2019 Versys 1000 SE LT Review / Test Ride
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- čas přidán 23. 03. 2019
- Here's a 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT test ride and review I wanted to share with you.
If you're looking for a new sport touring / adventure type bike or looking specifically at the 2019 Versys 1000 SE LT, then check out this video review and test ride before you buy or go to the dealer.
This updated 2019 bike has a ton of new tech and an updated engine, is it worth your hard earned money? I'll give you my opinion from the perspective of a sport touring rider who likes to go on long adventures. I also can appreciate and enjoy most every style of riding.
Has Kawasaki made something that's not only fun to ride, but also ready for some major miles? Check it out. Also, make sure to check out Kawasaki's website, I didn't even get a chance to cover all the updated and new features of this bike.
The guy leading the ride said I was one of the first handful of people in the country that got to ride this bike! Pretty cool!
THANKS FOR WATCHING!
Contact us:
MotoTravelUSA
PO Box 391
Oakland, FL 34760-0391
CURRENT MOTORCYCLE:
2015 Yamaha FJR1300A
PREVIOUS MOTORCYCLES:
Kawasaki ZX14R
Harley Davidson FATBOY
Harley Davidson Sportster
Kawasaki NINJA 650
Honda CR500
Kawasaki NINJA 250
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Just bought this bike a few weeks ago, have 700+ miles on it now. Planning a 1000 mile trip to NC this weekend. It is a fantastic bike but I had to put a AirHawk on the seat. The cruise control is amazing. Will now more after this next trip, but so far it is an amazing machine.
Great bike. Some say that the cruise control is not steady? How do you find it?
Just finished a 10 day Colorado adventure on the New versys and it was amazing! I know have 5000 miles on the big Versys. Good review. Thank you
I have a 2016 Versys purchased in June of 2017. The great part was I got the MC out the door for $10,500. I now have 39,000 miles of trouble free riding including a Saddle Sore 1000 last October. Yes, my version of the Versys doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the 2019-21 models, but for the price, it can't be beat. Plenty of power, excellent handling & ride, comfortable ergonomics and a very smooth engine. I've added a Puig windscreen(at 6'2" the stock was too short), Givi 56 liter trip trunk, Kawasaki auxiliary lights, power outlet & gear indicator in the dash & deer whistles. I was hesitant about a chain drive MC, but the original chain lasted 33,000 miles with minimal adjustments(5 in 4 years not including tire replacements-on my 4th rear tire.) On the chain replacement, I also dropped the rear sprocket from the stock 43 to a 42 tooth. Lowered the cruising speed by 4-500 rpm. I would purchase the newer version as prices in California have dropped considerably......around $18,000 for a 2019 or 2020. I wish Kawasaki would do 3 things: 1. Add a shaft drive 2. Electronic adjustable windscreen and 3. Increase the power to the 140-145 hp range. All in all, it's a great MC and has the advantage over BMW & Ducati with utter reliability.
Hey I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to put this review up I'm seriously looking at this bike so it was a big help
You’re welcome.
Fast forward to 2022… I just bought mine two weeks ago and if you’re looking to buy this bike, you can negotiate a lot. Dealers have a hard time selling this model because of the steep price for what is mostly electronic gadgetry. I can say it’ll take you a while to figure out all the electronics and you’ll definitely need to read the owner’s manual if you want to maximize everything the bike is capable of.
did you purchase the 2019 in 2022? if so, what was the price? I am looking at a 2019 with 3918 on odometer for $10,999 at dealer. Looks like a pretty good deal.
Great review of the Versys.I have been wanting to test ride this bike for some time now .
Good review, your boot was hitting the engine case (2WO mentioned that also on his review of the 2016 model). I was hoping Kawi would import the base model, not sure I like the color scheme that's been offered to the states.
I just test rode this bike yesterday and have to agree with you on almost all points. Motor and suspension are super smooth, good wind protection with no buffeting. I hated the seat a little more than you, but didn't notice the turn signal switch problem. The clutch does engage early (I stalled the first time) and also noticed the sponginess of the shift lever, I guess due to the quick shifter, and had a real hard time finding neutral. This would be a great long distance bike, and if it had shaft drive it would be at the top of my "next bike" list. I also test rode the last version of the bike in 2015, and this one is a lot more refined.
I definitely love this bike. I’ve been riding with one since the first version (2012). Lots of fun and great traveling from Brazil to Argentina and Chile. I had Kawasaki Concours 14, but I prefer Versys 1000.
You had me at soft clutch pull, I need to check one of these out.
Awesome video and review of the specs on the 2019 Kawasaki versys 1000 SE LT. I'm going to get the 2017 Kawasaki versys 1000 LT next month hopeful if it doesn't get sold. But after I pay it off I'll be trading it in for the 2019. After I enjoy the 2017 for a while. But I was wondering if you could do a review or information video if you can upgrade the 2017 to have the 2019 digital dash and Cruise control that be interesting to know if you can upgrade parts from a 2019 to the 2017 Kawasaki versys 1000 LT.
That spongy feeling you mentioned in the shift lever is because of the 2-way quickshifter that I didn't notice you using. Just tested one today and the quickshifter and auto-blipper are a blast!
Thanks for the info. I was wondering if the quickshifter had something to do with it. You’re absolutely correct, I did not test out the quickshifter on this ride. Much appreciated!
Great job bro. I enjoyed. Seem to be really a nice ST bike. Will consider it as my next. Keep up man and drop by when have time.
Great review thanks for sharing. With the experience that you have today, on both bikes, Versys 1000 or FJR if you had no bike and had to pick one, which one would you buy today? My commute is 30 minutes each way, mostly highway 3 or 4 lights. My beef is with chain drive vs shaft, but I'm so atratcted to the Versys, on the other hand, if I had the FJR would I miss anything from the Versys and viceversa ? So undecided.
Hmmmm.. interesting question. If I didn’t own a bike and had to pick, I think I’d go with the FJR. The shaft drive, ease of maintenance, and slightly more sporty stance would tip it for me. With that I’d miss out on the better balanced weight, more nimble, awesome LCD info panel, and motorcycle Bluetooth connectivity of the Versys. I think they are both awesome bikes and would have a hard time choosing too. Thanks for watching!
Great review. Thanks for sharing with us. I ride Harley's , but I love ALL motorcycles.
You’re welcome, thanks for watching!
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
Are you linking the brakes or just using rear?
I had a Versys 650 for 3 years. Loved it great bike. I was ready for a new bike and chose the F850GS. I gave the Versys 1000 LT SE a hard look before I went with the BMW... I was very close to buying the 1000 Versys. I’ll likely have one at some point. Cheers 🍻 🇨🇦
What makes you buy GS?
right through 2 stop signs for starters lol. great review ! yes, the turn signal is very small. very nice bike though.
Great review.i rode the 950 multistrada my foot was hitting the side casing when using the brake.Did you find out what it was that annoyed you?Did you not know it had a quick shifter of you prefer not to use it?Cheers.
Thanks. Yes, I knew it had the quick shifter, I just didn’t test it out on this ride. It was the engine casing my right foot was hitting every once and a while... it really didn’t annoy much, just pointing it out. If I owned the bike I’d get use to it.
If you don't know what your brake side boot is hitting, why not look down at a stop light and see? Good review otherwise.
I was there on Friday 3/22. Love that Versys 1000. I currently ride a 2015 Versys 650. Also test rode the z900! They had a great test ride set up there for sure.
The tech and ride on the 1000 is pretty sweet. Agreed about the test ride setup, it was well run. First time I’ve ever had to do a breathalyzer before a test ride, but totally understand why. I’m just not use to a guy telling me to blow harder.
@@MotoTravelUSA So funny and so true!
Hello Versys 1000 SE LT When will you arrive in India?
Thanks for the review I’m looking at the 650 but this has made me want to move up.
Enjoyed your commentary
You’re welcome and thanks for the compliments. I haven’t ridden the Versys 650 but have ridden the ninja 650 (I think they’re the same engine just tuned differently) and you can feel a lot more vibration in the 650, much more than in this 1000.I think the 650 would be good on shorter trips of 3-4 hours or so, where the 1000 you could comfortably go a lot longer. Also, this has more power to get out of tight spots if needed, the 650, while a capable engine, doesn’t have as much of a punch when accelerating.
Really appreciate your description on the bike. How is it on the comfort of the sit? How do'es it feel? Do you recommend an additional airpad for long trips or just stay on the stock sit?
You’re welcome! Yeh seat felt pretty comfy to me, but it was a short ride, so I can’t say how long it feels good. On my fjr I use a combo of a comfort seat and motoskivees that get me about 2-21/2 hours before I need a butt break, which works out good for how I like to travel. I bet the Versys could do that too with motoskivees and if kawi makes a gel seat for it. But the stock seat did feel comfortable on this short ride. I’ve considered an airpad but have never broken down. Hope that helps a bit. Thanks for watching
I have an Air Hawk cushion for my old Versys. I found I don't need it on the new one.
Wish my 2016 Versys 1000 LT had electronic suspension...
In the configuration you're on it's got an aerodynamiclly limited terminal velocity of only 137mph. Autobahn You Tube demonstration.
@MotoTravelUSA, Performance wise how does it compare to the FJR?
It’s comparable, but the FJR has more punch. However, most of that top-end power in the fjr will rarely be utilized. If I switched to the Versys, I don’t think I would miss the extra power. The Versys has ample power darting out from stoplights and when I needed to gun it during this test ride and It felt like it would hold its own on a freeway, which I didn’t get to ride on.
Hi! I have question it is worthy to get se version or i should choose standard version? In your option 😊
For the 2019 they only have the SE version. It has a lot of upgrades over the previous years non SE versions. I like to have the latest tech, so I would get the2019 over previous years.. unless money is an issue.
So the fjr windshield and air maintenance/ comfort is an issue ?
No, the fjr windscreen and maintenance are great.
Such a hard spot I'm in trying to find an upgrade to my smaller bike so I can travel 3 states away easier and yet have fun in town and up the coast on a day ride and with the occasional 2 up riding at sea level for costal trips.I only want to own one bike. This is a big contender. I am mostly worried about the fun factor with this but don't want excessive maintenance worries/costs. I am still looking for other options.
Check out the Yamaha Tracer 900 too. The GT version comes with saddlebags and it looks a bit sportier than this. This was fun to ride
Thank you for the reply. I did test the Tracer here is what I have a problem with and why that bike is off my list. I am a big guy and my occasional passenger is about 150# 1. The payload is small, it cannot handle my weight and a passenger and gear, 2. the foot pegs are too far back my big feet hit the passenger foot rest in a bad way. 4. the hard luggage is too small for my helmet. 5. the tank paint scratches too easily. 6. Vibration through the handle bars is more than others. I did want to like the Tracer 900, its pretty. The Versys has faster get up and go top speed overtaking power when loaded up over the tracer, max power is not my main goal however.
That wasn't a test ride, more like a little tour with a tour leader, how can you get a fell for a bike following someone around like that.
Great video i found one and I think I'll make an offer
Thanks. Good luck with the offer, seems like a great bike to me
I've always been at a loss when it comes to the Versys(and few other bikes in class).....I don't understand the place or need for a "pseudo-adventure" motorcycle.
Ride one.
This bike has it all. Who will buy the regular LT version now without all the tech the SE has?
Why didnt you buy VERSYS instead of Gs850 :) tell me :)))
Great question.... There are a bunch of reasons but some of them are: I was looking to do more gravel/dirt and adventure routes like BDRS and TAT, the GS just fits better for that stuff. Price, I felt the GS was a better value for what I got. They're both awesome machines and I've owned more kawis than anything else, but the BMW just was a better fit for the riding I've been doing since getting it.
One drawback, at least for me, is the price-the 2019 SE LT is $3k more than the 2018 LT in terms of MSRP.
Agree and the same price as a Ducati Multistrada 1200 base. I think Kawasaki has over priced this a little.
Kawasaki really missed the boat with the price and power level. The bike is nearly same price as a BMW S1000XR and is on par with the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, yet gives up over 45 and 25 horsepower, respectively. I don't understand why Kawasaki neutered what would be a great bike otherwise.
Agreed. Original release of this powerplant was 2011 in the Ninja 1000. 2014 they put a revised intake cam into it, which reduced power. 2018 they redesigned it reducing even more power.
This engine has been in the Versys 1000 for a while, and gets a power reduction and weight increase every time the bike is revised.
Why? cost and emissions regulations. Just a lazy way to do a motorcycle when Euro4 goes to Euro5. Yet all Kawasaki ads will have people believe the changes have to do with refinement and technology. No, it has to do with increasing regulations.
At least some European manufacturers give us bigger engines with higher emissions regulations, to maintain or gain power in the meantime.
Honestly this class of bike is looking less and less appealing due to the weight, power deficit, and sheer size of them. Even Yamaha added weight and reduced power with the updated Tracer 900.
Have you ridden one. I test rode the 1290 S first but bought the 2019 Versys 1000 as it's a way nicer ride in my opinion. The power band is very linear making it more usable in real world riding conditions. The 1290 has gobs of power sure, but not real refinement......plus it doesn't come with side cases in this price point. I love this bike....plus it sure turns a lot of heads
Kawi downed the power a bit to give the Ninja 1000 motor a bit more torque throughout the powerband for rideability. Similar to what KTM did with the 1290 Super Adventure and 1290 Super Duke R/GT version.
I cringe at such posts as they are dishonest when no equivalently equipped competitive BMW or KTM model is priced. KTM and BMW charge you boatloads of money for option upgrade to get things like cruise control, quick-shifter,etc. And are combined with many other features like keyless operation which I don't need.
Not to mention predictable cost of ownership. KTM and BMW will likely have you heading to dealer after warranty period to perform root canal on your wallet. Besides power difference anything beyond 100 hp to rear wheel quickly becomes diminishing returns and higher risk. As is the Versys catapults above legal speeds in no time. My brother has Ninja 1000SX and the differences are minimal unless you want to ride well above 100 mph.
@@kugangles9860Take a look at Versys 1000 dyno curve. Besides lower compression they change the cams to give more stable llow end torque. Then they taper off torque starting at 7700 rpm with throttle reductions before cut-off at ~ 9800 rpm. Without this Versys would easily output 120+ hp. Whereas Ninja 1000 SX doesn't start doing this later with a higher rpm cut-off. IMO they do this for safety reasons due to aerodynamics at high speeds. Too much uplift on front wheel .😮