Kawasaki Versys reviews

I took the bike on an overnighter as soon as possible, under the worst possible conditions: Interstate, high speed, bad crosswinds, and rain. I could not have been more satisfied with the bike's performance. Mine was the smallest bike in the bunch (I was chasing a couple of BMW GS1200's) but it was no handicap. The little 650 kept up just fine. It has great mid-range for passing those pesky big rigs. It did just fine with the crosswinds. Gas mileage on the trip averaged 45 mpg. (average speed was 85). My future touring trips won't be so extreme (or so fast) but it showed just how great a bike this is. The trip was 350 miles each way, and I was quite comfortable. I couldn't have asked for a better result. Show less

Versatility, power, nimble, great value and it's very friendly and a fun ride. I would buy it again, no question. Show less

This bike is value packed. Whether you are looking for a commuter or a touring machine, it will fit the bill! A seat modification is a must, and a larger windshield is nice for the long hall. It's very user friendly. I have had several bikes before this one, and this is my favorite. I plan on keeping it for many years and many tours. Show less

Sum is greater than the parts. It's much quicker than you expect and the handling that is out of this world. Can tour with seat mods and windscreen aftermarket products - no issues. I smile every time I ride, for a lot less than other bikes. Show less

I have had this bike for a year now. I bought it for a commuter and a short hopper. It has a very comfortable riding posistion, lots of spunk in this motor and handles well. I've taken the Versys on long trips with no issues. It's definitely worth the $$$ and it's guaranteed smiles. Show less

This bike is not comfortable to me on rides over and hour. I made a trip for a day and was hurting by the afternoon in my rear end. I made a seat pad and think that will be solved. It is comfortable around town and short rides without my pad. I may get a new aftermarket seat. I have a taller windscreen and added the green Kawasaki saddle bags and the bike looks fabulous. I have hit around 100 mph. and not toppped out the tack yet. It seems that the rpm. are buzzing around town but only about 4500 rpm. Below 3000 rpm seems to lug but I am always looking for one more gear (has 6). I have had a KLR650 and this is smoother and has more power but the gearing seems too narrow to me, though as I said it can get up to 100 pretty easily on the highway. Show less

I've had faster bikes. This is very fun and nice to ride. It feels like it has more power than it does. Front wheel comes up in second when you hammer it. All the parts look high quality. The suspension a little stiff on hard edge bumps. For my tastes, it could use more bite in front brakes. Show less

I must start by saying that I have owned a few bikes over the years ranging from Vulcans to a HD Road King. The bike that I had the most fun on was a KLR650, however for me it had a couple of weeknesses. It didn't have a 6th gear, or enough overall power. Problem solved! This bike is amazing! I can't stay off from it, logging some 200 miles in the first few days. Riding two up dosen't seem to be a problem either, as this bike has great balance. I will probably be replacing the seat and windshield but other than that it's all good. Show less

I've had my Versys for almost a year. Primary use is commuting to work 70 miles round trip, weather permitting. This is my first street bike as I've had dirt bikes and 3 wheelers before the slip and fall attorneys sued them out of existence. I can't say enough about this bike! It's something you can grow into and that is exactly what I was looking for. I didn't want to get something only to want something else a year later. If you're just starting out and think it's too much bike, think again. It's very forgiving. It has plenty of power for the freeways and is well mannered around town. Staying at or under 650cc also makes insurance cost less. MPG is around 48 to 50. It's a blast to ride! Show less

First: I have been riding over 40 years Second: I have owned about 40 bikes in the last 10 years alone. Third: I have owned 2 V Stroms, the 1000 and the 650 and 2 Triumph Tigers. Since I don't ride in the dirt the Versys is more suitable for me on bumpy roads than dual sport type bikes. I only wished this bike had appeared a few years ago, I could have saved money not buying the bikes mentioned above:) If you ride on paved roads only the Versys is an amazing bike. I like to fiddle with suspension settings and so far I have adjusted nothing. The only advantage the V Strom 650 has is a better sounding engine. The Versys is a bit appliance like. This is not a bike that is good for the money it is a good bike period. Show less