The words Dork so eloquently speaks, are true. I went from an ordinary motorbike rider, to a MN Baja Champion, riding a Versys, in just 7 easy videos & YOU can too !! I’m a short lil feller, at a mighty miniature 5’-7” The stock seat position & windshield are perfect for a lil squirt such as myself. I ultra stylized the factory windshield by installing a “Klim” sticker on it. I seek township, forest, minimum maintenance & logging roads & trails, in which I have conquered all on a bone stock Versys. The bike can be improved though. Versys Mods - I started with fabbing a dedicated GPS mount since I am most frequently out of cell range & im 50 Y/O & can’t see shit that’s little OR up close. Got the relay & Bike Master power point & heat grips. Idea gear indicator - (I’m 50 & forgetful.) LED driving lights with the super fancy green ring around the outside. So I can pick up chicks easier. (Still waiting for that to happen) Fabbed my own carbon fiber LOOKING bar mount. Handi handlebar bag for my smokie treats & checkbook. (Gum too) Factory rear rack, full factory luggage for the road trips & full soft luggy for the off road trips. Radiator guard. Mods to come - Fab my own tidy tail. Skid plate - (waiting for Ravetech to get one to fit new model Versys) Puig Crash bars & Highway pegs & Hepco & Becker quick release soft luggage support rack. Wider more aggressive foot pegs & shorty levers. Shinko blocky tires, will raise the front fender & buy a larger diameter front tire. I Have fabbed quick release adaptor plates, for 3 different top bags, to fit factory rear rack. I am always dicking around with something & you can too !
Thanks ! I’m flattered. I probably forgot more info, than I have relayed. Today was a special day here in central MN. I got the KLX stuck in mud AND snow BOTH !! In the same day ! Spring is here. & I’m cold. Real cold.
In 2016 I picked up a leftover 2014 KLE650. My 01 ZRX1200 had just been totaled by an unlicensed driver. It was tough going from a four cylinder 1200 to a 650 twin. So far I have installed SW Motech engine guards, Givi Windshield, Sargent Saddle,Cycle Gear USB plug and Ram X Grip phone mount. Oxford heated grips are sitting in the box, yet to be installed. Looking at new tires as the OEM Dunlop are shot at 4700 miles. Looking at 90/10 Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2 or Conti Trail Attack2. I"m interested in the Shenko 705's but they aren't available in a 160/60zr17. either have to go 170/60 or a 150/70. Really enjoy your low key approach to your videos. Good luck with the channel, Rich S.
shinkos 705 are really nice, i use them on my bike and dont fret one bit about taking a side road now that i have those on. the hook up really good for where i ride.
It's true! My motorcycling skill level went up 72% since I subscribed after watching another video of yours. Love the Excitebike from Nintendo intro too
Respectfully, wind buffet isn’t simply wind coming into your face shield, this is a very common misconception. It’s actually turbulent air from both below, and above, the windshield causing the helmet to be smacked around. When you have true buffeting, you can’t mistake it. Really enjoying your videos, keep up the great work.
I appreciate the more accurate description. I definitely didn't do a great job describing it on the bike. Honestly I mostly left that part in so I could set up the stupid RealPlayer joke I made. Thanks for providing some useful info in your comment.
Gawd buffeting ... try a KLR 650 at 70 mph. Your head feels like someone is grasping your ears & shaking your head in 36 different directions at once. Not just wind. It actually will elevate your blood pressure & give you the shakes.
When I had a C50T (large oem w/s) I learned a bit about buffeting. Usually caused by unequal air pressure, high out front, low at rear. I fabbed a pair of Plexiglas lower chaps to direct incoming air up behind w/s which reduced high-speed buffeting 80%. For the V650 I found the oem w/s just too darn small. Replaced it with a custom-cut larger version. Was able to retain use of oem height adjusters. Learned elsewhere how to 'jump' the track and get a 4" adjustment. That along with Shark Evo3 helmet makes for smooth riding.
I got a wild hair the other night and just up and put it in, but it was pretty simple. I used this video as a guide: th-cam.com/video/kxFIvbgAhYU/w-d-xo.html It's very comprehensive.
Yes, that's what I did. I was happy with the width, just not how close they were to me, so my extenders are pointed straight forwards. Motowerks lowering kit, Oxford heated grips, voltage meter/USB outlet, Signal Dynamics headlight modulator, rear brake flasher, X-Grip phone holder, paddock bobbins for the rear, and axle sliders front and back. Tried the Sargent lowered seat also - beautiful work of art, but virtually no padding, so too hard for an upright seating position.
The list goes: Givi rear guard, sw motech city tank bag, sw motech frame sliders, R&G fender extender/front wheel sliders, mirror extenders, throttle assists, stompgrip tank grips, rear spools, rad grill guard, givi windshield, dual usb/battery connection, pro grip tank protector, ram mount for phone, and continental road attack 3's which will be going on at next service. Also the givi rear mount for a topcase which I made my own plate from aluminum and a bestem topbox.
I’ve done the: Givi D4114ST windshield Larger foot for side stand Givi SR-4114- top case brackets GIVI SRA4105 Aluminum Monokey Topcase Mount (Black) Givi V47 Monokey Top Case SW-Motech GPS Mount for Cockpit - Black Power outlet iPhone Ram mount R&G tank grip pads Tech Spec tank pad Air Hawk Seat Cushion Admore rear LED Tailight / signals Bridgestone Battlax T-31 Evo Tires Kawasaki Tail Bag Next: SWMotech crash bars Fork / Frame Sliders Heated grips Aux LED Lights
NICE CHOICES ! 👍 I agonized hard over what I needed & was torn by some of the options. How lucky we are to have a bike with choices ! 👍 You are gonna have one damn fine ride, all said & done. ✅
I got the T-Rex crash cage, c/w sliders to give the shins a little protection in case of a drop; intend to add clamp-on pegs. This for about what MotoWerk charges for peg mount.
BMRTV I realize of course, we are after different performance aspects. I was surprised you are re-gearing. The Versys is the first bike of 16, I have ever owned, that I DID NOT feel the need to change out the sprockets. Yes, I usually do both front & rear. 70mph is plenty good for me on the highway & I’m getting used to the chugging & chattering coming out of rocky riverbeds, cuz she comes alive rather spritely with a quick twist of the wrist. Let me know your speed & RPM on the highway after the change, I’m very curious to know of your speed dividends, & engine response. Happy trails to you ! 🙂
Dropped it about 500 RPM which pulls the bike just below the buzzy zone that comes in between 70-80 sustained cruising and makes the bike feel a little smoother overall (less like a terrier). Chugging is solved with the Booster Plug :)
Didn’t know about the booster plug. Just read your article on it & read & watched a few other things. Nice! 👍 Will be adding it to my list of mods. Thank you !
Do you have some video pertaining to the seat mod? Thanks I have the 12V receptacle, relay, SHAD SH36 & SH40 cases, Barkbuster Storm guards, Kawasaki tank bag and Oxford 70 dry bag to install. Planning my first ride tomorrow here in ND.
Never understood why people need gear indicators. How does it really help your riding or why is it so useful? (This is an actual question someone please enlighten me)
I'm looking to get a DC outlet fitted on my Versys x300. 2700 baht here in Thailand which is $80+ and the relay is another 480 baht about $15. Not paying that to Kawasaki!!!
You'd think they might be a bit cheaper here, but no. Unfortunately don't have as much choice of OEM stuff here as you do in the States and it's a lottery getting stuff imported here from outside the ASEAN economic zone as they do like to add a hefty import duty!
Hey Dork, just found your videos recently and loving how informative they are. I recently purchased a 2017 Versys 650 and I’m loving it. Curious to your solution to jacking up your bike though. Are you using a center stand or do you just use lift stands for your chain work / wheel removal?
Ah, and I highly highly recommend the radiator guard as soon as it's possible to do! On the freeway a rock got thrown up hard and punctured my radiator. I arrived at my destination with one side of my bike covered in the green fluid as well as my shoes and pant leg on that side drenched in it.
The words Dork so eloquently speaks, are true.
I went from an ordinary motorbike rider, to a MN Baja Champion, riding a Versys, in just 7 easy videos & YOU can too !!
I’m a short lil feller, at a mighty miniature 5’-7”
The stock seat position & windshield are perfect for a lil squirt such as myself. I ultra stylized the factory windshield by installing a “Klim” sticker on it.
I seek township, forest, minimum maintenance & logging roads & trails, in which I have conquered all on a bone stock Versys.
The bike can be improved though.
Versys Mods -
I started with fabbing a dedicated GPS mount since I am most frequently out of cell range & im 50 Y/O & can’t see shit that’s little OR up close.
Got the relay & Bike Master power point & heat grips. Idea gear indicator - (I’m 50 & forgetful.)
LED driving lights with the super fancy green ring around the outside. So I can pick up chicks easier. (Still waiting for that to happen) Fabbed my own carbon fiber LOOKING bar mount.
Handi handlebar bag for my smokie treats & checkbook.
(Gum too)
Factory rear rack, full factory luggage for the road trips & full soft luggy for the off road trips. Radiator guard.
Mods to come - Fab my own tidy tail. Skid plate - (waiting for Ravetech to get one to fit new model Versys) Puig Crash bars & Highway pegs & Hepco & Becker quick release soft luggage support rack. Wider more aggressive foot pegs & shorty levers. Shinko blocky tires, will raise the front fender & buy a larger diameter front tire.
I Have fabbed quick release adaptor plates, for 3 different top bags, to fit factory rear rack.
I am always dicking around with something & you can too !
Damn, dude. I always look forward to your very informative comments
Thanks ! I’m flattered.
I probably forgot more info, than I have relayed.
Today was a special day here in central MN.
I got the KLX stuck in mud AND snow BOTH !!
In the same day !
Spring is here.
& I’m cold. Real cold.
I didn't get stuck in either but I did ride in both today, as well.
In 2016 I picked up a leftover 2014 KLE650. My 01 ZRX1200 had just been totaled by an unlicensed driver. It was tough going from a four cylinder 1200 to a 650 twin. So far I have installed SW Motech engine guards, Givi Windshield, Sargent Saddle,Cycle Gear USB plug and Ram X Grip phone mount. Oxford heated grips are sitting in the box, yet to be installed. Looking at new tires as the OEM Dunlop are shot at 4700 miles. Looking at 90/10 Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2 or Conti Trail Attack2. I"m interested in the Shenko 705's but they aren't available in a 160/60zr17. either have to go 170/60 or a 150/70. Really enjoy your low key approach to your videos. Good luck with the channel, Rich S.
shinkos 705 are really nice, i use them on my bike and dont fret one bit about taking a side road now that i have those on. the hook up really good for where i ride.
It's true! My motorcycling skill level went up 72% since I subscribed after watching another video of yours. Love the Excitebike from Nintendo intro too
You are the king of rambling....
Nah, just a prince. The King of Rambling is my father.
Respectfully, wind buffet isn’t simply wind coming into your face shield, this is a very common misconception. It’s actually turbulent air from both below, and above, the windshield causing the helmet to be smacked around. When you have true buffeting, you can’t mistake it. Really enjoying your videos, keep up the great work.
I appreciate the more accurate description. I definitely didn't do a great job describing it on the bike. Honestly I mostly left that part in so I could set up the stupid RealPlayer joke I made. Thanks for providing some useful info in your comment.
Gawd buffeting ... try a KLR 650 at 70 mph. Your head feels like someone is grasping your ears & shaking your head in 36 different directions at once.
Not just wind.
It actually will elevate your blood pressure & give you the shakes.
When I had a C50T (large oem w/s) I learned a bit about buffeting. Usually caused by unequal air pressure, high out front, low at rear. I fabbed a pair of Plexiglas lower chaps to direct incoming air up behind w/s which reduced high-speed buffeting 80%. For the V650 I found the oem w/s just too darn small. Replaced it with a custom-cut larger version. Was able to retain use of oem height adjusters. Learned elsewhere how to 'jump' the track and get a 4" adjustment. That along with Shark Evo3 helmet makes for smooth riding.
you should totally do a video putting in the usb. It may be boring but when i do mine it may save me some time :)
I got a wild hair the other night and just up and put it in, but it was pretty simple. I used this video as a guide: th-cam.com/video/kxFIvbgAhYU/w-d-xo.html It's very comprehensive.
Man your intro is the sh!t!!!! I love it!!
If your mirror extenders are adjustable you can rotate them a bit forward to bring the mirrors both forward and into you peripheral.
Yes, that's what I did. I was happy with the width, just not how close they were to me, so my extenders are pointed straight forwards. Motowerks lowering kit, Oxford heated grips, voltage meter/USB outlet, Signal Dynamics headlight modulator, rear brake flasher, X-Grip phone holder, paddock bobbins for the rear, and axle sliders front and back. Tried the Sargent lowered seat also - beautiful work of art, but virtually no padding, so too hard for an upright seating position.
moto werk California, highway peg mounts for 650 versys. 90 different angle positions. very nice for your legs. Mike
Very nice. I'll look into them.
The list goes:
Givi rear guard, sw motech city tank bag, sw motech frame sliders, R&G fender extender/front wheel sliders, mirror extenders, throttle assists,
stompgrip tank grips, rear spools, rad grill guard, givi windshield, dual usb/battery connection, pro grip tank protector, ram mount for phone, and continental road attack 3's which will be going on at next service.
Also the givi rear mount for a topcase which I made my own plate from aluminum and a bestem topbox.
I’ve done the:
Givi D4114ST windshield
Larger foot for side stand
Givi SR-4114- top case brackets
GIVI SRA4105 Aluminum Monokey Topcase Mount (Black)
Givi V47 Monokey Top Case
SW-Motech GPS Mount for Cockpit - Black
Power outlet
iPhone Ram mount
R&G tank grip pads
Tech Spec tank pad
Air Hawk Seat Cushion
Admore rear LED Tailight / signals
Bridgestone Battlax T-31 Evo Tires
Kawasaki Tail Bag
Next:
SWMotech crash bars
Fork / Frame Sliders
Heated grips
Aux LED Lights
Awesome, man. How do you like that Airhawk?
NICE CHOICES !
👍
I agonized hard over what I needed & was torn by some of the options.
How lucky we are to have a bike with choices ! 👍
You are gonna have one damn fine ride, all said & done. ✅
Dork in the Road
Game changer... did a 2500km trip last summer and it made a huge difference. Could ride a lot longer in comfort.
Tommy Kawasaki
Thx man, it’s cool outfitting it with things that improve the ride and experience.
For longer trips the MotoWerk Highway Peg Mounts and Rivcco Highway Pegs...Heated Grips the Koso Apollo's are the way to go...
I've been thinking about some heated grips. I'll look into the Apollos. Thanks.
Amazon usually has the best price. I put a set on my Versys 1000 2 years ago. Love the looks, functionality and simple install
I got the T-Rex crash cage, c/w sliders to give the shins a little protection in case of a drop; intend to add clamp-on pegs. This for about what MotoWerk charges for peg mount.
My mods: Bigger gearing (43 T Rear), Booster plug, Heated Grips :)
BMRTV
I realize of course, we are after different performance aspects.
I was surprised you are re-gearing.
The Versys is the first bike of 16, I have ever owned, that I DID NOT feel the need to change out the sprockets. Yes, I usually do both front & rear.
70mph is plenty good for me on the highway & I’m getting used to the chugging & chattering coming out of rocky riverbeds, cuz she comes alive rather spritely with a quick twist of the wrist.
Let me know your speed & RPM on the highway after the change, I’m very curious to know of your speed dividends, & engine response.
Happy trails to you ! 🙂
Dropped it about 500 RPM which pulls the bike just below the buzzy zone that comes in between 70-80 sustained cruising and makes the bike feel a little smoother overall (less like a terrier). Chugging is solved with the Booster Plug :)
Didn’t know about the booster plug. Just read your article on it & read & watched a few other things.
Nice! 👍
Will be adding it to my list of mods.
Thank you !
You bet.
Do you have some video pertaining to the seat mod? Thanks
I have the 12V receptacle, relay, SHAD SH36 & SH40 cases, Barkbuster Storm guards, Kawasaki tank bag and Oxford 70 dry bag to install.
Planning my first ride tomorrow here in ND.
I'm working on it. I've got a lot of footage I'm still working through before I can get anything new going.
Enjoy your ride!
Seat is so annoyingly uncomfortable
My seat is modified with sargent seat but it improved the seat from oem 10-15% max
Never understood why people need gear indicators. How does it really help your riding or why is it so useful? (This is an actual question someone please enlighten me)
Honestly for me just a curiosity/convenience thing. Definitely not a necessity. It might also stop me from occasionally trying to find 7th gear.
Is there a aftermarket exhaust vid coming or have I missed it?
Maybe an Oiler for your chain?
That's a great idea
I'm looking to get a DC outlet fitted on my Versys x300. 2700 baht here in Thailand which is $80+ and the relay is another 480 baht about $15. Not paying that to Kawasaki!!!
Yeah the Kawasaki accessories are crazy expensive for what they are, especially when you can buy other brands so much cheaper
You'd think they might be a bit cheaper here, but no. Unfortunately don't have as much choice of OEM stuff here as you do in the States and it's a lottery getting stuff imported here from outside the ASEAN economic zone as they do like to add a hefty import duty!
Mike that's inflation for ya
Hey Dork, just found your videos recently and loving how informative they are. I recently purchased a 2017 Versys 650 and I’m loving it. Curious to your solution to jacking up your bike though. Are you using a center stand or do you just use lift stands for your chain work / wheel removal?
To lift the rear wheel get a R&G rear stand, install bobbins on the swing arm
Your left turn was much better.
I've been working on it 😁
Crash guards and highway pegs that clamp to the crash guards
Ah, and I highly highly recommend the radiator guard as soon as it's possible to do! On the freeway a rock got thrown up hard and punctured my radiator. I arrived at my destination with one side of my bike covered in the green fluid as well as my shoes and pant leg on that side drenched in it.
1:40 thank me later, goes on about stupid shiz
Check out the TH-cam channel "azdesertdog" , "fridaysthebomb" and "sratchbabble"
what's your gas mileage on this 650?
Mine is in the low 50s.