500 miles with the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 | Vlog first review
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- As John from BikeSocial starts his long-term test of the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000, he shares his first impressions after 500 miles. If you're considering a new adventure / touring bike, be sure to subscribe as we cover build quality, pillion opinion, back-road ability, whether you should pay the extra for the SE model and more...
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Enjoyed the review. After 15 years and 120K miles of owning and riding my BMW 1150 GSA I was looking for something new to replace it. Tested a new GS and RS as well as a VStrom. When I tested the Versys I just loved it, felt so comfortable and immediately knew it was the one I wanted to get. I ended up with SE version with all the gizmos - I went from no tech (not even ABS) to this thing but it is all so easy to use and, for me, is really easy to change, from the traction control to the suspension preload. Had to be Green!! I've done 1500 miles in the 5 weeks I have had it, about 1000 of those with my wife and full luggage and it is superb. Motorway riding is still boring, but very comfortable behind the screen. Riding around Snowdonia on nadgery B roads it was faultless and I got to test the rain setting on the TC which really seemed to work. Very glad of the choice I made.
I have one and it's a fantastic bike. Best seat ever and reassuring for my son. Plenty of power, great handling, great build quality, no rust so far and great luggage carrying capacity. Cons are - REALLY heavy on tyre wear, needs more noise so decat pipe ordered and brakes could do with braided lines in an attempt to get more feel and perceived stopping power. Have fun!
I like your style of presenting - honest opinions with enthusiasm!
Pretty sure the SE is going to be my next bike. The balance of performance, handling and comfort on the Versys is hart to beat. Not super powerful, but the power is very usable and you can use all of it, it isn't like a big multistrada or S1000XR where you can't touch the power on public roads. The fact that it is a boatload cheaper than a Duc or Bimmer helps too.
I had the first Versys 1000 and found it super capable. Great engine high in the revs, predictable and so on. The TC saved my skin big time once. Then I switched for the Aprilia Caponord, and that was a bit of a revelation: it feels a lot more agile (about the same weight but lower), the sitting position is more engaging, the engine and engine sound are also a lot more satisfying. Comfort-wise I never complained about the Capo. So all in all, the Versys was very good, the Aprilia quite a lot better (for me, obviously).
Great review.....looks like a fantastic bike and going to be test riding the SE model very soon
I've put over 2000 miles on my versus 1000 se lt in just over 2 months. I love it.
Looking forward to your videos as this is 95% my next bike.! I'm waiting to see what color we get in 2020 in the US; I've heard we're only getting the SE version in a different color. I wanted the bike you have as you could add all the other accessories except for the electronic suspension and the ride app which I could do without
Such a nice and positive review !
My first track day was on a Versys and it handled the job at hand no problem. I've moved on to other bikes but I still have a soft spot for the Versys range.
I had a 650 Versys, it's amazing how good a bike it was. If all out power isn't your thing, a 650 is more than capable. And cheap as chips.
I had a Versys 650 on long-term test a few years ago, when I edited Motorcycle Sport and Leisure magazine. It was brilliant - I had one of my best rides every on that machine, along the North Antrim Coast road with my mates on holiday. I so nearly bought the bike but opted for the KTM 1050 Adventure in the end. John
Was a contender for my latest bike I really liked it the engine is awesome at any revs great bike
Great looking bike, love your enthusiasm
Was just about to get one, when the boiler went. So am now riding a new cobi vaillant. Not as fast, but warms really quick. Maybe next year!
@chez421 😀😀😀
@chez421 mate you wanna see the pipes on it. Lol. Sry ive had a Guinness. 😉
@chez421 😀
Really good ‘real life’ first impressions review, John. Kawasaki make some great bikes; I absolutely love my Z900RS Cafe. I think the Versys is very underrated, and the base model is pretty good value in my opinion. Looking forward to the next instalment. Cheers, Matt.
Thanks Matt!
The important info you gave us up front such as your age (muscle strength considerations), weight and inside leg measurement was really helpful, and it is what all road testers should do (instead of showing us how many wheelies they can pull - Neeves), to put your experience into some sort of perspective. I am 62, 6' tall, weigh 100 kg and have a 34" inside seam measurement (and of Viking heritage), which is not so different to you but enough to take it in to consideration. Thanks.
Really enjoy your no-nonsense, clear and informative videos John - another good one. I've got a Tiger 800 that I'm very happy with, but always interested to see what else is out there. This looks like a solid option in this category. Choice is good. :-)
Thanks!
Have been eyeing this beautiful machine for sometime, here in the states you get the LT SE+ with all the gadgets and seeing one in person I was really impressed by the quality switches and paint. I’m having a hard time parting with any of the bikes I already have because it couldn’t really replace any of them per say, but it’s just an incredible offering from Kawasaki. The reliability would challenge any brand on the market and for a fantastic price. Left over pre ‘19’s for $10k and ‘19 SE+’s under $14k.
Great review, Sir. I'm looking forward to more content on this bike. I have been very intrigued by this motorcycle. Nice feature set, very nice looking in my opinion, it seems to be a very capable machine. Now you have made me have to ride one! Would it be a candidate to replace my Trophy SE? Not really sure. I'm skeptical. But THAT is why I want to ride one!
Beautiful machine and a lot of motorcycle for the money. I love the upscale sophisticated paint scheme Kawasaki chose for it.
Still loving my 2016 Versys 1000!
Another wonderful adventure bike.
My first bike was a honda shadow 2013, very under powered and the mustang seat a bit uncomfortable it had very low mi so I traded it in for a new 2016 versys ,I LOVE IT !! very comfortable and tons of power for me ,Hey guys no its not a H2 or hyabusa ,Its a great tour bike ,smooth acceleration and handling and many rave about reliability ,I only have about 7k mi so far so cant say , but I hear guys are getting tons of miles out of these bikes , Hope that helps if you are considering it , David in Cali :)
I have a 2016. Was a little reluctant to buy because of the weight. Best bike I’ve ever owned
3 weeks ago I picked up a 4 yr old GT with only 7k on the clock. Absolutely loving it so far, but the test will be at the end of the month when I take it for a 3000 mile UK tour
I have an FZ1, and you are 'familiar' because of your MT-10. It is "almost" ideal for me, because I do everything from Track Days -- intermediate -- to 'cruising' with some of my friends, and even Funeral Escorts and Charity Rides. I LOVE the HP and mid-range power of my bike (and have boosted it by about 25 HP ). But I would also Love to have a bit lower seat-height, and a more comfortable seat, for those much longer rides, and even road trips, with some of my friends. This bike looks very interesting for me! I like having the storage, and the ABS and other electronic conveniences... but I think the 'extra' 45 Kilos (100 US Lbs.) along with lower HP and Torque, would leave me 'wanting more'... And I can't spend that much money and not feel that I got what I really wanted. I paid half that price for my FZ1, new, and added heated grips, touring wind-screen, extra HP, some throw-over soft bags, and custom graphics... and I do my own "ABS" (smile) ... and it's all paid for.
But I don't have 'self-healing' paint!! WOW!
No self-healing paint on this one I'm afraid... that's only on the SE model.
Hi there,
I have looked at this bike many times as it ticks most of the boxes and in many ways its "old school" featuring a proper pillion sized seat, main stand etc. These features are hard to find these days as most bikes today are mainly aimed at solo riding with only the pilot in mind with the pillion very much an afterthought. The only real problem that rules this bike out for me is its way way too tall for someone like me with a 29" inside leg. As you have a 32" inside leg you would find this no problem and not an issue at all. Nice review thanks.
My mate rode it and he has a 29" inside leg - he said he found it fine... it'd be worth trying one. John
I used to own a ex demo 2015 ,long sold and recently I went to Motorcycle dealers to see about buying a new one.I was totally shocked at how much they cost now.I always viewed mine as my motorised toy.Even If I wanted one badly unfortunately I wasn't born a minute ago.MY local Kawasaki dealer told me that Royal Enfield sales were sky rocketing a bit like Kawasaki prices.Yep the main dealer told me that
I'd love to have one. I've been considering getting the old 2012 model with the ugly lights. One can get them pretty cheaply and they seem to handle very well.
Owned 2012 and 2015 versions. They changed the suspension on second Gen and I prefer it over the old one. Apart from that... Everything is the same.
Hi John thanks for your video it was very insightful, just wanted to know if you need a bashplate for the versys1000 .
Thanks! As it's not an off-road bike, I don't really see the point in a bash plate. Check out this review for the final verdict: czcams.com/video/SbOeBi9sq9s/video.html Cheers, John
Have you adjusted the high beams? I am not liking the illumination. It seems to me the low and hight beam are tied together so i can't raise the high bean without raising the low beam
These are Awesome Bikes.
I am looking for best comfort and best power in the road. Versys1000 or vstrom 1000?
I have a 2018 GT, essentially the same bike ex the the flashy clocks. It does have the top box, lights, sliders. Relatively light and easy to manoeuvre, with a comfortable upright riding position. Have done over 8K miles on it. Just finished a 2.5K tour around northern europe including the Black Forest and Swiss Alp passes fully loaded with my good lady. Hasn't missed a beat, loads of flexibility, which is what the engine is tuned for, more than enough power for normal use. Cruises comfortability at MWay speeds all day. Averaged 60 mpg plus over that tour. Normal average at home around 55mpg. Only additions are a puig touring screen and tutoro oiler. I had heated grips but didn't need them those last weeks in June at 30+c!!
Excellent - great looking machine. The cornering ABS and traction control is new for this model too, as is cruise control. The previous model's still great though!
How was your two-up touring? Suspension holding out ok? I am rather big and my wife isnt that small either...
@@miggelvr No issues. I am 6'2" and 100kg, wife 5' 60-65kg. Suspension is just as it was when I collected it from dealer. It just works why mess with it.
@@miggelvr czcams.com/video/i7q1RkShoLc/video.html
Thanks for one of the few Base model reviews. Ordered my white Versys just yesterday. White base model in touring config. Really looking forward to it and yeah - putting her on the center stand is just pure ease. Ride safe!
Good choice - got to say, the base model is the one I'd buy (and am tempted to). John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you kindly :o)
Yes, base model all the way, super bike.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Thank you kndly and yeah - think so, too. Can´t wait for the arrival of my new one. :o)
@@bennettsbikesocial She arrived at the Dealer today ... oh man, i am going mad here, sitting and waiting ... took pictures already though - Gee she´s such a beauty in white. (She had the larger windshield mounted already - i ordered the large windshield right away-)
Just wondering what your thoughts are in comparing the versys to and FJR as a touring proposition ?
I just can’t like those adventure bikes, no matter how hard I try. Great review by the way. Superb.
Cheers, and fair play - I love that we all like different things in bikes. To me though, the lower seat and lack of off-road pretence makes the Versys great when it's loaded up with luggage and a pillion. Cheers, John
aah my dream bike ..
I have a 2016 model, saw my local dealer had a second SE model for £4k less than new and I thought right I need that straight away! Got there a couple of hours later and it had been sold, damn it!lol
Looking for something to replace my klr. I wish the Verseys had a bigger front wheel. I'm probably gonna end up with a vstrom1000.
Iam worry about the step board can it carry a280lbs guy standin in the bike? Thanks
Does it have cruise control?
Wow, is this a beauty! Are the handlebar switches backlit?
Sadly not... That is a neat touch. WHen I had my 1050 Adventure, it annoyed me that it didn't have backlit switches, yet the 390 did. Having said that, I've never actually needed backlit switches. They do look cool though! John
I know you can't adjust the brightness of the screen which is crazy for a LCD but is it bright enough with a tinted visor or sunglasses. I used to love my old Versys but it worries me that i won't be able to read the dash. The SE dash is fine and bright and better but also a lot more money.
I wear a black visor and have no problems with it - it's very well shaded. But... some of the figures, like the trip, are quite small. In normal use they're fine, but a rain drop over the top can make it hard to see exactly what it says. It's not perfect, but the speed is fine. And of course, the rev counter is great. John
I’ve never had anything but big cruisers. Harley’s and now a Vulcan 1600. If I’m honest with myself I think I am getting bored with v twin cruisers. However, I cannot stand riding a “ crotch rocket”. So one of these Bikes might be the answer! Comfort and a Japanese 4 cylinder engine sounds fun!
Got ~52k miles on mine and it's butter.
I rode a $30k Beemer the other day. Wife said it was more comfy than the Versys with a top box, but not overly so. BMW felt heavy at low speeds and made a lot of noise to get into the power. I didn't think the suspension had anything on the big V either. Luggage space was about the same on both. Versys steers lighter and feels more precise in higher speed cornering. I can also spend the day with adventure bikes tooling around fire service roads. And it's 1/3 the price.
Best bang for the buck touring bike there is.
Looking at this bike due to the tracer 900 that is a brilliant bike just a big thing is the tracer can only carry a choice of having a pillion or panniers or top box, it just can't cope with all three to due carry weight, hence why looking a bike that can cope with all I need.
Great review, have you ridden the Tracer 900GT if so which would be your preferred choice? It is between these for my next purchase
Personally, I would go for the Kawasaki. But have you also considered the S1000XR, to throw a spanner in the works?! John
czcams.com/video/NmdIaLuRK1Y/video.html
czcams.com/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/video.html
Thanks for the reply, I have looked at the BMW so could be another option
@@MrScobea I'd recommend test riding them all if you can. The Tracer is great, but if you want to cary a lot of luggage an a pillion it loses out to the Versys. John
I needed a replacement for my first ever bike after having done 30K miles on it. Tested most of the adventure style sport touring bikes and ended up with a 2017 Versys 1000GT over the Yamaha 900GT, the V-Strom 1000, KTM 1090 Adventure, BMW S1000XR and the AfricaTwin. Each bike had something I loved and very little I didn't like but ultimately I got the most bike for my money in the Versys and I love every single ride on it.
One more question i have is about the dash, can you read out the digits while riding in different conditions? The dash appaers to be a bit on the dark side but could just be because of the video
Yes, but rain spots on it do make the small numerals hard to read
How is the suspension holding out on this base model? Good enough for riding two-up without dancing around the streets? The previous models have been known for being a bit on the very soft side when riding two-up. It seems the front fork can only be adjusted on one side (both preload and rebound)? Seems a bit odd to only change one side or is that normal?
Funny you should ask about two-up... czcams.com/video/i7q1RkShoLc/video.html
Like the bike, but have a Z1000sx which is pretty much the same. Great review.
Nice! I had one a few years back... had some fun on that in Scotland. I prefer the upright riding position and increased payload of the Versys, but great that there's so much choice from such a good motor.
Hey there, what you think about s1000xr it worth the more money or we only pay the name , want to trade my 2009 v strom in near future .
Try these: czcams.com/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/video.html
czcams.com/video/SbOeBi9sq9s/video.html
I am looking at either this or the vstrom 1000. Looking to do a European touring for my own CZcams channel and my bike doesn't cut the mustard, especially when I wanna bring a pillion and a load of gear. It's so hard to make the final decision on what bike to get
and what have you chosen?
@@chrisw4215 I bought a 2014 versys 1000
How does it compare to versys 650? What's the milage? How's the ride comfort?
I'm currently averaging 45mpg on it. Compared to the 650, it's bigger and heavier, but much more spirited and far less impacted in performance when riding fully loaded with luggage and a pillion. The ride comfort is very good - smooth, without being vague or wallowing.
Can’t wait for the 2up touring review! As I am looking to purchase a bike to ride 95% of the time 2up with my wife. My HD springer just doesn’t do it for us. Have you made the review yet?
Edit: can’t decide between this bike or the V storm 1000.
czcams.com/video/i7q1RkShoLc/video.html
Bennetts Bike awesome man. Thank you!!!
Does 2019 Versys 1000 has TFT display??
This standard one doesn't, but the SE model does. John
@@bennettsbikesocial thanks 🙏
"Torrential rain" ... hum... don't you live in UK ??! ;) Good video ! Thank you ! I ride a 1000 vstrom and I really like the versys as well
It does rain a lot, but torrential rain is a special treat. John
I've always thought it was strange that Kawasaki has the Z1000, Versys 1000 and the Ninja 1000. Seems like a lot of crossover. It's not like anyone's likely to take this off road, but I guess it's more comfortable? Looks like we're only getting the SE model here in Oz this year, and it's $24K which puts it up against some stiff competition. Heated grips are still an extra $370, but I guess they aren't needed in a lot of Oz. Looks like this "non-SE" version doesn't have the cornering lights either. What about the rest of the electronics? Does it still have the full colour TFT display, bluetooth connectivity, quickshifter/autoblipper and IMU/cornering abs? What's the price difference? The "Standard" model here is still the 2018 which is $16K, so 33% cheaper.
This loses the quickshifter, cornering lights, TFT dash, Bluetooth, riding modes (but you can still flick to reduced power) and semi-active suspension. In the UK, the price difference is £3,200. It does still have cornering ABS and traction control though. John
The Ninja 1000 is biased more towards sport where this is much closer to the touring end of the stick. Also way less gizmos and much lower price for Ninja 1000. Doubt either bike is cross shopped with the naked z1000 (now z900 right?). But I do know what you mean, lets not forget they have a zx-10r also. Lots of liter-ish bikes from kawi.
A little bit annoyed with the changing of imperial and metric units. Maybe a little conversion on screen could help.
I think the central idea is easy.
How do you get on with seat height? I'm 6' and found it a bit high.
I'm 5'10 and honestly get on well with it. I can get both feet down, and prefer this to my KTM 1050 Adventure. I recently stumbled with it fully loaded, and I'm sure I couldn't have caught it had I been on the KTM. John
I am 6'2", easily get my feet down. Does appear tall, not as bad as a Tiger.
Versys 1000 was my close second before I went for Tiger 800 XRX.
What swung it for you?
@@bennettsbikesocial Versys 1000, MT09 Tracer and Tiger 800 XRX were my final three. Versys 1000 was just to large for my liking. Test ride on it was fantastic, gears, engine, position were all great. MT09 felt super plastic like (cheap). Currently I have 4000 Miles on Tiger and no regrets so far.
Excellent! I love that in motorcycling we all have our favourites, and that there's so much choice! Nice one. John
I tried both the Tracer 900 GT and Tiger 800 before settling on the Versys. The 900 was too small for comfortable two up and touring use. Great engine. Tiger was a bigger bike more space and carrying capacity. I found the engine/gearbox a bit coarse compared to Tracer. The Versys combined the size and capability of the Tiger with the smoothness and easy box of Tracer with just a bit more grunt.
Test riding the SE on sunday as they haven’t got the standard on demo...if I like it I’ll then be in a dilemma which model to get standard or SE ...great looking bike
Have fun! They're both great machines... If you can afford it, and don't mind the lack of space under the seat, I bet you'll go for the SE! John
Cheers John,seen your review with the xr v versys and obviously the xr has more power but just sitting on it at a dealer I felt the footpegs where right in the way of getting me feet to the floor and in all honesty I just love kawasaki’s👍🏻
@@markjones3551 I can't say I've had that problem, but they really are different bikes - the XR is shouting at you all the way on every ride; it's an incredible real-world sport machine (much more fun than a 'proper' sportsbike), but relaxing and easy going it is not. The Versys is a much more sedate ride, but that's not a criticism. It'll get a wiggle on and sounds good, so if you want to tour around in comfort, get the Versys. maybe have a ride on the XR to compare it (you'll always wonder), but it depends what kind of rider you are; if you want more thrills, it's got to be the XR, but at the compromise not of comfort, but it's not as relaxing, if that make sense.
Makes perfect sense......been a sportsbike rider for 20 yrs but in the past 5 have started to enjoy riding at a slower rate(not slow rate😃)and at the moment enjoying riding my Gsx1400 but looking for a bike to do some touring on next year...I know if I was to buy the xr then I wouldn’t be able to restrain myself everytime Id be out on it so as you mention the Versys would be more relaxing aswell as being able to provide a spirited ride when needed(and let me keep my license)
As for the standard v SE versys it will be a hard choice as £3k is £3k afterall
@@markjones3551 Let me know what you go for... have fun!
I like it very much so I bought one. Only wish it was 1 inch shorter.
How tall are you Tony?
5'10" 29 inch inseam
I'm gonna get mine within 1 week. coming from a suzuki bandit 1250. Some people say the kawasaki is a ugly bike. Me ?, I love the bike. Maybe i'm blind ...Anyway, thanks for the (positive) review. My z800 has 113 bhp and for me that's enough ! So, 120 bhp will be fine I guess ! Thx !
You'll love it! Let me know how you get on. And I'm with you - I think it looks great. Fortunately for me, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thx John, I will ! Promised !
Some say they miss the lower down torque of the Bandit?? The Versys is very flexible all the same.
If this one looks ugly to some, do not check what the previous model looked like...
@@bennettsbikesocial Hi John, Yes, I love it ! Lots of torque ! I wasn't expecting that ! I'm really enjoying this bike ! I'm still braking in the engine. Breaking is phenomenal ! And it steers like a bicycle ! The only complaint I have is that shifting from 2nd to 3rd (and from 3rd to 2nd) gear makes some noise. It seems to be a little better now. Maybe it wil go away after 1000 kms or so. Anyway, I love this bike ! Now I now why you are so enthousiast about it !
Does it have cruise control and heated handlebars?
It does have cruise control as standard, but heated grips are an optional extra on this model.
Bennetts Bike , thanks for the info, I am trying to decide between the Versys 1000, the Triumph xca 800, or the BMW 850; any insight you can share will be greatly appreciated!
Honestly, you need to test ride them. The Versys is the one I'd choose out of those three, but it doesn't mean it'll be the one to ignite your passion. The fact that you've got it down to just three is great, now go and have some fun with some test rides. If any of those dealers won't oblige, that just helps make your decision easier... John
I would possibly trade in for the 1000 but only for the GT version but that would be a used model at best with low mileage.....for now though the 650 i own has enough power for my solo camping trips etc i can sit on the motorway at reasonable speed with no issues :)
The 650's a brilliant, brilliant bike! John
@@bennettsbikesocial thanks john ....following this vlog so your advice is appreciated
I was lucky enough to have a 650 for about eight months a few years back - I had one of my best rides ever down the North Antrim Coast Road on it, and spent some time touring Ireland. Truly a great bike, and easier to manage than the 1000 thanks to the weight. I very nearly bought that 650 but went for the KTM 1050 due to the great engine. The Versys 1000 is better if you have a pillion just due to the extra power, but the 650 isn't lacking. I wouldn't hesitate to own a Versys 650 now, as my only bike, but I do like the extra speed of the 1000. The light weight and excellent value of the 650 though makes it hard to beat. John
Nice comments , colour not my choice 🙄🙄, should have gone green , the other blue one looks fun , but being 6ft 4 ( me ) you knead a bike with a screen , tiger explorer 1250 , 2014 was my choice blue half the bells and whistles ( cruise control a must )
Bandit 1250 sports 2008 , when I want that terrbine power 😊😊 , that's my other unit , live in Perth WA ☀️☀️☀️weather alway brilliant 👍👍👍 ride safe 👌🏻👌🏻😋😋
The green isn't available (at least this year) in the base model. Cruise control is on these 2019 bikes. Cheers, John
Shaft or chain ??
It's a chain drive. Cheers, John
That camera wobble almost looked like a tank slapper about to happen. Made me clench my butt cheeks.
Yes - sorry about that! It was the camera wobbling though, not the bars!
I owned a 2015 one, burnt orange. Suited my 6ft 3" frame, was a great all round machine. Unfortunately in 2016 I like you bought an MT10, I thought I would keep the Versys for tours and get my kicks on the Yamaha. Found I preferred riding the lighter more fun range compromised MT10 even on tour so sadly the Versys was sold.
Was amazing how well and smooth that Kawasaki engine pulled from low in the revs, but I found it a bit lacking when riding with friends who were on 1200 GS's; they would easily gap me out of corners and up mountain passes. If you want to see how well the Versys goes up the Isle of Man mountain I did have my Gopro with me czcams.com/video/4JS65OZs7MQ/video.html
I'm in a quandry at the moment about which suits me best. I plan to compare the Versys to the MT-10 with luggage, so it'll be interesting to see. Nice video - you're getting some good pace up there! Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocialCheers John I just posted my 3 years 19,000 mile review of my MT 10 on the same Banditmanuk channel with some of the luggage I use. No doubt the Versys is the sensible choice 2 up touring compared to the 10. I'm guessing your partner will find longer rides much more comfortable. It's just the way the MT10 makes you feel when you open the throttle..... I'm addicted! Cheers and all the best Richard H
I have a 2016 Versys 650LT... I’d trade it on this bike right now... but Canada gets the weird orange model... I cringe when I look at it... why do we get such a horrendous colour? lol
I actually quite like the orange! John
Why do you measure your weight in kilograms, but your height and inseam in feet and inches?
Keeps things exciting. I might go kilos and ounces with feet and millimetres in future... John
No cruise control on the LT model is a fail.
I'm 5ft 8in weighing 75kilos. Would I be able to manage the seat height? How do you find it in the off-road? Is the ground clearance good enough?
Thanks
Your height shouldn't be a problem, but it's really not an off-road bike I'm afraid.
Not an off roader.
If I had the money burning in my pocket I would change my Versys 650 for the 1000, no question,
That 650 is still a really brilliant machine. Probably one of the best value bikes I've ridden, offering so much! John
I’ve just swapped my 2018 Versys 650 for the 2019 Versys 1000 SE GT. I’ll let you know how it goes!
@@bennettsbikesocial Yes it is. When I bought it it was my daily commute to work. But now have a different job and I don't ride every day. So more tourism utilization the 1000cc wouldn't hurt. Keep up with the great reviews and content.
Ive got the v1 2019 base model after the change oil at 1300km the idle started to sttuter supposedly the standard is at 1100 now my bike is at 1000.. the dealer told me that they don't have the "machine" yet to adjust the idle speed this is crap.. this is disappointing...
Have you tried calling Kawasaki UK? That doesn't sound right...
Well I went to the dealer yesterday and spoke with the mechanic. He advised me to have my air filter cleaned and that they will raise the matter to their executives in Manila some japanese dudes this is very disappointing..
Im from Philippines
@@tinker6435 The dealer told you to get your air filter cleaned? I assume they did the work. Have you spoken to Kawasaki head office in the Philippines? We only have UK contacts so can't help I'm afraid.
Definitely I’ve got a problem with the styling of this bike...Diserves at least a 19 inches front wheel...
Ugly (the bike!), and no doubt a bike most would just walk past - especially in the dealer on the way to check out something sexier. But also no doubt a bike most would learn to be very fond of, if not love, and find incredibly good and useful. Want to know - daily short/medium range use - OK? 5-6 miles into say central London - also OK? Insurance quotes versus that MT10 would also be useful.
It's a bike you very quickly bond with - my wife has said the same since being on it. Commuting is fine - I do it over 8-10 miles, though not in as dense traffic a London. I wouldn't want to tackle London with the panniers on, but the commanding view is appreciated, so stick to the top box and you'll be pretty much fine. But if you're shorter than me (5'10"), check how confident you feel on it. I'll add a city Vlog to the reviews. John
Lots more uglier bikes. Not convinced this Mk3 is better than the Mk2 looks wise but that is personal choice.
Too big, too heavy, too ugly.
Good professional review.
The bike or me?!
@@bennettsbikesocial The bike of course.
@@zardportugal nailed it ☺
Lots more heavier, uglier, bigger bikes out there in the sport adventure, sport tourer class.
No point comparing it to some other class.
A very boring bike in white !! Snot green always looks miles better. Unfortunately I think I would walk right in by if is was in the market for that type of bike. It’s just so grey 🤷🏼♂️
We all like different things, which is good. As usual with Kawasaki, you can't get the base model in green, at least for the first year.
Fugly nose on it 🤢 The V-Strom 1000 looks better IMHO?!
The bits that stick out are a bit earwig-like, but otherwise I do like it. Still, I also like the look of the MT-10! John
I have one....An tall and inconfortable pice of crap!
Bored already with this bike, Japan’s sleeping at the wheel. Expensive too at $24k the same price as the BMW S 1000 XR HP or Triple Black
Not sure of the prices in your region, but in the UK the base model Versys is £11,199. A BMW S1000XR specified to meet it costs £13,550.
It is a better all round adventure tourer than the S1000XR. It doesn't have the outright power, which is kind of irrelevant for most uses and it is more comfortable and softer to live with.
Go buy your BMW.
boo-boo not sure power or torque is irrelevant on a touring bike, you’ll want more power when touring with two people and luggage.
But that wasn’t my point, they’re expensive at $24k RRP, the design is dull. build quality and components are cheaper and for similar money it gets you on a premium brand like the BMW, other options for just under $23k are runout BMW R1200RT or Ducati Multistrada 950 also
@@a9503128 Where are you seeing it listed at $24k? The Kawasaki site has the 2018 at $13k and the 2019 SE LT+ listed at $18k. You may still think it's boring and not worth the price but they are not as expensive as the BMWs.
Mark Thompson $ not £, take a look at Bikesales