Kawasaki Versys: my personal review

[ozyran440]

Well, since Kawasaki lists the Versys as a dual sport, and it has been said that it doesn't quite fit into any real category, I'll post my ride and review here.

After spending over 900 miles riding this bike over the course of two days, I think it's safe to say that I've come to know the Versys fairly well. Not as intimately as I will over the course of the next few years that I own it, but I'd say that I know her decently well.

Now, you'll have to take my review with a grain of salt. I've only been on one other bike, and it was a 2003 KLR 250. So, my total riding experience is fairly limited. But, all that said, here's what I think of it.

Styling. Overall, the styling is beautiful. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and really, it is. In pictures and on the internet, the Versys has styling that really takes some getting used to. It's a standard motorcycle, but sits almost as high as a KLR. It has sporty lines, but they're belied by the rather odd and uniquely-styled headlight. The bright red paint really makes this bike stand out. However, I firmly believe that this bike should come available with the other colors sold in Europe and Asia. Especially the metallic green available overseas - a sharp color that makes a Kawasaki, a Kawasaki.

Ergonomics. As a 6-foot-1 rider, I can honestly say that the bike is comfortable - for a short time. The seat is really well designed for short commutes or blasts around town. Once riding time exceeds about a half an hour, the seat really begins to show its weakness: the padding begins to lose effectiveness, and after about an hour, I began feeling stiff in the seat. The handlebars are really well placed and at an ideal height - they don't pull you too far forward, and at speeds of 60 mph or slower, you're in an upright position that doesn't buffet you around too much. Faster than that, and the windscreen begins to los effectiveness, and you're buffeted around a little bit in the upright position. The windscreen, for its size, does a really good job of deflecting the wind at lower speeds. Once speed climbs above 60, though, the windscreen begins to lose effectiveness - even adjusted to its highest setting.

Power/Drivetrain. The 649CC parallel twin is excellent on the highway. Keep it above 4,000 RPM, and no matter what gear the bike is in, it will give you liquid, instantaneous POWER. 80 mph comes really, really quickly if you're not paying attention. When Kawasaki set up the gearing on this motorcycle, they geared it to make excellent power in all gears - but not too much power. The Versys was designed in such a way that it doesn't give you too much power, and during normal riding, she won't break the rear tire loose. The transmission shifts really well and didn't give me any problems whatsoever. Passing was never an issue - click down a gear or two, let out on the clutch, and off you go!

Handling/Braking. The Versys pulls really well through the turns, but is also very forgiving. Chop the throttle mid turn, and the bike remains stable. Give it power, and it still remains stable. Give the handlebars a press in either direction, and the Versys moves with you - nice and fluid, as if you're one with the motorcycle. When you press down on the binders, they stop you smoothly and quickly, with no jerkiness whatsoever. These brakes simply do not want to lock up at all.

Range/Mileage. Mileage varied during break-in, but the best mileage the bike had was somewhere around 50 mpg. I managed around 170 miles per tank, each fillup being around 3.4/3.5 gallons. I think with normal riding, 48-50 mpg can be expected. Slower, more casual riding should produce better fuel economy.

Overall, this motorcycle is great, IMHO. I think someone wanting a KLR 650 but looking for a bike that is more street-oriented should consider looking into the Versys.

[messer00]

Good stuff. Thanks for putting this together. I have a 650R and I've heard it's a Versys wrapped in plastic. That may be true, because this review could apply to my 650R, too.

[CootoronScooter]

Thanks for the review. Good info about the seat. You might want to have the memory foam added to the seat if you plan long rides. I had my 900 done at Mean City Cycles.

Check this site for stuff for the Versys.
Kawasaki Versys - webBikeWorld

[Spok]

well, i read your other trip thread and asked what were your thoughts on the bike and now i see. thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts in, i don't think we've had anybody make a review of the versys.

i find that most stock seats on the metric bikes are lacking.

[fretbuzz]

Great write-up. I agree about beauty being in the eye of the beholder -I think that headlight design really screwed up what would have been a decent-looking bike.

But, anyone that buys a Versatile System is into function at least a little more than form. I almost bought one (and a Z1000, and a Speedmaster, and a . . .) but decided my old fat butt should stick to cruisers.

Again, great job, great bike, be safe and enjoy.

[ozyran440]

Man, that Z1000 has me drooling! But, I think I need a little more time (Like a few more YEARS) before I even take the reins of a 100+ hp sport bike.

[vn2kbob]

Originally Posted by ozyran440

Well, since Kawasaki lists the Versys as a dual sport, and it has been said that it doesn't quite fit into any real category, I'll post my ride and review here.

After spending over 900 miles riding this bike over the course of two days, I think it's safe to say that I've come to know the Versys fairly well. Not as intimately as I will over the course of the next few years that I own it, but I'd say that I know her decently well.

Now, you'll have to take my review with a grain of salt. I've only been on one other bike, and it was a 2003 KLR 250. So, my total riding experience is fairly limited. But, all that said, here's what I think of it.

Styling. Overall, the styling is beautiful. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and really, it is. In pictures and on the internet, the Versys has styling that really takes some getting used to. It's a standard motorcycle, but sits almost as high as a KLR. It has sporty lines, but they're belied by the rather odd and uniquely-styled headlight. The bright red paint really makes this bike stand out. However, I firmly believe that this bike should come available with the other colors sold in Europe and Asia. Especially the metallic green available overseas - a sharp color that makes a Kawasaki, a Kawasaki.

Ergonomics. As a 6-foot-1 rider, I can honestly say that the bike is comfortable - for a short time. The seat is really well designed for short commutes or blasts around town. Once riding time exceeds about a half an hour, the seat really begins to show its weakness: the padding begins to lose effectiveness, and after about an hour, I began feeling stiff in the seat. The handlebars are really well placed and at an ideal height - they don't pull you too far forward, and at speeds of 60 mph or slower, you're in an upright position that doesn't buffet you around too much. Faster than that, and the windscreen begins to los effectiveness, and you're buffeted around a little bit in the upright position. The windscreen, for its size, does a really good job of deflecting the wind at lower speeds. Once speed climbs above 60, though, the windscreen begins to lose effectiveness - even adjusted to its highest setting.

Power/Drivetrain. The 649CC parallel twin is excellent on the highway. Keep it above 4,000 RPM, and no matter what gear the bike is in, it will give you liquid, instantaneous POWER. 80 mph comes really, really quickly if you're not paying attention. When Kawasaki set up the gearing on this motorcycle, they geared it to make excellent power in all gears - but not too much power. The Versys was designed in such a way that it doesn't give you too much power, and during normal riding, she won't break the rear tire loose. The transmission shifts really well and didn't give me any problems whatsoever. Passing was never an issue - click down a gear or two, let out on the clutch, and off you go!

Handling/Braking. The Versys pulls really well through the turns, but is also very forgiving. Chop the throttle mid turn, and the bike remains stable. Give it power, and it still remains stable. Give the handlebars a press in either direction, and the Versys moves with you - nice and fluid, as if you're one with the motorcycle. When you press down on the binders, they stop you smoothly and quickly, with no jerkiness whatsoever. These brakes simply do not want to lock up at all.

Range/Mileage. Mileage varied during break-in, but the best mileage the bike had was somewhere around 50 mpg. I managed around 170 miles per tank, each fillup being around 3.4/3.5 gallons. I think with normal riding, 48-50 mpg can be expected. Slower, more casual riding should produce better fuel economy.

Overall, this motorcycle is great, IMHO. I think someone wanting a KLR 650 but looking for a bike that is more street-oriented should consider looking into the Versys.

Enjoyed reading your excellent write-up on the Versys. They catch my eye and would love to own one some day. Thanks!

[SilverEagle]

Thanks for your review, I'm considering both the 2008 KLR and the Versys.

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by SilverEagle

Thanks for your review, I'm considering both the 2008 KLR and the Versys.

You know, I was in the same dispute myself, but what drove me to the Versys was really how much I rode the trails. I rode the KLR250 I used to own only on the street, and because of that, I decided I'd be better off with a more street-oriented motorcycle that wasn't going to go 150 mph or weigh in at over 500 lbs. So for me, a street rider, the Versys was the ideal choice, especially since it can traverse some light trails when shod with a pair of Pirelli MT 60 meats.

[skewterdewd]

Originally Posted by ozyran440

You know, I was in the same dispute myself, but what drove me to the Versys was really how much I rode the trails. I rode the KLR250 I used to own only on the street, and because of that, I decided I'd be better off with a more street-oriented motorcycle that wasn't going to go 150 mph or weigh in at over 500 lbs. So for me, a street rider, the Versys was the ideal choice, especially since it can traverse some light trails when shod with a pair of Pirelli MT 60 meats.

Thanks for the ride report.
My question is, what is the happy cruising speed for the Versys at the top end of six gear? I know it's geared for torque, but occasionally one needs top end as well..

[ozyran440]

Top end of 6th....I don't know, I haven't been there yet. I do know that she'll hit triple digits of you get on it and don't at least glance at the speedometer.

Best way to put it is this: 6th gear, 70 mph, you're at 5,000 RPM. Redline comes in at 10,500 RPM.

[ddouble]

Very good write up. I agree with everything written.

Turned mine over 3,000 miles yesterday on a little 300 mile jaunt. I wanted to see if the new Givi bags hurt mileage or handling. Happy to report no they do not. Well except there is more sail area for the wind to grab, there were a couple of exciting seconds out there with 25 - 30 mph winds. Mixed riding, in town and 70 mph hwy's 50 mpg, I can live with this.

I have the Kawi tall windscreen, it is an improvement over the stocker.

Enjoy.
Dan

[ozyran440]

ddouble,
Is that a caboose at the NC transportation museum I spy in your avvy?

Thanks for the tip on the windscreen. I will definitely look into that. And I really agree with what you said about the economy on the bike: it's really livable, especially with $4.00/gal on the horizon. Heck, even at $10.00/gallon I could still live with it. That's why I bought rain gear in the first place

[ddouble]

No, the caboose is in Burgaw NC I think. The Transportation museum is on our trip list. We like to take the secondary roads, there are little surprises all over the place. I didn't get a picture but this weekend we saw the "Gospel Saloon".

My bike saw rain the third day I owned it. It's gonna see more too.

Not sure if it's just our dealer but I thought the head light was a real bad design until I adjusted it according to spec. It's one of the best I have seen now.

Dan

[2WheelFun]

Great review! Thank you for doing such an in depth report on it.

[EdwardJ]

I'm considering a Versys to replace my Yamaha XT 250 dual purpose which I bought as a starter to help me decide what I need.

My main concern is 7 miles of disintegrated granite road with loose gravel/ rocks.... similar to what you might experience in a country road construction site ... that requires caution until I reach pavement. Do you think this bike, especially sitting as high as it does ... is a goood choice in my case?

I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inseam and at a seat height of 31.9" I can flat foot my XT. The Versys is a bit higher than that but I hope either the suspension will compress or I can somehow adjust it.

Our 2 lane highway is a 70 mph limit so I need that to stay out of trouble and avoid being pushed by too many passers. I was liking the idea of the windshield on the Versys, which I don't have on my XT 250.

To me (very limited exerience) I want a bike with upright seating and medium weight ...the Versys seems to have everything else I need including a larger gas tank. Comments anyone?

Secondly; I've been taking the bad turns on this road at as low as 16 mph as I worry about losing it in a tight turn with gravel underneath. Any thoughts about this? By the way, this 7 miles of road is normally riden without any other traffic anywhere around. It is not a through traffic road but leads only to a limited number of homes and then to the forest.

Ed

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by EdwardJ

I'm considering a Versys to replace my Yamaha XT 250 dual purpose which I bought as a starter to help me decide what I need.

My main concern is 7 miles of disintegrated granite road with loose gravel/ rocks.... similar to what you might experience in a country road construction site ... that requires caution until I reach pavement. Do you think this bike, especially sitting as high as it does ... is a goood choice in my case?

I've ridden the Versys on a couple of dirt roads with loose rocks. The main thing is keeping the bike upright and not leaning into the turns. However, that's with the stock street tires. Pirelli makes a set of MT 60s that can be shod onto the rims of the Ver which will give it 60/40 on/off-road capability.

I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inseam and at a seat height of 31.9" I can flat foot my XT. The Versys is a bit higher than that but I hope either the suspension will compress or I can somehow adjust it.

The Ver has an available low seat through their website

Our 2 lane highway is a 70 mph limit so I need that to stay out of trouble and avoid being pushed by too many passers. I was liking the idea of the windshield on the Versys, which I don't have on my XT 250.

To me (very limited exerience) I want a bike with upright seating and medium weight ...the Versys seems to have everything else I need including a larger gas tank. Comments anyone?

As long as you keep your back straight, the Ver places you in an upright position. Unfortunately, I have a hard time keeping my back straight

Secondly; I've been taking the bad turns on this road at as low as 16 mph as I worry about losing it in a tight turn with gravel underneath. Any thoughts about this? By the way, this 7 miles of road is normally riden without any other traffic anywhere around. It is not a through traffic road but leads only to a limited number of homes and then to the forest.

Ed

If you're serious about getting this bike, I would DEFINITELY consider STRONGLY the Pirelli MT60-Rs. WebBikeWorld did a pretty good writeup that convinced me to go buy a set once I've worn out the meats currently shod on the Versys.

While you're at it, read through WBW's review of the Ver and you'll get a pretty accurate description of how well the bike really rides.

[EdwardJ]

Thanks. I appreciate the directness of your comments relative to my concerns. I am especially glad to hear of the lower seat and I'll look at the tires too.

Since I'm 4" shorter than you, I expect sitting straight will be easier for me. So all in all, the Versys sure sounds like it was made for me.

[Surftechuser]

Great review!