I purchased the 2022 1000 SE (U.S. spec models are all SE models). I only have one compliant and it was mentioned in this video… it should be shaft drive. Other than that I’m totally happy with the performance and build quality. Kawasaki inline 4 motors are (IMHO) the best of the “Big 4”. I’m also thankful it’s detuned to 120 HP. Living in the Phoenix Arizona area, heat is a big issue in the summer months and the more power an engine produces, the more heat it makes. Not something you want when outside temperatures exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Detuned engines also typically last longer and get better fuel economy… and seriously, who needs anything more than 120 HP on a motorcycle designed to travel lots of highway miles in comfort? Save for a Tesla or exotic super car, the Versys 1000 will easily out-accelerate anything on the road, and even more so if you use the KQS feature.
Good point about detuned engines lasting longer - that seems like a very correct rule. If one wants to stay with their Versys for years or just buy a used one, this may matter.
I just purchased the same one week ago. However, I completely flipped on the shaft drive requirement for efficiency and performance. Shaft drives lose anywhere from 20-25% vs. 2-4% for chain. Thus, comparing the two for performance a shaft drive bike must put out at least 20 more hp to get same performance in liter class bikes that typically output 100-120 hp to the rear wheel. Also, opposed twin and V4 engines have an advantage for supporting shaft drive as the crankshaft is along main axis of bike and is thus one less right angle mechanical transition that are the main cause of the poor efficiency.
I’ve got a 2021 V1k, this bike is fantastic, I like objective reviews but this video is first rate nit picking… your versys will dust, in speed and handling, any GS on the road.
Dzięki za super materiały - content przebija większość podobnych kanałów. Czy będzie recenzja Hondy NT1100? Gdybys miał wybierać miedzy takim Versysem 1000 a Suzuki 1050 - to na co byś sie zdecydował? Jestem na etapie zmiany moto; raz jestem zdecydowany na tego Versysa, raz na Hondę NT1100 , a innym razem zastanawiam się aby poczekać na nowego V-Stoma 1050 DE (w wersji szosowej).
@Richaag I've owned a couple of BMW GS's and their drive shafts now require partial disassembly and lubing of the drive shaft splines. In this regard, chain is superior, plus you can play with the gearing if you want. Triump's Tiger drive shaft is reliable like one would expect, and is better than a chain. Modern chains are darn good these days, and I would not hesitate to tour with a chain. I test rode a Versys 1000 SE+ and I fell in love. I am now actively looking for one.
Come on man….sluggish…3.1sec 0-60, will do 100mph in a sneeze. Braking in a corner it wants to stand up…yes…as does every bike.. it’s physics…handling this is more about the rider. Vibrating seat…there is a very fine point where there is some small vibration in the crotch area, the vast majority of the rpm range is butter smooth, if you think the versys is bad don’t ride a tracer. The versys puts as much if not more power to the rear wheel than the GS or the tiger, sucks how much power a shaft drive steals. I like to ride my bike to other places than the dealer for service, (cough) BMW…I don’t nit pick my motorcycle, I change the oil, add gas and ride my Kawasaki. Folks, the versys is one of the finest, sport tourers on the market. Unlike BMW and Triumph, you actually get something great for your dollar, and you will stay out of the service center.
I've read a few comments about chain Versys shaft(every pun intended!) I've had 2 Versys, a 2016 and 2020. The 2016 had over 60,000 trouble free miles when I sold it a few weeks ago. The original chain lasted 33,000 miles with only 4 adjustments. The second chin lasted 27,000 miles and the 3rd was just installed before I sold it. I hadn't owned a chain drive MC is a number of years, so I was hesitant remembering most chains on larger displacement bikes were lucky to get 15,000 miles. If you maintain a modern chain drive MC and don't abuse it, chain life and maintenance are very minor. My biggest complaint is that the real wheel, center stand and exposed parts near the chain do get dirty and greasy. For me, it was a minor problem. I agree that the Versys represents one of the best buys in the sport touring category. A wonderful MC.
In U.S. Versys 1000 SE LT+ has side cases and all options for MSRP $18,900. Nearest equivalent Tiger 1200GT with quick shifter, side cases plus rack, heated grips, centerstand is $21,255 Nearest equivalent BMW S1000XR is $21,240
@kannermw I test rode a Versys 1000SE+ and a fully optioned S1000 XR back to back. The XR was crude and unrefined. The engine is noisy, making rattling sounds and the vibrations at all rpm was just epic. At certain rpm the vibration at the bars was unbearable and the mirrors unreadable at any speed. The XR's cockpit is cramped. Fit and finish not up to BMW standards. The Versys in comparison was a like an M5. Comfortable, roomy, great technology, handling (the e-suspension is fantastic), and power enough to give a thrill without overwhelming. Fit and finish was superior to the big BMW XR as well. The Versys is not a stylish motorcycle... but it once on it the Versys is superb.
@@dcxplant I purchased new Versys 1000 SE+ in early October. Never considered the BMW because I don't trust their reliabilty and reputation of high cost of ownership due to reliabilty, service and repair. I'm surprised you found the BMW build quality to be subpar and engine to be unrefined. Moto-journalists have a biased perspective when they are not investing their own money while evaluating these bikes. The real question is what is the real benefit of 15% more power when you already you have over 110 hp at hand and that you may use at most less than 2% of the time. Plus at 15% more price plus higher insurance and greater risk of reliability issues.
Versys is not an ADV bike. It is a street bike, more specifically, it is a sports touring street bike which has a sit-up-straight seating position and flat handlebars. Chain drive is now easier to maintain than BMW's drive shaft, which requires removing the rear wheel, disconnecting the drive shaft and lubricating the drive shaft splines. Once a chain is stretched in initially, just give a squirt every now and then and the gearing can be changed as well with a sprocket-fixing your issue with the gearing. In the US as I type this, there are only a handful of these for sale on the used market; This means the owners love their Versys 1000 SE's and they are not hiring the used market, they are staying with their owners. A big sign of a well-loved motorcycle.
The topic of the classification is somewhere the in the background all the time indeed but if we really dig into it, not many should be called Adv if we consider offroading as a feature that lets them qualify to this segment. They all look offroad capable, none has offroad tires except for a few like KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - but you've got to choose them specifically anyway. Then would it be about ground clearance, suspension travel or the position? I'm really sometimes leaning towards the position and style and wheels sizes (here Versys wouldn't qualify as well actually). Now, about the used market, I once bought a VW Touareg 4.2 FSI and it was one of one-two available at some point so when it appeared I rushed to check it and buy, but I wouldn't exactly say that the lack of these cars was an indicator that people love them so much that they want to keep them forever, seriously. On the other hand, I don't expect riders to give away their Versys 1000 bikes as I'm also only hearing good things about them.
Please help me. What should I buy? I recently sold my cruiser and want to buy a tourer bike. I considered v strom 1050, kawasaki versys 1000, triumph tiger 900 and honda nt 1100. I liked honda the most but I'm not sure if I want to spend 70k zl. I' m thinking about something used. But what? Any help? BDW I live near Warsaw.
With 70k zl you may buy pretty much anything you want from Hondas to BMWs, Ducatis and soon the new Tigers 1200 which I'd say may generally be considered the top bikes in the touring adventure class. However, if you've had a cruiser and now you like the NT1100 the most, then I believe that a less touring-oriented bike should make sense. And finally, this actually seems easy as you mentioned that you liked the Honda the most - if you already can say that, then it makes me pretty certain that this is the right way. Usually whatever you feel suits you best, turns out to be the best choice. This is how it works for me and I hope it helps. I'd suggest that if that still doesn't convince you, try to test ride a BMW R1250RT. It may let you experience something that none of the mentioned bikes can. If you still like the Honda the most after that, then it's likely the best for you.
@@VToldsMotoShow thank you. Yes, I decided to find bmw R 1200RT. How to find a good one? Not after accidents. Do you know anyone who helps doing an inspection?
It wasn't very fair to compare a 1000cc bike against 1200cc bikes in this video. The only one you mentioned that was equal cc was the Vstrom, and the Versys (in my opinion) is a better bike then the Vstrom. If you were to compare it against over 1000cc bikes your complaints/issues list wouldn't have been like you listed. It is a bit higher priced, but I was able to find mine brand new for $2500 lower then the average list price so that helped for sure. I also agree that it would have been nice to have a shaft drive rather then chain. The Versys is listed as a sport touring bike and not an adventure bike so one can only be upset with themselves if they bough it to do adventure riding and didn't like it for that. Not upset and I do like your videos, but this one felt a bit like reaching for issues and needing to cross over into other platforms and engine sizes to find them.
If I'd compare it to BMW S1000XR (which makes sense I believe), then the performance gap would be even larger, so I'm not convinced that pure number of cc matters here. They're in my opinion all in one segment. V-Strom may make more sense as it's not from a premium brand but then its style is very different (also makes sense to mention it!). What else do we have there that's around 1000 and competes with a Versys? The 800/900 bikes are certainly a class below, so I'd still place the Versys among the top big adventure touring bikes. Seriously, this bike deserves more credit that it may generally be given. Cheers!
Interesting video , now im totally put off buying this kawasaki versy motorcycle ..do you have any solid recommendations anything that points me in right direction ?, im Looking to get back into motorcycle riding in 2024 , after being out of the saddle for over 5 plus years I've decided to go back to my love for motorcycle riding, I've a budget is £8500 may stretch that to £9000, long days out road touring is my style, any advice or recommendations would be appreciated
From my research the versys 1000 has the best payload capacity for 2 up riding at 485# compared to the tracer 900 at 397# which for me is important as myself and my 2 up rider combine to make just over 480# so the tracer 900 can’t even be an option. Pretty sad from yamaha
Mocno zastanawiam się nad tym Versysem i zaniepokoiło mnie co mówisz o mocnym prostowaniu motocykla przy hamowaniu w zakręcie. W żadnej recenzji (a obejrzałem ich chyba ze 20) nikt nic o tym nie mówił. Zastanawiam się - na ile mogła to być kwestia tego konkretnego egzemplarza - np. kwestia wyważenia kół , krzywej ramy (może miał przy wcześniejszych testach jakiś dzwon) ? Czy miałeś może później okazje przejechać się innym egzemplarzem ? Czy tez to występowało ?
Zdarzają się jeźdźcy również zwracający uwagę na prostowanie. Wątpię, aby była to kwestia egzemplarza, a wręcz nie dopuszczałbym takiej myśli. Nie jeździłem innym Versysem 1000, ale ten efekt byłby trudny do wygenerowania jakimkolwiek działaniem zewnętrznym na motocykl moim zdaniem. Po prostu tak ma i warto o tym wiedzieć. Wielu świeżych motocyklistów kupuje Versysa 1000 i nie narzekają, przyzwyczajają się i jest OK. Ale w porównaniu do innych motocykli z tej kategorii, w Versysie 1000 to najbardziej obecne.
Can I ask - what would You chose for yourself (if You have to): Versys 1000 S, Suzuki V-strom 1050 or Honda NT1100 ? Thank You in advance for answer and pozdrawiam serdecznie :)
Tough one as if I had a choice limited to that, I'd probably end up with a V-Strom 1050. But I definitely don't like the way it looks, so in real life I personally wouldn't choose any of those. However, I haven't tried the Honda yet, so shouldn't actually judge it. On the other hand, looking at its shape and performance data, it wouldn't be exciting enough for me. V-Strom is quick enough, very comfortable, and makes you feel like you can do a lot with it. It would be the most energetic in my eyes. Lewa w górę! :)
Nothing is perfect if it doesn't suit somebody. A lot of power? Great for me but bad for those that get scared of it. Even a pretty girl can be "too pretty" if you get insecure due to that - so all in all there's another side of everything and hence the two perspectives. I hope that this explains the strategy :). Cheers!
i agree with u in everythin... shit.... when i come for cornering.... i feel something worng with this bike....especially when i brake... its like the bike wanna go straight,,,, is not funny anymore.... the vibrate in 3rd gear,,,so redicilous...... its so weird tho... not even to compare with GS/bmw... im thinking to sell it... and upgrade to GS/RT... mine versys 1000 -2023 / standard ... a bit frustrated,,,.
I bought the Versys 1000 s version; no semi-active suspension, but fully equipped with luggage, cornering lights etc. I agree that the SE version is expensive, which is why I went for the S. I´m really happy with the bike as I´m not a fast rider and it´s been reliable, comfortable and capable of carrying a big payload too. I was tempted by the V Strom 1050 but the Kawa is so easy to ride and hides it´s weight very well and had heated grips, quick shifter etc as well.....Really enjoying your reviews btw.....
Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad that you're enjoying your Versys. It also sounds like the S version makes a lot of sense indeed compared to the SE. Quickshifter in the Versys is definitely an upgrade over V-Strom's lack of it. All the best with the bike!
Nice movies about the versys 1000se and the tracer 9gt, I watched all of them. I am trying to decide between these 2 motorcycles. I will buy an used one, so the price difference won't be so much... They both have almost identical features: quickshifter, cornering lights, chain drive, imu and all the other electronics and have similar looks. The lights of the Kawa are better looking then the lights of the yamaha but the exhaust of the yamaha is better "hidden" then the exhaust of the kawa. The handling of the tracer was better than the kawa, the yamaha felt nimble and easier to control at slow speeds but the kawa was also not bad and I could get used to. I didn't notice the kawa tendency to straighten up when accelerating, but it didn't felt so nimble in corners, like the yamaha, so maybe it was because of this tendency that I perceived it as more difficult to control in corners. Yamaha has a smaller engine and needs only 2.5 l of oil and kawa needs 4.5, so from maintenance point of view yamaha should be few euros cheaper, but not a lot... I will mostly drive out of the city, I hate driving in the city and both motorcycles have similar handling. The kawa has indeed shorter gears then the yamaha, but having the quickshifter should be OK. The quickshifter on the yamaha was smoother compared to the kawa. Wind protection, mirrors and the seat were better on the kawa but the easier setting of the windshield of the yamaha, while riding, is a nice feature to consider... Maybe you can make a comparison between these 2 models also 🙂
This is totally right in my opinion: "the yamaha felt nimble and easier to control at slow speeds but the kawa was also not bad and I could get used to. I didn't notice the kawa tendency to straighten up when accelerating, but it didn't felt so nimble in corners, like the yamaha, so maybe it was because of this tendency that I perceived it as more difficult to control in corners." Now, if you're riding outside of the city, then the benefits of the Tracer 9 GT in this comparison may fade away a bit. It will still feel more nimble but then Kawa should feel more "planted"/stable at higher speeds. It may give such an impression. Looking at both, I see the big Versys as a stable and calm cruiser while the Tracer would be a smaller "engine on wheels" that you may shoot anywhere you want and it may make you want to ride in a more crazy way. So it's a question of what feeling you prefer. I hope this helps!
@@VToldsMotoShow Hi! And thanks for all your reviews, they all are full of details and accurate I suppose. So, I hope to be on topic here and I would ask for little help: now I am riding a Vulcan S cruiser and I become a good rider (meaning I ride close or even faster than my friends with 1250 GS, RT, Kawa SX, 850 GSA, 1250 GSA - on a curved road of course, not on a highway :) ) and for that reason I need a better bike: better brakes, better acceleration, better handling, better wind protection, better hand protection, more space for luggage, less vibrations, better comfort on long distances. I made short test drives with all the GS/GSAs and for all of them I love the handling; for the bigger (1250) GS/GSA I don't like the shaft/boxer vibrations and for the smaller ones (850) I don't like the bigger front wheel and the very high seat position and the 1250 GSA seems to be very very big bike :); I didn't make the test drive with the Triumphs (very low quality services here in Romania for the Triumph rep) and also didn't tried Kawa Versys 1000 SE (it's not available for test drive no where in Romania - also meaning very low services for their local rep); also waiting to test (if it will be available - nothing sure yet!!!! - for test drive here at Yamaha Romania) the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. I ride 95% of the time outside the city on trips of 2 to 4 days long. Please help me with an advice for what to chose ! :) Thank you!
I am 100% satisfied with my Kawwa. You have to bear in mind that chain drive is the one that steals the least horsepower and shaft drive the one that steals the most horsepower, close to 20% of the effect. So that's why I would never choose a motorcycle with shaft drive..👍👍👍
Yeah, though I'm not aware of the difference in how much power is lost there but in the end of the day, the performance that you feel when riding matters, doesn't it? Comparing a 136 HP BMW R1250GS with a driveshaft and a 120 HP Kawasaki Versys 1000 with a chain, well... BMW is significantly quicker. Even assuming that the shaft takes 20% of power while a chain only 5% and Kawasaki would be having more power at the rear wheel, there are other factors like a transmission, torque, weight and how effective the engine itself is. So really, I personally don't look at it in the context of how much power the bike is losing due to its drivetrain.
It was mostly if not entirely noticeable on the seat. Not sure I was bothered by any vibration on the foot pegs, if anything was even there in the first place.
Premium brands 🤣are you having a laugh ?.If you talk to people who have parted with lots of cash for these brands they will tell you that it does not include reliability.Ownership of European so called premium bikes depends on if you have loads of cash,live near a dealer,keep the bike in some sort of extensive warranty and don't mind taking it back now and again.No such thing as one bike fits all, plenty of adjustment on the Versys with the modes and manualy on the forks and you weight on the suspension screen.No fuss ,all rounder-- Jack of all trades as we say,with no thought of off road use. If so buy a used KLR, more fun and doesn't matter if you drop it .Having owned a Versys SE for 3 years and done 30+ thousand miles there is not one bike i could replace it with.
I get the feeling about not seeing a potential replacement for a current bike. I've been there too and made my peace with the thought at some point. About reliability? I'd expect it to be slightly more related to a specific model, so a given product, not necessarily with a manufacturer. However, in some instances the legends seem to be true.
Hard to answer but the perception of how the bikes accelerate is more satisfying on a V-Strom 1050. It doesn't mean that it's definitely quicker but to me it does feel quicker and more fun from the performance perspective.
Nice looking bike. Can't understand why you they call it an adventure bike. To me an adventure bike is meant for the road and dirt. It seems like it's more of a upright touring bike. If it were me, I'd get the 1000 sx.
I'd exactly base it on an upright position. Size-wise it makes an appearance very close to other adventure bikes and is often compared to them, so it makes sense to still be somewhere there with them on the same list. But I see what you mean. It's the same story as with BMW S1000XR that BMW themselves call an adventure bike. 17" front wheel and not that super impressive suspension travel too.
Maybe to some this is the only reason but I'd guess that majority may appreciate a good machine regardless. It definitely surprised me very positively in some aspects.
Thumbs up for the quality review. However 1 point - 1.5 minutes of a blabla talk before the topic of the video starts.. The reviews are overall very good, informative, insightful, but there is from time some excessive talk\speech that is unnecessary, to my view., and i start to jump in the timeframe, increase the speed of the video... My kind advice, if i may - more facts, point of views, conclusions, recommendations, in brief, but less of reflections, speculations and rhetoric... thx!
Thanks for the feedback. The "reasons to avoid" videos require an explanation upfront so that the current owners watching it don't get upset thinking that these are "hate" videos. They're not and I'd like it to be clear from the beginning. It's another learning from the past. Cheers!
If the potentially weaker points that I'm mentioning would be an issue for you, then yeah, maybe it makes sense to keep looking for something that has the advantages that outweigh the possible disadvantages. Some of the characteristics in the videos don't have to be bad/disadvantages at all. I'm mentioning them as I feel that they may be (or same are if they're quality-related), but me not liking a design of a motorcycle doesn't mean that others cannot love it. So don't worry and just look at the pros and cons to evaluate what's the most important for you personally. I hope this helps.
Your dislikes are for those weak and picky persons and are very new to the motorcycle riding community...also, i classify your dislike to be a forced dislikes/issues.
Didnt buy it. Cheap built in my opinoin. Worst that can happen? U loose 45% of what you paid for it in 24 months or less. And…no shaft Im not buying. Next.
Would it lose 45% of value in 24 months? If so (I doubt!), then it could be a great purchase used, no? And yeah, such a great candidate for a driveshaft. Maybe they'll give it to the next generation, who knows.
I purchased the 2022 1000 SE (U.S. spec models are all SE models). I only have one compliant and it was mentioned in this video… it should be shaft drive. Other than that I’m totally happy with the performance and build quality. Kawasaki inline 4 motors are (IMHO) the best of the “Big 4”. I’m also thankful it’s detuned to 120 HP. Living in the Phoenix Arizona area, heat is a big issue in the summer months and the more power an engine produces, the more heat it makes. Not something you want when outside temperatures exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Detuned engines also typically last longer and get better fuel economy… and seriously, who needs anything more than 120 HP on a motorcycle designed to travel lots of highway miles in comfort? Save for a Tesla or exotic super car, the Versys 1000 will easily out-accelerate anything on the road, and even more so if you use the KQS feature.
Good point about detuned engines lasting longer - that seems like a very correct rule. If one wants to stay with their Versys for years or just buy a used one, this may matter.
I just purchased the same one week ago. However, I completely flipped on the shaft drive requirement for efficiency and performance. Shaft drives lose anywhere from 20-25% vs. 2-4% for chain. Thus, comparing the two for performance a shaft drive bike must put out at least 20 more hp to get same performance in liter class bikes that typically output 100-120 hp to the rear wheel.
Also, opposed twin and V4 engines have an advantage for supporting shaft drive as the crankshaft is along main axis of bike and is thus one less right angle mechanical transition that are the main cause of the poor efficiency.
I’ve got a 2021 V1k, this bike is fantastic, I like objective reviews but this video is first rate nit picking… your versys will dust, in speed and handling, any GS on the road.
Dzięki za super materiały - content przebija większość podobnych kanałów.
Czy będzie recenzja Hondy NT1100?
Gdybys miał wybierać miedzy takim Versysem 1000 a Suzuki 1050 - to na co byś sie zdecydował?
Jestem na etapie zmiany moto; raz jestem zdecydowany na tego Versysa, raz na Hondę NT1100 , a innym razem zastanawiam się aby poczekać na nowego V-Stoma 1050 DE (w wersji szosowej).
@Richaag I've owned a couple of BMW GS's and their drive shafts now require partial disassembly and lubing of the drive shaft splines. In this regard, chain is superior, plus you can play with the gearing if you want. Triump's Tiger drive shaft is reliable like one would expect, and is better than a chain. Modern chains are darn good these days, and I would not hesitate to tour with a chain. I test rode a Versys 1000 SE+ and I fell in love. I am now actively looking for one.
Come on man….sluggish…3.1sec 0-60, will do 100mph in a sneeze. Braking in a corner it wants to stand up…yes…as does every bike.. it’s physics…handling this is more about the rider. Vibrating seat…there is a very fine point where there is some small vibration in the crotch area, the vast majority of the rpm range is butter smooth, if you think the versys is bad don’t ride a tracer. The versys puts as much if not more power to the rear wheel than the GS or the tiger, sucks how much power a shaft drive steals. I like to ride my bike to other places than the dealer for service, (cough) BMW…I don’t nit pick my motorcycle, I change the oil, add gas and ride my Kawasaki. Folks, the versys is one of the finest, sport tourers on the market. Unlike BMW and Triumph, you actually get something great for your dollar, and you will stay out of the service center.
Yes, carve it in stone
I've read a few comments about chain Versys shaft(every pun intended!) I've had 2 Versys, a 2016 and 2020. The 2016 had over 60,000 trouble free miles when I sold it a few weeks ago. The original chain lasted 33,000 miles with only 4 adjustments. The second chin lasted 27,000 miles and the 3rd was just installed before I sold it. I hadn't owned a chain drive MC is a number of years, so I was hesitant remembering most chains on larger displacement bikes were lucky to get 15,000 miles. If you maintain a modern chain drive MC and don't abuse it, chain life and maintenance are very minor. My biggest complaint is that the real wheel, center stand and exposed parts near the chain do get dirty and greasy. For me, it was a minor problem. I agree that the Versys represents one of the best buys in the sport touring category. A wonderful MC.
Everything you said is spot on. You are obviously a motorcycle connoisseur and your reviews are possibly the best out there.
In U.S. Versys 1000 SE LT+ has side cases and all options for MSRP $18,900.
Nearest equivalent Tiger 1200GT with quick shifter, side cases plus rack, heated grips, centerstand is $21,255
Nearest equivalent BMW S1000XR is $21,240
@kannermw I test rode a Versys 1000SE+ and a fully optioned S1000 XR back to back. The XR was crude and unrefined. The engine is noisy, making rattling sounds and the vibrations at all rpm was just epic. At certain rpm the vibration at the bars was unbearable and the mirrors unreadable at any speed. The XR's cockpit is cramped. Fit and finish not up to BMW standards. The Versys in comparison was a like an M5. Comfortable, roomy, great technology, handling (the e-suspension is fantastic), and power enough to give a thrill without overwhelming. Fit and finish was superior to the big BMW XR as well. The Versys is not a stylish motorcycle... but it once on it the Versys is superb.
@@dcxplant I purchased new Versys 1000 SE+ in early October. Never considered the BMW because I don't trust their reliabilty and reputation of high cost of ownership due to reliabilty, service and repair. I'm surprised you found the BMW build quality to be subpar and engine to be unrefined. Moto-journalists have a biased perspective when they are not investing their own money while evaluating these bikes. The real question is what is the real benefit of 15% more power when you already you have over 110 hp at hand and that you may use at most less than 2% of the time. Plus at 15% more price plus higher insurance and greater risk of reliability issues.
Versys is not an ADV bike. It is a street bike, more specifically, it is a sports touring street bike which has a sit-up-straight seating position and flat handlebars. Chain drive is now easier to maintain than BMW's drive shaft, which requires removing the rear wheel, disconnecting the drive shaft and lubricating the drive shaft splines. Once a chain is stretched in initially, just give a squirt every now and then and the gearing can be changed as well with a sprocket-fixing your issue with the gearing. In the US as I type this, there are only a handful of these for sale on the used market; This means the owners love their Versys 1000 SE's and they are not hiring the used market, they are staying with their owners. A big sign of a well-loved motorcycle.
The topic of the classification is somewhere the in the background all the time indeed but if we really dig into it, not many should be called Adv if we consider offroading as a feature that lets them qualify to this segment. They all look offroad capable, none has offroad tires except for a few like KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - but you've got to choose them specifically anyway. Then would it be about ground clearance, suspension travel or the position? I'm really sometimes leaning towards the position and style and wheels sizes (here Versys wouldn't qualify as well actually). Now, about the used market, I once bought a VW Touareg 4.2 FSI and it was one of one-two available at some point so when it appeared I rushed to check it and buy, but I wouldn't exactly say that the lack of these cars was an indicator that people love them so much that they want to keep them forever, seriously. On the other hand, I don't expect riders to give away their Versys 1000 bikes as I'm also only hearing good things about them.
Please help me. What should I buy? I recently sold my cruiser and want to buy a tourer bike. I considered v strom 1050, kawasaki versys 1000, triumph tiger 900 and honda nt 1100. I liked honda the most but I'm not sure if I want to spend 70k zl. I' m thinking about something used. But what? Any help? BDW I live near Warsaw.
With 70k zl you may buy pretty much anything you want from Hondas to BMWs, Ducatis and soon the new Tigers 1200 which I'd say may generally be considered the top bikes in the touring adventure class. However, if you've had a cruiser and now you like the NT1100 the most, then I believe that a less touring-oriented bike should make sense. And finally, this actually seems easy as you mentioned that you liked the Honda the most - if you already can say that, then it makes me pretty certain that this is the right way. Usually whatever you feel suits you best, turns out to be the best choice. This is how it works for me and I hope it helps. I'd suggest that if that still doesn't convince you, try to test ride a BMW R1250RT. It may let you experience something that none of the mentioned bikes can. If you still like the Honda the most after that, then it's likely the best for you.
@@VToldsMotoShow thank you. Yes, I decided to find bmw R 1200RT. How to find a good one? Not after accidents. Do you know anyone who helps doing an inspection?
It wasn't very fair to compare a 1000cc bike against 1200cc bikes in this video. The only one you mentioned that was equal cc was the Vstrom, and the Versys (in my opinion) is a better bike then the Vstrom. If you were to compare it against over 1000cc bikes your complaints/issues list wouldn't have been like you listed. It is a bit higher priced, but I was able to find mine brand new for $2500 lower then the average list price so that helped for sure. I also agree that it would have been nice to have a shaft drive rather then chain. The Versys is listed as a sport touring bike and not an adventure bike so one can only be upset with themselves if they bough it to do adventure riding and didn't like it for that. Not upset and I do like your videos, but this one felt a bit like reaching for issues and needing to cross over into other platforms and engine sizes to find them.
If I'd compare it to BMW S1000XR (which makes sense I believe), then the performance gap would be even larger, so I'm not convinced that pure number of cc matters here. They're in my opinion all in one segment. V-Strom may make more sense as it's not from a premium brand but then its style is very different (also makes sense to mention it!).
What else do we have there that's around 1000 and competes with a Versys? The 800/900 bikes are certainly a class below, so I'd still place the Versys among the top big adventure touring bikes. Seriously, this bike deserves more credit that it may generally be given. Cheers!
Interesting video , now im totally put off buying this kawasaki versy motorcycle ..do you have any solid recommendations anything that points me in right direction ?, im Looking to get back into motorcycle riding in 2024 , after being out of the saddle for over 5 plus years I've decided to go back to my love for motorcycle riding, I've a budget is £8500 may stretch that to £9000, long days out road touring is my style, any advice or recommendations would be appreciated
From my research the versys 1000 has the best payload capacity for 2 up riding at 485# compared to the tracer 900 at 397# which for me is important as myself and my 2 up rider combine to make just over 480# so the tracer 900 can’t even be an option. Pretty sad from yamaha
Mocno zastanawiam się nad tym Versysem i zaniepokoiło mnie co mówisz o mocnym prostowaniu motocykla przy hamowaniu w zakręcie. W żadnej recenzji (a obejrzałem ich chyba ze 20) nikt nic o tym nie mówił. Zastanawiam się - na ile mogła to być kwestia tego konkretnego egzemplarza - np. kwestia wyważenia kół , krzywej ramy (może miał przy wcześniejszych testach jakiś dzwon) ?
Czy miałeś może później okazje przejechać się innym egzemplarzem ? Czy tez to występowało ?
Zdarzają się jeźdźcy również zwracający uwagę na prostowanie. Wątpię, aby była to kwestia egzemplarza, a wręcz nie dopuszczałbym takiej myśli. Nie jeździłem innym Versysem 1000, ale ten efekt byłby trudny do wygenerowania jakimkolwiek działaniem zewnętrznym na motocykl moim zdaniem. Po prostu tak ma i warto o tym wiedzieć. Wielu świeżych motocyklistów kupuje Versysa 1000 i nie narzekają, przyzwyczajają się i jest OK. Ale w porównaniu do innych motocykli z tej kategorii, w Versysie 1000 to najbardziej obecne.
Can I ask - what would You chose for yourself (if You have to): Versys 1000 S, Suzuki V-strom 1050 or Honda NT1100 ? Thank You in advance for answer and pozdrawiam serdecznie :)
Tough one as if I had a choice limited to that, I'd probably end up with a V-Strom 1050. But I definitely don't like the way it looks, so in real life I personally wouldn't choose any of those. However, I haven't tried the Honda yet, so shouldn't actually judge it. On the other hand, looking at its shape and performance data, it wouldn't be exciting enough for me. V-Strom is quick enough, very comfortable, and makes you feel like you can do a lot with it. It would be the most energetic in my eyes. Lewa w górę! :)
@@VToldsMotoShow Thank You very much for answer :)
So first you release a video on reasons to buy it, so I bought it, and you release a video on why to avoid it. Cool 😲
Nothing is perfect if it doesn't suit somebody. A lot of power? Great for me but bad for those that get scared of it. Even a pretty girl can be "too pretty" if you get insecure due to that - so all in all there's another side of everything and hence the two perspectives. I hope that this explains the strategy :). Cheers!
i agree with u in everythin... shit.... when i come for cornering.... i feel something worng with this bike....especially when i brake... its like the bike wanna go straight,,,, is not funny anymore.... the vibrate in 3rd gear,,,so redicilous...... its so weird tho... not even to compare with GS/bmw... im thinking to sell it... and upgrade to GS/RT... mine versys 1000 -2023 / standard ... a bit frustrated,,,.
I bought the Versys 1000 s version; no semi-active suspension, but fully equipped with luggage, cornering lights etc. I agree that the SE version is expensive, which is why I went for the S. I´m really happy with the bike as I´m not a fast rider and it´s been reliable, comfortable and capable of carrying a big payload too. I was tempted by the V Strom 1050 but the Kawa is so easy to ride and hides it´s weight very well and had heated grips, quick shifter etc as well.....Really enjoying your reviews btw.....
Me too, its a perfect daily commuter.
Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad that you're enjoying your Versys. It also sounds like the S version makes a lot of sense indeed compared to the SE. Quickshifter in the Versys is definitely an upgrade over V-Strom's lack of it. All the best with the bike!
Nice movies about the versys 1000se and the tracer 9gt, I watched all of them.
I am trying to decide between these 2 motorcycles. I will buy an used one, so the price difference won't be so much...
They both have almost identical features: quickshifter, cornering lights, chain drive, imu and all the other electronics and have similar looks.
The lights of the Kawa are better looking then the lights of the yamaha but the exhaust of the yamaha is better "hidden" then the exhaust of the kawa. The handling of the tracer was better than the kawa, the yamaha felt nimble and easier to control at slow speeds but the kawa was also not bad and I could get used to. I didn't notice the kawa tendency to straighten up when accelerating, but it didn't felt so nimble in corners, like the yamaha, so maybe it was because of this tendency that I perceived it as more difficult to control in corners.
Yamaha has a smaller engine and needs only 2.5 l of oil and kawa needs 4.5, so from maintenance point of view yamaha should be few euros cheaper, but not a lot...
I will mostly drive out of the city, I hate driving in the city and both motorcycles have similar handling. The kawa has indeed shorter gears then the yamaha, but having the quickshifter should be OK. The quickshifter on the yamaha was smoother compared to the kawa.
Wind protection, mirrors and the seat were better on the kawa but the easier setting of the windshield of the yamaha, while riding, is a nice feature to consider...
Maybe you can make a comparison between these 2 models also 🙂
This is totally right in my opinion: "the yamaha felt nimble and easier to control at slow speeds but the kawa was also not bad and I could get used to. I didn't notice the kawa tendency to straighten up when accelerating, but it didn't felt so nimble in corners, like the yamaha, so maybe it was because of this tendency that I perceived it as more difficult to control in corners."
Now, if you're riding outside of the city, then the benefits of the Tracer 9 GT in this comparison may fade away a bit. It will still feel more nimble but then Kawa should feel more "planted"/stable at higher speeds. It may give such an impression. Looking at both, I see the big Versys as a stable and calm cruiser while the Tracer would be a smaller "engine on wheels" that you may shoot anywhere you want and it may make you want to ride in a more crazy way. So it's a question of what feeling you prefer. I hope this helps!
@@VToldsMotoShow Hi! And thanks for all your reviews, they all are full of details and accurate I suppose. So, I hope to be on topic here and I would ask for little help: now I am riding a Vulcan S cruiser and I become a good rider (meaning I ride close or even faster than my friends with 1250 GS, RT, Kawa SX, 850 GSA, 1250 GSA - on a curved road of course, not on a highway :) ) and for that reason I need a better bike: better brakes, better acceleration, better handling, better wind protection, better hand protection, more space for luggage, less vibrations, better comfort on long distances. I made short test drives with all the GS/GSAs and for all of them I love the handling; for the bigger (1250) GS/GSA I don't like the shaft/boxer vibrations and for the smaller ones (850) I don't like the bigger front wheel and the very high seat position and the 1250 GSA seems to be very very big bike :); I didn't make the test drive with the Triumphs (very low quality services here in Romania for the Triumph rep) and also didn't tried Kawa Versys 1000 SE (it's not available for test drive no where in Romania - also meaning very low services for their local rep); also waiting to test (if it will be available - nothing sure yet!!!! - for test drive here at Yamaha Romania) the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. I ride 95% of the time outside the city on trips of 2 to 4 days long. Please help me with an advice for what to chose ! :) Thank you!
I am 100% satisfied with my Kawwa. You have to bear in mind that chain drive is the one that steals the least horsepower and shaft drive the one that steals the most horsepower, close to 20% of the effect. So that's why I would never choose a motorcycle with shaft drive..👍👍👍
Yeah, though I'm not aware of the difference in how much power is lost there but in the end of the day, the performance that you feel when riding matters, doesn't it? Comparing a 136 HP BMW R1250GS with a driveshaft and a 120 HP Kawasaki Versys 1000 with a chain, well... BMW is significantly quicker. Even assuming that the shaft takes 20% of power while a chain only 5% and Kawasaki would be having more power at the rear wheel, there are other factors like a transmission, torque, weight and how effective the engine itself is. So really, I personally don't look at it in the context of how much power the bike is losing due to its drivetrain.
does it vibrate on the foot pegs?
It was mostly if not entirely noticeable on the seat. Not sure I was bothered by any vibration on the foot pegs, if anything was even there in the first place.
I have a 2021, not at all.
I have V1K SE GrandTourer, not at all.
Premium brands 🤣are you having a laugh ?.If you talk to people who have parted with lots of cash for these brands they will tell you that it does not include reliability.Ownership of European so called premium bikes depends on if you have loads of cash,live near a dealer,keep the bike in some sort of extensive warranty and don't mind taking it back now and again.No such thing as one bike fits all, plenty of adjustment on the Versys with the modes and manualy on the forks and you weight on the suspension screen.No fuss ,all rounder-- Jack of all trades as we say,with no thought of off road use. If so buy a used KLR, more fun and doesn't matter if you drop it .Having owned a Versys SE for 3 years and done 30+ thousand miles there is not one bike i could replace it with.
I get the feeling about not seeing a potential replacement for a current bike. I've been there too and made my peace with the thought at some point. About reliability? I'd expect it to be slightly more related to a specific model, so a given product, not necessarily with a manufacturer. However, in some instances the legends seem to be true.
Better performance for the V-Strom?
Hard to answer but the perception of how the bikes accelerate is more satisfying on a V-Strom 1050. It doesn't mean that it's definitely quicker but to me it does feel quicker and more fun from the performance perspective.
@@VToldsMotoShow Oh, ok.
The twin´s feel is more noticiable.
Cheers.
Nice looking bike. Can't understand why you they call it an adventure bike. To me an adventure bike is meant for the road and dirt. It seems like it's more of a upright touring bike. If it were me, I'd get the 1000 sx.
I'd exactly base it on an upright position. Size-wise it makes an appearance very close to other adventure bikes and is often compared to them, so it makes sense to still be somewhere there with them on the same list. But I see what you mean. It's the same story as with BMW S1000XR that BMW themselves call an adventure bike. 17" front wheel and not that super impressive suspension travel too.
I need my brains scrambled again...I shall now watch your video 💪
At your service, sir!
Same principle, as they say; once you go 'b*k', you never go back 🤣🤣🤣
I think by 2025 this bike will be perfect (for me) hopefully itll come with shaft drive by then.
I guess we will see but shaft drive could give it quite a bit more points for sure.
If you are not a kawasaki fan not even it had the abbility to fly you still dont like it like im to yamaha
Maybe to some this is the only reason but I'd guess that majority may appreciate a good machine regardless. It definitely surprised me very positively in some aspects.
The bike looks like one of the transformers movies
Thumbs up for the quality review.
However 1 point - 1.5 minutes of a blabla talk before the topic of the video starts.. The reviews are overall very good, informative, insightful, but there is from time some excessive talk\speech that is unnecessary, to my view., and i start to jump in the timeframe, increase the speed of the video... My kind advice, if i may - more facts, point of views, conclusions, recommendations, in brief, but less of reflections, speculations and rhetoric... thx!
Thanks for the feedback. The "reasons to avoid" videos require an explanation upfront so that the current owners watching it don't get upset thinking that these are "hate" videos. They're not and I'd like it to be clear from the beginning. It's another learning from the past. Cheers!
Listening to you wont make me buy anything .. either its soo good but dont buy it, or its soo bad but why not buy it ..
So why are you watching his channel?
@@-newhope7687 عشان اشوف ميزات الدراجات دون اخذ وجهة نظره فيها، اذا وجودي ظايقك، تحمل
If the potentially weaker points that I'm mentioning would be an issue for you, then yeah, maybe it makes sense to keep looking for something that has the advantages that outweigh the possible disadvantages. Some of the characteristics in the videos don't have to be bad/disadvantages at all. I'm mentioning them as I feel that they may be (or same are if they're quality-related), but me not liking a design of a motorcycle doesn't mean that others cannot love it. So don't worry and just look at the pros and cons to evaluate what's the most important for you personally. I hope this helps.
The face looks like a mad shark coming for you😂
Vibrating seat Kawasaki should have promoted this as this being the latest woman’s bike😂😂😂, they would out sold bmw 10-1 😂😂😂
"And now... we're introducing the new Kawasaki Veeb***orsys" :D. Good one!
Your dislikes are for those weak and picky persons and are very new to the motorcycle riding community...also, i classify your dislike to be a forced dislikes/issues.
Nothing is forced if it may be true to some, even those weak, picky, small and with a little biceps.
Didnt buy it. Cheap built in my opinoin. Worst that can happen? U loose 45% of what you paid for it in 24 months or less. And…no shaft Im not buying. Next.
Would it lose 45% of value in 24 months? If so (I doubt!), then it could be a great purchase used, no? And yeah, such a great candidate for a driveshaft. Maybe they'll give it to the next generation, who knows.
What did you buy if not the Versys