2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 pillion review | Touring test vlog
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2019
- The 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is designed as an 'adventure tourer' - it's not got any off-road pretences, but its large size makes it very capable when it comes to loading up with luggage and exploring all kinds of back roads and motorways. BikeSocial takes its long-term test bike to Devon, to find out how well it really works.
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Passenger comfort is a super important part of choosing a motorcycle and is very underrated. My Moto Guzzi Stelvio is one of the most comfortable bikes for passengers and makes our rides together quite pleasant.
Looking for a Stelvio, but will consider the V85 TT after a proper shake down.Like the Versys 1000, but don’t want to deal with chain maintenance.
The review I was waiting for, pillion opinion for my wife! Well done!
Interesting review.
I bought the 2019 SE and my partner and I have done 3500 miles together on it.
Some additional points I could add is that the electronic suspension is absolutely glorious - yes, you loose all the space under the seat, but well worth it.
The quick shift, electronic throttle and cruise control turn the bike into a true sports tourer, and with the electronic suspension suitably adjusted, I often forget the GF is sitting behind me in the twisties when I throw the head up and go into sports bike mode..... well, forget until I hear "wheeeeee" in my headset.
We have been caught in thunderstorms and high winds with fully loaded panniers, but not once has the bike scared me or tried to bite me - unlike my z900! :)
Best investment ever!
How did you find the windscreen cut out in that storm you experienced did it let any water through?
@@Spad562 - not a problem!
Lifted the windscreen up to its highest setting and tucked in behind it.
As I know from my 650 Versys, the new windscreen cut out on the 1K does a great job of taking away buffeting at higher speeds.
It takes a bit of tweaking to set the height correctly and take full advantage of wind flow out of the notch.
If I'm wearing my Shoei helmet, 15mm up from the lowest point and I loose all wind roar on the helmet...... wearing the Schuberth, it's about 30mm up.
Go figure.
I got a notification that you commented on the differences between this and the Versys 650 with a pillion in mind. Now I can’t find the comment? Very interested.
@@BobJJ9999 - I replied directly under your initial comment below where you wrote:
"
I got a Versys 650 as my first big bike a couple of years back. Now my wife is a enthusiastic pillion, I might go for the new 1000!"
My reply is there. Hope it helps.
@@BobJJ9999 Same happened to me as well...
Great to see a review based around the pillion as well as rider comfort. A wife that rides pillion is definitely a keeper 👍
I got a Versys 650 as my first big bike a couple of years back. Now my wife is a enthusiastic pillion, I might go for the new 1000!
Now..... if there is one thing I could write about, it's the difference between 'two-up' with my partner on a 650 Versys and 'two-upping' with her on the 1000 SE Versys.
I/we absolutely loved the 650.... in fact, I wanted to keep it when I bought the 1K
But the reality is that there is just no comparison - the 1K is a joy to ride, one of the biggest differences being you having all the power you want is on tap. On the 650, I might have needed to drop 2 gears to find a power band going up a hill or into a corner with my partner and panniers behind me.... now, I just open the throttle!
I could write a chapter of a book on the handling characteristics between the 650 suspension and the SE electronic suspension, but it would appear in conclusion I hated the 650 which would be totally untrue and unfair.
I have the same fun, maybe more in fact, hossing the 1K through twisties as I did on the 650, but the 1K just moves touring with a pillion to a whole different place as regards handling, comfort, and power.
If you can afford it - please do it. You will not regret it.
EDIT: And for reference, I also have a z900 which has had the pegs scraping through the twisties on many occasions..... and I get just as much fun on the 1K Versys.
As someone explained, the "SE" is like Frank Bruno - a man who could wipe you out and mess you up real bad but in reality, Frank doesn't really want to hurt you.... whereas the "Zed" is like Mike Tyson. He just wants to brutally kill you.
I thought that all made sense.
We own a 2017 Versys 1000 GTand it's been a terrific all rounder for anything such as holidays laden with luggage and 2 up to a simple day out via the local twisties and coffee stop etc. My wife loves the comfort from the pillion seat as much as I get great pleasure from riding the bike itself. The comfortable front end ergonomics work nicely for me at 5'9" coupled with a more than adequate engine for real world riding have made this a fantastic 'No Regrets' purchase. Loved your review of the 2019 model and however nice it is I can't justify a trade-in/upgrade when ours does everything so well.
What a great video! Really informative and enjoyed the format. Keep these real world updates coming, John. The Versys is a great bike. Cheers, Matt.
Best review I’ve ever seen for pillion comfort, well done guys loved it! Did I really just watch 15min?lol
Really great review and best pillion review I’ve seen. Keep them coming
We had a first generation V1K chosen by my wife due to the size of the seat and when the time came to change last year we tried all the rivals and then went for the V1K 2018GT model as my wife still preferred the pillion seat and the deal we got was a bargain. A great bike for 2 up riding which is what we use it for and on the rare occasion I go on it on my own (MT09 and CRF250L also in the garage) it always surprises me how quick and nimble it becomes.
A bit jealous with this years updates but with the price of the fully loaded SE model now nudging up to Triumph 1200 and BMW 1200 GS money I think my choice would have been more difficult had we waited to change.
Brilliant review from a normal couple touring together. Great to see reviews like this, thank you. Versys at the top of our shortlist.
Thanks very much! The final review of the bike, after almost 6,500 miles, is due in the next couple of days. John
Well I have to say I think Helen stole the show! HA! This was a wonderful installment because a bike like this should eventually carry a pillion. It was really cool to actually have that passenger in the video sharing their experience. Lo and behold, my suspicions were correct about this steed - It treats a Pillion very well. That was a very big moment you had there, John! I am so glad you were able to save it. Which also speaks highly of this bike. If I'm on my Trophy I will save it also, but on my Victory Vision - I think the ant-tip over device would have gotten some use!
The other things I keep hearing are the words smooth, fun, easy to ride/manage. These are the kinds of attributes you really want on a bike you will actually tour on. And to hear 200 mile range is encouraging. This was one of the concerns I had regarding this bike. It is here that I am in fact very spoiled. The Vision will do over 250 miles on a tank and the Trophy nets me 300! But 200 plus is very fair for a bike you can have that much fun on as well as tour on.
I am even more intrigued by this bike now. I really do need to ride one.
Was waiting for this review baldly. My VS1000 delivery is on Wednesday so wish me luck. Hope my wife will also enjoy it.
Greetings from 🇨🇦. My wife and I currently tour on my KLR which we love but looking for something a little more comfortable for 2up. This review was great for that reason and not just nitpicking on the numbers or how it doesn’t match up to a Ducati in the corners or a BMW on the straights. Solid review from a real world perspective.
I can't disagree with you when it comes to nitpicking the numbers, but I have ridden the Ducati Multistrada (which I loved) and the BMW GS (which just didn't flick my switches)
I found the BMW ugly, bulky and hard work, but there is no doubt about the quality. The Ducati was beautiful..... but just too brutal to enjoy a smooth comfortable ride. My partner and I clashed helmets on a 25 mile ride more than we have done after 3500 miles on the Versys 1K
And lets be honest, the 2019 Versys is stunning looking - it doesn't pertain to be an off roader, doesn't want to be, but I can sit on the motorway with panniers loaded, my partner sitting in comfort behind me, the cruise control on at 85mph and no hands on the handlebars. Solid as a rock - and it will entertain the two of us through the twisties as well as my Z900 entertains me when I throw a brain storm.
I chickened out at 125mph with both of us on the Versys..... and there was still plenty more power available, but if that's the kind of performance you're looking for if going by the numbers, then be selfish and buy yourself a Z900 as well for those moments!
One needs to stay focused on what exactly they want for a comfortable touring bike for two with more than sufficient power, all the looks, the bells and the whistles - and whilst the Ducati or BMW ticked boxes the Versys didn't, the Versys ticked more boxes overall.
Very good real world review, thanks - looking forward to the next one.
A great review and so good to hear Helen's view as a passenger as this is something that is paramount to me when buying a bike. I had a fully kitted Tiger 1050 which I thought would be great for us to do some touring on but my wife hated that she sat so high up and her head was in the wind blast, I'm 6ft and she's only 5ft 1and a bit (the bit is important at that height 😂). I'm now on an FJR and she is much happier, although she does like the security of the top box behind her. I do like the Versys though so maybe in a year or two when I fancy a change, who knows. Thanks again! 👍
I love hearing from a passengers point of view. It makes the decision for buying a new bike a bit easier. Thank you and great job.
Thanks! John (and Helen)
Just the review I was looking for. Nice insight into riding with a pillion.
Glad you liked it! Cheers, John
Lovely bike, great review. Good to have a different type of format that doesn't follow the same old formulae, much more engaging.
its nice to hear a pillions point of view
Great vid John , honest opinions on pillion travel long distance ....i would imagine the same applies to handling once the bike is fully loaded with camping gear etc , thanks for sharing mate
👍Great review and its good to hear a pillions perspective.
Thank you, I wish more motovlogr’s would do this!
I'm looking at adventure bikes and I really appreciate that the pillion perspective is a big part of this review. So many reviews are from the rider perspective but don't include any input on how a motorcycle is for a passenger.
Thanks for this very nice review, provides me with a excellent imagination. Keep it up
Nice review thank you. Don't stop riding.
Great review..👍👍...couldn't quite catch who you said had modified these seats before.....thanks.
Awesome review - thanks guys!!
Fantastic vid guys really enjoyed that, for the passenger discomfort regarding "Knee Armour" my wife had exactly the same problem on one of our long journeys.. so. I bought from B&M a two piece bath mat, and pedestal set, in Black, £12 and cut it out to shape,.....it is made from smooth velour, with sponge backing,
My wife and my son age 20, tell me it's really comfortable on long or short journeys, it is inserted in their leathers..
I've even put some in for myself,and it is extremely comfortable, a real smooth feeling up against your knees, obviously having them both positioned behind the knee armour...PERFECT..
You will not regret it..👍🏽👍🏽💛😊
Excellent real world review 👍🏻
You two could have your own channel! grate review
Thx for the interesting review. I’m thinking to buy one this year...
good bike review makes a change a real world test
Hi John (and Helen) :o) Very nice and funny video. You both are very sympathic. It´s kinda weird to see you both ridin´ my new bike though LOL had to take a look but mine luckily still is in the garage :o) Ride safe!
Great review - thinking of getting one of these too.
One question - what model is your Rukka jacket??
It's the Navigatorr. Cheers, John
Great to see a bike tested with the pillion. Can you do one with the Tracer 900 GT?
honest review own 2016 gt versys not had test ride on the latest model .but will the finds it difficult to get on and off she is 5ft .but loves the comfort .had to find and replacement some bikes are faster smaller lighter ,but there is something that just gets you with versys 1000 .one of the best but under rated bikes out their.
Totally agree.
As regards getting on and off, my partner was the same, but we found that if I have my feet/toes planted on the ground, in 1st gear and front brake fully applied, then she puts her left foot on left peg, right hand on the top box....... and just steps over the bike. Easy as, and no issue for either of us. Then just lift my feet and move off.
The latest model, the 2019 SE with electronic suspension, is great in that you can pull the clutch in and adjust the suspension on the move. This is great when we are coming into town or moving in slow traffic. I drop the suspension right down to one person, and it means with the additional weight of her on the pillion, both my feet are planted on the ground.... and when we get onto the open road, I can pull the clutch and adjust the suspension up to 2 persons again for better stability and handling.
How xoes it compaire to the previous model version?
Love the beginning 🤣
Thanks it will help others thanks for sharing
Can you please review two up an Africa twin or Yamaha 900gt
This bike looks so much better with the side cases on. If you add the screen from the se version it will be awesome!
Wow these are nice Bikes.For touring and just general looks.Kawasaki 2019 Versys 1000 ticks all the boxes.My next bike for sure....Now just to get the wife to ride with???lol
Very interesting looking at a bike from the pillion's perspective. I wonder how many folks actually test a bike two up before buying. Do many dealers let you ride two up on their demo bike?
They should do - we were in Balderston's in Peterborough recently and there was no question we'd be able to test ride two-up. John
We chose our bike on the basis of it needing to be good for the pillion too. Tried various bikes and my wife really liked this one. No issue with any of the dealers. I am 6'2" 100kg and wife is 5' 60-65kg. Loads of room on seat. Over 2400 miles fully laden in Europe recently there were some numb bum moments on the longer days 6-8 hours in saddle. Pretty comfortable overall. More than enough oomph for most
Good recovery ,..the tale here is!!! too many people by the the big tall posy branded bikes to there cost....buy what suits you folks...cheers from dave
My local bike shop hasn't sold a 19 model year yet and we're in July! Needs more umph not enough power IMHO. Top version expensive too
Great video I better not show the wife as I’ve just brought a 1000XR much smaller pillion seat 👍
Well after watching this I traded in my 2016 GT for a fully equiped 2019 SE model 😀 loving it so far a part from the gps mount in the handlebars which is too low and means to ignition key is really way down behind it 😆 I’ve heard of a company that makes a gps mount to go just behind the windscreen so might be giving that a go
Really helpful.
I want one!
Why buy BMW, I would choose this over GS anytime. Happy versys 650 user.
it appears to me not to many bikes do not have decent pillion seats or foot rests
MSRP
$19,899 Canadian it better be great. My Versys 650 was half that but sure does not have of all these fancy additions they put into the 2020 1000 ABS LT SE .
I've got a 2017 versys 1000, love the bike apart from the seat . My wife thinks the pillion part of the seat is fab but I really start to feel the pain in the bones of my bum after 60mls. Maybe being 6'4 and 18'7st makes a big difference. But I love the look of the new model and fab review 👍
Thanks Jason! Core Motorcycle Seating does a lot of adjustments for Versys - might be worth a chat. John www.coremotorcycle.co.uk/
What GPS mount do you have? I really like it and want to order one. Thanks
That's just the standard TomTom RAM mount. I've since moved it to the bar risers using the Kawasaki mount.
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank-you very much. Was thinking about the Kawasaki mount but like options. Are you finding the Kawasaki mount better?
@@twmclean1 I like how it keeps the sat-nav out of the air; it MIGHT help buffeting to move it but I wouldn't swear to it.
The Kawasaki mount is pretty low, and if you use a tank bag it'll block it. I had a similar one on my MT-10 but sold it in the end as the tank bag meant I couldn't see it.
Now I've used the S1000XR with the sat nav mounted above the clocks, having it this low is quite annoying.
The standard RAM mount works well but it doesn't look as neat as the proper Kawasaki one. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Appreciate you taking the time to respond. I have a tank bag and exactly my concern. Gives me something to think about. Regards from Canada
The pillion in a million must stand on rear footpegs on and off....much easier.
i know this would be boring, i hope that versys would have a paddle shifts like. say for example a 5 foot 7 in asian like me would love to ride that beast of machine but considering when it comes to hill climb and traffic might be difficult for me to change gears with my hands on the clutch whatsoever. nahh its just me haha 👍👍 nice pillion review btw 👌👌
Nice bike but doesn't look like it's made for long term touring. Your wife can't even get off it! I think she will thank you getting a Gold wing but I suspect you will keep this bike no matter what your wife thinks.
By her own admission, Helen's not very graceful when it comes to getting on and off bikes - when she was stuck on there she was ice cold and seized up - she finds it no worse than other bikes (even the Goldwing).
If she uses the passenger pegs to mount and dismount she will not have a problem