Kawasaki Versys 650 Demo Ride & Review 

I really liked it. Riding position was a little different but comfortable. Kawasaki makes a really good motorcycle. The new TFT screen is pretty awesome. Thanks for watching and ride safe! I know you’re enjoying the Heritage. Best bike I’ve ever owned.

A 650 Ninja sister isn't gonna be a slouch people should realize that , plus the compression ratio makes it a tad heavier than a standard 650.

You’re right there. The parallel twin 650 cc motor is a great power plant. I think the only reason to step up to the Versys 1000 would be if you wanted the extras line cruise control and other electronics the 650 doesn’t have. But I like the smaller and lighter 650. Thanks for watching!

Works for me!

@@GARamblinMan Yes! Kawi could use the z900 engine with all same features as the Tracer 9 GT & at a more affordable price than the Versys 1000 LT SE. Would be a rad bike & a big seller!

@@shreksexy6879 I agree. There is a huge price difference between the Versys 650 and 1000. An 850 priced about $12K would be a hit I predict.

Get a used 1000 Versys...duh

Excellent idea. You can get some pretty good deals on used ones. The dealers will come off the MSRP a good bit for new ones too.

I’m testing the Triumph Tiger 660 in a few weeks when I’m in Arizona. I’m renting one for a day and am going to check it out. I love the looks of that bike and it’s really between the Triumph and Kawasaki for my next bike. I liked the Versys 650 a lot but I’m super excited to ride the Tiger. I’ll post a video of my ride through the Arizona desert and Phoenix suburbs along with my comments on this bike. Thanks for watching and enjoy your Tiger!

I'll be sure to check out your review when it comes out - and it'll be interesting to find out which one you choose and why. Have fun in Phoenix on your visit! I'm about 1-1/2 hours north of there. As with every state, AZ has some awesome riding roads. All the best to you!@@GARamblinMan

I want to ride the VStrom. Owners if that bike love it and I want to see what it’s all about. I understand the new VStrom 800 is pretty awesome too. I’m not really looking to go off road. Maybe a well taken care of gravel forest road but nothing more than that. I just want a different style bike from what I have now. Thanks for watching and commenting!

@@GARamblinMan that’s how I landed on one. A note, my Kawasaki Z also slides you forward in the saddle, seems to be their thing.

Are there any after market seats that maybe don’t do that?

@@GARamblinMan I believe so, been on some forums but don’t recall which. One guy had a seat redone and adjusted things.

I feel the same way. The Versys 650 is pretty affordable even without trading in my Heritage but the wife isn’t terribly thrilled with coughing up $9 or $10K for a new bike when my Heritage is still pretty new. I love my HD and don’t ever see me getting rid of it until I’m just too old to ride. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

I 64 now. I traded my heavy (but very comfortable andfast) FJR for a VStrom 650 and couldn't be happier. The Wee does everything well, just nothing superbly. Re: comfort, it's just as comfortable as the FJR. It has plenty of juice, but not so much to get me in trouble and with it being 180lbs lighter, it's MUCH more enjoyable at walking speeds and in traffic....AND I'm getting 56-58mpg!

I really liked it but the lack of cruise control is a big problem for me. I’ve really gotten used to that. Thanks for watching!

I want to try out the Suzuki VStrom and Triumph Tiger 660. I like these sport touring type motorcycles. The Versys took me a little while to get used to, but it was loads of fun. Thanks for watching and commenting. Ride safe!

Try the Kawasaki 900rs fun fast light

I would like to try that motorcycle. I just ran out of time at this demo event.

​@@samcabasa6609 Exactly 👍

You think Harley-Davidson would fix that. Kawasaki also has what they call a positive neutral funder that guarantees you find neutral by up shifting the foot control up when you’re stopped. Works every time.

Some models have the old style analog tachometers, but most now have digital tachs that you can see when you scroll through the options on the LCD or TFT instrument clusters.

I think it’s a lot closer to a sport touring type of motorcycle than an adventure bike. It probably can handle well maintained hard dirt or gravel roads, but not anything more challenging than that. This is definitely a street bike.

I own a 2016. Bought it used a year ago and put 2k on it so far. It's 95% sport tourer. As everyone says, it's a great all around ride. I've ridden a few Sportsters, Hondas and Suzukis and all of them have been great. This bike loves the highway, handles really well around town and can do some light off road (emphasis on "light"). If you want adventure at this price point, get a VStrom or a Transalp. Thanks @GAramblinman for the review.

@martinflaherty1825 thanks for the comments. I agree completely that the Versys is really a sport touring bike rather than off road adventure. I really liked it and for the price it’s a great choice. I just bought a 2023 BMW F750 GS after considering the Versys, V-Strom and Triumph Tiger models. I paid a little more than the Versys 650 or Triumph Tiger 660 but for the added cost I got cruise control, heated grips and a few other small extras. I’ll be posting videos soon for this new motorcycle. Just needs to warm up a bit here! Hurry up Spring and ride safe. Thanks for watching and commenting.

@@GARamblinMan great choice. My riding buddy just moved to the GS 900 and it’s a beast! Such a great choice. And believe me, my next bike will have heated grips and cruise. The $8 handlebar mounted throttle rest is nice, but I take long rides and cruise is a must. Stay safe out there.

@@TailgatingWithGeniuses-ti1gx I love it so far. Much lighter bike than my Harley-Davidson Heritage and very high tech. The TFT display is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Ride safe!

I’m amazed what good mileage these light adventure motorcycles get. Thanks for sharing this.

And they need add cruise control. Great suggestions for Kawasaki. Thanks for watching and your comments. Ride safe!

Why wouldn't you just buy a Versys 1000?

@@countryjoe3551 price, size of the bike and seat height are reasons for me. In Kawasaki’s defense, no other bike similar to the Versys 650 has cruise control either. The Triumph Tiger 660 nor the Suzuki VStrom 650 or newer 800 has it. Guess it’s just too expensive of an option to add it and keep the price low.