I ride with a Shoei Helmet and at 6foot 2inch I get very little buffeting at motorway speeds. I always ride with earplugs as every motorcyclist should to protect ones hearing. Great video and sound by the way. This is one of the best and most comfortable fun bikes I've ever owned and I've owned many. I can run smooth corners faster and more enjoyably than most race bikes I've ridden. I'm sure the reason is with it being such a high bike it gives the rider the ability to see and set up into the corners so much earlier. Plus the stock suspension is spot on. Not hanging about and averaging 58 -60mpg. The engine braking also helps if you enter into corners too hot, just back off the throttle slightly and you have scrubbed 30% off your speed. Feather your front brake to load the front wheel, counter steer, pick your line and this thing will pull you around the corner like it"s on rails. Well done Kawasaki!!
Much better review than most: I think it's wise to make comments in cards, the way you did, keeps them more on topic and lets the viewer listen to the engine more (good sound quality, by the way). You covered wind management, which I was curious about. Between the Versys 1000 and the 650, I think I'd go for the 650 if I was looking for this style of bike: power is more usable and weight more manageable. Great job.
Thanks for compliments, I really appreciate! I haven't been ridden Versys 1000, so can't tell, but size wise 650 is definitely more manageable. However many say once you try Versys 1000 its surprises in its agility. Would be cool to try one day. I've tried some time ago Vstrom 650, older model, 2008 I think, with full wind screen as well as wind extension. For me it was by far more unbearable the Versys 650. However to my friend it was ok. So it depends really from rider to rider. :)
I had an 09 Versys 650 and now have a 2016 Versys 1000LT. Both bikes are great the 650 to me was a little top heavy compared to the 1000. I like having the extra power because I'm a big guy 280 lbs. Both are a great choice its just which one suits your needs better...
Yes, the 650 is more maneuverable than the 1000. This means that it can be used both in the city and highway. Get a bigger fairing/windscreen-no buffeting at all.
I pick mine up tomorrow! Brand new, not my first bike but never had a bike from new. I deliberated for weeks and went full circle back to the 650. Having bike over 1000cc for years I was apprehensive. All in all seems to be a very popular bike.
A set of earplugs is a completely necessary investment, no matter what bike you ride on or who you are. Trust this from a guy with mild tinnitus because he was an idiot once.
Too right! I´ve had Arrows and Akras on my bikes in the past, and you know what? You get effing tired and sick of that noise with time. Sure, it´s fun for a while after fitting them. But in the long run, their sound becomes more of a noisy nuisance. But that´s just me, speaking from years of experience. I´d rather splash my money on other mods.
Great review. Had the 2007 Versys, removed the windshield altogether and just ran with the "horns" on the bike. Now I'm looking to sell my Triumph Street Triple R and go back to the Versys, the 2017 model.
Yeah, I'm going to try "horns" solution with me new bike now (that's the latest vid ;) ) After Speed Triple R I'd believe Versys 650 would be a step down on power isn't it? What moved you for bike change?
Nice review. I got the 2015 versys 650 and got the longer puig windscreen, the buffeting problem still there (im 188cm) but i've solved it with a wind deflector on its lowest position, i think deflector with adjustable angle is the only solution for this problem... I think the wind flows trough windscreen and the deflector is solving that buffeting torbulence noise... Now i can hear the great engine sound and the music from my intercom much much better not a disturby wind sound which makes the ride alot more fun 👍
Many thanks for not speaking during test, allowing opportunity to hear how the engine sounds! (Most YT bike testers feel compelled to constantly narrate - very frustrating.)
i like the relatively low price point for such an great, do everything bike that is supremely reliable, easy to work on - hence the lack of electronics doesn't bother me at all
Some of us keep wishing for manufacturers to build fairings and windscreens that actually work. We are not all 5 foot 6 inches and 130 pounds. I am 6 feet and 245 pounds and wish i still had my 96 VFR750 i bought new.
That's a very nice bike, nothing too fancy but sensible in so many ways. Most possibly a long lasting tech, too. Sound is nice, clean at idle (not high revs at idle, maybe under 1000 I/min?) - and intake sound when accelerating reminds a bit of v8... Not bad!
Thank you for the nice video and I like the fact that you transcribed everything so I could hear better the engine noise etc... I'm taking lessons with hope of getting my license by end of August. I'm seriously looking into the Versys or the V Strom being 1m88 myself. Great work, and greeting from Normandy France
Yeah I'm a taller fellow and bought a taller screen before I even took possession of the bike! Nice test ride, wish more channels just had engine noise! You basically have the exact style of video that I make on my channel! Cheers!
I bought this bike last year and the only thing I didn't like and still like is the windscreen. I replaced it with an after market Givi much taller and wider, and I still get a lot of wind noise and buffeting on my head. Other wise great bike, thanks for the video
Robert MTL Yeah with windscreens are not easy. After naked I really felt to take it off completely, so much used to air flow :). Btw how is consumption after a year? Its ~320km of range as I evaluated?
I've only put 2000 km as I bought it in Oct 2016 and live in Canada. From what I've seen 320 should not be a problem if you drive conservatively and how. I did see a tube video that a guy did 500km on a full tank. So I guess it all depends on the driving you do. From the fuel consumption of 5.5L/100 & a 21 liter tank, you should get to close to 380km on the HYW following the speed limit. If you looking for fuel economy maybe the versus x 300 is a better option.
i own the 2016 model and get at least 360km per tank. Done 17,000 km on her so far (riding every day!) with no real issues. i agree that the wind noise is a bit of a pain.
Waw, good to know about larger range after all. It did felt a very comfy bike for everyday use. After some considerations finally I gave my heart to another bike though (see my last vid for that :D ;) ) and I'd even admit with It's lower seat, its not as comfy as I remember Versys was.
I liked this video. It would have been nice to see other people opload their videos with sub titles. No wind disturbance and makes it easy to get the message. Nice landscape. Which country was that?
Not at all, don't need modes, but gear indicator, better fuel computer with more data (range, km from last stop), oil temp, indications of side stand could be nice. See KTMs dashes, cheap Duke 125 has it all. Cheers!
How is throttle response at low speeds and gears smooth or jerky and what about vibration, thank you,, also what do you think about seat height and weight as 1.80
I'd say throttle is very smooth. There's no jerkiness with fueling at all with linear increase in power and speed. I'd admit I'd prefer more accentuated mid rev pickup, for fun, but here is linear. I didn't feel any noticeable vibrations at any speed. To me it was silky smooth, especially after my KTM 390 single :)
RoadTracer I enjoyed the video very much ! actually I have been waiting for this for months. Every other reviewer just mentions the specs of the bike and that's it... I really like the acceleration sound at high rpms reminds me of a 4cyl motor ! Thanks so much bro ! If it was 3 months ago I would have undoubtedly bought it but now I am also considering the new Versys 300X due to its better off road capabilities than the 650 (bigger front wheel 19' and longer travel on the suspension) not to mention the lowest weight ... How you compare those two..? Would it be a wiser choice the 300 X instead of the 650 ,considering the close power to weight ration of those two Kawis? 😉
pg88corfu hey, thanks for kind words men! I do think that x300 should be better off-road machine, just because it's so much lighter of 160kg or so. Its doesn't have much power, but if offroad is the way, it should be enough. Actually next month I'm going on Kawasaki days, to try two motorcycles: 650z and 900z, but considering I'm so much curious for X300 I'll book it too. I'll try post the vid and share my thoughts about them. Also If I recall correctly KTM builds some light offroad moto with 390 Duke engine. Which should be interesting to see next year. There is a sense to look for Honda CB500X, seems everyone are positive about it, providing a person isn't after a power :) Plus I do like how much cheaper servicing, day to day costs, as well as accessories costs for those "smaller" bikes.
It wasn't mine moto, it was a testride at the dealer :) So for now, if I'd ever own one, surely smth. would have to be done. Also if the person is lower or higher then me (180cm) perhaps he wouldn't have a problem. I saw reviews people were saying it works for them.
Chtěl jsem ho ještě nižší, tak předpokládám na 195 bylo by super. Pravé ted se probíhá Kawasaki days. Pokud zajímavé skus si ho vyskouset. Mě také by zajímalo jak to pro vyšší lidi, doporučim kamarádovi on je vyšší. Ted budu řešit to samé s mým novém vstromem :) Skusim a bez plexi. Natočim si to.
