2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 | 12 months ownership review | still loving it?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- #kawasaki #versys650tourer #versys650 #touring #motorcycles #advbike #motovlog
join me as I discuss my personal opinion of the versys 650 with some added fun roads !
2021 Kawasaki Versys 650
GoPro Hero9
GoPro Hero 4
South West Cornwall
Link for my Instagram - / tommrides
please consider subscribing ! thanks a lot
Dude from the US here and I want one of these!! The 23 model here is only being sold as an LT, all black with some graphics, handguards and hard saddle bags included. Test rode it for work and cant help stopping by it everyday in the showroom. Plenty of power and still light for what it is. Great video, I love the humor!
Did you get it? I’m 50 miles in on it as my first street bike and I really like it
You just can't beat the Versys 650 in my opinion. Years ago I had a 2008, then sold it an tried a few other bikes. Sold them and bought a new 2013. Road it for a few years then sold it to try something different, didn't like them as well as the Versys so sold them and now I'm ridding a 2018 model.
Did you get the shoodaben ECU flash? Good Lord the throttle jerkiness is awful stock
@@KurtG85 No, I did not. I bought the Booster Plug for it and it made good difference.
I also own a V650 and I'm still loving it.
Done 35.000 kms in 2 years now and counting.
Reliable, perfect for the twisties (I'm living in the Austrian Alps - so a lot of great roads here) and a very good looking bike.
If I would ride more 2 up, I guess I would consider buying the Versys1k, but for a 99% solo rider, this thing is nearly perfect.
No technical problems so far.
I'm somtimes thinking about buying a bigger bike but after a ride with my little V, I'm always happy and know that I really don't need more :)
This is my exact problem … longer miles I feel like I need a bigger bike, soon as I get to where I want to be and on the roads the little versys does the job perfectly !
Jealous of the alps
Απλά και υπέροχα έχεις κατασταλάξει σε αυτό που χρειάζεσαι και σε κάνει ευτυχισμένο. 👍
good review mate, thanks for the video. have great rides ahead.
"That road is so good i'm gonna turn around and do it again".... motorcycles 🥰.
The best!
Also bought the 2021 Versys 650 brand new. Comfortable commuter bike. Put 15,000 km on the original Dunlops before switching to Michelon Road 5. Sorry I didn't change them earlier. Now the bike floats down the road.
Did a tour of Europe with my Versys 650 this summer. Did 4000 miles, 12 countries, many mountains and motorways. Zero issues apart from having to tighten the chain once.
Jap bikes rule, simple as .
I bought my 2021 Versys 650 at the end of July, 2022. It's a great bike which can reach 180 km/h. I don't know, how much faster do you need to go? The farthest I rode it in one day was 750 km. The longest time ever spent with the bike in a single riding day was 18 hours. You can do that on a Versys. Next week it will get its 24,000 km oil change and a wee bit of warranty work on the trip odometer cluster. It's the only problem I have encountered. I've taken the bike off road here and there which is evident from some scars and scratches. My bike came with panniers which I find very handy and in which I carry a bunch of stuff: bungee cords, a first aid kit, a hatchet, rope, duct tape, zip ties, a ground sheet, a small stove and gas and then when I go camping or on a longer ride, a thermos of coffee, sandwiches, water... I highly recommend this motorcycle because it will do whatever you want. Mine is running on Shinko E 705 tires. And, now that I'm done commenting, I am going to go ride my slate grey, with red and silver highlighted Kawasaki Versys since it's a nice day to do so. Thanks for the video. It is nice to see a bit of Cornwall from the saddle of our favourite bike. Cheers from Alberta.
Are those stock tires as dangerous and slippery as some youtubers say they are?
@@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm I had no problems with them. They are just cheap street tires to use while you get to know your bike. After that you choose something like the Shinko 705. Tire choice depends on the kind of riding you do.
And I should say 1) I envy that you can ride at this time of year, and 2) that I miss the 650 sometimes, but I like the 1000 a lot too. It’s definitely better for 2-up. But the 650 is more value for money. Strange though that they still haven’t added cruise control to it - such a great thing to have on a touring bike!
I sold my Kawasaki Versys 1000 as it was great for the motorway but a pain everywhere else way too heavy.. the Versys 650 is far more comfortable, practice & light it suits me down to the ground!!
@@chrispack3131 Just sold my v1000 for a tiger 900 rally pro! 40 kg lighter than the v1000 and more versatile!
Got the same bike, same color. A2 and 1 year of riding it, with 15,000 kilometers. Stil loving it and using it everywhere!
amazing ! its a great little bike! uk based?
@@Murraymoto no, i'am from the netherlands. Greets!
Just bought a 2019 and I absolutely cannot wait to ride it
Amazing news ! Great bikes ! Let me know how you get on!
@@Murraymoto Will do! It should be arriving this week. I'm still on a CBT license but have my DAS booked in less than a month and ready to go, and fairly confident about a pass. Having a bike waiting for me will just be extra motivation! And oddly enough, my first road trip on it will be down your way. I have a deep love for the south west!
The test seems pretty daunting but it’s actually fair simple !
Have a look for my Instagram “Murrayymoto” , if you do head down let me know ! Show you some epic roads
@@Murraymoto Thanks so much for the kind offer! I don't have insta, but i'm thinking it may well be time to start one to follow my adventures, so will be sure to hit you up. I'm actually down that way in August anyways, as me and my riding mates are going camping for a week near Beaworthy, but we'll be in th cars. Hoping for my bike trip to be in September, as soon as i've passed.
😊just bought one after riding many other bikes in the past 44 yrs. Great weight, range and cruiser between 40-75 mph. Comphy too!
Brillaint ! I am enjoying mine. Just considering upgrading for something more powerful! We’ll see !
I ALMOST pulled the trigger on a a Versys-650. At the last minute, an older Triumph Tiger came into the showroom that I just HAD to have. Maybe my wife will be interested in the Versys, when she gets her M-class endorsement.
love mine for every mile of riding I have done (I recommend a set of pirelli angel St the change to handling was like night to day)
I am glad that here in the UK we're graced with amazing roads for biking or touring on, where some have some gorgeous views at too.
Currently have an XJ600N (97 model) and for the most part has been amazing however I have been eyeing up a Versys 650 for something to get at some point in the future, I'd love to go touring properly and I reckon the Versys is right up there for that. In regard to power though for me, it isn't about the power of the ride so long as the bike runs and gets you from A-B then people shouldn't fret too much about the power, end of the day we really don't have the roads here in the UK for high powered bikes but don't get me wrong I love the looks of sports bikes and the sound of them but probably wouldn't ever own one unless its a sports tourer.
We certainly do ! I’ve been all over wales, Scotland, north east, found some cracking roads !
Honestly if you get the chance to try a versys, do it. You can get some proper steaks now, you can probably find a 19-21 model with low miles for less than 5 grand, I’ve seen some as low as 3500, compared to many bikes you won’t find much better for that price range ! Good luck! Keep me posted if you get one !
Hello again… I have Continental TKC70s but I do a lot of dirt. Also I have a Givi windscreen that was shaved down a bit…that extra screen you’ve got clipped on would drive me nuts! Haha. I am so jealous of your local twisties -- so hard to find here in the flat fly over country of Texas! I love my 650, but then again, I’m just a girl … keep posting, thank you
Oh fair one ! I’m more road riding so I’ve gone for a safe option!
Yeah it doesn’t really bother me I’ve just not go round to upgrading the screen yet! Hopefully soon!
The roads over this side of the pond are so good ! Thanks for your comment! Ride safe
On my third V currently a 2016 GT had them from release back in 2006 exceptional bike for solo camping/touring been to south of france on it a few times i am currently pondering on getting the next gen V however i get this feeling that kawasaki are at some point going to release an 849cc version to match Honda/suzuki .....so i might hang on with this one for the time being i subbed by the way 🤙
hi mate, yeah its a cracking bike.. I think if they released a middle model it would go down super well! I'm undecided yet on what to do! thanks for the sub..ben a busy few weeks but I've got a couple more videos being sorted this week so stay tuned!
I just love my Kawasakie Vesys 650.
New subscriber. Had a z650, now a Ducati scrambler nightshift. What’s it like with a pillion , and comfort for pillion ?
Since my 2013 Versys 650 I've had an Aprilia Shiver 750 and a Tiger 800. Both have been enjoyable but the Versys (after I put Michelin Road Pilots) is still the bike that I think delivers massively. The Shiver was too much bike for me and wasted loads of unusable power (and no luggage options obv), and the Tiger loaded 2-up is quite heavy but also somehow banal. But the Versys can be chucked around town and taken 2-up and whatever else. I'm looking for one now, just not sure if I want my same old 2013 bike styling or the newer ones.
I currently own a r6 , but am looking at getting an adventure bike for the winter and touring with the mrs , these seem to be the best value and looks so far 👍
Hey! Ah nice man! I would say if your thinking of going 2 up touring, the 650 model might be a little underpowered, I’ve taken my misses for Sunday rides on mine and it’s been okay, I feel a full pannier set and a pillion might be a bit much, but it depends how far and where your headed I guess! Don’t rule out the 1000 model, I’ve ridden that too and it’s one of my top contenders to jump up too next ! Good luck
@@Murraymoto yeah I’m planning on the two of us going touring hopefully into Europe so I think your right about the bigger engine. I think the bike looks great and these certainly seem to offer a lot for the price. Will keep you updated 👍
Is there videos of the Scotland trip, planning on doing the SW660 and NC500 next year from Somerset.
Gosh! How fast were you going on these country roads? Looked like 60-70 mph. But I shouldn’t be surprised. When we were driving (a car 😢) in Scotland in 2017 people were doing mad speeds. I’m used to Swedish country roads and the limit is often around 70-80 kph (40mph?) and there’s always the risk of deer jumping out in front of you, at least in forested areas. (This becomes very apparent during autumn!)
No speed limits were broken (ish) ! Great open roads down here , can be a little naughty! Most country roads are national limit here thankfully !
Yeah the 1000 is for sure on my radar , but the 650 at the minute is all I need !
@@Murraymoto From what I remember the limit were 60 I many places where it was difficult to go that fast without compromising on safety. 40-45 would be more appropriate. Narrow country roads. But maybe people are so aware of this so they keep off the road - even animals.
@@Murraymoto Also, I get less buffeting on the 1000. Had huge problems with that on the 650. Tried like all screens avsilande, and spoilers. Worked sometimes. The original on the 1000 is great, but it gets yellow, so now I’ve invested in an MRA with a huge spoiler built into it. Can’t wait til spring.
I'm thinking of moving to this after being on a duke 125cc. Is it smooth enough for the transition?
What is the brand of your motorcycle handguards and where did you buy it ?
They are the standard Kawasaki ones that come with the bike from new mate
One thing. Mr Tmmo. My bike is very quiet and many times folk don't really hear me. Have you ever considered a more noisy exhaust or would you know if the stock one can be made a bit noisy? Please.
Hi mate, so I tried a different exhaust, put the original one back on pretty quick, it just ruined it to be honest, I got a black widow straight through one, it sounded nice to an extent, but anytning more than 30 minutes on the bike you had a headache ! Problem with twins is you notice the noise a lot more !
Not to say you wouldn’t like it, I just couldn’t get on with it ! Especially for long tours which is what I do ! But there are a lot of options mate
@@Murraymoto Ok Mr Tmmo. That's good for me to know. I sure don't want to sound like a boy racer. I just want folk 50 meters ahead to hear me))
I see Akapovic are 500 quid. I can't risk that at moment. I also see some original exhausts on sale second hand.
I am a car mech so I could get one and try fiddle with it following a chat I see on a Versys forum.
Some bore into the CAT!! I dunno about that but I can revert easily if I try this butchery)).
I have a DRZ 400 which has an adjustable DB controller. That made life real simple with that. I shall let you know how I get on.
I could offer to buy your thingy and have a listen. I am not allowed on motorways so don't do much long trips yet.
Regards. Jimmy.
👍👍🤙🤙✌️✌️
Does anyone know the difference between the 2018 and 2021 versions of the Versys 650? I’m planning to get a pre-owned one. So, not sure if the 2021 version is worth the extra bucks I’d have to shell out.
Thanks in advance
What is the windscreen you are using?
Well Mr Tmmo. My friend has several high performance bikes and competes in road racing. He was well impressed when he took my one for a rip. He knows his stuff. Said it would not be last in any supertwin race. So that geezer who you quoted is a bullshitter))
I am 1.69cm tall. Can I ride versys 650 2019 without problem? I used tô ride honda transalp 700 and never had issues, but that one seems a bit taller
No problem but tippy toes.
@@robhayes8295 yeah, i went to see a versys 650 i found It taller than transalp 700. The seat doesnt help, It has a Lot of friction, the transalp one is smooth, you can throw the rips to the othrr side
You always can get a lowering kit for it
58mpg or 5L/100km..that is too mouch....average speed?? Gear??
It is normal, if you just ride it and rev it upp
Just back from a 500 mile tour of Scotland where I averaged 75 miles per gallon (UK) sticking to the posted speed limits. On a recent track training day revving to 9000 rpm and never above 4th gear, mpg was 47. Very good all round bike. I've had 1000cc-1200cc sports and touring bikes in the past but when I change this Versys I'll probably by a new one as it offers everything I need on real roads. (My 2019 Versys has done 34,000 trouble free miles.)
@@dragoclarke9497 👍👍👍👍👍
In Oz have 23 version , put Pirelli trail 2 ‘s on them $500 AUD per set , good for dirt roads and wet bitumen.
Tip Use only genuine front brake lever , the mechanic in NSW put an aftermarket identical looking one on my bike to replace a bent lever…the front rotor seized in the middle of a road , couldn’t even push bike off road , beware !111111
Unrestricted in Oz this bike does 210 km , will wheelstand .
But put in traction 2 around town and it has the manners of
a CB500x😊….
Tip 2 put a Honda sticker on the back of your helmet , confuses everyone .😊
The long travel soaks up the potholes , just progressive brake coming to an intersection if you are short in leg as forks dive .
Pretty sure this bike is restricted I hear the torque , but not the revs screaming above 7000 rpm , probably has the throttle screw limiter still in place .
Unrestricted it will do 100 km per hour in second .
Looking forward to more content .
weird roads compared to USA
We have tons of those roads.
Amazing ride, your laugh is contagious! Versys 650 will be my best bike, I currently own a Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen which is lot of fun but I want to be able to do long road trips with a passenger.