Kawasaki Versys 650 Demo Ride & Review
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- Опубліковано 12 тра 2023
- Kawasaki Good Times Demo tour came to Mountain MotorSports in Conyers, GA and I got a chance to ride a different type of motorcycle than I normally ride - so check out a Harley-Davidson rider's views on the Kawasaki Versys 650. Hope you enjoy the ride!
#versys650
#kawasaki - Авто та транспорт
I just traded my 2021 650 versys for a 2023 softail heritage, but if I could have kept the Versys I would, it's an absolute joy in the twists, it's faster than people give it credit, super stable at 80 mph in strong winds, plenty of torque in 6th gear, and just a good all around bike
I really liked it. Riding position was a little different but comfortable. Kawasaki makes a really good motorcycle. The new TFT screen is pretty awesome. Thanks for watching and ride safe! I know you’re enjoying the Heritage. Best bike I’ve ever owned.
A 650 Ninja sister isn't gonna be a slouch people should realize that , plus the compression ratio makes it a tad heavier than a standard 650.
You’re right there. The parallel twin 650 cc motor is a great power plant. I think the only reason to step up to the Versys 1000 would be if you wanted the extras line cruise control and other electronics the 650 doesn’t have. But I like the smaller and lighter 650. Thanks for watching!
Versys 850 is what we need! C'mon Kawasaki!
Works for me!
@@GARamblinMan Yes! Kawi could use the z900 engine with all same features as the Tracer 9 GT & at a more affordable price than the Versys 1000 LT SE. Would be a rad bike & a big seller!
@@shreksexy6879 I agree. There is a huge price difference between the Versys 650 and 1000. An 850 priced about $12K would be a hit I predict.
Get a used 1000 Versys...duh
Excellent idea. You can get some pretty good deals on used ones. The dealers will come off the MSRP a good bit for new ones too.
Thanks for the demo ride! I like my Triumph Tiger Sport 660, great triple engine and much more, including those self-canceling turn signals you were looking for. As you demonstrated, these mid-range bikes are light, highly maneuverable yet still with power. The Tiger 660 has 80 hp with a top speed of 140 which is more than enough for me to get into trouble with, haha
I’m testing the Triumph Tiger 660 in a few weeks when I’m in Arizona. I’m renting one for a day and am going to check it out. I love the looks of that bike and it’s really between the Triumph and Kawasaki for my next bike. I liked the Versys 650 a lot but I’m super excited to ride the Tiger. I’ll post a video of my ride through the Arizona desert and Phoenix suburbs along with my comments on this bike. Thanks for watching and enjoy your Tiger!
I'll be sure to check out your review when it comes out - and it'll be interesting to find out which one you choose and why. Have fun in Phoenix on your visit! I'm about 1-1/2 hours north of there. As with every state, AZ has some awesome riding roads. All the best to you!@@GARamblinMan
I just picked up a Vstrom 650 this week and still ride a Z750S. I was looking for more room in a middle weight and that is where the Vstrom and Versys 650 sit. The Versys has quicker steering as it has 17" front and rear. They classify as adventure bikes, but I say light adventure. I wanted something that hitting gravel roads and fire lanes is in their wheel house. I like the thoughts on riding position, not like your heritage, I applaud anyone who tries out different bikes and gives honest observations, keep up the good work.
I want to ride the VStrom. Owners if that bike love it and I want to see what it’s all about. I understand the new VStrom 800 is pretty awesome too. I’m not really looking to go off road. Maybe a well taken care of gravel forest road but nothing more than that. I just want a different style bike from what I have now. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@GARamblinMan that’s how I landed on one. A note, my Kawasaki Z also slides you forward in the saddle, seems to be their thing.
Are there any after market seats that maybe don’t do that?
@@GARamblinMan I believe so, been on some forums but don’t recall which. One guy had a seat redone and adjusted things.
As I get older I am often tempted to trade in my HD for something a lot lighter! If only I did not love my HD so much! Thanks Mr ramblin man.
I feel the same way. The Versys 650 is pretty affordable even without trading in my Heritage but the wife isn’t terribly thrilled with coughing up $9 or $10K for a new bike when my Heritage is still pretty new. I love my HD and don’t ever see me getting rid of it until I’m just too old to ride. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
I 64 now. I traded my heavy (but very comfortable andfast) FJR for a VStrom 650 and couldn't be happier. The Wee does everything well, just nothing superbly. Re: comfort, it's just as comfortable as the FJR. It has plenty of juice, but not so much to get me in trouble and with it being 180lbs lighter, it's MUCH more enjoyable at walking speeds and in traffic....AND I'm getting 56-58mpg!
Great bike but got heavier (as well as better equipped) with each oncarnstion. The early lighter ones are fun. The newer ones are very good tourers
I really liked it but the lack of cruise control is a big problem for me. I’ve really gotten used to that. Thanks for watching!
I've never ridden A Versys 650 but I have owned a vstrom 650 and currently own a Triumph Tiger 850 sport. This type of bike is a fantastic all around motorcycle in my opinion. Especially the Tiger. Loads of power and a hypnotic induction howl.
I want to try out the Suzuki VStrom and Triumph Tiger 660. I like these sport touring type motorcycles. The Versys took me a little while to get used to, but it was loads of fun. Thanks for watching and commenting. Ride safe!
Try the Kawasaki 900rs fun fast light
I would like to try that motorcycle. I just ran out of time at this demo event.
@@samcabasa6609 Exactly 👍
Yeah I’ve never understood why the gear indicator goes away when pulling in the clutch on a Harley. 🤷♂️
You think Harley-Davidson would fix that. Kawasaki also has what they call a positive neutral funder that guarantees you find neutral by up shifting the foot control up when you’re stopped. Works every time.
Do they even put tachometers on Harley’s?
Some models have the old style analog tachometers, but most now have digital tachs that you can see when you scroll through the options on the LCD or TFT instrument clusters.
I have a 2018 model 58 miles per gallon
I’m amazed what good mileage these light adventure motorcycles get. Thanks for sharing this.
Wondering if it falls under sports or adventure type. Any thoughts? :)
I think it’s a lot closer to a sport touring type of motorcycle than an adventure bike. It probably can handle well maintained hard dirt or gravel roads, but not anything more challenging than that. This is definitely a street bike.
I own a 2016. Bought it used a year ago and put 2k on it so far. It's 95% sport tourer. As everyone says, it's a great all around ride. I've ridden a few Sportsters, Hondas and Suzukis and all of them have been great. This bike loves the highway, handles really well around town and can do some light off road (emphasis on "light"). If you want adventure at this price point, get a VStrom or a Transalp. Thanks @GAramblinman for the review.
@martinflaherty1825 thanks for the comments. I agree completely that the Versys is really a sport touring bike rather than off road adventure. I really liked it and for the price it’s a great choice. I just bought a 2023 BMW F750 GS after considering the Versys, V-Strom and Triumph Tiger models. I paid a little more than the Versys 650 or Triumph Tiger 660 but for the added cost I got cruise control, heated grips and a few other small extras. I’ll be posting videos soon for this new motorcycle. Just needs to warm up a bit here! Hurry up Spring and ride safe. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@GARamblinMan great choice. My riding buddy just moved to the GS 900 and it’s a beast! Such a great choice. And believe me, my next bike will have heated grips and cruise. The $8 handlebar mounted throttle rest is nice, but I take long rides and cruise is a must. Stay safe out there.
@@TailgatingWithGeniuses-ti1gx I love it so far. Much lighter bike than my Harley-Davidson Heritage and very high tech. The TFT display is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Ride safe!
Nice bike. However two things Kawasaki need to do for ultimate Versys 650 for year 2025.
1) Install 4 inline cylinders and increase its displacement a bit more say 750cc.
2) Revamp the handle bar to look more premium instead of bended steel pipe.
I think Kawasaki can easily do that.
And they need add cruise control. Great suggestions for Kawasaki. Thanks for watching and your comments. Ride safe!
Why wouldn't you just buy a Versys 1000?
@@countryjoe3551 price, size of the bike and seat height are reasons for me. In Kawasaki’s defense, no other bike similar to the Versys 650 has cruise control either. The Triumph Tiger 660 nor the Suzuki VStrom 650 or newer 800 has it. Guess it’s just too expensive of an option to add it and keep the price low.