.)
Get yourself 10% off over at Ridge.com/yammienoob by using the code "YAMMIENOOB"
Rent a bike in your area (no versys 650's pls): www.twistedroad.com
Lol at bike stuff. All while here I am with a shitty 125cc Chinese scooter thats back in the garage for the 6th time this month.
I wouldn't rent one iv got one.
Exactly as you guys say. Does everything you need but nothing more. I was glad to see you finally test ride one.
As a commuter bike, it's a 10
What's the seat height? And is it adjustable? I'm only 5'6" Thanks!
@@FormerMPSGT Make sure to sit on one before buying it. Get the lower aftermarket seat. Height doesn't matter, it's your inseam that matters.
I own this exact bike and, while I can't disagree with a lot of the criticisms, I can say that I don't spend my days riding every other bike out there. I spent $6500 on a motorcycle and got something that is great for commuting, can tour and is a lot more fun to spend time on the road with than a car. I have hard cases that fit a full-face helmet on each side, are key matched and a top case that can hold a weekend's worth of stuff. I have heated grips, adjustable wind protection and 250+ miles of range with an adjustable suspension. If you are a moto-journo who rides everything, everywhere, I can see why this wouldn't blow your hair back. If, however, you are a regular person who has other priorities in their life than whatever it is these gate-keeping, condescending blowhards have, maybe the top of the bell curve for a reasonable price with excellent reliability is exactly what you'd want. Have fun and stay safe on your ride fellas, maybe someday I'll be as cool as you.
Totally. I own one, too. Not everyone has to be Evel Knievel or have 150hp pack of firecrackers between our legs. I sold my DRZ400S (jetted, pipe, etc) that I usually roaded for something I could ride more than two hours and hear myself think. Goes a lot faster than my DRZ, for sure! My riding is not that “technical,” as I like a bit more of a zen thing, but hey, something not mentioned is that this bike can can be pushed and it’s pretty fun to push a bike that will honor you with decent acceleration when you crank it and deliver good cornering… basically a bike you can wind out and it not kill you. As a mix of features and capabilities, there is harmony there and it serves it role well.
Oh, and I’ve had kids “wow” at my Versys while parked next to a Ninja, so there! :-)
100%... I can't afford to have a garage full of bikes for every occasion. Instead I bought a cheap, reliable (in my opinion) good looking bike, that is comfortable, has plenty of good looking easy to connect/ disconnect storage, plenty of comfort for long rides, agile enough for good twisties & around town, enough space & power for my wife to ride along... I love this bike, it does everything I ask of it, short of going off road.
They never tried to push it into curves lol
“Gate-keeping, condescending blowhards”. I wish I’d said that. Your comment is spot on. I don’t own a Versys, but I’m really done listening to these guys.
At 13:30 he says “with heated grips and cruise control I think this would be a sweet little motorcycle”. Did you watch the video?
You guys definitely have different ideas about riding that many of out here in this world have.
It is great for people who only ride for fun and/or can afford a bike for every situation... for most of the world, that is not the case, and I would argue that the Versys ticks more "must have" boxes than most bikes for most people.
@@petervenkman69 agree it’s just about perspective. Everyone I know that has a motorcycle has a car so their motorcycle is their weekend toy.
@@vebez5993 Where do you live? The reason I ask is that I live in the UK, the older people I know who ride, do drive cars, but that is only when the weather is really bad, or they have to move something big, or they have to take the kids somewhere (so purely practical constraints). Younger people I know who ride, just ride bikes.
I have a number of friends from India, and all of them have ridden motorcycles before moving to the UK.
I suppose my issue with Yammie and Spike's approach is that they are concerned about their needs and wants, not that of other riders... and so while they have an amusing meme channel, I would suggest that their reviews are lacking as they don't take other people into consideration, and I would suggest that is something they need to work on if they want to be taken seriously.
@@petervenkman69 Probably America. Until the past 2 years, cars have been cheaper than bikes. The roads are large enough and everywhere has enough parking that there's no convenience advantage to motorcycles. Maybe if you live in a college dorm parking is easier, maybe. Winters are cold enough in most of the country that it is either unsafe or impossible to ride a motorcycle.
There are 0 practical reasons to own a motorcycle instead of a car in America, they only exist for fun or leisure.
In California, filtering through traffic could allow you to commute much faster. But as a dedicated Midwesterner, California is not America.
@@rightwingsafetysquad9872 That's pretty much what I figured to be honest, while here my parking is free, I can filter, snow is very rare (haven't had it at all for 3 years), bikes can be cheaper, petrol is cheaper. Basically if you are single or a couple who needs a 2nd vehicle, I would argue a bike should be seriously considered.
I don’t see why it is nerdy or even ugly. It is a nice looking bike. Looks a lot better that a KTM. I don’t get why anyone would not like this bike
Have you seen the other bikes Kawasaki makes? Compared to its brethren it's ugly as sin. It's like a Maxima and a Juke, you wouldn't believe they were both made by Nissan.
@@RudeXII it is not ugly period. KTMs are ugly. This bike looks fine for a modern bike
Sorry John. It's an ugly little thing. So's the KTM. Probably both tons of fun to cruise around on though.
@@johnkluge3421 I mean ktms are ugly too, you're absolutely right but so is this thing. And I'm a Kawasaki simp, I've bought nothing but Kawasaki for all my years riding and I love them to death but this one just isn't where the bread is buttered
I even think the 1st and 2nd gen look great (though admittedly I own the former.) I've seriously considered a KTM for my second bike, but cannot get over that headlight. So gross.
Love the vids guys but Im starting to think riding the best of the best so often that your loosing touch with what it's all about. Sometimes just being on two wheels and taking in the scenery is just as good as going fast. Also beginners and intermediate riders would probably build a whole lot more confidence on this rather than a BMW 1250.
Good call.
So to get this straight... You don't like it because it comes with lockable waterproof hard bags, it's comfortable to commute on daily, handles well in turns, quicker than all of the traffic around you while getting 45+ mpg, has a huge tank that allows 250 mile fill-ups, and is as reliable as they come? So it's practical and that makes it suck? Sounds like you're the kind of "riders" that use your bikes as toys. Those of us that commute daily regardless of weather and put 12k plus miles on the clock every year know the true value of the Versys. But hey, I bet your friends think you're cool. Thought this might be the video that brought me back to the channel, but nope. You should probably take some lessons from real moto-journalists like Zack Courts and Ari Henning.
Oh dear, methinks the irony missed you
Same, I'm unsubscribing, his videos doesn't feel reliable nor polished
I think you hit the nail on the head.
I think he’s just saying it’s not a “great” bike. When there’s so much better competition it’s still good but is it competing? And yes yammie views bikes as toys, it’s just a different perspective that you get mad at when he doesn’t think your bike is that great. I daily commute on my motorcycle but I know most people don’t do that and are not going to have the same perspective of motorcycles as just transportation. It’s a bike that makes sense to you and I and it’s still fun but lacks a bit of umphh. I think they need a different engine in a few of their bikes to change that.
@@vebez5993 I wouldn't disagree about the different engines.
When it comes to how they evaluate bikes, I think they really need to go on record to state that they view bikes as an occasional vehicle rather than as a daily rider. There is nothing wrong with that perspective, except a lot of people actually have practical uses for a bike, and therefore while the memes on the channel might be fun, the reviews are fairly meaningless for those people. The problem is Yammie tries to be funny and a serious bike channel at the same time. It is possible to do that Ryan F9 pulls it off. The trick is to understand riders and their needs. Now I think that Yammie felt he was broadening his horizons when he brought Spike on as Spike is a Harley dude.. and yes, actually that did help a bit... but not much, that just meant that you have 2 people with different biases. To be a "propper" motorcycle reviewer you need to be concerned with the needs of other people, not just your personal desires.
I own the same exact bike. I bought it new in 2015 and have put almost 80,000 miles on it so far. It’s incredibly dependable. I ride it to work almost every day. I also own a 2021 Kawasaki zx14r. Each bike is built for a purpose. I love my Versys and I’m going to ride it to the ground. It’s the best $8600 I’ve ever spent.
Pfft what do you know riding every day and 80k !? I'd rather listen to someone who rides their big liter sport bike for half an hour once a year while shiting themselves......
(Obviously joking - I like you)
@@georgel3657 lol. When my Versys dies in maybe 5 to 10 more years, I’m buying another one.
Since i live in Miami, I ride year round and only use my car when it rains. 50mpg’s on regular gas is great right now.
How does this compare to the ZX-14 I'm about to buy one and also own a ZX-14 just afraid it's going to be too slow to be enjoyable
Please respond
😂
Lets put it this way... Its 5k bike that you dont like cause it doesnt feel like 30k bike... it has 70hp but it doesnt give you hardon like 150hp. Its comfortable bike but not as sporty as you want it to be... And its not screaming like hell.... oh btw, its unkillable lawnmower engine that will outlast most of the super expensive screaming ones👍
Agreed. Spite picked a Harley Davidson Pan American which comes with a sticker above $20,000 and then dunked on the versys 650 because it was so much worse at 5K.
If I was to get a bike that is the same price as the versus 650 they test rode but is better in every way which they supposedly give the impression is easy to do, which bike would that be?
They never tell you
Just like they did with the Vulcan S. Spite just can't admit that the Vulcan S will dust up on everything in the Harley lineup except for the V-Rod and Livewire for $8k.
Just needs a VTwin and it’ll be fixed
The mt07 engine is also super fun and reliable. Kawasaki needs to create a better/more fun engine. I think his point is that it’s just a average bike, it’s not super fun or special in anyway, and lacking character. It’s still a motorcycle at the end of the day so it’s still fun and it’s not a bad bike at all but it’s definitely not the best bike.
If you have one that awesome don’t listen to anyone else, but if you’re looking for motorcycle around that price there is a lot better options.
And that model is $8,000 not 5k. You can get a lot of awesome bikes for 8k
Riding that bike enabled you to look at the scenery.
That is what its for.
Worry free riding.
No need to hate the Versys. It's very similar to the V-strom. It's very reliabe and with the right farkles it can do some off road work. The motor is way better than the KLR650 thumper. It is also way more fun to ride than a Harley. Ohhhhhhhhhhh!
The V strom has a Vtwin and can can sound throaty with a system 😂
@@MrKillervincent I guess the other angle a VStrom has over the Versys is that it can be, or at least look, a bit more adventure, esp if go for XT version spoked wheels, throw on a real skidplate on. Also, as you say, the V twin (or L twin) gives the VStrom 'something' but I hear that is going to be replaced by parallel twin. So that might be a risk to the brand - can it still be a V if no V.....- will it suffer Versysitis in engine terms??
@@eamonnmurphy5039 VStrom has no chance keeping up w/ the Versys on the backroad. It may be a better interstate bike, and can do some off-road, but if you're gonna carve corners, not close.
@@filoIII That's just bullshit. I've ridden both and the Strom just inspires much more confidence, has more just as much power and is plainly more fun
@@An0niem4 I said NOTHING about power, so, Nope.
One of the best motorcycles of the 20+ I've owned. That engine is way more exciting than they are willing to give it credit for, the intake roar when you open it up in the right gear is really nice. Comfortable all day touring, great bags. Heated grips are a $100 aftermarket install. Faster and more fun in the twisties than the average bike. I only sold mine because the KLX in the garage gave me a bit too much taste for dirt so it's stable mate is now a 850GSA. If I didn't need the knobbies the Versys would have been a real long relationship, it just does everything well enough.
But to each his own and if you're comparing it to a 1250cc adventure bike or a turbo Busa then I guess it's just not exciting enough.
I fully agree. It's just not cool lmao.
What this review fails to acknowledge is how remarkable an achievement it is to be a little above average at everything. That's incredible. It lived up to its name as a versatile system. It's practical and very much not recreational in its riding dynamics. Motorcyles are romantic objects, usually. I get it; you want a motorcycle that knows what it is, and excels at that, at the expense of other things, because those specialized motorcycles are what give us amazing riding experiences most easily (particularly guys who are spoiled with a variety of more expensive machines very regularly). You guys are reviewing that versys on the wrong terms. It is not an uncompromising, specialized tool.
I get it that someone who is used to riding amazing machines, doing the thing that they're best at, for a day at a time, isn't going to be impressed by the versys over the course of a one day review. But most people can only afford one motorcycle, and they have to live with it for a few years. The fact that a versys owner isn't held back from dipping a toe into any kind of riding experience is really something. You can try anything on the versys and you're not gonna have a terrible time. And if you're not used to a wide swath of expensive bikes, and the versys is all you know, you're going to LOVE it. Being average at everything is great. Instead of comparing the versys to the performance leader in every type of riding you can do with it, grade it more holistically; what bike can do a little bit of everything better than the versys?
I know buddy i bought a Samsung s20 Fe, which is basically versys of smartphones. It's okay to be good enough and not break a bank.
Totally disagree with most of the negative things they say. I literally saw it and said: MAN, this the bike I want! It's more than enough power than most people know what to do with, great (adjustable) suspension and all day comfort. The intake note is lovely, exhaust is not impressive, but if that's really important for you to have a load bike, you're probably over compensating for something!
I own a 2020, trust me you don't want a different exhaust if you are using it for long trips, it will pierce your head. It's one of the best road oriented tourers you can get.
Yeah, this review sold me. The Honda Civic sport hatch of motorcycles is what I want. Just a bit sporty, looks ok but mostly comfortable and reliable. Jack of all trades? Yes please.
That is one fine looking chain looks like the owner is the type of guy to use the shop manual 😉
It's the kinda guy we wanna pick up a bike from....just not that one LOL
*Insert Captain America "I understood that reference" meme*
I UNDERSTOOD THAT REFERENCE
Any reason they just didn't say Ari's name? Weirdly cheeky about it
2 nerds criticise a bike for being nerdy 🤷♂️
Yep😂
Its interesting reading the comments because my feeling is that they actually loved this motorcycle. I am a totally biased Versys owner but I've ridden a lot of motorcycles over 30yrs for reference and I still think it is a good bike 👍.
To each his own, but i love riding my Versys 650. I do at least 10k a year on it... And I like a bike that i can ride to the limit and still master, not one of the hundreds of massively overpowered bikes that 95% of riders buy to look cool but need to come with tons of electronics in order to just stay alive ...
And I ride with ear plugs, so about the sound: 🤷🏼♂️
I had a first gen versys, I was doing unspeakable things. Scraping peg/foot on a regular basis. I'm not sure how I didn't die, but I did ride it like a moto gp bike
this comment made my day
Same lmao i also ran from the cops on my versys 650 but it didnt work out cuz it was too slow
I think the first generation looked a good bike if a bit strange looking and used to get a lot of praise in the uk press
I do it on my first gen!
im on my second first gen in the 6 digits kilometers, loving it every day, medicre offroad, track days, street shenanigans...
This is the bike I own and I absolutely love it. I can imagine thinking it’s boring if I’ve ridden every liter bike out there, turbocharged busas, and basically every flagship motorcycle like these guys have. I guess having access to such premium motorcycles all the time is a double edged sword.
Have you done and exhaust, intake and tune on it? I have owned a few bikes, mostly dual sports, I have yet to own a bike that wasn't a blast to ride. My Honda C70 (still have) or my Honda 230L was just just as fun as my custom built Honda XR250, 2 KTM 625SXC's, my KTM 450EXC (still own) or my new Harley Softail.
I also worked at dealerships and owned a dismantling company and rode tons of bikes, all were fun.
@@michaelconran5252 Honestly I haven't made a single modification to it, bone stock (mine is a 2019).
I bought my 2016 Versys 650 without even testriding it. It just ticked all the boxes for travelling and commuting. And track days? It’s all about the rider. I’ve chased some much faster bikes around. This bike is not bad - it’s the suv of the bike world. It’s nothing special in any category, but it can do very good in most of the categories.
What is funny about that to me is the guy they rented the bike from is also a Moto journalist. Ari rides super bikes like the H2 or Ducati V4, and all the latest and greatest bikes in the world. He holds several track records and is one of the best riders in the world. Yet this is his personal bike that he "dailies", and loves it. This is the bike he chooses to use when he just wants to go out and have fun.
That is a testament to how great of a bike it is. Yammi and Spite have just built a brand out of dunking on the Kawi 650 line up (Vulcan S, Ninja 650, Z650, Versys 650, Z650RS).
Considering the price of gas now, not a bad commuting vehicle. Beats a car.
Its made me consider getting an nc700 for that lol
@@NeoTunedOfficial can recommend that for commuting. With the automatic transmission, the thickest of traffic is relaxing to drive through, and the fuel to fun ratio is okay enough. Especially compared to other commuting options, it is about the best, only beat by electric motorbikes, probably.
So many people treat motorbikes as they must must must be toys only and must not have a practical transportation use. Most of these guys ride it only on the sunny weekends, tho.
I like the bike that doesn't push itself in the foreground of the ride experience. Like yam here enjoys the road and the scenery, not the bike. The bike is a tool, and some see that as heresy.
@@es-br8ck I agree. Most Americans have motorcycles as a side vehicle and I think most subs do too. I guess I shouldn't make assumptions though. Anyways, for those of us that use their bike as primary transportation the more boring bikes that get poor reviews often make the best daily riders and gain a cult following. Like the Honda Pacific Coast. I was using my boring FZ6 since I bought it new in 2007 and still love it. I've also used some scooters in that time and am currently riding a mini moto most days until I narrow down on my next daily. Reserving the FZ6 for touring mostly.
I do have to agree that if your getting a bike just for fun then go for the one that inspires you even if it's less practical, unless your just learning 😉.
Motorbikes are used as commuter for a whole lot of people,they are not only available in the west you know.
2 wheels beats a car unless there's ice on the road, for me. When there's ice on the road, still the case but I have to switch to my bicycle which has Nokian W240 carbide studded tires. Gets around better than a car on ice.
I really don’t what there is to goof on with this bike. Not sure I can say the same about the reviewers. ahem. It’s a great beginner/ do anything/ do everything/ easy to live with/ commuter/ tourer bike. Nice job Kawasaki.
I have to agree w/the comments about gatekeeping below....this is an unsubscribe from the channel for me (better late than never - first time seeing this video). I've found other videos entertaining, knowing that many have a love/hate w/this guy. But I don't think making fun of other people and their bikes is the way to go. And, as a female rider who is on the receiving end of gatekeepers on a consistent basis, I'd be on the wrong side of the fence, I think, if I kept listening to what Yammie has to say.
I saw that thumbnail and my first thought was “Ari you serious? You guys have got to be Henning me with this. It’s a Versys 650, not some major Revzilla machine!”
Full disclaimer: I have a '18 Versys and love it. Here's the thing I think they miss: Kawi made it this way on purpose. On my ride into work There's a few traffic circles, 24 miles of interstate, and then two rail crossings that make nice little wheelie bumps. You can ride comfortably standing up (like a supermoto!?), over obstacles or through gravel or crappy pavement. This is one half hour of my day, each way, that is way more fun on a Versys than I could ever have on a liter sport bike or naked especially when you factor in the interstate stretch where the Versys is superb. If you approach it like a bland, boring, bike that's probably how you're going to ride it.
Grew up on dirt bikes and then sport bikes in my college days. Went 20 years without a motorcycle. The Versys 650 was the perfect bike to get back into the game. Now that the skills and experience has come back its time to step up to something with a more power, handling, features…Ducati supersport 950 maybe. No regrets buying the Versys!
Multistrada V2 that's the answer
While the Multistrada is a great bike, I’m looking to go back to my sport bike roots. But given I’m a couple decades past my 20s nor do I need 200HP …Supersport 950S or RS 660 seem to be my best options.
Focus on the naked market unless you're gonna track it constantly
In Canada insurance will make you pay dearly for all that HP $$
I’ve got a Ducati 1199s I might sell
Please stop pushing the fallacy that a street bike is "high mileage" at 20-30K miles. The only thing high mileage about a street bike at 30k miles is that motorcyclists just tend to not ride very much and tend to not put on miles like a car. This gives people the false impression that bike miles of 30k are equal to a car at like 175k as far as wear an tear so they think a bike at 30+ K miles is worn out and worth half as the same bike that has just 10k miles or so, or less! Bikes are just like cars and can easily last 100-200k miles the same as a car as long as maintenance is kept up.
Well if you want more engine there is always the Versys 1000
Five out of ten my ass.
The reason this review fails miserably is because the reviewers frame their assessments in the eyes of their own particular wants. Mr. Panamerica is Exhibit A. I appreciate reviews where the assessment is are from the perspectives of potential purchasers of that class of bike. These two guys don't understand that.
That is not just any Versys 650, that is THE Versys 650. And I gotta say, it looks much better than the one he and his buddy took around the race track
But clearly, THAT owner wouldn't choose such a "boring, souless" bike to travel all over with, right? Its not like HE'S tried tons of different motorcycles in his lifetime, but STILL chose a Versys 650 as one of his personal bikes.....hmmmm......
8:46 "It doesn't look horrendously ugly...." said the observer, riding a Pan American! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
So let me get this straight: All your criticisms very much go like, "The engine sucks, but...it doesn't for what it is meant to do"; "The looks suck, but...they don't, not realy"; "The handling sucks, but...they are great for those that it is designed for"; "The presence sucks...compared to a bike you cannot even get in America"; "It is cheap, but....rather inexpensive, and actually quite loaded"; "It sounds like a lawnmower, but...so do all other twins, and by the way, it is an indestructible lawnmower", etc., etc.....
Did I miss something else?
You know, I drive a Honda minivan (Two in fact), and I have friends who give me shit because they drive the likes of Honda Type R, etc., but I noticed every time we go out of town on a trip, I'm the one who is driving them. And not because of space, but for any trip over four hours? Yeah. I also had for years a Porsche, which I absolutely loved to drive...occasionally, given that I had to change the battery once a year because I didn't drive it all that often. But whenever I did drive it, I loved it for what it was and what it did. And I remember one time "racing" a guy in a Corvette on a long, slightly twisty highway, doing 120, until I noticed behind us a first generation Chrysler minivan, with the fake wood on the side, keeping right up with us. Yeah, that is what is called, "PERSPECTIVE".
I do understand how fun is to beat up on the small kid in the school yard, but maybe you should grow tha' fuck up, and do your jobs, which just in case you keep forgetting, it is to give encouragement to people who don't ride, help those who do want to ride, and steer those who do ride - not on your own uninformed prejudices, but on what the gear is designed for, how well it executes its design, and who would benefit from it.
Or maybe I'm wrong and you actually do think that everyone who doesn't ride a "turbo busa" should be looked down upon.
AGREED. That about sums it up. Cheers
Spot on brother. I have owned 200+ bikes of all makes and sizes and I love my Versys 650, it's a Swiss army knife of motorcycle.
Yam and Spite are immature and overconfident in their riding ability and knowledge of motorcycles and the culture of motorcycling.
I've been commuting in LA traffic with one for a couple years now. It's the perfect commuter. Also have fun taking it out in the Twisties like Little Tujunga canyon
It's so funny that my brother got this, I got the cbr500r, and buddy got the rebel 250. We ripping up all y'all's favorites 😂
This bike seems to get a lotta hate. I have a 2021 and love it for my work commute. Reliable, fun, and great MPG. I installed a Leo Vince exhaust to make it sound better, Corbin seat, and bigger windscreen. I worry a lot more about loving the ride versus trying to present a certain cool factor to the world.
What fuel consumption are you getting?
I've got one of these and love it! For those of us w/out big budgets, it's a good bike for the daily and fun in the twisties w/out giving you a backache after an hr. Two Bros exhaust gives me a way better sound than stock, btw.
damn, Two Bros exhaust
Akrapovič exhaust.
Plus you can get a Versys 650 + a KLR 650 + a huge pile of brand new ATGATT gear for the price of the Pan America. That's a lot of fun to be had for the bucks. in my area, you can get your choice of dozens of brand new outgoing year Versys 650 LTs for around $6500. That's what I always do. Especially since for years at a time, the only difference between model years is the color.
My thought is, if you can’t have fun on almost any bike (short of it just being the wrong ergonomics for you or something) then you’re doing something wrong, or approaching motorcycles in a way that needs a reset.
I have tons of fun on my Z400, and I did on my CB500F. Weekend rides with guys on every type of bike, weeknight rides to unwind after work, touring all over Ontario including 2500km trips. Loved every kilometre of it.
*edit* I should add, I’m not tall and weigh about 160 lbs, so my Z may be not enough for some, but nobody should need 200hp to have fun on the road.
Another words... It's for mature people that don't go 80mph around blind corners in a 40mph zone, that enjoy the scenery and nimbleness of a bike on twisty roads. like along California's coast.
What a perfect summary from an adult riding enthusiast!
Bought a Versys 650 to get back into riding and it's an amazing bike over 20,000 miles in two years and I don't use it to commute just for fun and cruising. I've taken it on multiple 3000+ mile trips, did 760 miles in one day. I ride it more often than my ZX-6R it's just playful and fun.
2 guys that where never cool, but think they cool cause they ride a “cool” bike 🏍…
Man i love my 2012 Versys! It's my daily commuter, it's great on gas, it's low maintenance and it's never let me down. You guys sound like a couple of spoiled rich kids. I don't ride 20k motorcycles, but all the extras that you talk about can be added aftermarket so don't complain about that crap. I love riding, guess it don't matter what I ride as long as I'm riding somewhere.
So... in conclusion a 30k Pan American is better than the 5k Versys... oookay...
Thanks for the information. I guess...
Exactly
I Had a Ducati scrambler Icon, really fun and the engine ( despite the countless fake neutrals ) was much faster than the Versys 650 but I have to tell you ( and it's personal of course ) I changed it for a Versys 650 2021 and I never felt happier.
the Bike is a lot more fun than what they make it look like in the video, I change the front sprocket for an extra tooth and the bike is perfect for easy long rides but also for curving twisties because it allows you to play more with second and third gear: if ridden on the sweet spot 3500 to 8000 rpm the engine is actually very responsive
It's not the engine of the century but if you use it well it can be loooooads of fun: I annoy (overtake) a lot of guys on naked bikes in the twisties that cannot believe how agile this bike can be,
I never see him pushing the gears in the video, he's riding it like a grandpa.
Needles to say that you cannot compare it to a 1 liter but it's a much better bike than one can think of.
I love my 2015 Versys. 53K miles on it. I have other bikes but always end up on the Versys. Ride it in the Santa Cruz and San Mateo mountains with no issues. I also ride it in San Francisco, pretty much daily. Also gets great gas mileage - minimum 50 mpg, but as high as 70 mpg. Yes, really.
Good beginner bike for someone in their 30s?
@@beatleman27 Yes. I bought it as my first bike after decades of not riding.
Said the guy with a 40hp bike that weighs the same as the versys
I've owned my Versys 650 for 3 years and it is by far the best bike I've ever owned. Comfortable with good wind protection and storage for long rides, good gas mileage, reliable, can carve twisties no problem all for under 6k. I don't mind the engine sound, like the way it looks and can get down on it in a way that it is plenty peppy and fun. Not a drop of buyers remorse with my Versys and will never sell it.
Ever owned a Tracer 700, Vstrom 650, NC750X?
These guys have lost touch with reality. This bike is a fraction of the cost of other more powerful bikes. 5/10 for 8k sounds like a bargain.
Making fun of people that want to be safety minded, you guys are brilliant 👏, unsubscribed.
I love when these tools talk about something being boring or beige. Spite is a walking talking cellphone belt clip and Yamantha wearing around his "dad" hat and Darth Vader boots. Stick to reviewing bikes that you like, because that was dreadful. The bike isn't for me either but damn .
I love my 2021 Versys 650. Yesterday two guys in a heavy-duty lifted Chevy pickup truck pulled beside me at a light, rolled down the window, and said .... NICE BIKE Man!
Just saw your "punch line", down below....nice delay.....ha
Always have disagreed with using boring as a negative light on some bikes. Where boring can honestly be switched with beginner friendly or easier to control. Boring can also be a better commuter or travel bike where something more jerky would be better for the track or short trips.
Only saying this because thinking of my younger self or people who are more impressionable. Seeing videos likes these where bikes are described as boring make steer newer and less experienced riders to buy a bike they can't handle due to certain videos. Nothing against you guys and I still watch every video. Just food for thought ✌️
@@ahunterohio Also that "boring" usually mean stable and safe. A grom with 69 horses would be exciting, but probably not too fun in highway traffic where you are fighting for your life.
Only speaking for my own tastes I think it looks great, and as far as the sound who cares. It's a parallel twin. None of them sound good regardless of the configuration. The quieter the exhaust system, the better.
Just 69 hp you say? Out of 650cc's that's nothing to complain about. I had one of the early 750 Hondas (a 1974 that I bought new) and if my memory serves they were 67 hp which was plenty then and probably still is. If you're riding high powered bikes all the time, of course it might feel a bit underwhelming, but for the average rider I think it would probably rate a lot better than a 5 out of 10. Just my opinion, and still a great video. Would love to see you do something similar with the V-Strom 650. ;)
What? Parallel twin that sounds good:
Yamaha Cp2 , Hondas 1100, basically all twin triumph's....hell even the 650 by royal Enfield sounds awesome...
Not true..they can sound better than any inline 4 imho.
@@eQui253 I guess different strokes for different folks but I started out on a 500 BSA Royal Star that belonged to my dad, bought a 500 Triumph Tiger 100 of my own, then a 750 Matchless, followed by a 450 Honda (best of the bunch by a long way so far) followed that with my 750 Honda, and then a new CB1100F in '83.
To my ears the 4 cylinders sounded a thousand times better.
The MT-07, 890 Duke, Bonneville, and others sound significantly better than the abysmal flat plane in the Kawi.
The Versys is a good bike. But the engine just sucks. The Yamaha engine is punchier and more responsive while having practically the same displacement and output.
@@sethglenn9022 agree 100%
Yeah I literally couldn't give less of a shit what my bike sounds like once I'm on it. I like the sound of a revving bike with a nice exhaust note in theory, but then I imagine having to listen to it all the damn time or ride through a quiet neighborhood and can't get my head around wanting that.
That's 30 min i'll never get back.
that is some neat, well-taken cared of
2015 Versys
Let's put it this way... It is affordable bike, that is reliable, decently quick, capable and comfortable... And has more personality than most riders on the road.
I'd take it over a Harley any day
Thanks for showing your true colors here, So obnoxiously condescending but still mildly and blandly entertaining 🙄
You guys kill me. You lambast any of Kawasaki's 650 bikes, EVEN THOUGH, they continue to be very popular. Hmm, so you guys are right and everyone else is wrong huh? Funny, very funny.
Goin to test rise one tomorrow, drivin my 250 crf rally 4 hours round trip to see it.
250 Rally ! I have the black version .
You guys are funny this is the crappiest review ever lmao lemme go do some turns and try and brap a stock non race bike , but never tried anything to actually compare it to any bikes besides the z650 🙃
I love my versys. I'm so glad you actually got on one and gave it a spin.
Versys does not deserve such a poor review, especially one with a big ad in the middle. The bike deserves an 8/10 rating, but the review only gets a 2/10.
ARI'S BIKE! I love my Versys! (1st Gen, though)
I shopped used bikes, looked at, sat on them forever. In contast to many, apparently, I fell in love with its quirky looks immediately, and bought as a first bike especially for universal-ness of it...my only disappointment really has been engine note. Knew you wouldn't hate it. Wish Spite had ridden it, he was just nonstop hating!
I have one and I like it. Nice riding position, enough power for me, decent sized tank, fun in the corners.
I had a Versys 650 a decade ago. For me, I thought the simple easy to work on two cylinder engine and out of the way exhaust were works of art.
I re-entered street riding after a long absence on a new 2007 Versys. It was absolutely PERFECT for that mission. Totally controllable, comfortable, free of nasty surprises, very competent. A fantastic platform to work on ME. Today, I ride an MT-10, so yeah. Not sure I'd go back. BUT that Versys is super great for lots of people. And no wheelies the bike decides it wants to do of its own accord. Bonus for beginners. :-)
Oh, but it will do great wheelies when desired! Clutch up second gear, or 1st power wheelies (a careless person could do those accidentally for sure though, imho)
@@TravisTerrell I really loved that Versys. I could hardly have picked a better re-entry bike.
Versys 650 WILL bring up the front tire when romping on it.
Having suffered your 'review' I reached the conclusion it wasnt about the bike but more about yourselfs and your opinions.
this guy is horrible waiting for the day a semi truck smears his whole body on the ground into a red mist
I think you guys are suffering from "motorcycle reviewer syndrome". You get to ride all kinds of bikes, often the newest and most upspec ones, for just a few rides, so you essentially get spoiled, you're not impressed with "good enough" you always want something that has something more. That's all well and good but it doesn't speak to the reality of actually owning said bikes, living with them every day.
I was dead set on the category of a tall sport tourer with 17inch road wheels and I needed it for daily use. This category is not as big as people think since most tall tourers are adv bikes, with an off road element that most people rarely take advantage of. The KTM 990 SMT, the old Multi, the Tiger 1050 Sport, and others. All great bikes, all top of the line with great performance and no compromises, but looking into buying either one of those and you inevitably hear all about their iffy reliability and high cost maintenance. The Tracer 700 has a great engine but is overall in every other respect less of a bike. It's smaller, more budget, more fun at times but less utilitarian for all around use.
The Versys is most definitely a bang for buck bike, and the fact that it's popular in both the west and east, as well as the fact that it's biggest competition, the Tiger 660, came out 15 years later, it's really a testament to how well designed this bike has been since the beginning. Looking at its contemporary 2007 competition when it released paints an even clearer picture of just how big a void in the market it filled.
I did get one, replacing a BMW GS, and sure I do miss the engine, but in literally every other regard it's been a better bike, not just for me but the money I've saved on maintenance and the trust I have built over its reliability compared to my experience with the bimmer has enabled me to enjoy motorcycling more overall. I use it more often, I take it on longer trips and I'm having a better experience. Sure there are other better bikes out there but they're toys for richer people, this is a very approachable bike for a whole lot more people
👋👍
Rode it once. Bought one the next day. Conceded 90hp coming from my beamer 1600. Never regretted it one second. And still riding with the beamer club. Even on dirt, sand and through forests she holds her own. I’m really, really happy with this bike!
I once was riding my mountain bike around town and saw a high viz. vest with the markings of our local power company laying on the road, so I grabbed it. Wear it every time I ride now. Whether it’s Popping wheelies or clocking 150 on my liter bike, because it’s an FZ1 with a top case and the high viz. makes me invisible to cops. do other people look cooler? Maybe, but I am more comfortable and a better rider doing cooler shit, I win. It actually is a great troll lure for squids; I’ll get people on 400s trying to dunk on me all the time because I got the high viz. vest, so I MaxPass™ them in a dank nooner, top case, high viz. and all…
The only people worried about looking like a square with a high viz. vest are people who are actually squares.
Ha ha! I used to do the same thing with a milk crate on the back of my Vmax! Good times for sure
I don’t understand these guys. I own a 2019 Versey 650 and I absolutely love it. I came from riding a CBR 1000 and a Yamaha R1. And this bike has more than enough power for you to have fun while also getting 50 miles to the gallon and being very comfortable to ride. Bought this for 7700 brand new. No complaints and it’s the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. These dudes don’t know what they’re talking about
I wear a high viz. vest every time I ride. ever since I’ve never gotten pulled over. You do the math.
We need a “were we wrong?” Tier list.
Ari Henning owns one. Nuff said.
I’ve got a 2014 Versys, being 6’4” there’s few mid range bikes I can fit on and not look ridiculous. It came with 28k miles on it. I spent a bit of money servicing all the main parts. Cost me £3000. Cheap Motorcycle, never gives me any issues, just a good all rounder. I’d love an MT09 but can’t afford one right now, I’d like an MT07 but they’re too small for me, so will save my pennies and maybe one day with be on the MT09.
Sounds like you’re just crapping on people with limited budgets and need something reliable and functional. The sniggering just pisses me off.
The interesting question: Which “were we wrong” bike do you like best, the Versys or the Royal Enfield GT?
As a owner of the GT650 I'm gonna go with the royal enfield. The bike is like a blank slate when it comes to customization and upgrades. It's up to you to fit it with everything you want cause that's what café is about
Can't really compare. The Enfield has far more presence and character. 270° crank gives the engine a beautiful throaty sound unlike this bike's sewing machine quality. Steel brake lines, slipper clutch, ABS standard, Bosch FI, etc.
@@BruceLeeKills1 , I agree with you. But will Yam and Spite?
@@rudolphpyatt4833 they will certainly not judging by 4 years worth of Discord shitposting. That said, I was glad to see that it's at least liquid cooled.
@@BruceLeeKills1 just wish it was a little faster. Slower 0-60 than my little nissan versa lol
I've been riding motorcycles for 49 years and disagree.
Tell your mom that I said, hi. She's a solid 5 out of 10.
Finally, some Versys, dare I say, love? Haha! I own the 2011-2014 version which I would argue is the best looking version. I have some farkles for rural country riding, bash plate, engine guards, grip warmers, honestly it has that budget GS look. Great bike, fun on twisty's, and capable on gravel roads with some 80/20 spec rubber. Is it the ultimate "one" bike, no, but will it make you smile, yes. Perhaps the best beginner bike that you can keep for more than a year and still enjoy.
Versys and Tracer. Cant wait to get my hands on one in the near future. Or an mt7..
That’s definitely the best looking model. The new one looks too much like a dorky Ninja and the first gen is one of the ugliest bikes in existence.
Honestly I've settled on a two bike solution, versys 650 as my tourer/everyday bike and something for pure fun.
Having a bike that's comfortable, super easy to maintain, handles well in twisties AND can do 250 miles to a tank is useful.
But i still want an rs660 or a supermoto for the fun factor.
Same boat brother! Finally get the representation we deserve
Going on one year of riding and this was what I chose for my starter bike, can’t complain!
The big fat guy couldn't fit in any type of bike in my opinion. The thin guy would fit only for a 125cc bike in my more honest opinion. There you are, my thoughts
I’m disappointed that Ari didn’t make a guest appearance.
i really dont get this review at all! i have owned hayabusa, blackbird, vfr 1200f, gtr 1400, firestorm 1000, vfr 800 , ninja 1000.. By far this has been my favourite!! better fuel, insurance, comfort, fun, license keeping. i love the engine? Beginners bike? i have been riding 20 years? you can ride the pants of it in comfort and still keep your license. anything over 120hp you cant use legally on the road and can only go fast in a straight line.. no you cant brag about its prowess buts thats more to do with your ego than anything else.. Name a better bike for same price, with same attributes mainly comfort ... i'm 6'4....
I have a 2018. I know it's nerdy, but as a tall person, I wanted a bike I didn't look ridiculous on. It's my first bike, so I wasn't trying to break the bank.
I'm tall but not super tall, and it wouldn't be my first bike, but the versys 650 is a sweet spot bike for me. Comfortable and practical enough to tour on, light enough and powerful enough to have fun on. Seriously underrated imo
You guys are lame. Not everyone has unlimited money. This bike is awesome for the price. Has more than enough power to cruise at 80 mph then rip past traffic. Comfortable and smooth when cornering. Not an adventure bike but can do gravel roads and hard trails. Go ahead and spend twice the money for a slightly better bike with more power. Done with Yammie Noob.
That's Ari Henning's Versys isn't it?
the thing to remember here is opinions are like assholes.........everybody has one.
Cannot believe Ari Henning actually let this happen :D !!
You see, guys, not every motorcyclist is an ironic-unironic millennial asshole; some people can enjoy things without worrying about whether you think they look cool, and appreciate the huge value.
Yes, Yammie you were. I have 11 horses in my stable and a Versys 650 is one of them. I do all my Iron Butts on it. If I could keep only one it would be the Versys 650.
If you ever find yourself in St. Louis hit me up. You can ride any one of them.
What are the other 10?
@@kingkire1556
2005 Drifter 1500
2007 Vulcan VN 2000
2007 Victory Vegas 8-Ball
2008 Vulcan 1600 Meanstreak
2017 Z900
2018 KLR
2019 W800 Cafe
2019 ZX1400r
2020 Ninja 400
2020 Vulcan Voyager
@@christopherwallendorff1484 That's awesome. You kinda got a Kawasaki showroom of your own 👍🏼
You guys remind me of politicians, completely out of touch with the common man.
I did everything on a versys. Rode it at CoTA, Put knobbies on it, used it as a woods bike, used it for commuting. Lowered the gearing when the power started feeling predictable. Got a heavy duty skid plate when the off road riding kept ripping off the muffler. Raised the front fender to a dirtbike fender because the tire hugging fender would get broken off or stopped the bike from mud clogging in it. I learned alot about how and why everything was configured on a motorcycle because I could keep adjusting this strong little versatile machine more into what I wanted.
There is limits, so I did replace it, but it wasn't possible with a single bike. I replaced with a street legal Honda XR650R Dirtbike and a Triumph Street Triple 675 Daytona. In my view it was the only way to replace all the Versys offered. I still miss it.
Now, The experienced motorcyclist in me knows that the excitement a 675 triumph motor would add to Versys 650 frame would be a near perfect motorcycle- better than the triumph 675 it would borrow the motor from.
At any rate, anyone who ever bought a klr650 has no right saying anything about a Versys. Not only do you look like a dork, your bike is also turd that weighs more with half the hp.
Planning to ride from Yosemite, Area 51 in ghe Nevada Sierras on some gravel and dirt roads, and some loops above the Grand Canyon North Rim. Lost some strength due to health issues. What’s your opinion on this bike for handling that sort of offroading? I figure it can handle the highways berween there and back to the Midwest fine.
Sounds like what you really want is a Triumph Tiger
I am on my third versys MK1,MK2 now a MK3 Grand Tourer I go all over europe its done almost 18,000 miles its never broke down starts first time every time , its comfy and for a single guy on tour its more than enough fitted a Center stand ,heated grips, MRA screen front and rear huggers rad guard GPS mount and more its a great bike i will be getting the MK4 next year :)
I got a versys 650 for my first real road bike I think its great. It takes me from home to work and back again. Plus it has way more power than the crf250l I started on. I personally think that it is a good bike for less experience riders and it will help them learn before they move to anything bigger
In my opinion the bike is less Dweeby than Yammie wearing hardcore moto boots with literally any motorcycle style.
Appropriate for sport or maybe adv but looks a little goofy wearing street gear.
With all due respect 🤝
Have fun snapping your ankles
You look even dumber when you make fun of safety precautions. With all due respect
These guys have never felt the pain of a road trip with a Yamaha XS650 Special....a lot of complaints about a great motorcycle. All their complaining sold me on getting one of these LOL.
Exactly , I have a 250 for around town .
Here in the UK, the ER-6f/ Ninja 650 has always been proclaimed as a bike that is way more than the sum of it's parts, and generally lives up to that reputation.
The Versys kind of tags onto that hype when actually it is just a premium commuter bike; simple, comfy, practical, reliable and quick enough to have fun on the ride home. I use two-wheels for my daily commute and general running-around and so bikes like that are great; they do a fabulous job a being the "second car" alternative, but the Versys (And V-Strom 650) will never set the world alight.
I think of the Versys as the ancestor of the old ER5, a dumpy old parallel twin 500cc bike that was THE training school bike and the budget commuter choice for decades because they are basically un-killable, and we do need a few bikes like that in the world.
At least this gen Versys is better than the old stacked headlight model which was genuinely awful to look at.
Kinda odd they review a 7 year old bike.. and then complain about it.
So then quick question. If I was to buy a bike for the same price as the one test rode in this video but is better in every way because the versys 650 is so bland boring and aggressively beige, which one would that be?
2007 r6
@@walkerfharris Not my kind of seating position..
@@matthilgers9987 check out the fz6 if you want an inline 4
@@BaldKiwi117 I owned one, and I own a versys and a Tracer 900. The fz6 is actually pretty slow until you hit at least 10000rpm, which you seldom get to in every day riding. The versys is a perfect commuter and light on fuel.
@@AllTheNamesAreGone lol I have one too. I get what you're saying but the guy said he wanted suggestions for something not bland. I think the fz6 with the modified r6 engine has more character than a versys
hey next you guys should compare a schoolbus to a bugatti chiron..Just so I can waste 29mins of my life watching you shit on the schoolbus for not being a very good hypercar.
Truth! These guys are low IQ snobs.
I think personally the versys 1000 makes more sense i test rode both these bikes and while the 650 has it's shine in certain small aspects the 1000 versys has the true Versys magic
yeah, and also costs twice as much 😅
I tested both on Kawasaki Green days (testing day where you can borrow a bike for small fee for one hour) and I have to say Versys 1000 is a dad bike. I felt Im not old enough for that shit. I own 2007 Versys 650 and newer model is basically the same maybe bit more muffled by newer Euro emision norms. On the other hand, Z 900 was such a blast Im now considering switching to naked from the V650 :D
@@jirimaca5456 the z900rs is even nicer imo, would definitely be a bike I would be interested in buying if I had the budget.
@@thilo7546 Z900 RS is kinda a dream bike of mine, but it cost 1/3 more than regular Z900. I know the target customer is not necesarily the same for those but w/e. So, maybe I'll buy used one in few years :D
I have a ninja 1000 and that motor is a peach
I love them. Affordable, comfortable, fuel efficient, reliable, plenty of storage and just an all around mile muncher
The ONLY Versys that is adv is the 300. Even Kawi's marketing makes that clear.
My wife bought a 2018 V650 new. After a variety of farkles, she still never got to like it.
It did suffer from some fairly serious throttle snatch that an ECU only partly cured (and made it faster and smoother, thanks Shoodaben Engineering).
She sold it in favor of the Ninja version, more to her style. She has two of them, older and new.
I rode her '18 some and never fell in love, either. Not that it wasn't exceptionally functional, but it didn't really grab me at the time.
But at the 2021 EMS outdoor bike show the Kawasaki rep insisted I try the demo V650 and so I did.
For some reason, it was far nicer in the engine bay than my wife's '18, smoother and non-snatchy (old guy raised on carburetors- throttle snatch is just not acceptable).
It bears mention that maybe the Versys 650's best feature is the suspension, which is rather upscale from this bike's price point. The ride is really, really nice, and well-controlled. The hard parts are a big improvement over the Ninja, Z, and Vulcan versions.
A V-Strom 650 has a better engine and is a bit faster, but the Versys is superior in almost every other way, including build quality. (I own one myself.)
I think it would be a great bike for a new rider to learn with or for someone returning to riding.