Informative review as always, I subscribed to this channel and purchased myself a 2023 Versys 650 after watched your last video for this bike. Good to see it again after 1 year of ownership, and plan to do more longer trips on it!
Hi Peter, I enjoy watching your videos for the wealth of info you provide. I just picked up a new 2023 Versys 650 LT model that had been sitting at the dealership for over a year and saved almost $3,000. I started with a X-300, 2 years ago and the transition to the 650 feels so good. I guess you can say the Versys line fits me well as I love what I can get out of each bike. Its feels just a hair taller than the 300 but sinks right into my sweet spot with the saddle bags and top case. (32inch inseam) Love the power bump in the engine on the streets, but I do miss that high revving nature of the 300/400 for acceleration at higher speeds on the highway. I was considering a ninja 650, as I love getting out on the highway and I agree with you that the Versys is sporty enough and way more comfortable and practical for a daily rider. With the price drop it was a no brainer as the comfortable seating position of the Versys is what I really wanted and didn’t want to spend over $10,000 on a second bike. I really understand and agree with Kawasaki going with a 17inch front wheel and on road tires on this. I kept my 300 and have it setup for off road as it has enough chops for my urban adventures that stray off the beaten path. Fingers still crossed for a Versys X-500. I really think that bike could take over its segment. Right now I’m enjoying the 650! Highly recommend it to anyone thinking about pulling the trigger on one!
Great review. I bown a 21 versys 650lt. Did 4 trips last summer between Edmonton and Calgary. I love the bike. Yes. To me, Cruise control is a must on a touring machine. It may push me to a competitor if Kawa refuses to come out with a sub 1000cc tourer with CC in the next few years.
I'd love to see Kawasaki come out with a more modern Adventure bike lineup. Take the 450 engine that's in the Eliminator/Ninja 500 and put that into a proper mid/spec adventure bike, and then also come out with a 800cc or so higher spec Adventure bike. You could always have two trim levels, one with lower suspension and street tires, and one with more travel in the suspension and semi-offload tires. It seems to be a hole in Kawasaki's lineup in a fast growing market segment.
Nice overview. I'm looking at possibly getting an upright sport tourer this year. I believe I'm leaning towards the used market of Versys 1000 or Tracer 9...still researching and contemplating. (I believe I will keep my 22 KLR650 as well)
Cool to see the Kawsaki Versys 650 LT here. The Ninja 650 engine is smooth and reliable for freeways and the roads. Nice review. Looking forward to the electric Kawasaki motorcycle reviews.
Yeah. The electric bikes are... Interesting to me... Definitely not the mass market bikes that I once thought they would be, but it's a big step for Kawasaki, so I definitely want to see what they've done, and I will be reviewing them this year.
@@PeterLoweOne Thanks, Peter. They are a whole new step for Kawasaki, so it's definitely interesting to learn more about them. I did see they are expensive on release, and then in time, if they sell, eventually drop in price as time goes on. But it'll be interesting to see how many take interest in electric over the classic growl of a fuel engine. Thanks!
Had 2 versys 650s (a 2009 and a 2012). Great bike super versatile, comfortable, but though it never was a great looking bike, it's got this generic manga kind of look that won't make you look back at your bike when you park it in the driveway, it looks kind of cheap (fit and finish is good, and kawasaki have great quality, but there's just a lot of little plastic parts). Though the engine was fun and punchy for what it is, the sound was just so bad compared to a T700 or transalp 750 for example. Better design and better sounding engine and they would sell these like hot cakes.
Totally agree with your comment..but, most people can see past the noise of the exhaust, I find the exhaust noise under power is one of the nicest sounds. I guess you can get a full exhaust system to make it sound better at idle? Ride safe
What was the other Kawasaki model you were considering? Did you buy it? I enjoy my W800 but I'm thinking of maybe adding the versus 650 for a little more touring capability.
You have lots of dealerships in your area. Seems much greater number than we have, and they have big stocks. I’m in a big city, but your market seems so much larger
The PowerSports market is AWESOME here! This dealers is the number one volume Kawasaki dealer in the country. Pretty good for a small province! These guys are special, and the whole area is really into power sports.
Hi Peter! I am very interested in this bike for my first motorcycle. The big appeal is the look and general review of it being a quality 2 person touring option. I noticed at the end of your review that you believed it was not the best option (although not the worst option) for two people. What would you recommend as a comparable 2 person touring option within the range of this bike? Appreciate everything you do! Great reviews.
It's a suitable 2 person bike... As a 2 person long distance tourer, you're going to have to spend more money on a bike like the Versys 1000 or other larger bikes. I used to own this bike, and it can absolutely take two people. It loses some playfulness, but it's fully capable. One thing with motorcycles is there will ALWAYS be a better bike for one thing over another. A bike like this Versys 650 is a great bike to do just about everything well.
Really good review, thank you! It does look like an excellent all-round bike. I guess in an ideal world the seat would be just a bit shorter than the stock one. I've had a Ninja 650 with the higher seat ( at reasonable cost) and currently run a Z650RS with an excellent 820mm height. I'm around 6ft. The cost of the comfort/reduced height seat accessory for the Versys is far too expensive, I believe. Love the middleweight Kwaks though........great bikes👍 popeye
If you're 6 feet, you might find that you could get comfortable on the Versys. I owned it for years, and it felt tall at first, but I very quickly got used to it.
I wouldn't say it's dead, but here in Canada, bikes like that are expensive to insure, and pretty narrow focused. That just makes them less popular. I would say that sport bikes as a class were a much bigger piece of the sales pie in past decades. More practical, or at least more versatile bikes have been taking a larger share of the sales pie in more recent years.
I'm working on getting a Triumph connection. The one that I have is 5 hours away. I'm not against going there, but I can get out there right now. I might be able to set up a closer connection and get Triumphs to us sooner... I'm working on it.
Hey Peter, will there be a new versys 650 in the upcoming years I mean not just cosmetic changes ? just wanted to know if you have any information on it.
I don't know what's happening with the Versys. It was recently updated in 2021 or 2022 (can't remember off the top of my head) So I don't expect any sweeping changes as it's still a pretty big value in the class without a lot of competition. I'd like to see some tweaks to it as I mentioned in this video, but again, I don't know what Kawasaki has planned beyond this year.
@PeterLoweOne thanks, Peter.. Well then buying a used 2022 model one will be value for money as mostly its unchanged, and if Kawasaki plans on making those changes you mentioned in the upcoming years hopfully they make it as an option for older models to. Well thanks again.. And it was quite a good informative video.. 👍
Do you know what's the average fuel consumption inside the city with normal use(l/100). The 2021 model wasn't the best one, was around 5,4l/100 kilometres.
I feel like I did a bit better than that when I owned mine. But I honestly don't remember. Sometimes the best place to check for fuel efficiency is to see the owner's forums. The variety of responses should give you a good idea on who rides like you and what you might be able to expect.
My average on my 2023 Versys after almost 20,000 km is 4.11 L/100 km, meaning you can get around a 500 km range on the 21 L tank. And I could ride this thing even more conservatively to squeak out some additional range. Love this bike!
Depending on your weight it can be. Im skinny and i can feel it but whenever you hit something tougher you’ll be happy it’s there. It takes pot holes like a champ.
Thank you for the review. I currently ride a Yamaha Stratoliner which seems to be getting heavier every year. I would like something lighter and this might be the ticket. I am wondering about the chain maintenance. I have never owned a motorcycle with a chain before and am wondering if it is a pain to perform this all the time?
I'm comfortable with how I said it. I understand that you'd be more comfortable with how you're saying it. That's the beauty of TH-cam. If someone sees something that they think they would explain a different way, they can go ahead and make a video that says things the way they think it should be said.
So, I hear you if you're saying that it's been around for a while, but when you say that it needs an update, what do you want to see from the motor? It makes class competitive power, gets decent mileage, has proven to be reliable. What do you want in an update?
yes,reliable engine that now a dozen of chinese brands put on.so what i want.....i want character and 15-20 ponnies more wouldnt be bad.... kawa,that has absolutely forgoten the adv category,should make a new engine at,lets say 750-800.capisi?@@PeterLoweOne
It worked fine for me. Seats are a personal thing, I think. There are universal things that you can do to make them generally comfortable, then it comes down to individual preferences. If the seat is the only thing that doesn't work, the aftermarket can usually solve that.
I don't know. I know several riders shorter than me who ride this bike. I think it's fair to say that the bike isn't "that" tall because there are SEVERAL adventure bikes which feel much taller. Me commenting on the height of the seat and how it feels isn't directly related to my height. Having said that, I'm clear that this is a taller bike than many others.
I've owned this bike. I hear what you're saying, but in the dry, for typical Versys style riding, they're fine. I'd wear these out first before replacing them with something different.
What would you like to see on it? I address the changes that I'd like to see in my video, but I don't think it's all that overpriced compared to what's out there today. Keep in mind the hard luggage is included in the price of the bike.
Totally agree about the cruise control and quick shifter, that would absolutely complete the package.
Informative review as always, I subscribed to this channel and purchased myself a 2023 Versys 650 after watched your last video for this bike. Good to see it again after 1 year of ownership, and plan to do more longer trips on it!
Hi Peter, I enjoy watching your videos for the wealth of info you provide. I just picked up a new 2023 Versys 650 LT model that had been sitting at the dealership for over a year and saved almost $3,000. I started with a X-300, 2 years ago and the transition to the 650 feels so good. I guess you can say the Versys line fits me well as I love what I can get out of each bike. Its feels just a hair taller than the 300 but sinks right into my sweet spot with the saddle bags and top case. (32inch inseam) Love the power bump in the engine on the streets, but I do miss that high revving nature of the 300/400 for acceleration at higher speeds on the highway. I was considering a ninja 650, as I love getting out on the highway and I agree with you that the Versys is sporty enough and way more comfortable and practical for a daily rider. With the price drop it was a no brainer as the comfortable seating position of the Versys is what I really wanted and didn’t want to spend over $10,000 on a second bike. I really understand and agree with Kawasaki going with a 17inch front wheel and on road tires on this. I kept my 300 and have it setup for off road as it has enough chops for my urban adventures that stray off the beaten path. Fingers still crossed for a Versys X-500. I really think that bike could take over its segment. Right now I’m enjoying the 650! Highly recommend it to anyone thinking about pulling the trigger on one!
I really wish it was
Versys 400x
Versys 800/800x
Versys 1000
Great review.
I bown a 21 versys 650lt. Did 4 trips last summer between Edmonton and Calgary. I love the bike.
Yes. To me, Cruise control is a must on a touring machine.
It may push me to a competitor if Kawa refuses to come out with a sub 1000cc tourer with CC in the next few years.
I'd love to see Kawasaki come out with a more modern Adventure bike lineup.
Take the 450 engine that's in the Eliminator/Ninja 500 and put that into a proper mid/spec adventure bike, and then also come out with a 800cc or so higher spec Adventure bike. You could always have two trim levels, one with lower suspension and street tires, and one with more travel in the suspension and semi-offload tires. It seems to be a hole in Kawasaki's lineup in a fast growing market segment.
Nice overview. I'm looking at possibly getting an upright sport tourer this year. I believe I'm leaning towards the used market of Versys 1000 or Tracer 9...still researching and contemplating. (I believe I will keep my 22 KLR650 as well)
Wow...What a great review job...Excellent
Cool to see the Kawsaki Versys 650 LT here. The Ninja 650 engine is smooth and reliable for freeways and the roads. Nice review. Looking forward to the electric Kawasaki motorcycle reviews.
Yeah. The electric bikes are... Interesting to me... Definitely not the mass market bikes that I once thought they would be, but it's a big step for Kawasaki, so I definitely want to see what they've done, and I will be reviewing them this year.
@@PeterLoweOne Thanks, Peter. They are a whole new step for Kawasaki, so it's definitely interesting to learn more about them. I did see they are expensive on release, and then in time, if they sell, eventually drop in price as time goes on. But it'll be interesting to see how many take interest in electric over the classic growl of a fuel engine. Thanks!
I never seen a detailed video like this❤❤ amazing.
Thanks so much for watching!
Had 2 versys 650s (a 2009 and a 2012). Great bike super versatile, comfortable, but though it never was a great looking bike, it's got this generic manga kind of look that won't make you look back at your bike when you park it in the driveway, it looks kind of cheap (fit and finish is good, and kawasaki have great quality, but there's just a lot of little plastic parts). Though the engine was fun and punchy for what it is, the sound was just so bad compared to a T700 or transalp 750 for example. Better design and better sounding engine and they would sell these like hot cakes.
Totally agree with your comment..but, most people can see past the noise of the exhaust, I find the exhaust noise under power is one of the nicest sounds. I guess you can get a full exhaust system to make it sound better at idle?
Ride safe
I had the '09 and still have the '12. Love them both but the older model was pretty ugly, especially the headlight.
What was the other Kawasaki model you were considering? Did you buy it? I enjoy my W800 but I'm thinking of maybe adding the versus 650 for a little more touring capability.
You have lots of dealerships in your area. Seems much greater number than we have, and they have big stocks.
I’m in a big city, but your market seems so much larger
The PowerSports market is AWESOME here! This dealers is the number one volume Kawasaki dealer in the country. Pretty good for a small province! These guys are special, and the whole area is really into power sports.
Hi Peter! I am very interested in this bike for my first motorcycle. The big appeal is the look and general review of it being a quality 2 person touring option. I noticed at the end of your review that you believed it was not the best option (although not the worst option) for two people. What would you recommend as a comparable 2 person touring option within the range of this bike? Appreciate everything you do! Great reviews.
It's a suitable 2 person bike... As a 2 person long distance tourer, you're going to have to spend more money on a bike like the Versys 1000 or other larger bikes.
I used to own this bike, and it can absolutely take two people. It loses some playfulness, but it's fully capable.
One thing with motorcycles is there will ALWAYS be a better bike for one thing over another. A bike like this Versys 650 is a great bike to do just about everything well.
Hi Peter
This thing is gorgeous 😍
Really good review, thank you! It does look like an excellent all-round bike. I guess in an ideal world the seat would be just a bit shorter than the stock one. I've had a Ninja 650 with the higher seat ( at reasonable cost) and currently run a Z650RS with an excellent 820mm height. I'm around 6ft. The cost of the comfort/reduced height seat accessory for the Versys is far too expensive, I believe. Love the middleweight Kwaks though........great bikes👍 popeye
If you're 6 feet, you might find that you could get comfortable on the Versys. I owned it for years, and it felt tall at first, but I very quickly got used to it.
Nice video. I am 6' with 34 inseam. Is the 650 as comfortable as the 1000?
Peter, quick question, does the ZX-14R still selling well or it's dead?
I wouldn't say it's dead, but here in Canada, bikes like that are expensive to insure, and pretty narrow focused. That just makes them less popular. I would say that sport bikes as a class were a much bigger piece of the sales pie in past decades. More practical, or at least more versatile bikes have been taking a larger share of the sales pie in more recent years.
Tiger Sport 660 next? I'd love a comparison between these two!
I'm working on getting a Triumph connection. The one that I have is 5 hours away. I'm not against going there, but I can get out there right now. I might be able to set up a closer connection and get Triumphs to us sooner... I'm working on it.
Good review....
Hey Peter,
will there be a new versys 650 in the upcoming years I mean not just cosmetic changes ?
just wanted to know if you have any information on it.
I don't know what's happening with the Versys. It was recently updated in 2021 or 2022 (can't remember off the top of my head) So I don't expect any sweeping changes as it's still a pretty big value in the class without a lot of competition. I'd like to see some tweaks to it as I mentioned in this video, but again, I don't know what Kawasaki has planned beyond this year.
@PeterLoweOne thanks, Peter..
Well then buying a used 2022 model one will be value for money as mostly its unchanged, and if Kawasaki plans on making those changes you mentioned in the upcoming years hopfully they make it as an option for older models to.
Well thanks again..
And it was quite a good informative video.. 👍
Cruise control?
I'm struggling between z900rs n versys 650. What will your advise on it?
I have a Versys, my buddy had a z900rs. I would take my bike the vast majority of days if I had both.
Do you know what's the average fuel consumption inside the city with normal use(l/100). The 2021 model wasn't the best one, was around 5,4l/100 kilometres.
I feel like I did a bit better than that when I owned mine. But I honestly don't remember. Sometimes the best place to check for fuel efficiency is to see the owner's forums. The variety of responses should give you a good idea on who rides like you and what you might be able to expect.
My average on my 2023 Versys after almost 20,000 km is 4.11 L/100 km, meaning you can get around a 500 km range on the 21 L tank. And I could ride this thing even more conservatively to squeak out some additional range. Love this bike!
Is there any diff from the 2023 model? Really cant tell...
The colour has been updated. Did you watch the video? I'm pretty sure I answer your question in the video.
I heart some people say that the suspension of the bike is a little stiff is that true?
I felt like mine was a little soft. The nice thing is, it's adjustable and can be stiffened up or softened.
Depending on your weight it can be. Im skinny and i can feel it but whenever you hit something tougher you’ll be happy it’s there. It takes pot holes like a champ.
How is this bike for a tall rider?
Great! I'm 6 feet tall and it will easily fit riders taller than me.
Thank you for the review. I currently ride a Yamaha Stratoliner which seems to be getting heavier every year. I would like something lighter and this might be the ticket. I am wondering about the chain maintenance. I have never owned a motorcycle with a chain before and am wondering if it is a pain to perform this all the time?
It's really not that big of a deal. To make it easier, grab a rear wheel stand and you're good to go.
Wish it was destined for South Africa. Kawasaki has lesser and lesser models overhere looks like the are on the way out.
Interesting. It's a great bike!
You always loose playfulness with a passenger. What you should say: it misses a hp or 30 to make it a better (or less mediocre) 2 person touring bike.
I'm comfortable with how I said it. I understand that you'd be more comfortable with how you're saying it. That's the beauty of TH-cam. If someone sees something that they think they would explain a different way, they can go ahead and make a video that says things the way they think it should be said.
@@PeterLoweOne yeah yeah, arrogance doesn't make you look more professional.
this motor needs update
So, I hear you if you're saying that it's been around for a while, but when you say that it needs an update, what do you want to see from the motor? It makes class competitive power, gets decent mileage, has proven to be reliable. What do you want in an update?
yes,reliable engine that now a dozen of chinese brands put on.so what i want.....i want character and 15-20 ponnies more wouldnt be bad.... kawa,that has absolutely forgoten the adv category,should make a new engine at,lets say 750-800.capisi?@@PeterLoweOne
@@PeterLoweOnemore power and torque.
Lightweight? 219kg VS 197 kg of the Tracer 7... that's like riding with luggage all the time.
Both can be lightweight. I didn’t say it was the lightest motorcycle around.
I have one, the seat sucks after 200 miles
It worked fine for me. Seats are a personal thing, I think. There are universal things that you can do to make them generally comfortable, then it comes down to individual preferences. If the seat is the only thing that doesn't work, the aftermarket can usually solve that.
Lol, I did 1339 miles in a little over 23 hrs. Seat isn't that bad.
want beltdrive
I think that would be a cool option, but a lot of people still like the chain to maintain the sport bike feel that this bike can give.
can you really say it's not that tall if you're 6 ft, when you're taller than 85% of men :D
I don't know. I know several riders shorter than me who ride this bike. I think it's fair to say that the bike isn't "that" tall because there are SEVERAL adventure bikes which feel much taller. Me commenting on the height of the seat and how it feels isn't directly related to my height. Having said that, I'm clear that this is a taller bike than many others.
I'm 5"7, 30" inseam and have no problems with it. But also had no problems with my drz400s with a seat at 36" something...lol
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Nice bike, horrible tyres
I've owned this bike. I hear what you're saying, but in the dry, for typical Versys style riding, they're fine. I'd wear these out first before replacing them with something different.
Pirelli Trail Master 2 tyres front and rear , brilliant
Overpriced dated bike. :(
What would you like to see on it? I address the changes that I'd like to see in my video, but I don't think it's all that overpriced compared to what's out there today. Keep in mind the hard luggage is included in the price of the bike.
@@PeterLoweOne thanks. Agree with you that Versys is nice bike, but tubeless and QS would be a must for every tourer motorcycle, in my opinion.
@@Milan-yw6rm the wheels are alredy tubeless, at least in Europe
@@Milan-yw6rmThe wheels have always been tubeless.
Then don't buy one. Problem solved.
“Lightweight”. Motorcycles, like Americans, have gotten bloated over the years.
Good thing I'm Canadian... I would have taken that personally!
move to cross-plane 270 crank, 180 crank twin piston feels outdated
Nice video really informative, love to hear it is insurance friendly ... keep up the great work..