With health issues, and advancing years ( 71) I decided to downgrade from the Versys 1000. The 650 is a great bike. Plenty quick enough for most sane folk. Lots of comfort, good brakes, and a lovely looking bike. My GT version was 8100 otr. Which came with full luggage, spot lamps, rear hugger, heated grips, tank pad, and power socket. Fantastic value for money, and a real bargain in today's world of 15/18 thousand pound bikes. Very few people would want any more than this bike gives.
@@markpulling12 Hi Mark! Great review. I am a beginner planning to buy this Versys. Seems like excellent choice for a 190 cm tall guy who wants to go on longer routes with suitcases one day. But my friend told me that 68 hp will soon become boring and not enough powerful for me especially when riding with another person and suitcases and in situations where I might need extra power to avoid accident.I really like this bike and don't have money for 1000 cc model. Do you agree with my friend?
Love my 2016 Versys 650. It does everything, at a great price. The wife and I were able to knock out a 300 mile trip on it, with as much ease as my last big cruiser, too. Was able to get a, like new, used one with less than 2k miles at a good price, so I was able to get the removable bags, and top case with back pad and touring windshield put on there for cheaper than a new base model would have been. I would recommend this big for beginner, and experienced riders alike, as long as you're tall enough to get your feet on the ground.
I have had one for about two year, love it. It's super fun two-up sport touring and also daily commuter bike. Super comfortable and fast enough to ditch any car.... and my white version with side boxes looks exactly like a police bike so folks just pull over out of my way and never tailgate. This bike is a real gem.
lyn 5Star, I'm with you with your comments, I bought my GT version at age 74 then took it straight To Gibraltar. No problems at all so far. Glad to hear of other OAPs who don't let age get in the way of enjoying yourself on a motorcycle. Mark Pulling does a brilliant test ride, I really value his opinions.
Watched your video. It is a very well done review. I purchased the 2019 Versys 650 this morning. They deliver tomorrow. Thanks for all your input. Hey, you fellas still ride on the wrong side of the road! ( grins ) :)
Bought a 2 year old one a few weeks ago and love it. So easy to ride, cornering is brilliant and plenty big enough for a passenger. I had a GS1200 before and, for the riding I do, this is everything I need.
Hi Mark. After watching your review I bought a pre registered GT version, never sat on it, just bought it. Worked out great, fits me perfect and I'm 6'1. Thanks for your honest and accurate review. Cheers.
I do enjoy watching your reviews Mark. I agree with your comments particularly the comfort and lack of no nonsense extras. I own a 67 plate and have had no issues whatsoever. It is reliable and has more than enough power to get you into trouble on UK roads. Completed the NC500 with the missus on the back with no problems, it will cruise all day long at 80-90 mph with little vibration and stress. Also handled well on the single track roads. Would highly recommend. Like people have previously mentioned, it won't suit the next Valentino Rossi but it will provide low cost trouble free motoring. Looking forward to seeing the update which should be out soon considering the 1000cc remodel. 👍
I’ve got a Versys 650 with the lowering kit and sticky tires and it’s amazing in the curves. Really fun and nimble. Power out of turns at medium rpms is great. Very comfortable for 2 hour ride as well. I’m 6’1” and feel great on it.
I owned a 2007 Versys 650 that I purchased used in '13. Rode it for 3 summers and loved it. With a pair of Givi cases, I could carry a full load of groceries and it had all the power I thought I'd ever need. I wasn't so confident with it on gravel, mainly on account of the tires. It was reluctantly sold after 4 years when I couldn't justify a m/c as well as my car & truck. When ever the urge hits me, I think that another Versys will be at the top of my list if looking for another ride. While I like many of the minor improvements, I still prefer the appearance of the original model's headlight & fairing.
Hi Mark, great review. I have a 2016 v650 and I love it! I got a winter-deal on mine where you could buy the touring model with all the bits, panniers, handguards, spots and 12v socket for the price of the standard bike. I could not better that deal with the Vstrom or Tracer! The bike really comes into its own as a tourer with a 21litre tank and integrated panniers.
Love my 2016 Versys 650LT, uprated.my screen with a Givi unit, greatly improved ride, also fitted a Hepco & Becker centre stand that does not foul the side stand. Great bike.
Rode the vstrom and versys back to back a while ago. The strom was a better ride for me. Bought a Versys in the end though as a better deal and a better look imo.
Traded my 2014 z1000sx in for a 2020 Versys 650 GT and the difference in comfort is unbelievable. I absolutely love my Versys 650 and definitely recommend it. 👍
Had a 2010 versys for 3 years, this is a cracking bike and will do anything, go to the shops or to the alps, light and very comfortable, but the looks oh dear.
Based on your review I took the plunge and bought one! Being 6"7" I can honestly say it's the perfect bike for the very tall rider. Having only passed my test a month ago I unfortunately wasn't allowed to test ride the bike from the dealership. Looking forward to taking delivery and getting some miles under my belt.
I ride a Versys 650, love it! My first big bike and I think it’s ideal. Stock tyres were shocking though, Metzeler Roadtec 01s transformed it, especially in the wet.
Just bought the exact same bike with a matching top box a couple of weeks ago after hiring one in Tenerife for a week. As you say, it’s a lovely colour scheme with the new graphics. Pity there’s no manufacturer’s main stand available, although SW Motech do one at a price. I also have the Versys 300 which is a very similar fit and size, although much different to ride of course! Living in Crewe we’re fortunate to have North Wales and the Peak District on our doorstep. Ideal roads for this type of bike...
Gary Sutherland... Sorry, I’ve only just seen your comment Gary. The bike hire firm in Tenerife is Moto4Fun based in Costa Adeje. They have, or had a yellow 2015 Versys. Well used, but still rides nicely... Ideal bike for the excellent roads of Tenerife.
Informative review. Good point with weight /power/ expense over 1 litre version which unless you're doing a lot of touring - I don't think the extra expense is warranted. Most of my riding around town, weekend or day trips. Mid capacity bikes have a lot going for them as opposed to litre dinosaurs.
Let us TALL riders have our own bike. For years we’ve had to admire and then suffer, that being most bikes are too small or set up too low for we, the tall men.
Height and size is good for me (6’4”), but my biggest complaint has been buffeting and rough winds. Sometimes it’s wonderful, and other days horrible. Or nowadays not horrible but less enjoyable. :)
I'm 5-8 tall asian guy, previously I was worry about Versys 650 is too tall and top heavy. From your video , my worry is gone and I'll go 650 instead of 300. Thanks man.
Thanks for the reply on ninga 650. Just watched the review on the verys 650. Very good and much more suited to me. Enjoying the vlogs. Subscribed. Cheers.
Good review and nice looking bike. Suspect the smaller front wheel gives a better feel than the Vstrom on road? But the Vstrom tips it for me with versatility to take off road, rear rack, power socket, traction control lower down grunt.
I'm looking at buying a Versys 650. My NCD expired for not having an insured vehicle for a while. Kawasaki gave me the best insurance quote. Team green then :)
Hi Mark I hope your well? I sold my 1996 CBR F3 and bought a 57 plate z750. I haven't really given it the beans yet, but I don't think it is much faster really. However, it is in a different league in comfort and roll on from 50mph is great... I don't have to dance on the gears an more... At my age that's bliss.. oh and my hands don't hurt anymore. Heaven... looking forward to the next review, thanks Chris
I have a 2016 and the stock windscreen sucks and I replaced it. I am 6ft tall 28 inch inseam and the bike was a little tall for me so I put a 2 inch lowering kit on the rear and lowered the front one inch, the kick stand 1 3/4 inch and now it fits me better and it reminds me of some of the sport bikes I use to own in the way it handles in a turn but I like the sitting up straight on this bike due to getting older. The bike has great acceleration I can get to 100 mph in no time at all which is great to get away from texting and driving fools in 4 wheelers.All in all I love the Versys it’s a bit heavy for my taste for off roading on the beach here in south Texas but I love riding it on the road . I Plan on doing a couple of road trips this summer on it and I think I’ll just get a Suzuki Drz400s for my off roading adventure.
I had a 2009 but sold it a few years ago. The seat was very uncomfortable and too high. (I am 5’ 10”) It was fun to ride, tho, and had good power. I took it up forest service gravel roads and lots of highway. It was really a great all around bike for city and highway riding. Although I felt like I needed more bike under me I’m guessing they made the seat more comfortable on the newer models. I’m going to look at a Yamaha Tracer GT today and compare them.
I've got the GT version, had it from new 3 years now and it's just clocked up 27000 trouble free miles. Two months ago was on a 3800 mile tour to Croatia and Bosnia and despite it being the smallest capacity bike of seven it kept up no problem. Roll on the next 27000 miles😁
Watched your excellent review and read some of of the comments below. One of the commenters commented on the on off throttle jerkiness which was noted by a few other reviews of the bike. One magazine preferred the V-Strom 650 due to the on off jerkiness of the Versys 650 when having to slow down and speed up in traffic for instance. This happens to be one of my pet peeves and I am sensitive to it. I wrote off the Mt-09 after a demo due to the on off jerkiness which is noticeable in traffic unless one is very very gradual on the throttle. Guess a lot depends on the rider/reviewer and their individual sensitivities. I am also very sensitive to buzzing and vibrations and they do not bother some reviewers and riders as much. This bike might be a no go for me.
Hi again ...yes ive heard about the jerkiness but didnt notice it on my ride ...and im very particular about this too ! yes as with most twins these do buzz a bit at 6k revs but wasnt too much of an issue for me :)
Hi Mark; I have been watching lots of your reviews recently hoping you would do a review of this bike, booked myself a test ride for this Saturday at Bournemouth Kawasaki probably means I will be riding the exact bike you have just rode. Good to hear you found it quite comfortable and easy to ride I am looking forward to testing it and will let you know how I get on.
Just bought a 2016 Versys 650 yesterday, like it so far, but dont like the seat, not much lower back support, anyway thanks for the great reviews, i live in Florida and really miss the twisty's in England, im from Surrey, i see a Ducati 1260s in my near future :) Last bike in the UK was a ZZR 1100, Cheers
Well I've ended buying my 4th one, just can't find anything I'm in love with except the versys, now I'm only 5' 5" with short legs..... Mmmm, 1) lowering kit. 2)seat shaved down a little. 3) thick soled boots, now I can manage. For me they're the ultimate touring tool
Hello Mark, After soaking up your thoughts on the Honda CB500X and the Versys 650 I would like to ask please the overall scores on your ‘Enthusiasm Meter’. Which would you be most likely to buy aside of price difference? Your reviews are so valuable.Thank you!
Hi Steven ,well both are brilliant bikes ...if you are planning some decent touring trips then the versys definitely has the legs on the Honda for more relaxed cruising ...but for the type of riding I do just mainly pottering round Dorset I'd go for the cb500x ...I has amazing economy .. cruises around 60/70 mph all day ,has a lovely engine and is very good value both new and second hand All the best mark
Hi Mark, I test rode a 2018 model and didn't like it due to vibration in handle bars and foot pegs but handled very well, not sure if that's changed? I went for a v Strom which is awesome for a 650. BTW I like your no nonsense approach to you reviews👍 very good
@@TheCaretaker555 Hi Neil I found it was smooth too ,you can definitely tell it's a twin with it's feel but there isn't any high frequency buzz so to speak of :)
I have a 2017 LT and love it. New tires, frame sliders, smaller sprocket in back by 3 teeth, taller windshield, break a way cruise control (throttle lock). Lots of power for all day highway and the bike is nice and light, it falls into the corners, super easy to perform regular maintenance, and cheap to insure. What more can you ask for? As you get more miles on the bike it smooths out nicely. Its a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast rather than a fast bike slow (and the bike is not slow). And even though it says "KAWASAKI" on the side, I hve had more than one person ask me "How do you like the Ducati?" Ha Ha
Thx for your comment. I will drop three teeth from the rear sprocket too. I was curious about the effect in first gear (pulling from stop etc.). Does it require much clutch slipping with the taller gearing?
Good very detailed review mate, all the important information about this bike that anyone interested could want, perfect and very refreshing to watch after watching a few of those American clowns that think their funny while trying to review a bike 5*
I test rode this last year. It has great showroom appeal - looks great (in my opinion), good quality switchgear etc, nice features (adjustable suspension, optional hard luggage without framework etc). I really wanted to like it, but it felt underpowered and somewhat boring to ride in comparison to my 2013 SV650 that I had at the time. Good practical bike but not one for thrills.
I have an SV and I tested the Versys GT version today. I said the same thing to the dealer, I really wanted to like it. But with that engine, no. Great bike, good spec , excellent value and on paper it really should have been what i was looking for but it felt sluggish and a bit unresponsive like there's a delay between the throttle and the engine while it thinks about it. A gap in traffic and go!....oh you mean now? Once it caught on it was alright but nothing more. I was as surprised as i was disappointed, for as much as it's rightly praised for many things, for me, unfortunately, exciting isn't one of them.
Thanks Mark I bought a Kawa ninja 650 following your advice.I need a change and was interested in the versys 650.I am about the same height as you and a bit worried in case I have to stop suddenly as my feet don't go flat on the ground.Havibg said that I am thinking of buying the 650 grand tourer which with all the bells and whistles does make it a bit lower but I am still concerned as it's much bigger than the 650.
I think the versys 650 will be ok ,it's quite high up so your passenger will need to climb up , performance will drop as it only has 67 hp but you should still be able to cruise very comfortably All the best mark
mark pulling Great stuff many thanks, I am seriously thinking of the Versys 1000 but your review has me thinking maybe the lighter 650 is the way to go. I’ll let you know which way it goes 👍
I ride my 650 with a pillion, it does fine. The biggest difference in performance with a pillion is with the brakes. They’re ok, but you can feel the difference.
I think the v Strom might be better if you take it off the street. I bought the 2018 versys 1000LT it's a bit too tall and heavy but it has it's charms when you twist the throttle.
I reviewed the 2016 cb500x jarek and its smaller than the versys I would have thought the 2019 cb500x is similar ,so at 6 4 I think the versys would be better for you all the best mark
Had mine a year now, live in Spain and have great twisty mountain roads and the Versys eats them up. Now I am gaining in confidence and pushing the bike more I am not sure if its time to change to the 1000 or a more sports tourer type bike Z1000SX. Its also time to change the tyres I have read so many bad reviews regarding the stock tyres maybe new and better ones will improve things? These seem to lack feedback, I have had a few twitchy moments and watching a few videos on here they seem to just let go without warning. Looking at Michelin Road Pilot 5's. Any advise here, will new tyres give me that extra confidence in the curves?
Hi Kevin yes Michelin 5s are brilliant ,you'll have alot more confidence with those ,and yes the versys 1000 is brilliant ,but it's quite alot bigger and heavier All the best mark
Hi Mark, I passed my test a couple of years ago and bought a 1996 f3. I think you bought one similar recently. I've had it over a year now. My hands hurt riding it these days, I've accepted that I'm probably too old for sports bikes. I would like a bit more torque, but I'm not worried about breaking any land speed records. My question is, would something like a vstrom or versys 650 be a backward step, would they be less fun than the CBR? I've considered bandit 1200s and z750s as they are affordable for me. But I like the riding position of the vstrom etc. May I have your thoughts please? What's your CBR like in comparison to the versys? Thanks . Chris
Hi chris,yes i still have my cbr600 and ninja 636 and love them,,regarding your question to would a verys 650 with 65hp be less fun than the cbr ,id say not really because its a different type of riding, when you ride something like a vstrom or versys,its like riding a comfy armchair which make you smile because you still have plenty of speed and cruising ability but youve got all day comfort,the versys just pips the vstrom for me with its comfy seat and handling but they are both great let me know what you decide mark
Preaching to the converted mark 👍2000 miles on my 18 reg last year in Spain .France. . (mate on vstrom) like riding a no nonsense armchair...cheers from dave
Hi Mark.in the past couple of months i have asked for your thoughts on what bike is suitable as a first bike for someone who is looking to get back into biking after a 30 plus year gap. a couple of weeks ago i found a 2019 Versys 650 with sub 1200 miles covered since new and i ended up buying it. it has a kawasaki rack and top box fitted and also a 12v power socket, ithought it was a good price and its now sat in my garage waiting for some decent weather so that i can get out and experience the joys of motorcycling again, do you think i have made a good choice for my return to biking?
Hi Nigel yes definitely the versys 650 is a great bike to get back into biking Very reliable engine ,fun comfortable and good handling ....I had it's competitor the vstrom 650 years ago and loved it . Roll on sunny days and enjoy Cheers mark
Im just passing by again to ask if you are going to review any of yamaha's supersport bikes? Like if you have any plans to ride and review something like the r3 or r6? You previously made a couple of reviews for the naked bikes line so yeah... Just asking 😂
I’m thinking of upgrading from my G310R to a bike like this. Test rode the Yamaha MT07 Tracer yesterday (the local Kawasaki dealer didn’t have stock of the Versys🤦♂️) and was absolutely appalled at the buffeting from it’s windscreen. Everything else on the bike was brilliant, but I was actually glad to get back on my G310R and not having to get my fillings (if I had any) shaken out of me. How was the screen on this one? I’ve read a few reviews the Versys is the better of the lot (VStrom 650 included). I had quite a bit of buffeting from the VStrom too😕
What a really great review, I bought my 2018 650 versys grand tourer in may 2019 with 400miles on the clock. Love the look and feel of the bike as it’s very comfortable to ride as someone who is 6’1” with spinal problems although I do find I get a numb ass after a few hours in the saddle. ( new seat with gel inserts will sort that out) I do have to say that there is only one issue that I’m finding really here to deal with but after watching your review about keeping the revs above 3k helps to reduce that on/off throttle jerking when I’m pottering around town. I didn’t know if it was just me as I had only just sold my old gpz turbo which I had had for the past 30yrs and I was thinking that I should give it more time to get used to the two cylinders. Some people had mentioned about changing the amount of teeth on the sprockets but others say that won’t stop the jerking. Another thing has been mentioned about getting the bike electronics remapped but again some have said that this will also not stop the jerking. As the engine on the versys is the same engine used in the falcon and ninja 650 do you have any experience with the settings or mods on those other bikes which might help me sort thing one little problem ?
Hi thanks for the comment....I remember the 750 turbo well ....no sorry can't really comment on the throttle jerkiness. I've ridden all the Kawasakis now and never have a problem with any . Just a thought check your chain tension ....if it's a bit slack that might be causing some issues with on/off throttle ? All the best mark
Bought the Z650, same engine, 4 and a half stone lighter, £700 cheaper. Faster and handles a lot better. Apart from off-roaders or exceptionally tall people can't see why anyone would prefer this. As for touring, no doubt this is good but having spent long hours in the saddle of the Z, it's super comfortable.
HI Mark, I have been looking at these online during lockdown as I am researching a new bike after not having one for about 5 years (kids, nagging wife etc). I had pretty much discounted this bike even though I really liked it on the basis that it would be too tall (not had the chance to sit on one yet). But I am exactly the same as you ie 5'7" and 30" inside leg. How did you find it from a sizing point of view?
Hi Nick it was fine for me ,I was on the balls of my feet ,not flat footed but I'm ok with that, lovely engine ,great suspension and very comfortable ,a great Jack of all trades ,also check out the vstrom 650 and the new cb500x, All the best mark
Apart from the digital clock what exactly is the difference from my Aug 2016 GT to the ones now mark?....this is my third versys and to be honest its brilliant i have added heated grips,taller MRA screen,fender extenders its set up for distance touring.....subbed :)
@@markpulling12 color options and the clocks incorporating the gear indicator was all i could come up with :) they had a lot of complaints about the LCD bright red gear indicator so they ditched it on newer models :)
Cheers Mark, is that known as Kawasaki Ignition Security System? I am trying to research a few insurance quotes for the Versys, after seeing this review I now find myself in the market for one! Your help is much appreciated. 👍😎🏍
@@markpulling12 Thanks Mark, they have Kawasaki Ignition Security System in the dropdown. I've booked in for a test ride next Wednesday now! Cheers mate.
Hi Mark, currently ride a Suzuki GSR 750 but find it is a bit hard on the wrists, (am looking at risers,) was considering Suzuki V Strom 650 XT or Kawasaki Versys 650, what would you say?
Hi. I read about Vstorm, Tracer but not about NC 750. Isn't it, also, from the same range? Could you give me your opinion about the position of the NC to these ones? It is better, worst, lack of power...? Thanks for your video.
Hi Pedro,sorry I haven't ridden the nc750. It's good but not that powerful at 54 hp ,the auto dct is interesting if maybe a little uninvolving to ride , personally I'd go versys or vstrom you can't go wrong with either thanks Mark
Hi Mark - remember me? The one torn between the Verysy 1000 and the 650cc you´re testriding here. My local Kawasaki Dealer told me to wait a little ´cause there might eventually be a 700 or 750cc Versys in 2020(?) with the same fairings and cockpit the 650 has right now. Now THAT would certainly end my struggle in favour of a size down from the Versys 1000 :o) SO hope he´s right - a Versys 700 or 750cc would make me right jump at it.
That is interesting & a good idea! Have an upgraded versys with the z800 engine, with trac control, tft screen, adjustable suspension, cruise, heated grips for about $10k. That would be a very attractive bike!
