Kawasaki Versys 650 (2018) Review & Testride
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- čas přidán 7. 04. 2018
- This is Kawasaki's version of the mid-range road/offroad Adventure bike.
More on-road than the V-Strom, but less so than the Tracer.
With adjustible suspension so you can make it more or less off-roady, this is a great in-between!
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Cameras used: Gopro Hero 3 Black and GoPro Hero 4 Silver. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Yamaha??
In my opinion, and many would agree, the Versys 650 is one of the BEST motorcycles ever made and one of the best you can currently buy. That said, you obviously have a different opinion of many things about the Versys 650 since the last time you rode one in 2016, almost like you forgot you've reviewed this bike before. You enjoyed it a lot, loved the engine induction sound, thought it was a four cylinder. And it is the INDUCTION sound you love not the exhaust sound as you say in this video. You call this a "big" bike now but didn't say that before. It's not a "big" bike especially compared to the Versys 1000 or even your Tracer 700. But, overall you seem to enjoy it more as you ride it where you were hesitant at first. And you now understand it is NOT an adventure bike which I think was your misconception on your 2016 ride. Also, I'm surprised you criticize Yamaha for engine sound when you have a Tracer 700 which has a lovely sounding 270 crank angle, whereas the Versys 650 is a traditional 180 crank angle and most people hate the sound except at higher RPM with throttle open where it comes alive as you show here. But at idle they sound agricultural and exhaust doesn't help that much.
I have a 2014 Versys 650 and it's not as refined as the 2015+ model, but still better than the 2007-2009 version. The engine gained 5hp and two more rubber mounts, plus suspension and brake improvements, styling and that windscreen system borrowed from the 1000 (that you thought was great last time). Handling is amazing with either bike, but the newer one is better for longer rides. Anyway, I could listen to that induction sound all day. My Versys doesn't make that sound as strongly I assume due to a different airbox design. At least I can do a slip-on exhaust whereas the current model you can only do full exhaust. I may get this newer version if I can find an amazing deal like I did on my 2014, but it's definitely not necessary. The Versys 650 is one of the best bikes ever made regardless of which year it is.
Nice info, thanks. Thinking about getting one like your. Are the newer models improvements justify extra $$, or the older one as good but much cheaper. I can wrench on bikes, so upgrades improvements is not an issue. Have you ridden the new ones for comparison?? Thanks in advance
I have the 14 also, two brothers pipe kicks ass
Andrii Gritsina If you can afford the 2015 or newer model it’s worth it especially for the version with the luggage. I bought a 2014 because it had less than 500 miles and was very cheap. But I am now considering selling it to buy a 2019 or 2020 because I want the refinements and the integrated bags.
I've got 2 bothers slip on, it's great, pops, farts, and revs better
instablaster
The best motorcycle ever made. I have had mine for 2 years. I'm still in love. Not the fastest, not the most planted but, all usage considered, the best. Nimble, humble but does exactly what you want it to do, exactly when you want it to do it. The best all-rounder ever engineered. Incredible. My ONLY criticism would be that it could be punchier. If they release a Kawasaki Versys 800 and SLIGHTLY stronger brakes, i'm already sold.
It's fast enough (if not the fastest adventurer on the road) and the breaks are good enough.
Awesome review-thanks! I pick up my new Versys 650 this week! 👍
I got one of these on the 3rd of May and have done already over 2000 miles after the first service the engine is so much better and smoother! Such a good bike for doing miles and a bit of fun in the twisties.
Thanks Cager. This and your V-Strom 650 review have really got me thinking. Excellent (& entertaining) reviews!
Love your test drives, amazing work. Will watch again !
Great job on the curves, your excitement was great... That seems like a great combo on the 650...comfy, good handling, and decent speed
I'm riding mk1 Versys and can confirm it's a great touring bike. Lots of pleasure on the twisties and good enough performance on highway. You can get better bikes but this one is great value for money.
agreed
I want one. Haha
Mine is extremely fuel efficient for some reason, i went 300km on 10L !
Oh good I'm happy to find you reviewed this bike because I like it.
your reviews are excellent, you cover the essential details. well done!
I own this bike for 2 years now, it is so underrated. The bike gets even better when you change the stock tires (im using Pirelli Angel ST). Mivv exhaust only costs 400euros sounds brutal.
Once you get on it you really dont feel any of that weight that scares potential customers. Take my advice and consider buying this bike.
this has got to be the most entertaining versys review i have seen! Bazaaz!
Obrigado Cager!
I'm thinking of buying the Versys 650. We have an LT version that comes with the side bags and hand guards.
I really enjoy watching both ur English and Portuguese videos.
(Os meus pais são da Madeira)
Got the same bike, fully loaded, aside from side panniers. Lovely bike, worth it.
Coming back to watch this again. Considering selling my 2014 Versys 650 to buy this version. I was hoping for an all-new Versys 650 to be available by now but it’s obviously not necessary. I’ve looked at SO MANY new bikes including the similar but more expensive BMW F900XR and I still want this one. I still appreciate that you can admit this is better handling than your Tracer 700 which unfortunately still is not sold in US.
usually the reviews are 10 minutes long and i can't even sit through 3 minutes of them. This one though? I enjoyed from the very first second to the very last end and was surprised it was over.
Great review definitely helped me make up my mind and subbed as well
Proud Tracer riders practising their riding techniques here: czcams.com/video/TziuG5LtEWY/video.html
Must be the suspension adjustment because other then the addition of a gear indicator and a few other small things there were no major changes made to the bike. I agree with your assessment, great bike, not crazy fast but competent and fun to ride. Mine is a 2016. Very happy with it. I’ve got Bridgestone Battlax T-30s on mine made a big difference in the handling. Installing a T-31 Evo on the front soon.
I was thinking the same thing. New Versys isn't much different than the old. Cager is probably experiencing the power of a good setup vs a bad setup. Bungle the suspension settings and let a couple psi out of a tire; you can make a great bike feel pretty crap.
kleinbottled79 c
very good evaluation
Michelin pilots are hard to beat on cold wet roads. Nice honest review.
I recently purchased a 2008 Versys, with less than 20k km. I gotta say, it rides pretty well, and is very comfortable. I used to ride a Honda Hornet before, and even though the Versys has 30hp less, it has more acceleration out of the corner, which comes handy here in the Italian apennines. The two cilinder is much more suited for these roads, having all the torque available as soon as you open the throttle. Btw, i very much prefer the older design (like mine) to this modern one. The older is more original, the newer is uninspiring and it looks like a plain generic japanese bike.
Hey man thanks for the review! Just wondering what your overall thoughts are for the versys, v strom and the tracer are as an everyday commute and an occasional touring bike? Thanks man!
Cheeky ninja 400 in the background. Will you test It?
I got the 2023 model is very good for long trips on small roads
Sweet, i'm lookin at a 2018 with very low miles.
Hey Cager, thanks for this excellent review. Versys top of my list after I finish my A2. V-strom 2nd......Some new touches for the 2019 model I think. Any thoughts?
Another fun review from Cager. You keep breaking the law while riding, but I don't see any cops around! Great place to ride, Portugal. The Kaw and MT lack the TC of the V-Strom, and the bigger front wheel for off roading. All 3 bikes have about the same HP! So the MT is for sport adventure, the V-Strom is for some off-road adventure, and the Kaw is for touring adventure. So nobody has made the perfect middleweight adventure bike. I would pick the Suzuki as I already own the 2012 V-strom dl650a!
@CagerOnTwoWheels - can you do a review of Chinese CFMoto 650MT,? It would be nice since you have them in Portugal and not elsewhere in Western Europe.
About the exhaust note: Automatic captions register [Music] when you hit the throttle (8:00). Enough said
Boas Cager
Pus umas molas progressivas da "hyperpro" e a Tracer é outra moto!!!! São menos de 200 paus bem GASTOS! A diferença é incrível
Abraço e boas curvas!
I’m new to riding and just bought a 2015 versys 650. I took off the windscreen and like it a lot more that way.
Hi I'm a big fan of your reviews and how you evolved your riding skills and experience over years. Please review the z900rs and ninja 1000sx or 650.
Regards and keep it up
Kawasaki always sounds great cager 😎 please do the z900 rs 🙏🏻
Hi Kageron. Nice review.
one of the best bikes ever
What about the Honda NC 750x that is comparable too or have you forgotten your roots?
Great review as usual, Cager! I'm about to get a V-Strom 650, but also looking at the Tracer and this one. Apparently Yamaha greatly improved suspension on the 2018 MT07 by just using different springs and fork oil. I wonder if they did the same on the Tracer?
I did a test ride on the tracer 07, felt too wild in the corners inside the ciry, want the power yet need softer engine braking, I think this one might do the work well.
Cager please make a review on the Versys X-300.
given the choice between the versys 650, v strom, tracer or yamaha niken, which is the best option?
Very nice reviews! Love watching them. Hope you'll review other brands, like Triumph or KTM.
Can you share which of the 3 is the best for long trips? I know you said the Yamaha prefers the pavement most of them all. But how about your COMFORT? Which one wins when it comes to long trips?
PS: Totally agree about the Mini. What a failure....
PS which beach do you do your filming at? Would be a great road trip from France!
I love this bike :)
Soooo Cager would you buy one? I'm 54 years old 6 ft tall or 2 meters and 225 pounds and am in the market ffor a bike the choice is a Versys or a Hornet. I see you are enjoying the ride but you ride a hornet 600 in a test and liked it also. Qhich would you prefer
So, a serious question. Would you get Kawasaki Versys 650 grand tourer + (with all the extras), or the new Tracer 900 2019 for the same price (not Tracer 900 GT, that one is almost 3.000 Euro more in my country, and it arrives in like 3 months).
Mike Litorris the tracer 900 is just really, really powerful, so if you are already comfortable with so many hp or you want to level up, buy the tracer. If you think that 50kw are enough, that would be a mistake.
The 2015+ Versys 650 is an excellent tourer and still very fun to ride. It was refined and updated that year. The Tracer 900 is much faster and more aggressive. I'd at least wait for the 2019 Tracer GT if you're seriously considering it.
hopefully once the yamaha niken comes out you can give one a go
In your opinion. Better V-Strom than Versys because of Traction Control? Is it so important? Too risky without it on “difficult” surfaces?
Yamaha Versys??? Never heard of that lol
xD
Coal Country Sentinel i
Sounds like a craigslist ad.
Coal Country Sentinel I have to replay if I heard it right....Yamaha versys
please do the new suzuki gsx250r...
the insurance on 250 is way cheaper than the 300's insurance where I live.
In Love With Yamaha !!!
Where you buy that windscreen?
Cager, listen to this engine tone.. to the firing sequence timing tone style.. it sings "use me in my upper RPM range. I'm quite sure you could've squeezed more of the real potential of this Kawa-puppy including in overtaking. And yes, also a bit more downshifting. Respectfully, PainAndMurphy Jo.
Are you going to test ride the Ninja 400
You should have put the preload of the v-strom higher and it would ride through the corners on rails like this one.
B R I’ve ha a V-strom and after I did this to mine it was much more stable. I had a top case which pushed the back down while riding on motorways and the front wheel felt very light.
Does anyone know which windshield is on this bike. I like it but can't read the insignia. Thanks, Mark
what brand is it.
Man, when you pulled the key while riding.... Also, Kawasaki, if you're listening, please, for the love of all that's holy, make an 800 version of this bike. Please!!
800cc w around ~ 90 - 100HP would be perfect for me
the 1000cc is too big for me with too much electronics and the 650 i just a bit too weak..
but I prefer the 650 that's why I bought one some days ago :D
stunningly great bike :)
I’m thinking of stepping up from a Yamaha xmax 400 scooter to a mid touring bike with pillion passenger. Which one would you people recommend? Yamaha Tracer 700, Kawasaki Versys 650 or Honda XC750. Mainly commuting in London but also occasionally tours away from the city (longer trips also in plans). Many thanks for all advices.
I have an XMAX 300 at the moment and I am looking at the same bikes as you, plus the CB500X, which is very agile and cheaper. This could be a great option for you in London. I've tested the Versys and the NC750X, and the Versys 2018 wins on comfort for rider and pillion and has less vibrations. Not sure the Tracer is really that good for a pillion, from what I've heard. But you also need to check on maximum payloads for these bikes, depending on the weight of you and your pillion. Hope this helps.
@@stuianwood I'm also at a dilemma between versys or NC.
Is the versys really more comfortable for the passenger?
@@carlosandleon I'd test ride both of them mate. They have new models now anyway.
Love your videos, are there any speed limits in your country? lol
You should do the versys 300
What bike review did we see, after all. A Tracer, or a damn Versys?
I subbed because we share the same attitude while driving haha.
Yamaha versys 650 lol
idiot
Noticed that too. That just ruined my day.
Sinbad683 hahaha
WTF Yamaha versys??? Booooo
Yup. I had to double back on that one. Thought i heard him wrong the first time
I love this Yamaha Ninja 1250
Cager m8 , these are a great bike and good value but I think the 2018 tracer 700 will be better with its fettled suspension as it will also satisfy the inner hooligan when you are feeling more spirited riding mood . Thanks for your review .
I disagree. The MT-07 and Tracer 700 both have budget suspension that is still under damped and under sprung regardless of 2018/2019 improvements. The Versys' Showa separate function inverted fork alone is massively superior without even talking about the shock.
yes yamaha versys 650 from kawasaki store !
the verysys 1000 is quite fun not sure how it stacks up but better than my old kz 650
Taller bikes (xtz 750,varadero 1000,etc) feel good on the bends. I dont know if its the case with this versys, or its just the suspension, but from what Ive rode, yes... taller bikes feel good to lean.
Please review KTM duke 390 2018..
Review Ninja 400 pls
Should i go for brand new versys 650 or used versys 1000?
Or just buy new xmax 300?😁😁😁 cant afford the new V1000.
I'm in the same boat. I'm thinking the 650 because of a factory warranty, plus cheaper maintenance. Also, the registration and insurance would be cheaper with a 650.
I would use the bike mostly for commuting with some occasional weekend trips, and that would be fine with the 650. I also face the possibility of my girlfriend wanting to ride pillion and she isn't skinny. With that in mind, I now think the 1000 would be better for me because I don't know if the 650 can hold 80+ MPH while riding with a pillion. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to afford a new 1000 and sacrifice the refinements from newer models, plus I wouldn't get the factory warranty with a used 1000. Hmm... That extra power would be fun and nice to have when needed. Damn... I'm having a hard time narrowing this down and picking a bike
How does it compare to Honda nc700x?
I love small keys!
Kawasaki probably made the wind screen only adjustable when stopped for insurance purposes. If the knobs were on the inside, they could be liable if crashes occurred while trying to adjust it.
Kawasaki NEEDS to make a 700 Versys with like 75hp 70nm torque, make it really punchy in the mid-top rev range and make it just a tad lighter. Tracer 700 curb weight is just under 200kg, Kawasaki should aim for that too.
All you need to do is induction work. A K & N air filter. Open the air box a little. Extrude hone the cylinder head or at least polish and match the in and ex ports polish and or remove any casting trash from throttle bodies. An ixil slip on sounds great and flows way more than stock even with the baffles..a power commander and a little dyno time would do well also. If you wanted more top end you could use the camshafts from the kawasaki Z 650. Let me know how it works out.🚀
@@johncarlson1877 or, just buy a 750, save yourself a fortune, and spend your precious free-time a actually riding.
What about Tiger 800 review? :)
I think the Vetseys pisses on the V Strom in terms of acceleration and road handling. The V Strom takes the win for better off road performance. Neither really suited to real off road riding, esp the Verseys. The V Strom isn't as smooth because, no surprise here, it's a V Twin vs the Verseys Parallel Twin. Both very good bikes. The pipes and oil filter sticking out of the front of the V Strom all willy nilly was a major turn off however. People actually sat in a boardroom and said, "Yeah, that looks really good. Put it into production". Yikes.lol
Taking out the key mid ride.... Yeah, I was not expecting that!
Don't mean to be judgmental, but yayks, not a good idea. 👎
would you recommend this motorcycle to ride with 2 people?
If you get the rear luggage case, yes. Passengers like something to lean back and relax for long trips.
I like the Yamaha Versys 650 :)
you should try a BMW F800GS
How many times have you pulled a key out of your bike while riding and dropped it down a drain? :p
I can tell you right now that the reason that particular engine is so smooth is because ECU has been tuned out of Euro 4 specs. Ask them at the dealer and they'll tell you (unless Kawasaki secretly put in ride-by-wire throttle and a smooth engine mode without telling anyone 😋).
Stock fueling is quite jerky if you don't have a perfectly steady hand and you can't let go of the throttle like you did and sail because of hard engine braking.
Agreed. I installed a booster plug and it’s now a lot more manageable
I like listening to you, and I have seen a number of your vids now and I like them... But I do have one question. Have you ever reviewed a bike that wasn't awesome, amazing and a super fun bike? I will watch a few more and see.
I put 300km on my new Versys and confirm the tires are dangerous in the rain but maybe its because they are still new. Also it feels like the bike is missing a rear hugger, all the gunk water and mud was flying right on my legs.
I got the 2023, still shit tyres in Rain, going to change them.
The Mini Clubman!
I feel exactly the same way, how pointless!
8:55 he’s beginning to believe...
You are hearing the intake, not the exhaust! Kawasaki designs the intake sound!
It's a Kawasaki Cager!
V-strom 650?
I have a Versys 650, I wouldn't call it an adventure bike, I would call it a sportbike dressed up as an adventure bike. They actually haven't changed anything on the bike since you last tested one, this one is just properly set up. I also agree the ultimate combo in that class would be the Versys 650 chassis and suspension with the Tracer 700/MT-07 motor.
mrvwbug44 it is changed. The versys uses a tuned ninja engine of the same class. So it has more power than the ninja. I tried one myself and loved it. The tracer compared to this the tracer is more useless as it is the same as FZ09/MT09. It’s the same bike with no difference in performance at all. It’s only a tiny bit taller.
The MT-07 motor was already putting out more power than the Ninja 650 motor, it didn't need any help or re-tuning for Tracer duty. The Versys 650 hasn't been changed since the 2015 re-design and has slightly less outright power than the Ninja 650, but has more torque in the midrange. A Ninja 650 will pull past 10k, a Versys 650 is done at 9k. The mid-range biased tuning of the Versys might actually be better than the Ninja 650 for real world riding, but doesn't have the outright power. The weight difference is negligible, the 2nd gen Ninja 650 was actually heavier than the Versys 650, the new 2017+ Ninja 650 is a bit lighter than the Versys.
Also the Tracer 900 is a completely different animal and the Yamaha triple is an absolute beast of a motor. I always considered the Tracer 900 to be more akin to a big brother to the Versys 650 than even the Versys 1000. The big Tracer isn't much bigger than a Versys 650, but has double the power. The big Versys is lot bigger and heavier than the 650 and is more akin to a large touring bike than a mid-sized sport touring bike.
mrvwbug44 power isn’t all. Torque is also a thing including how much power that can be delivered at specific points. And the Versys 650 will definetely outrun the tracer in any kind of race offroad. But if you want the very best then you might as well just buy a Honda Africa Twin. I mean just look at my new Kawasaki Vulcan 500. Has less power then a HD Sportster 750, but because of my drag and power delivered and used is far superior wich means i can easily outrun him from 0-100km/h. Of course top speed will be a different thing, but lot’s of power is pretty much useless if you can’t use them. I’ve outrunned a lot of other bikes bigger then mine wich simply just proves my point. The Versys is an offroad tourer. The Tracer is some fucked up bullshit sportsbike with height wich hurts your ass after 5 minutes. The tracer is not even a considered choice for longer trips. If you want long trips the Versys defeats the tracer like lava melting feathers.
@@Danol123 mt means master of torque!
Lol the little dog chased cager away. :)
plese help me yamaha tracer 700 or versis 650?
@@CagerOnTwoWheels thanxs, you did god job with your videos👍
I hope every time you say ''tracer'' you do mean the 700 cc one because the 900 is from a different planet
and also my opinion is you can't compare handling wise a on off bike (vstrom 650 19'' front wheel 50%-50% tyres ) with this one 17'' wheels 100% road tyres
Nice compression braking
you ride just like I do, agreesive
Lol ha ha ha 😂
Love your review.. Great job Great fun... l think a great bike !!
After checking comment section I realized I'm not wrong of hearing it as Yamaha. LOL!!
Awwww..Yamaha...versys..? May i know thw launch date?
Cager, please test drive next Kawasaki Vstrom 650 2017/18
He already did. And it's the Suzuki Vstrom.
I see what you did there, lol. Flew over the head of the other guy ⬇️
⬆️ lol
I don't think that's a stock windscreen Cager.