Hi from the UK, I recently bought the Versys 1000 SE which is the Uk version of what you are riding and love it!! I did own, for a short time, a BMW XR1000 but did not enjoy it at all as a touring bike, while the power was great it is all at the top end of the rev range which made it feel very whizzy and aggressive . For me, it lacks the low, mid range torque that the Kawasaki has. Which makes the Kawasaki a smoother and nicer bike to ride especially with my wife on the back.. and it's no slouch!!! Hope that helps?
Great video, I just got a 2022 Versys 1000 LT and its awesome. Had been sitting on the showroom floor close to 2 years and the dealer had it on sale. Got it out the door for a little over $15k with 0 miles. I love it. Great bike for long trips and I am pleased with how it handles.
I got a used one in June and have only had about 7 weeks during which I could do some mostly weekend riding and still put 3000 miles on it. The miles just melt on this thing. Have had, demo’d, and considered several touring bikes of different makes and styles, but this is the overall best.
Great review, I replied on your FB post but having evaluated a couple of other machines I'd thought I'd add my .02c. When shopping I also considered the Ninja 1000SX as well as the S1000XR and the Ducati Multistrada V4S. Feature for feature I felt I was getting the same for a much better price going with the Versys over the BMW or Ducati. Most of the reviews I watched were bagging on the Versys for "only" having 120hp vs the higher numbers on the BMW and Duc. The Versys pulls like a freight train with full luggage and my pillion and I can easily lose my license a couple of times over. I opted not to go with the 1000SX for two simple reasons, first and foremost was my pillion said the Versys was FAR more comfortable and I want her comfortable on long rides (we typically do 300-400km rides and I've done 2 800km rides to date). The other reason was for me here in Alberta, Canada, having the "Ninja" name attached to the bike meant a higher insurance premium for the same motor and a couple of less features. Lastly the active suspension is perfect for me. I routinely ride solo and with my pillion and being able to set the preload with just a button is gold!. The Versys is a very underrated bike, especially here in North America but as the name implies it is so incredibly versatile day to day. Having come from a Ducati Superbike, just having luggage at all is a big plus and I find it more than adequate for my needs. Other people may feel otherwise. Great video and commentary. Cheers!
This feedback on your bike is awesome! Thanks for chipping in to the mindshare :) I hadn't even considered the Multistrada due to costs and maintenance. The S1000XR was amazing, but like you said the price of the Versys for the features is just so much easier to stomach. I hadn't thought about the "Ninja" moniker being a detriment at all but it's worth considering for insurance purposes.
I bought a 2022 Versys 1000. Absolutely love it. Got it for a “steal” at $14,300k. This bike is fantastic in all arenas. Comfortable, smooth and ergonomically perfect. I am 6 foot 5 and it fits me like a glove. Love this machine. I did have to buy a windscreen clip on to block the buffeting. That took care of that only issue. You’ll love it if you can find a good deal.
Yeah. $4k off is good. I paid $14.5 for mine. Original price was $18.5k. It’s a steep price no matter how you cut it but a hell of a lot less than an Beemer or Harley. Plus it fits me like a glove since I am 6ft 5. Well worth it!
Yeah. $4k off is good. I paid $14.5 for mine. Original price was $18.5k. It’s a steep price no matter how you cut it but a hell of a lot less than an Beemer or Harley. Plus it fits me like a glove since I am 6ft 5. Well worth it!
Had a 2015 versys 650 LT. Bought it brand new in may of 2017 for $6100 out the door!!!! They wanted $8500ish. Put a full two brothers exhaust on. I regret selling it. I rode the 2023 v1000 at a Kawasaki ride event. Absolutely amazing machine. I want one. 11:13 HD riders are often very annoyingly obnoxious in my experience. Very annoying.
@@alexdombi-weridetwo yup. I sure didn’t. I regret selling it. Capital power sport in wake forest North Carolina has new 2023 versys 650 LT for $7800 now. Marked down from $10,099.
I have a 2022 Versys 1000 and for the most part, it’s an amazing machine. Kawasaki (IMHO) makes the smoothest inline fours of any manufacturer. But it’s not without a few issues I’d like to see addressed. In this price range an electronic windshield should be a no brainer. I’d trade gadgets like throttle and brake readouts for that convenience any day. Additionally, since this bike is intended for long distance travel, it should arguably have shaft drive. No one should have to bring chain maintenance equipment on a road trip.
Great feedback. I'd like to see a powered windscreen as well. I am not sure I agree with the shaft drive comment. I don't think it's necessary. At the price point and for the intended audience, it's still a 1000 cc sportbike at heart.
I own a 2022 as well but I respectfully disagree. The graphical readouts for throttle, brake, and lean angle are courtesy of firmware and existing sensors for ABS and 6-axis IMU functions. Essentially, the graphics are gizmos that cost nothing incrementally for Kawasaki to offer and removing them saves nothing. A power windscreen adds considerable weight and cost. They could easily do a much better job of making it adjustable with one hand. With respect to shaft drive I abandoned that as a need for many reasons. It adds weight (minimum 15 lbs.), 5%+ less efficient (reduces total power output), costs considerably more, and represents more rotational mass which adversely impacts accelerati9n performance. An inline 4, V-twin, parallel twin all have the crank rotating in wrong plane unlike boxer or V4 engine (Triumph 3 cyl. Is an exception). Those competitors have 15%+ larger displacement engines to offset those driveline losses. Lubing the chain with the centerstand on the Versys is 5 minute job. The real annoyance is cleaning the rear rim that adds another 5 minutes to the job if you care about such things. Kawasaki is very conservative with power output on Versys 1000. You can see by dyno curve the ECU starts restricting throttle opening at about 7500 rpm all the way up to redline. It would easily top 120 hp if they didn't do this. Probably to avoid riders from killing themselves due to front end lift and instability at high speeds. I wish they would address this first so the pundits would stop criticizing the Versys 1000 for lack of power. It would also help used market sales and pricing because so many riders buy based on spec bragging rights even though it is mostly irrational logic. Those routinely tappling into 100hp+ on the street are on a fast track to losing their license or a life.
The quick shifter does actually work well both up and down. You need to close the throttle fully to quick shift down. I know this because I own q 2020 model. I also so very much like the analog tachometer
But most quickshifters should automatically kill power regardless of the throttle percentage. If you are letting off the gas to use a quickshifter. That's no quicker than regular shifting or at the minimum a clutchless shift. BMW, Suzuki, and others have full functioning quickshifters.
Hi did you notice any buzziness with pegs and handles at high speed? I test rode the new zuki 1000 GX and there were vibrations at high speed which put me off.
We didn't get to test much above 50-55 mph so I can't say about highway speeds. It is so much smoother than my Versys 650 though. Hopefully another viewer who owns one can comment about the buzziness at higher speeds.
The versys 1000 is the best all-around sport touring bike on the market. I put 20,000 on mine in 5 months. As for the quick shifter on the bike, you were riding. The quick shifter was not enabled on a dimo bike.
Glad you love it! It's still in the top 2 of bikes for my next one. Are you sure about the quick shifter being enabled? The Kawi rep told me it was when I asked.
Can't say for 100%. I have purchased 3 versys 1000 in 2 years. The 2019 and Up had to have the inservice software loaded after purchase. When I was test riding my bike, I couldn't activate the quick shifter. After purchase, it was enabled with a software flash. I also use my verses as an adventure bike riding some of the bar trails in moad with no issues.
That's great info! I will specifically ask about that next time I ride with Kawasaki. I know that BMW and Suzuki had their quick shifter enabled on all models for demo rides. What tires are you running when in Moab?
@alexdombi-weridetwo I have a streetglide but I wanna add something I can play with in the twisties to have a little fun and stay out on all day or a weekend without the wife or just some local stuff. Definitely gotta check it out
Sadly I have not. Yamaha doesn't do as many demo rides as they used to but I'm making the trip to Daytona in hopes that I can ride one there during bike week ;)
@ricardrone-ix7140 Absolutely! The price point of the tracer is much lower, but it's also only a triple where as the Versys is an inline four. I really hope I can do a comparison video because I feel like they are very different bikes but often get put in the same groupings.
I am 5.8 that’s why I am waiting this for test ride currently India it’s not available. Mean while Honda released nx500 still no new bike without test ride
When I was working at a dealership 17 year ago I sat on an FJR and messed with some of the features and said to my wife- this will be my "old man" bike some day because it does everything really well and is comfortable. I should see if I can find one to ride 😉
The NT1100 is not available in the US, so I haven't had any chance to see or ride it. I'd feel bad making a comparison without direct experience with it.
Are you suggesting that a shaft drive would be easier and cheaper in the long run? I've owned chain driven bikes only but never thought it was an inconvenience I couldn't handle.
Some people did 80,000 km with the same chain and sprocket on the Versys 1000. This bike would not be the same with a shaft drive. Buy a Goldwing instead.
@cibsim Truthfully, I've never owned a shaft drive bike, so I want to just for the curiosity aspect to see how different they really are. I definitely would not forego buying a bike because of its drive system though.
I ride a Honda ST1300 shaft drive + a Honda CBF 600 SA with a chain. Both are great. Shaft drive is less maintenance, chain is ok too. Have a nice day. @@alexdombi-weridetwo
You just reminded me that I filmed a first impressions ride of the GSX-S! It was a fun bike and Suzuki has their quick shifter on point. It is so smooth.
@@slowsteve3497 You sound like me :D My main bike is a Versys 650 but I also have a KLX250 Supermoto. I haven't ridden the Tiger 900, but of the ones on your list the Versys was by far my favorite followed by the VStrom, R1250, and the Super Tenere. I have videos on the Vstrom and Super Ten, check them out if you're interested my thoughts on them.
I'm riding an old Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 classic from 1996. My body tells me that I should find myself something else to ride. I have tested Triumph Tiger 1200 and 900 GT Pro. And both were excellent. Then I realized that Versys was something I never considered. So now I just waiting for spring to arrive. Now we have 1,6 ft of snow. Take care and stay on 2 wheels.
Thanks- but as it was just a demo ride there are no manuals available and I was told this by the Kawasaki rep. My understanding is that the KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) is available in both Up/Down and Up only configurations. Someone else commented that the downshift only works with the throttle entirely closed, which is not how a quick shifter should operate. Next time I am with a Kawi rep I will get clarification.
I bought the exact same motorcycle new 7 months ago and it is, in one word, AMAZING!!
It's not often I get on a bike and say "I have to have it" but this one does that for me. Congrats on your bike & ride safe!
If you can afford it then I say go for it!!
Hi from the UK, I recently bought the Versys 1000 SE which is the Uk version of what you are riding and love it!! I did own, for a short time, a BMW XR1000 but did not enjoy it at all as a touring bike, while the power was great it is all at the top end of the rev range which made it feel very whizzy and aggressive . For me, it lacks the low, mid range torque that the Kawasaki has. Which makes the Kawasaki a smoother and nicer bike to ride especially with my wife on the back.. and it's no slouch!!! Hope that helps?
Great info, thanks for sharing the details!
I'm coming from a Crosstourer and found the V1000 very poor on low and mid, it only wakes up above 6000rpm.
Great video, I just got a 2022 Versys 1000 LT and its awesome. Had been sitting on the showroom floor close to 2 years and the dealer had it on sale. Got it out the door for a little over $15k with 0 miles. I love it. Great bike for long trips and I am pleased with how it handles.
I got a used one in June and have only had about 7 weeks during which I could do some mostly weekend riding and still put 3000 miles on it. The miles just melt on this thing. Have had, demo’d, and considered several touring bikes of different makes and styles, but this is the overall best.
Fantastic feedback, glad you are loving it. Ride safe out there!
You made a great choice. It a heck of a well engineered machine. Hard to beat the great bikes from Japan.
Great review, I replied on your FB post but having evaluated a couple of other machines I'd thought I'd add my .02c. When shopping I also considered the Ninja 1000SX as well as the S1000XR and the Ducati Multistrada V4S. Feature for feature I felt I was getting the same for a much better price going with the Versys over the BMW or Ducati. Most of the reviews I watched were bagging on the Versys for "only" having 120hp vs the higher numbers on the BMW and Duc. The Versys pulls like a freight train with full luggage and my pillion and I can easily lose my license a couple of times over.
I opted not to go with the 1000SX for two simple reasons, first and foremost was my pillion said the Versys was FAR more comfortable and I want her comfortable on long rides (we typically do 300-400km rides and I've done 2 800km rides to date). The other reason was for me here in Alberta, Canada, having the "Ninja" name attached to the bike meant a higher insurance premium for the same motor and a couple of less features. Lastly the active suspension is perfect for me. I routinely ride solo and with my pillion and being able to set the preload with just a button is gold!.
The Versys is a very underrated bike, especially here in North America but as the name implies it is so incredibly versatile day to day. Having come from a Ducati Superbike, just having luggage at all is a big plus and I find it more than adequate for my needs. Other people may feel otherwise. Great video and commentary. Cheers!
This feedback on your bike is awesome! Thanks for chipping in to the mindshare :)
I hadn't even considered the Multistrada due to costs and maintenance. The S1000XR was amazing, but like you said the price of the Versys for the features is just so much easier to stomach. I hadn't thought about the "Ninja" moniker being a detriment at all but it's worth considering for insurance purposes.
I bought a 2022 Versys 1000.
Absolutely love it. Got it for a “steal” at $14,300k.
This bike is fantastic in all arenas. Comfortable, smooth and ergonomically perfect. I am 6 foot 5 and it fits me like a glove.
Love this machine.
I did have to buy a windscreen clip on to block the buffeting. That took care of that only issue.
You’ll love it if you can find a good deal.
That's great feedback. I'm glad to hear you love it!
My local dealer has a new 2023 for $4000 off. I’m begging the wife. Hahahaha
@americandude3825 ask for forgiveness later 😎
Yeah. $4k off is good.
I paid $14.5 for mine. Original price was $18.5k.
It’s a steep price no matter how you cut it but a hell of a lot less than an Beemer or Harley. Plus it fits me like a glove since I am 6ft 5. Well worth it!
Yeah. $4k off is good.
I paid $14.5 for mine. Original price was $18.5k.
It’s a steep price no matter how you cut it but a hell of a lot less than an Beemer or Harley. Plus it fits me like a glove since I am 6ft 5. Well worth it!
I just bought a 2019 used, and love it! Such a comfortable ride, and I am six foot two!
Congrats! Have fun and be safe 👍
Had a 2015 versys 650 LT. Bought it brand new in may of 2017 for $6100 out the door!!!! They wanted $8500ish.
Put a full two brothers exhaust on. I regret selling it.
I rode the 2023 v1000 at a Kawasaki ride event. Absolutely amazing machine. I want one.
11:13 HD riders are often very annoyingly obnoxious in my experience. Very annoying.
You got a fantastic deal on your 650!
@@alexdombi-weridetwo yup. I sure didn’t. I regret selling it.
Capital power sport in wake forest North Carolina has new 2023 versys 650 LT for $7800 now. Marked down from $10,099.
I have a 2022 Versys 1000 and for the most part, it’s an amazing machine. Kawasaki (IMHO) makes the smoothest inline fours of any manufacturer. But it’s not without a few issues I’d like to see addressed. In this price range an electronic windshield should be a no brainer. I’d trade gadgets like throttle and brake readouts for that convenience any day. Additionally, since this bike is intended for long distance travel, it should arguably have shaft drive. No one should have to bring chain maintenance equipment on a road trip.
Great feedback. I'd like to see a powered windscreen as well. I am not sure I agree with the shaft drive comment. I don't think it's necessary. At the price point and for the intended audience, it's still a 1000 cc sportbike at heart.
I own a 2022 as well but I respectfully disagree. The graphical readouts for throttle, brake, and lean angle are courtesy of firmware and existing sensors for ABS and 6-axis IMU functions. Essentially, the graphics are gizmos that cost nothing incrementally for Kawasaki to offer and removing them saves nothing. A power windscreen adds considerable weight and cost. They could easily do a much better job of making it adjustable with one hand.
With respect to shaft drive I abandoned that as a need for many reasons. It adds weight (minimum 15 lbs.), 5%+ less efficient (reduces total power output), costs considerably more, and represents more rotational mass which adversely impacts accelerati9n performance. An inline 4, V-twin, parallel twin all have the crank rotating in wrong plane unlike boxer or V4 engine (Triumph 3 cyl. Is an exception). Those competitors have 15%+ larger displacement engines to offset those driveline losses. Lubing the chain with the centerstand on the Versys is 5 minute job. The real annoyance is cleaning the rear rim that adds another 5 minutes to the job if you care about such things.
Kawasaki is very conservative with power output on Versys 1000. You can see by dyno curve the ECU starts restricting throttle opening at about 7500 rpm all the way up to redline. It would easily top 120 hp if they didn't do this. Probably to avoid riders from killing themselves due to front end lift and instability at high speeds. I wish they would address this first so the pundits would stop criticizing the Versys 1000 for lack of power. It would also help used market sales and pricing because so many riders buy based on spec bragging rights even though it is mostly irrational logic. Those routinely tappling into 100hp+ on the street are on a fast track to losing their license or a life.
Subscribed, dude!
I appreciate the support!
The quick shifter does actually work well both up and down. You need to close the throttle fully to quick shift down. I know this because I own q 2020 model. I also so very much like the analog tachometer
But most quickshifters should automatically kill power regardless of the throttle percentage. If you are letting off the gas to use a quickshifter. That's no quicker than regular shifting or at the minimum a clutchless shift.
BMW, Suzuki, and others have full functioning quickshifters.
The quick shifter is poor on the Versys, never worked at all goin down and only sometimes going up. Horrible gear lever also, felt like rubber
Hi did you notice any buzziness with pegs and handles at high speed? I test rode the new zuki 1000 GX and there were vibrations at high speed which put me off.
We didn't get to test much above 50-55 mph so I can't say about highway speeds. It is so much smoother than my Versys 650 though. Hopefully another viewer who owns one can comment about the buzziness at higher speeds.
The versys 1000 is the best all-around sport touring bike on the market. I put 20,000 on mine in 5 months. As for the quick shifter on the bike, you were riding. The quick shifter was not enabled on a dimo bike.
Glad you love it! It's still in the top 2 of bikes for my next one. Are you sure about the quick shifter being enabled? The Kawi rep told me it was when I asked.
Can't say for 100%. I have purchased 3 versys 1000 in 2 years. The 2019 and Up had to have the inservice software loaded after purchase. When I was test riding my bike, I couldn't activate the quick shifter. After purchase, it was enabled with a software flash. I also use my verses as an adventure bike riding some of the bar trails in moad with no issues.
That's great info! I will specifically ask about that next time I ride with Kawasaki. I know that BMW and Suzuki had their quick shifter enabled on all models for demo rides.
What tires are you running when in Moab?
I was looking at a tracer 9 gt plus but I think I'm gonna have to see this bike in person.
I haven't rode the tracer to give a direct comparison but, if that's the style you're looking at, definitely go ride the V1000 before deciding
@alexdombi-weridetwo I have a streetglide but I wanna add something I can play with in the twisties to have a little fun and stay out on all day or a weekend without the wife or just some local stuff. Definitely gotta check it out
Thnx Alex for your video. I doubt between the Versys 1000 and the Yamaha Tracer 9. Did you ever tried that one?
Sadly I have not. Yamaha doesn't do as many demo rides as they used to but I'm making the trip to Daytona in hopes that I can ride one there during bike week ;)
Thanks for your quick reaction!
@ricardrone-ix7140 Absolutely! The price point of the tracer is much lower, but it's also only a triple where as the Versys is an inline four. I really hope I can do a comparison video because I feel like they are very different bikes but often get put in the same groupings.
I am 5.8 that’s why I am waiting this for test ride currently India it’s not available.
Mean while Honda released nx500 still no new bike without test ride
Depending on where your height comes from; legs or torso, you would likely fine at 5'8
I'm digging this one more as well! Just got to find... More space in the garage 🤣
Dude it's such a nice bike!
You can get a Yamaha fjr 1300 for a little more $ and it's a true long range sport tourer with shaft drive.
When I was working at a dealership 17 year ago I sat on an FJR and messed with some of the features and said to my wife- this will be my "old man" bike some day because it does everything really well and is comfortable. I should see if I can find one to ride 😉
Look at the Tracer 900, Tiger 900 GT pro, Ducati VS2.
I would love to ride the Tiger and Tracer but I don't have Ducati money 😀
Tiger 9 is very nice, you'd need a new seat tho, even 5 miles is painful
Honda NT1100 or Kawasaki versys1000 ??? Rightnow I have a versys 650
The NT1100 is not available in the US, so I haven't had any chance to see or ride it. I'd feel bad making a comparison without direct experience with it.
It does quick shift down too.. need to be completely off the throttle and over 2500 rpm
Great to know, I could have sworn the rep told me it was uplifting only. Thanks for correcting me
I bought a 2020 brand new in 22.. still loving it, I live in NY, and have already put a few hundred miles on it this year.
Lol, sounds like the rep needs more info. @alexdombi-weridetwo
Bike is very tall ….. but agreed it is an excellent smooth , comfortable ride . I have a 2021 1000S Versys
It certainly is tall. At 6 foot, I found it extremely comfortable. I can see where someone under 5'10 would feel like it's too tall.
Maintaining a chain is a constant job and replacing it every 10-15k miles along with the sprockets will cost you about $500.
Are you suggesting that a shaft drive would be easier and cheaper in the long run? I've owned chain driven bikes only but never thought it was an inconvenience I couldn't handle.
Yes, chains are constantly exposed to grit...why don't makers design a cover to protect it? @@alexdombi-weridetwo
Some people did 80,000 km with the same chain and sprocket on the Versys 1000. This bike would not be the same with a shaft drive. Buy a Goldwing instead.
@cibsim Truthfully, I've never owned a shaft drive bike, so I want to just for the curiosity aspect to see how different they really are. I definitely would not forego buying a bike because of its drive system though.
I ride a Honda ST1300 shaft drive + a Honda CBF 600 SA with a chain. Both are great. Shaft drive is less maintenance, chain is ok too. Have a nice day.
@@alexdombi-weridetwo
Also looking at the gsx-s1000gx
You just reminded me that I filmed a first impressions ride of the GSX-S! It was a fun bike and Suzuki has their quick shifter on point. It is so smooth.
Super tenere. Versys 1000. Vstrom 1050. Tiger 900 gt. R1250rt.
I assume that is your rankings? Pretty fair assessment 👍
@@alexdombi-weridetwo not in order. Just my top picks for next bike. I currently ride a tiger sport 660 and drz 400. I want a bigger bike for touring.
@@slowsteve3497 You sound like me :D My main bike is a Versys 650 but I also have a KLX250 Supermoto. I haven't ridden the Tiger 900, but of the ones on your list the Versys was by far my favorite followed by the VStrom, R1250, and the Super Tenere. I have videos on the Vstrom and Super Ten, check them out if you're interested my thoughts on them.
Try Triumph 1200 GT Pro
I'll check them out! I've ridden the street triple and the Daytona, but not recently.
th-cam.com/video/o4iUUKama74/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUZdHJpdW1waCB0aWdlciAxMjAwIGd0IHBybw%3D%3D
I'm riding an old Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 classic from 1996.
My body tells me that I should find myself something else to ride. I have tested Triumph Tiger 1200 and 900 GT Pro. And both were excellent. Then I realized that Versys was something I never considered. So now I just waiting for spring to arrive. Now we have 1,6 ft of snow.
Take care and stay on 2 wheels.
@harsag sounds like you need a snowmobile too 😂 Stay warm and I hope riding weather comes soon for you!
quickshifter is up & down,read the manual!!!
Thanks- but as it was just a demo ride there are no manuals available and I was told this by the Kawasaki rep. My understanding is that the KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) is available in both Up/Down and Up only configurations. Someone else commented that the downshift only works with the throttle entirely closed, which is not how a quick shifter should operate. Next time I am with a Kawi rep I will get clarification.
@@alexdombi-weridetwo i'owned several bikes with a qs and you always have to close the throttle when blipping or else you can block the rear