I own the Versys 1k. 2015 model. Nice review, I think your comments were fair. At the moment I can't think of any other motorcycle I'd rather own as an only bike. I think what most people are failing to acknowledge about most "adventure bikes" is that they make great light touring motorcycles, they are practical almost to a fault, and most never go off road. I bought this bike because I wanted the upright ergos, I wanted 17 inch road biased wheels, and I wanted an inline 4 engine. At the time I was doing my research the S 1000 XR had not even been announced; I doubt I would have bought one any way. The Versys is sporty enough to be fun and can do the urban environment well enough, but ultimately it is biased to be a good high speed distance tarmac cruiser without cruiser ergonomics and with an engine tuned for midrange. The low price is a bonus. Perhaps we need a new term for this segment. Standard tourers to differentiate from sport tourers and faired cruisers? I am generally not too much of a stickler for semantics but even mentioning this bike as a potential off road "adventure" machine is going to bias a lot of people's perception of the bike. We can call them adventure sport touring motorcycles all we want but at some point three modifiers is going to become cumbersome. Somewhere I heard the term "tall rounder"; I quite like it. All that is more of a comment on the motorcycling industry's perception of the bike as a whole than a specific comment on this video's claims. Thanks for the video.
+Jeff Keene I totally agree. I have been looking at this bike because I want something that I can use to go longer distances compared to a sport bike. I also was looking for a bike that would be still "sporty" but accommodate 2-up all day riding, but at a lower cost. On paper and from sitting on it at a dealer, I couldn't find a better choice in this price range. The next option would be the new V-Strom 1000 but I don't plan on doing any off road and want a sporty feel, making the front 19in wheel not wanted.
+Quagmire88 I test rode the V-Strom 1000 when I was shopping around. This would have been 4-6 months before the Versys 1k hit dealerships in the United States. I almost bought one, but I felt like I needed to give Kawasaki a chance to impress me. The V-Strom is a great platform, I really like how the dash is almost like a heads up display in your line of sight. But if you are looking for a sporty riding experience you'll be disappointed with the V-Strom's engine. It has great low down torque but virtually nothing above 6k. You would essentially short shift it everywhere like a cruiser. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, but it isn't what I wanted. Kawasaki's z1000 engine is a great street bike engine that is torquey enough to be practical but still has a rev range sufficient to give it sporty credentials.
Jeff Keene Do you still have this bike and are you happy with it? I am thinking between the Kawasaki Suzuki and the S1000XR (overpriced) I will never take it off road.
Just traded my FJR in on a 2016 Versys 1000 this wednesday. Versys is much more comfortable for me. I didn't notice any issues with the throttle. Throttle,Clutch,Engine and Transmission are smooth as butter.
It does a better job than most other bikes with the exception of bikes that are intended to go off road. It's tall so it has more travel in the suspension, and you can very easily fit it with a crash bar.
It has some travel but it's generally a stiffer set up than a dual sport. It's a road bike. Kawasaki don't market it as anything else. I'm not paying much credence to this reviewer, he wants the screen to keep rain of his visor! I can't hang with people that think that's a priority. Fucking posers.
Having come off an FJR after 60k miles, many of your intial observations matched mine. 1. Clutch is very light and quick. For best results, I've found you almost need to slap it. Very racy. 2. Full Power Mode has very abrupt on/off throttle fueling. Switch to Low Power Mode fixes that at the expense of some mid and top end power. I ended up putting a Power Commander on mine and the fueling in FPM is now excellent. Haven't used LPM since. 3. Bike did understeer in fast sweepers with the stock Bridgesstone rear tire. When it wore out, I replaced it with a Continental and that tendency is gone. 4. I disagree with your handguards. In the summer, I like to be able to rest my fingers on them and get some air into the fingers of my glove. In the winter they do a good job shedding the direct windblast. 5. I never noticed the brake pedal issue. I always wear MC riding boots. I'll have to try with my steel toes. 6. Suspension isn't fully adjustable. Preload and rebound only.
"oooooh! that tickles the nether region!" lol.. thanks for the coffee on my keyboard! I got worried on that left turn that put you over the line! Once again nice review!
This guy is super picky and as an owner of this bike, I think he just wants to find fault. The back brake is no problem, despite his whinging. The dash is super easy to read, he must be short sighted. Not impressed with this review at all
Julian Gunney Agreed. My 2014 Versys 1000 turns great. I don't know what he's doing, but I feel really safe in the turns. My 2014 model don't have the slipper clutch so it does have a really heavy clutch unfortunately. Other than that I love the bike.
I just came across this. I agree completely... he’s really picky. Also, I’m 5’ 9” with a 30 inside leg... no problems with the height at all! I don’t find it snatchy at all... at least not compared with my v twin. Clutch is light, corners beautifully, easy to ride. I’ve about 7k miles done on my versys this year. A joy to ride.
This is a pretty old review but I am not impressed with it. I own the 2016 version of this bike and the 2011 Concours. This bike can not touch the concours on top end contrary to what he said, however, this bike corners like crazy. It is a very nice confidence inspiring bike. I prefer the Concours for long trips but the Versys is a much better daily rider with the ability to go open road if you want to.
How does the Kawasaki Versys 1000 match up against the Yamaha Fj-09? I m a current FJR owner and have looked at both of these as a possible replacement. My first impression is the Kawasaki is physically larger, with a bigger engine, and the seat is more comfortable for both driver and passenger. I am a fan of your channel and appreciate your reviews.
Had it for 2 months and best bike I've ever owned. At 112 it's gets a little wonky but it may my suspension set up. But great bike for the money. I got mine with 500 miles for $8200.
Nice review. Regarding the rear brake pedal- I had the same issue with my recently departed R1200gs. Foot was always slipping off it due to clearance issues. Very unnerving.
Good review. Do you know if the z1000,ninja,versys still based on the old zx9r or did they update the power plant a few years ago when the ninja came out? Man, traction control, abs, power modes? That's too much nanny electronics for me. A 1000 inline 4 adventure bike I want to be able to be spinning the rear tire while going 60mph around a corner on a gravel road putting 150hp+ down to shoot rocks and able to lock the tire on demand. Okay I am not the primary market for road biased big bore adventure bikes, I don't drink starbucks...
+MM95 The engine may be traceable back to the zx9r engine but it was updated heavily in 2013. 1043 cc. The Versys 1k is no where near the 150 hp beast you are describing. It normally dynos around 110 horsepower around 8k rpm. Your comment about Starbucks may be spot on though. Source: I own a 2015 Versys 1k.
Heavily update engine in 2013 but the roots of it are still traceable to the zx9r. The engine is an absolute peach super super smooth got a power commander and the akrapovic exhaust on my 2016 model and it's about 119 bhp on the dyno which is plenty for my needs. No surge in power at high rpm though it's just constant from just above idle to the redline. Traction control can be turned off so you can get the back wheel spinning like crazy if you want!
Wonder if the push on sweepers was just due to crappy stock tires or suspension not being set up. I have a Versys 650 and its cornering is laser accurate. Also funny watching the Concours nearly dragging knee there haha, pretty sure he took all the strips off that back tire.
Very interesting to watch after owning this bike for a few thousand miles. This is in a fascinating segment of motorcycles...no one seems to really be able to classify these easily. To me, bikes like these are really sport tourers designed to take advantage of the super comfy ergonomics of adventure bikes (hence BMW's classification of "adventure sport"). Things I love about this bike: Incredibly comfortable (I'm 6'3"), you can stand up on this bike, suspension eats up the road, plenty of power (a more powerful option is the s1000 xr which I rode recently but that bike is just ridiculous and not as comfortable), the weight is manageable, and this bike's traction control and ABS are excellent. Only thing I don't like: No electronic cruise control. Now, for the golden ticket here...price. I think Kawasaki nailed it on the head. This seems like a lot of bike for 13k, but if you really think about it it's a perfect price. Kawasaki went with manual suspension adjustment (which I believe they have on all of their bikes). This obviously is far less expensive than an electronic system...but the manual adjusters here work extremely well and are easy to use. Once I set my suspension up (a good amount of "plushness" but still firm enough to rip around) I never touched it again. So...yes Kawasaki has included "low cost" options, but they are very refined components and never miss a beat. The Versys platform is very cool indeed, and is a rider's motorcycle. These bikes are for people who really want to squeeze all kinds of road usage out of their motorcycles, because the Versys just does a ton of things really well. I can't wait to see what Kawasaki does with the future redesigns and updates to this bike.
Greetings from Asia. thanks for reviewing the Kawasaki Versys 1000. as always great vlog, love it :) one question, which one you buy for daily used, Z1000 or Versys 1000?
+Indra Djaya Putra I own a Versys 1000. And have sat on the Z1000. The Z is more "sport" while the Versys is more "touring". With the Z you lean forward more. Ok for shorter trips. But, if you plan on racking up the miles you're going to want more comfort. Enter the Versys 1000LT. I can ride mine all day long.
Since you mention daily use then the options also depend on where you live. If you're still in Southeast Asia then none of the two will be good for daily riding, although the Versys 1000 can push it a bit since it is tall and the power delivery is not as aggressive as the rest of the Kawasaki 1000 family.
I rode the Versys 1000 twice, and I found the vibes off-putting, especially in the nether-regions. Most all reviews from print mags failed to mention this. To me, the Versys 650 is the better bike.
What kind of bikes good for a fat guy? I'm 400 pounds, 5ft11, 30 inch inseam, I want more luxury, durability, reliability, I really like the Goldwing but who doesn't. $10,000 is my purchase price range. looking for new. I'm not into the whole liter bike, crotch rocket thing. I want to drive comfortable. I'm not really a Harley guy, I think they're over priced, over rated and out of date, although the VRod is sweet. I'm more interested in touring over speed.
400lb is more weight than a combined weight of myself + my wife + luggage. You need a litter engine bike with good suspension. Goldwing will be a very good option to your riding preferences.
***** LMAO. Thanks for calling me a "lady" but wouldn't that make me a ladyboy ?...i guess it's true, you can be anything you want on the Internet...LOL. 👍 Oh, just in case you own one...Boy, that's one FUGLY motorcycle ! 😝 ✌
+quietguy1948 And yet not uglier than your choice of ride...man, talk about one sour cooch, did someone pissed in your happy meal ? Did you get sand up your manly bits ?...apparently my opinion was too much for you to handle ? It all would have been fine saying you think is a rather good looking motorcycle and i would have said something like "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and that would have been the end of it but you had to start the name calling...well, i can do this all day...cranky pants. Hehehe. Enjoy your fugly motorcycle and your HOT & STEAMY YT discussions with your favorite ladyboy...ME! (^_^ ) MUAH !
Lol come on fellas...it's okay 💚 i for one don't particularly like the entire look of it, but that has nothing to do with how the bike performs. Either way, that's my opinion and no one should get upset that people are gonna disagree. It's OKAY! :) I'm just happy that T.W.O. was able to do a review for us! Don't let this get your blood pressure up. It ain't worth it! Yall be safe.
This bike is Not meant for off road but on road it's comfortable riding position and powerful smooth motor make it my favorite motorcycle to ride.
I own the Versys 1k. 2015 model. Nice review, I think your comments were fair. At the moment I can't think of any other motorcycle I'd rather own as an only bike.
I think what most people are failing to acknowledge about most "adventure bikes" is that they make great light touring motorcycles, they are practical almost to a fault, and most never go off road. I bought this bike because I wanted the upright ergos, I wanted 17 inch road biased wheels, and I wanted an inline 4 engine. At the time I was doing my research the S 1000 XR had not even been announced; I doubt I would have bought one any way. The Versys is sporty enough to be fun and can do the urban environment well enough, but ultimately it is biased to be a good high speed distance tarmac cruiser without cruiser ergonomics and with an engine tuned for midrange. The low price is a bonus.
Perhaps we need a new term for this segment. Standard tourers to differentiate from sport tourers and faired cruisers? I am generally not too much of a stickler for semantics but even mentioning this bike as a potential off road "adventure" machine is going to bias a lot of people's perception of the bike. We can call them adventure sport touring motorcycles all we want but at some point three modifiers is going to become cumbersome. Somewhere I heard the term "tall rounder"; I quite like it.
All that is more of a comment on the motorcycling industry's perception of the bike as a whole than a specific comment on this video's claims. Thanks for the video.
+Jeff Keene I totally agree. I have been looking at this bike because I want something that I can use to go longer distances compared to a sport bike. I also was looking for a bike that would be still "sporty" but accommodate 2-up all day riding, but at a lower cost. On paper and from sitting on it at a dealer, I couldn't find a better choice in this price range. The next option would be the new V-Strom 1000 but I don't plan on doing any off road and want a sporty feel, making the front 19in wheel not wanted.
+Quagmire88 I test rode the V-Strom 1000 when I was shopping around. This would have been 4-6 months before the Versys 1k hit dealerships in the United States. I almost bought one, but I felt like I needed to give Kawasaki a chance to impress me. The V-Strom is a great platform, I really like how the dash is almost like a heads up display in your line of sight. But if you are looking for a sporty riding experience you'll be disappointed with the V-Strom's engine. It has great low down torque but virtually nothing above 6k. You would essentially short shift it everywhere like a cruiser. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, but it isn't what I wanted. Kawasaki's z1000 engine is a great street bike engine that is torquey enough to be practical but still has a rev range sufficient to give it sporty credentials.
Jeff Keene Do you still have this bike and are you happy with it?
I am thinking between the Kawasaki Suzuki and the S1000XR (overpriced) I will never take it off road.
Absolutely 👍
Another review by a guy who does it the best. I'll watch your test rides even if I have no intention on buying the bike your reviewing. Two thumbs up!
Just traded my FJR in on a 2016 Versys 1000 this wednesday. Versys is much more comfortable for me. I didn't notice any issues with the throttle. Throttle,Clutch,Engine and Transmission are smooth as butter.
Is the weight placed lower than fjr
@@deepsudeep No. But its suits a taller rider better.
The new Versys 1000 is a road bike, not intended to go off road even though it looks like it could.
It does a better job than most other bikes with the exception of bikes that are intended to go off road. It's tall so it has more travel in the suspension, and you can very easily fit it with a crash bar.
It has some travel but it's generally a stiffer set up than a dual sport. It's a road bike. Kawasaki don't market it as anything else. I'm not paying much credence to this reviewer, he wants the screen to keep rain of his visor! I can't hang with people that think that's a priority. Fucking posers.
Having come off an FJR after 60k miles, many of your intial observations matched mine.
1. Clutch is very light and quick. For best results, I've found you almost need to slap it. Very racy.
2. Full Power Mode has very abrupt on/off throttle fueling. Switch to Low Power Mode fixes that at the expense of some mid and top end power. I ended up putting a Power Commander on mine and the fueling in FPM is now excellent. Haven't used LPM since.
3. Bike did understeer in fast sweepers with the stock Bridgesstone rear tire. When it wore out, I replaced it with a Continental and that tendency is gone.
4. I disagree with your handguards. In the summer, I like to be able to rest my fingers on them and get some air into the fingers of my glove. In the winter they do a good job shedding the direct windblast.
5. I never noticed the brake pedal issue. I always wear MC riding boots. I'll have to try with my steel toes.
6. Suspension isn't fully adjustable. Preload and rebound only.
Always thumbs up for u! You have sum of the best moto reviews on YT, IMO. Great one again! Thx!!
"oooooh! that tickles the nether region!" lol.. thanks for the coffee on my keyboard! I got worried on that left turn that put you over the line! Once again nice review!
Bryan Roberts it was a right turn.
This guy is super picky and as an owner of this bike, I think he just wants to find fault. The back brake is no problem, despite his whinging. The dash is super easy to read, he must be short sighted. Not impressed with this review at all
Julian Gunney Agreed. My 2014 Versys 1000 turns great. I don't know what he's doing, but I feel really safe in the turns. My 2014 model don't have the slipper clutch so it does have a really heavy clutch unfortunately. Other than that I love the bike.
I just came across this. I agree completely... he’s really picky. Also, I’m 5’ 9” with a 30 inside leg... no problems with the height at all! I don’t find it snatchy at all... at least not compared with my v twin. Clutch is light, corners beautifully, easy to ride. I’ve about 7k miles done on my versys this year. A joy to ride.
This is a pretty old review but I am not impressed with it. I own the 2016 version of this bike and the 2011 Concours. This bike can not touch the concours on top end contrary to what he said, however, this bike corners like crazy. It is a very nice confidence inspiring bike. I prefer the Concours for long trips but the Versys is a much better daily rider with the ability to go open road if you want to.
How does the Kawasaki Versys 1000 match up against the Yamaha Fj-09? I m a current FJR owner and have looked at both of these as a possible replacement. My first impression is the Kawasaki is physically larger, with a bigger engine, and the seat is more comfortable for both driver and passenger. I am a fan of your channel and appreciate your reviews.
I think your boots are just big. I have no problem getting to the brake on the fsb, nor the verseys.
I wonder if we will see a review of the Kawasaki Concours tomorrow. Excellent review btw.
+Sky King Not tomorrow, but a few days after ;)
+TwoWheelObsession looking forward to it ;)
Which do you like better between this and the Yamaha FJ-09? I am interested in these 2 bikes, transitioning from my cruiser.
Great review. You touch on the finer points which is nice to know.
Had it for 2 months and best bike I've ever owned. At 112 it's gets a little wonky but it may my suspension set up. But great bike for the money. I got mine with 500 miles for $8200.
one of the bikes i'm looking at next, sovery informative, thanks
Nice review. Regarding the rear brake pedal- I had the same issue with my recently departed R1200gs. Foot was always slipping off it due to clearance issues. Very unnerving.
I would like to hear your opinion on a BMW r1200gs one of these days. Great videos by the way. Keep it up.
Good review. Do you know if the z1000,ninja,versys still based on the old zx9r or did they update the power plant a few years ago when the ninja came out?
Man, traction control, abs, power modes?
That's too much nanny electronics for me. A 1000 inline 4 adventure bike I want to be able to be spinning the rear tire while going 60mph around a corner on a gravel road putting 150hp+ down to shoot rocks and able to lock the tire on demand. Okay I am not the primary market for road biased big bore adventure bikes, I don't drink starbucks...
+MM95 The engine may be traceable back to the zx9r engine but it was updated heavily in 2013. 1043 cc.
The Versys 1k is no where near the 150 hp beast you are describing. It normally dynos around 110 horsepower around 8k rpm.
Your comment about Starbucks may be spot on though. Source: I own a 2015 Versys 1k.
Heavily update engine in 2013 but the roots of it are still traceable to the zx9r. The engine is an absolute peach super super smooth got a power commander and the akrapovic exhaust on my 2016 model and it's about 119 bhp on the dyno which is plenty for my needs. No surge in power at high rpm though it's just constant from just above idle to the redline. Traction control can be turned off so you can get the back wheel spinning like crazy if you want!
Wonder if the push on sweepers was just due to crappy stock tires or suspension not being set up. I have a Versys 650 and its cornering is laser accurate. Also funny watching the Concours nearly dragging knee there haha, pretty sure he took all the strips off that back tire.
I'd love to see a review from you on the FJ-09.
+Nathan Miller ua-cam.com/video/1Fg8wqORwR0/v-deo.html
+TwoWheelObsession Thanks somehow I missed that one. I don't know where you find the time.
+TwoWheelObsession Which do you like better? The Versys or the FJ-09?
Sorry about that, you already have a video on the gs. Thanks
Did you prefer this or the vstrom
10:08 If it would be a car and pushing out it would be understeer not oversteer.
Great review, thank you.
awesome right?..Airborne all the Way!
good review, thanks.
Thanks from Texas.
Very interesting to watch after owning this bike for a few thousand miles. This is in a fascinating segment of motorcycles...no one seems to really be able to classify these easily. To me, bikes like these are really sport tourers designed to take advantage of the super comfy ergonomics of adventure bikes (hence BMW's classification of "adventure sport"). Things I love about this bike: Incredibly comfortable (I'm 6'3"), you can stand up on this bike, suspension eats up the road, plenty of power (a more powerful option is the s1000 xr which I rode recently but that bike is just ridiculous and not as comfortable), the weight is manageable, and this bike's traction control and ABS are excellent. Only thing I don't like: No electronic cruise control.
Now, for the golden ticket here...price. I think Kawasaki nailed it on the head. This seems like a lot of bike for 13k, but if you really think about it it's a perfect price. Kawasaki went with manual suspension adjustment (which I believe they have on all of their bikes). This obviously is far less expensive than an electronic system...but the manual adjusters here work extremely well and are easy to use. Once I set my suspension up (a good amount of "plushness" but still firm enough to rip around) I never touched it again. So...yes Kawasaki has included "low cost" options, but they are very refined components and never miss a beat.
The Versys platform is very cool indeed, and is a rider's motorcycle. These bikes are for people who really want to squeeze all kinds of road usage out of their motorcycles, because the Versys just does a ton of things really well. I can't wait to see what Kawasaki does with the future redesigns and updates to this bike.
Nathan Black what do you think about 2019 redesign and all the upgrades? :)
gear indicator?
Greetings from Asia. thanks for reviewing the Kawasaki Versys 1000. as always great vlog, love it :) one question, which one you buy for daily used, Z1000 or Versys 1000?
+Indra Djaya Putra I own a Versys 1000. And have sat on the Z1000. The Z is more "sport" while the Versys is more "touring". With the Z you lean forward more. Ok for shorter trips. But, if you plan on racking up the miles you're going to want more comfort. Enter the Versys 1000LT. I can ride mine all day long.
Todd McMahon thanks a lot, I really appreciate your input
Since you mention daily use then the options also depend on where you live. If you're still in Southeast Asia then none of the two will be good for daily riding, although the Versys 1000 can push it a bit since it is tall and the power delivery is not as aggressive as the rest of the Kawasaki 1000 family.
For comfort, I'm sticking with the Versys 1K
Indra Djaya Putra My pleasure. Good luck!
All other reviews said the seat was extremely comfortable
I own the 2016 version and the factory seat is great. I have not felt the need to replace.
I rode the Versys 1000 twice, and I found the vibes off-putting, especially in the nether-regions. Most all reviews from print mags failed to mention this. To me, the Versys 650 is the better bike.
Understeer not oversteer
Slap a shaft drive on it and I’m in.
do the companies pay you to review the bikes or do you review on your own
+joseph51536 The whole channel is on my own
+TwoWheelObsession so you can review a bike whenever you want
+joseph51536 If something is available and I have time, yes I do all I can
+TwoWheelObsession that cool thanks keep up the good work
You should try second gear. 😂
2 years later and it still hasn't been updated.lol
What kind of bikes good for a fat guy? I'm 400 pounds, 5ft11, 30 inch inseam, I want more luxury, durability, reliability, I really like the Goldwing but who doesn't. $10,000 is my purchase price range. looking for new. I'm not into the whole liter bike, crotch rocket thing. I want to drive comfortable. I'm not really a Harley guy, I think they're over priced, over rated and out of date, although the VRod is sweet. I'm more interested in touring over speed.
Honda f6b
400lb is more weight than a combined weight of myself + my wife + luggage. You need a litter engine bike with good suspension.
Goldwing will be a very good option to your riding preferences.
NOT an off road bike. Period.
Man, that thing got a face only it's Mother can love.
Da heck is wrong with Japan.Inc styling department as of lately(last 15 years or so).
ROFLLLLL!
***** LMAO. Thanks for calling me a "lady" but wouldn't that make me a ladyboy ?...i guess it's true, you can be anything you want on the Internet...LOL. 👍
Oh, just in case you own one...Boy, that's one FUGLY motorcycle ! 😝 ✌
+quietguy1948 And yet not uglier than your choice of ride...man, talk about one sour cooch, did someone pissed in your happy meal ? Did you get sand up your manly bits ?...apparently my opinion was too much for you to handle ? It all would have been fine saying you think is a rather good looking motorcycle and i would have said something like "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and that would have been the end of it but you had to start the name calling...well, i can do this all day...cranky pants. Hehehe. Enjoy your fugly motorcycle and your HOT & STEAMY YT discussions with your favorite ladyboy...ME! (^_^ ) MUAH !
Lol come on fellas...it's okay 💚 i for one don't particularly like the entire look of it, but that has nothing to do with how the bike performs. Either way, that's my opinion and no one should get upset that people are gonna disagree. It's OKAY! :)
I'm just happy that T.W.O. was able to do a review for us! Don't let this get your blood pressure up. It ain't worth it! Yall be safe.
umm versys 1000 = vstrom 1000. same bike different badge
sherbel1975. your right I got wires cross