***Correction required*** In the video when I mention "Slipper Clutch" I was incorrect, I should have said "Quick Shifter" instead. My apologies if I have confused anyone. Also I confused Pre Load and Dampening when talking about the suspension.
it is also slipper clutch works with throttle by wire etc. Can do with old school cable throttle just you need to do it for yourself not the millenial way of someone else do it for you or make it easy... boring get a scooter if you cant operate a real machine...
@@ThrottleDownunder tks good review not against the bike rider aids make sense just too easy for me I guess but I fly biplane with cable everything all mechanical you really are part of the machine like old school bikes...
@@ThrottleDownunder I think it's more a case of Kawasaki waiting until the price of the relevant tech comes down to the point where "normal" people can afford it. They always seem to design and build to a price point. But that's fine, as we're not all millionaires.
Well, after watching your video and going for a ride, I have purchased the new 2019 Versys. Looking forward to putting it through its paces over the next few weeks.. Cheers..
Very nice! They launched the undercut version in India yesterday for $20000 . The + version looks like a worthy bike. The older Versys was quite a sleeper too. Great video and thanks for your review.
I bought the 2019 se gt version. Just like the bike and my wife thinks the pilllion seat is very comfitable with space. Myself I use it just for when I do two up long distance riding. I bought the lower seat that is 20mm lower than the standered seat. The engine is actually from the ZX10R but tuned for torque not top speed. Te Luggage is actually developed by Givi. The SE version is for people like my self who does not wany to keep playing with suspension set up manually.
I know we motorcyclists like black clothing, but when it's over 30 C and the sun is shining, wear a light colored coat! I live in the south of the US, and for the summer I have several light colored mesh coats. But talking about the Versys, I have a 2015 Versys 1000, and it's a very good bike, I'm very happy with it.
Greetings from Portugal, i'm less than 5 feet 10 (1,73 meters) i tested yesterday that bike and it was a great ride! Although its very expensive in Portugal, facing the competition with more HP, i'm considering to buy one! Safe rides;
Great video. This bike is very high on my want list after owning a versys 650L till October last year (cager pulled out in front of me). I think you ment to say quick shifter for the up and down shifting. slipper clutch prevents rear wheel lock up when down shifting at higher speeds. I noticed in the last part of the video that you were rolling off the clutch when changing up. Might just be habit but you don't need to do that with the quick shifter. Thanks again for the video.
Thank you mate, and yes you are completely right, I meant to say quick shifter, my reviews aren't scripted of rehearsed so I often use the incorrect terms accidentally. And yes then I did revert to using the clutch, purely a 30 year habit. Thanks for watching.
The Versys looks great but I couldn't justify £3,000 on top of the KTM SAS. Who knows though, maybe I will come back for a Z900RS. (I do have a Versys 650 that I use if I need to travel into London)
I own a Kawasaki versys se 1000 2019. it is ID ?very good bike. who is seriously underestimated how good he is for his money. I did have him exempt from 120 hp to 143 hp and to be good he was allowed to leave the factory with 155 166 hp because against that horsepower on wheels you have lost 12 hp. max speed 222 km flat ground nice weather. but once you are loaded with suitcases and passenger this Kawasaki it makes you feel that nothing is wrong you can adjust it completely to your liking that's why I like it so much the km that you can ride this bike without any doubt can this this does. second thing you do like about this Kawasaki is. do you treat him aggressively or drive calmly he thinks both are ok. third thing I like I can lose a lot of material under the seat of my Kawasaki I have an air pump with me First aid kit - tire set for a plate tire. and material for your chain and needed around to secure your bike. after part wind screen I made my wind screen electric. because don't feel like adjusting every stop for wind screen. second rear brake doesn't pull at all. third if you are on 1 vit you can still push yourself down. but I like to drive it very much. and sorry i'm from belgium so english will be badly translated
You are mixing up preload and damping. Preload is ride height adjustment only to bring the bikes geometry back to optimal to counter the extra weight of pillion/load etc., damping is for a firmer or softer ride. Great bike though, big change from the 2018.
you saying it is 42 C felt like a mistake to me, i wish it was hotter for me, 8 C is just cold. so i converted the temp immediatly to fahrenheit. Then i saw you were from AU/NZ...... I am stupid
also consider the concours 14, very similar motor to the ZX14, faster and sportier than this one yet comfortable, although this bike is fantastic as well, , I also feel like the concours has better wind protection
Not a bad review would suggest more detailed information like, fuel capacity, wheel sizes, service schedule, heated grips etc. good to hear the Aussie accent. Show how you adjust the wind screen, under the seat, where’s the battery, toolkit etc. how about a review of a 2019 Suzuki Boulevard M109R. Thanks
Good review brother. Would seriously consider the SE or even the LT (top spec model I believe), to replace my 2014 vstrom 1000. Have had a couple of Kwaka's in the past and have no problem with having another one. Tech list is impressive and comparable to the BM's/KTM's. Would be interesting to find out the range of the 21ltr tank. Maybe 350-400km? Subbed and liked. G'day from a Townsville rider.
Gday Andrew, thanks for your message. Yes I'm not sure about the range at all as I only had the bike for a day, would be interesting though. I hope all is good in Townsville, looks like it's been a tough time in Qld recently.
Suspension is amazing. Very customizable easily on dash, but even better, there is a phone App were you can set your suspension while you are watching tv at night, and automatically loads when you turn on bike.
@@ThrottleDownunder Have you already driven the normal Versys, so without the electronic chassis? How is the difference? Is the electronic suspension worth it or is it enough the normal one?
Thanks for the review! The bike seems nice but its at a price point here in the US at $18000 and for that price one could get a Ducati Multistrada 1200 so I personally think, Kawasaki is stretching it a bit.
Greetings from Canada. What benefit does allowing air flow through the windshield give? Thanks for a great review!! Wanna trade +30 for -30 temps for a day?..
Gday Todd, I was in Toronto last year for minus 15 and that was rough, minus 30 must be harsh. I'm not sure how much that little vent affects it, I didnt notice much difference. Maybe a wind resistance reduction? With a full face helmet I didnt feel air flow, maybe with and open face you would.
@@ThrottleDownunder It's been an exceptionally harsh winter, even for this area. I have my new Versys on order and expecting it soon. Won't be able to ride however until April. Will give me something to polish in the garage..lol Thanks for the reply. PS...Toronto is much nicer in July!
Hi TDU, great review, how did you find the heat from the bike on such a hot day. One of the issues this bike seems to attract is heat coming from the motor which can be felt on your legs. Cheers. RJ
Gday Russel, yes there was noticeable heat off the engine, but not uncomfortable considering the heat of the day. Definitely worth while checking out when you test ride though
My Z1000 has no slopper clutch yes slopper.... loose plates make them slip ugh... anyway can upshift and downshift with finesse is not a problem without clutch... slipper clutch is for bikes with training wheels...
"Yep, the top spec Versys is just way over priced compared to the competition."- Banditmanuk I agree. It's a nice bike but it is not worth the price. With the tech and convenience of production, it cost the company 1/3 (or less) to make it. Greed just takes precedence over everything these days.
You must mention that at throttle in turn, it pulls out. And the foot brake, position and foot. It has several weaknesses as well. The report seems like marketing. Not serious..
if this is spose to replace the KLR as a dual sport adventure tourer then i am very disappointed. id rather kawasaki update the KLR 650 without ruining what the bike already is.
Keep a look out, there is rumour s of a KLX700 in the pipeline to compete against the Tenere 700 from Yamaha. The Versys is a Sports Tourer, not adventure
@@ThrottleDownunder yeh i've seen the rumour posted online, pretty sure its just s photo shopped T700 make to look like a kwaka. would be nice to know if a KLX700 is coming out tho and what it might look like as im on the verge of upgrading from my KLR 250 to the 650 because i dont want to miss out on one if its the last of them, but, if a KLX 700 is in the works then i should wait.. bit frustrating not knowing what to do lol..
@@ThrottleDownunder Rode Bolzano Italy 37c last year and cooked. Used to have the ugly one, great engine had to reduce front sprocket for better motorways cruise. That new machine looks good though would prefer 140ps IMHO
Fellow Versys enthusiasts, I found this review online which may answer some of the other questions. www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/kawasaki/kawasaki-versys-1000-review-2019-specs. Hey Rob, if my response is inappropriate, I apologise and please remove. Still loved to see your Australian review ! Cheers.
***Correction required*** In the video when I mention "Slipper Clutch" I was incorrect, I should have said "Quick Shifter" instead. My apologies if I have confused anyone.
Also I confused Pre Load and Dampening when talking about the suspension.
it is also slipper clutch works with throttle by wire etc. Can do with old school cable throttle just you need to do it for yourself not the millenial way of someone else do it for you or make it easy... boring get a scooter if you cant operate a real machine...
@@danielleclare2938 hahaha too true Daniel. Even many of the modern cars I review being Tiptronoc Auto or Dual clutch.
@@ThrottleDownunder tks good review not against the bike rider aids make sense just too easy for me I guess but I fly biplane with cable everything all mechanical you really are part of the machine like old school bikes...
Healing, paint wow, thats well er something I want to see. Great Bike, looks the goods, like the review mate, Kawasaki, and its got to be green!
@@johnschroeder5359 haha thank you for your comment. Yes it has to be green 👍
Great video! Been waiting on this vid all week, thanks for posting!
Gday Steve, thanks for the message. Glad you enjoyed it
That is one fantastic bike. Personally, if I had to choose between that and a GS, the Kawa would win. It's a very underrated bike.
I think that Kawasaki is really leading the industry in many ways at the moment. The prices have gone up but there is loads of tech to justify it.
Actually in India the 2019 version your riding just released being around 2800$ cheaper than the outgoing model
@@ThrottleDownunder I think it's more a case of Kawasaki waiting until the price of the relevant tech comes down to the point where "normal" people can afford it. They always seem to design and build to a price point. But that's fine, as we're not all millionaires.
@@disekjoumoer I agree mate
@@ThrottleDownunder My sister lives just up the road from you in Springwood btw. Lovely place, but damn does Penrith get hot in summer.
Well, after watching your video and going for a ride, I have purchased the new 2019 Versys. Looking forward to putting it through its paces over the next few weeks..
Cheers..
Oh wow congratulations. I truly hope you enjoy ownership of it and have a great time.
Thanks for the update, and ride safe.
i love the versys
Great review man, I love it. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment. My pleasure
Very nice! They launched the undercut version in India yesterday for $20000 . The + version looks like a worthy bike. The older Versys was quite a sleeper too. Great video and thanks for your review.
Thanks for your message Kiren
Love it!
Thank you Kiwi Rider.
I bought the 2019 se gt version. Just like the bike and my wife thinks the pilllion seat is very comfitable with space. Myself I use it just for when I do two up long distance riding. I bought the lower seat that is 20mm lower than the standered seat. The engine is actually from the ZX10R but tuned for torque not top speed. Te Luggage is actually developed by Givi. The SE version is for people like my self who does not wany to keep playing with suspension set up manually.
I know we motorcyclists like black clothing, but when it's over 30 C and the sun is shining, wear a light colored coat! I live in the south of the US, and for the summer I have several light colored mesh coats.
But talking about the Versys, I have a 2015 Versys 1000, and it's a very good bike, I'm very happy with it.
Yes I need to get a light colored jacket for sure.
Greetings from Portugal, i'm less than 5 feet 10 (1,73 meters) i tested yesterday that bike and it was a great ride! Although its very expensive in Portugal, facing the competition with more HP, i'm considering to buy one! Safe rides;
Hello there. Yes it is expensive here too but a great bike. Glad you like it. I hope you have a good time
Hey, Miguel. I am as tall as you, perhaps a little less now that I am getting older. Did the bike feel too tall for you? Thanks in advance.
Awesome man 👌
Thank you
Awesome Bike!!
It sure is Garth
Bulletproof
Great video. This bike is very high on my want list after owning a versys 650L till October last year (cager pulled out in front of me).
I think you ment to say quick shifter for the up and down shifting. slipper clutch prevents rear wheel lock up when down shifting at higher speeds.
I noticed in the last part of the video that you were rolling off the clutch when changing up. Might just be habit but you don't need to do that with the quick shifter.
Thanks again for the video.
Thank you mate, and yes you are completely right, I meant to say quick shifter, my reviews aren't scripted of rehearsed so I often use the incorrect terms accidentally.
And yes then I did revert to using the clutch, purely a 30 year habit.
Thanks for watching.
@@ThrottleDownunder wasn't trying to put you down fella. Like I said good video! I'm just pissed that there isn't any in Victoria to test ride yet!
@@scooter0017 I wasnt offended at all. I appreciated your message totally.
V1K is an awesome bike, what happened to the left mirror?
Great review. Oh no, the white van.
I did consider the new Versys in the UK but I got a stonking deal on a KTM Super Adventure so went for that and saved a shed load
Gday Steve. Well done mates the KTM is a hell of a bike too. I hope you enjoy it, stay safe
The Versys looks great but I couldn't justify £3,000 on top of the KTM SAS. Who knows though, maybe I will come back for a Z900RS. (I do have a Versys 650 that I use if I need to travel into London)
I love the z900rs. I'm a massive fan
nice vid bro
2019 honda goldwing review maybe?
Thank you, and yes I'd like to try the Goldwingfor sure
HI THERE AWSMMMMMMMMM VIDEO!!!!HOW MANY BHP FOR THIS BEAUTY??
Thanks for the message, I think it's about 120 hp
Since it was 41C can you comment on how the bike was in hot weather. Did it overheat? Did you feel a lot of heat on your body?
The bike definitely did not over heat at all, there was a little engine heat on legs but nothing excessive considering the ambient air temperature
I own a Kawasaki versys se 1000 2019. it is ID ?very good bike. who is seriously underestimated how good he is for his money. I did have him exempt from 120 hp to 143 hp and to be good he was allowed to leave the factory with 155 166 hp because against that horsepower on wheels you have lost 12 hp. max speed 222 km flat ground nice weather. but once you are loaded with suitcases and passenger this Kawasaki it makes you feel that nothing is wrong you can adjust it completely to your liking that's why I like it so much the km that you can ride this bike without any doubt can this this does. second thing you do like about this Kawasaki is. do you treat him aggressively or drive calmly he thinks both are ok. third thing I like I can lose a lot of material under the seat of my Kawasaki I have an air pump with me First aid kit - tire set for a plate tire. and material for your chain and needed around to secure your bike. after part wind screen I made my wind screen electric. because don't feel like adjusting every stop for wind screen. second rear brake doesn't pull at all. third if you are on 1 vit you can still push yourself down. but I like to drive it very much. and sorry i'm from belgium so english will be badly translated
Thank you for your comment
You are mixing up preload and damping. Preload is ride height adjustment only to bring the bikes geometry back to optimal to counter the extra weight of pillion/load etc., damping is for a firmer or softer ride. Great bike though, big change from the 2018.
Thanks Terry. Yes I seemed to get a few things mixed up in this video, my apologies. But thanks for watching anyway
you saying it is 42 C felt like a mistake to me, i wish it was hotter for me, 8 C is just cold. so i converted the temp immediatly to fahrenheit. Then i saw you were from AU/NZ...... I am stupid
Nice bike,and great review. I am driving a ZX 14 and I'm thinking about buying it Versys 1000 .
Because I'm already too old for zx 14
Hi there, I haven't ridden a ZX 14 bit by looking at it I know what you mean.
also consider the concours 14, very similar motor to the ZX14, faster and sportier than this one yet comfortable, although this bike is fantastic as well, , I also feel like the concours has better wind protection
@@ROrneli good to know, thank you
Unfortunately the GTR1400 has been discontinued, good luck getting a test ride.
@@MaverickAus they still list a 2019 model on Kawasaki's site, so you can still snatch one
Not a bad review would suggest more detailed information like, fuel capacity, wheel sizes, service schedule, heated grips etc. good to hear the Aussie accent. Show how you adjust the wind screen, under the seat, where’s the battery, toolkit etc. how about a review of a 2019 Suzuki Boulevard M109R. Thanks
Thank you for your comment and suggestions, I'll certainly take them on board. All the best.
Fuel consumption?
@throttle downunder: What is the mileage like? in km/L or miles/gallon
Hi there Rajdeep, I'm not completely sure but I'm sure a Google Search will so those details nice and easy.
Good review brother. Would seriously consider the SE or even the LT (top spec model I believe), to replace my 2014 vstrom 1000. Have had a couple of Kwaka's in the past and have no problem with having another one. Tech list is impressive and comparable to the BM's/KTM's. Would be interesting to find out the range of the 21ltr tank. Maybe 350-400km? Subbed and liked. G'day from a Townsville rider.
Gday Andrew, thanks for your message. Yes I'm not sure about the range at all as I only had the bike for a day, would be interesting though.
I hope all is good in Townsville, looks like it's been a tough time in Qld recently.
I got 53 MPG or 5.3 L/100 km from the 2015 model, I dare say the 2019 is better?
Gday mate, would be good to hear your take on the gtr 1400, cheers mate
Gday Ron, I'll try and get my hands on one. Thanks for the message
@@ThrottleDownunder Discontinued, good luck getting a test ride
I bought the first Versys 1000 SE from my dealer in Munich. Delivery will be the end of March. Can you say something about the suspension?
Suspension is amazing. Very customizable easily on dash, but even better, there is a phone App were you can set your suspension while you are watching tv at night, and automatically loads when you turn on bike.
@@ThrottleDownunder
Have you already driven the normal Versys, so without the electronic chassis? How is the difference? Is the electronic suspension worth it or is it enough the normal one?
@@beletinec1 no sorry, this is my first Versys ride, so I have nothing to compare it with.
@@beletinec1 I rode the 2015 and it is awesome to ride.
Thanks for the review! The bike seems nice but its at a price point here in the US at $18000 and for that price one could get a Ducati Multistrada 1200 so I personally think, Kawasaki is stretching it a bit.
You are completely right, it's a pricey option and the Multistrada is strong competition.
Price here in Oz is steep too
In Australia the Multistrada is $5000 more than the V1K SE
I couldn't imagine trying to get service or the cost of service and parts in my neck of the woods for a ducati.
The US market version comes standard with panniers, but we only get the matte white paint, not that metallic green color. It's also only 17,999 USD.
Ahhh nice, that's good to know. Thank you
Greetings from Canada. What benefit does allowing air flow through the windshield give? Thanks for a great review!! Wanna trade +30 for -30 temps for a day?..
Gday Todd, I was in Toronto last year for minus 15 and that was rough, minus 30 must be harsh.
I'm not sure how much that little vent affects it, I didnt notice much difference. Maybe a wind resistance reduction? With a full face helmet I didnt feel air flow, maybe with and open face you would.
@@ThrottleDownunder It's been an exceptionally harsh winter, even for this area. I have my new Versys on order and expecting it soon. Won't be able to ride however until April. Will give me something to polish in the garage..lol Thanks for the reply. PS...Toronto is much nicer in July!
@@twmclean1 I hope you have an amazing time with it when it arrives. I really enjoyed my time on it for sure.
without the hole in the windshield some bikes form a bit of a vacuum in front of the rider, this is probably why it is there, to relieve that effect.
Verseys vs Ninja 1000 as a weekday commuter & weekend touring bike?
Thoughts....
Its a tough one. I'd go the Versys for a daily. Ninja if it's just a toy
Thinking along the same lines.
@@daleschilg3973 either way you can't go wrong. Both exceptional bikes
So this looks like a Street bike with Adventure Touring looks, is that about it?
Yes I don't think it will go off-road, but the seating position and suspension set up is definitely designed for touring.
Hi TDU, great review, how did you find the heat from the bike on such a hot day. One of the issues this bike seems to attract is heat coming from the motor which can be felt on your legs. Cheers. RJ
Gday Russel, yes there was noticeable heat off the engine, but not uncomfortable considering the heat of the day.
Definitely worth while checking out when you test ride though
Thankyou.
@@ThrottleDownunder
@@russelljory5646 my pleasure
110 HP roughly.
Kawasaki zh2. Review please
Nice review I am you new subscriber no 863
Thank you for subscribing
Hi. Can the side panniers fit a full face helmet?
Hi there. I'm not sure, I didn't have any access to the panniers on this demo bike.
My Z1000 has no slopper clutch yes slopper.... loose plates make them slip ugh... anyway can upshift and downshift with finesse is not a problem without clutch... slipper clutch is for bikes with training wheels...
Thank you for reminding me, why I moved away from Penrith
Haha yes I certainly dont live there
If only all this tech and updates could be passed on to a next gen Z1000SX/Ninja1000... this one is certainly too high n heavy for us 5'7 guys :(
Yes it certainly is a tall bike, I was only just touching the ground at 5 10
"Yep, the top spec Versys is just way over priced compared to the
competition."- Banditmanuk
I agree. It's a nice bike but it is not worth the price. With the tech
and convenience of production, it cost the company 1/3 (or less) to make
it. Greed just takes precedence over everything these days.
You must mention that at throttle in turn, it pulls out. And the foot brake, position and foot. It has several weaknesses as well. The report seems like marketing. Not serious..
Just my opinions and my experience. Definitely not marketing.
But I only get the bike for 1 day. Its hard to find everything in one day
if this is spose to replace the KLR as a dual sport adventure tourer then i am very disappointed. id rather kawasaki update the KLR 650 without ruining what the bike already is.
Keep a look out, there is rumour s of a KLX700 in the pipeline to compete against the Tenere 700 from Yamaha. The Versys is a Sports Tourer, not adventure
@@ThrottleDownunder yeh i've seen the rumour posted online, pretty sure its just s photo shopped T700 make to look like a kwaka. would be nice to know if a KLX700 is coming out tho and what it might look like as im on the verge of upgrading from my KLR 250 to the 650 because i dont want to miss out on one if its the last of them, but, if a KLX 700 is in the works then i should wait.. bit frustrating not knowing what to do lol..
@@4x4junkie86 yes I know what you mean. I can't be 100% sure about the 700, but the rumours are strong
like the bike but sadly even elevated biker boots wouldn't help me
Try roller skates ...
@@MultiOutdoorman hahahah yeah right mr. clown
Please tel me bike wight pls sir net wight tel me
i may not need it but 50 years of habit will be nard to shake
Too hot to ride for me
It sure was hot
@@ThrottleDownunder Rode Bolzano Italy 37c last year and cooked. Used to have the ugly one, great engine had to reduce front sprocket for better motorways cruise. That new machine looks good though would prefer 140ps IMHO
Fellow Versys enthusiasts, I found this review online which may answer some of the other questions.
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/kawasaki/kawasaki-versys-1000-review-2019-specs.
Hey Rob, if my response is inappropriate, I apologise and please remove. Still loved to see your Australian review !
Cheers.