You mention that when come to a stop that you can't shift to a lower gear. This is normal. I've been riding Kawasaki's for over 40 years and they all did this. The lack of movement causes it. The next time this happens, at idle release clutch just enough to were it starts to engage, disengage, press down on shifter, you'll go down 1 gear, repeat as needed. Works every time. Also, someone complained about the trans shifting "clunky". Using a heaver weight oil will give you a smooth shifting bike. I used to use 20w50 conventional motorcycle oil, but have switched to full synthetic Rotella T6 5W-40 diesel oil. Its better for cold day starts, much less expensive, approved for motorcycle use, and its sold at more stores.
I want to get the new 2017 versys LT. I used to have a DRZ 400S and it didn't have the power I wanted, or the cargo space for trips to work or the store for some milk etc. I really like that these bikes have a shock adjuster. I love the wind screens for keeping wind off your head and the side saddles for carrying your crap. For these reasons, I'll be getting the versys as soon as I can.
I have a 2008 Versys and I have found the transmission is a bit clunky. It shifts best if you completely remove any pressure from the shift lever between shifts. In other words be very deliberate with your shifts. Put some shinko 705s on this bike and then you really can appreciate how versatile it is.
Shifting issue: The shifting issue that you mentioned is quite common. I have had it several times on a couple different makes. Try: Let of the throttle a little then; try to down shift again. Or, let out the clutch a little and rock the bike. Try downshifting again. Nice Video.
Nice bike. To assist with your strange lack of downshift - the only time i ever had a similar issue, it was the other way around, but strongly suspect it is the same cause: internal to the gearbox, there is an arm attached to the end of the shifter rod that enters the gearbox. It has a kind of 'pawl' as they term it, it is essentially a sticking-up spike of metal at the far end of the pawl arm, there is a cutaway for maybe an inch, then another raised spike, the other end of the pawl. You move the lever up, inside the gearbox, one of the spikes drags something one way. Keep on doing that, it keeps notching something around that way. When you move the lever downward, the other spike of the pawl shifts the something the other way. If one of these little raised spikes is either broken completely off, or partly broken off, you get your symptoms. Take it to the dealer, right now. Make sure you have a written note of them taking it in. The engine and gearbox generally need to be removed! Soz
Next time you experience the issue where you downshift, but the gear doesn't actually change, slowly let the clutch out and the trans will click into gear. Then you can clutch in again and keep downshifting.
Hi Guys I just got my 2015 versys with 650 miles on it already and had same issue on downshifting as well as up shifting.Did talk to the dealer about it?
I chose black on black. Yesterday I got caught in the rain and had to seek refuge in one of the bays of a self service car wash. I don't particularly enjoy riding in the rain, it ups the safety factor 10 fold.
I've owned a Ninja 250R since August 2013 (first bike). it's a nice little bike but my next bike will definitely be a Versys 650. I'm 180cm high, and the Ninja feels small and low. I'm just waiting to see if I move to another country or not before changing bikes. I must say, you have very little views, but I've watched about 20 videos on this type of bike and your video is the most useful so far. Thanks and great job. You should do more videos.
it happens that there is a faulty part in a new bike. I had an issue with mine, the engine would turn off when I reach about 120 km/h (75 mph). it turned out to be an electrical problem in the Down Sensor, I changed it and since then no problem at all. I've just reached 34,000 km on tbe odo
im convinced this is the best motorcycle ive ever owned ! had the previous model,this is a lot better,had a lowering kit fitted,now my short legs reach the floor,comfy,fuel efficient, sensible insurance ,looks good,reliable, nice price,after 40 yrs of riding and many many bikes,this one hits the sweet spot,does everything very well
hey Bob, I have a 16 650lt also. I do all maintenance my self, I have felt what your feeling while shifting. I notice if I shift to quickly and not let the shifter get to the resting position it would do it, I'd suspect it's not grabbing the next gear due to not allowing it to grab the gear selector rod all the way. I also had a 08 zx10r that did the same thing. the transmission feels pretty similiar.
Nice review and awesome bike. I've had my LT for 10 months now and it's my first bike. Also new on youtube, but got some road trip vids posted. Next state over from yours, AZ. Ride safe.
The Versys totally rocks as an adventure/do everything bike. Plenty of power, (at least for my skill level). Fits me well too, I'm 6', 220 and the bike size is perfect, probably not a great choice for a smaller rider tho.
Howdie guys Ive had this bike for a week now. Amazing bike. I am 5'7" totally working for me. But then again I have been riding for the past 5 years on heavy bikes. But this is one of the most stable bikes for its size and weight. So a shorter rider would also feel comfortable. I personally use the one foot method which is plenty if you have experience stabilizing yourself in sticky situations.
Sat on a white 2015 LT the other day. I'm 5'6". I could flatten my toes on the ground. I'm more than comfortable with that. Due to my height, it's been that way for 30+ years of riding.
Danakin, sorry could you please tell me where you buy those OEM things and what is the porpuse of that? And other question, the bike came with that thing in the gas tank? Thanks.
I usually buy things either online or from my local bike dealership. The thing on the gas tank is a tank protector. It keeps belts and pant zippers from scratching the paint on the tank. They're cheap. Anywhere from $5-$20 depending on which one you like.
Good review. I'm riding the 2016 650. I think the down shifting issue might come as a result of not stepping on the gear lever firm enough. Sometimes it can feel a bit clunky. I've felt something like that actually downshifting back to 1st. That black and white looks good.
+Bullets Bikes & Books im only 5'5",need lowering kit tho,my second versys,been riding 40 yrs,the best bikes ive ever had ? eerr... yeah and ive had loads,comfy economical,nuff power ? could do with a tadge more,toured europe,britain,love em whether a newbie or an oldie
My first bike was a 2008 Versys. Vibrated my hands to sleep in 30 min and the clutch/fueling was awful. Stalled it constantly. Thought it was just operator error til I bought my Moto Guzzi Norge. The new ones are much sharper and has me thinking of trying it again. Lot of bang for the buck!!
Thomas Weirs The bike was redesigned in 2015. They took care of the vibration issues. It rides very smooth, and the clutch is great. I get over 50mpg easily. Granted, I have heard all the things you said about the older model.
I understand the hesitation. The LT model is definitely worth the money, though, and the bike has been amazing. Good luck on your final decision! I know what a pain that can be!
It's my daily driver, and it's at almost 20,000 miles. It's given me no trouble at all and I still love it. The seat is very comfortable and the bike has no noticeable vibration.
Great review bro, I just bought mine last week. And it's pretty awesome I've been riding a 250 for 3 years so it's a great up grade for me. But my only problem is the height.. It's so freakin tall, and I'm 6'0 but I still struggle in finding the best way to swing my leg over. Also mine tends to get stuck in between gears while I'm shifting up for some reason.
Thanks! I appreciate that! Even being 6'4" with longer legs, I still have a hard time. I have to swing my right leg sort of back/across the pillion seat. I can't just step over it.
+Danakin Streetrider one thing that I can say is that it's an awesome bike, I bought mine at discounted price at the dealership because it sat there for so long, everyone in the area where I stay rides either super-sports or Harley's, I got enough money to get it after month and a half , and it's everything I could want in a bike.. Ppl missed out but I got lucky lol
it look beautiful with orginal side cases..realy sport tourer..white is better..i like some lite off-road;so what mods available for Versys to have the Versatility..?!#
i think its a lovely looking bike , spent all evening looking at reviews of this and the 1000 version , not sure yet what to get in 2017 version as i've just been on and sold a susuki 650sv .....most of my driving is city based, this is prob the better option price wise but the 1000 ....oh im in love
+Bullets Bikes & Books lol. you can still get them . keep your eyes peeled on ebay and or craigslist .. or even a forum for this bike . I got a ton of stuff like that, which most wouldn't believe when they look at the parts...
glyn greenwood. ....1st versys 20,000,had its quirks, poorish brakes,vibey engine,tad ugly,new one like yours,absolutely no quirks, strong brakes , no vibes,looks good,bullet proof, proven engine.but a question..people say theyre poor on fuel,they must be driving in the redline ! ive always had between 50 and 60 mpg !
+Mathew Ryan I wanted to do the same. In the end I had to look at it as not being able to compare bikes, maybe, but just finding one that worked for me and going with it. For my next bike, I can be more informed.
Danakin Streetrider had one for 6 months now, done about 4K miles, great comfortable sports tourer for me (6'-2" & 220lbs), nice stablemate for my XR 1200r Harley Davidson.
Shorter pipes would cause the exhaust valves to burn, unless you increase the back pressure at the muffler. It's called a tuned exhaust. If the pipes (exhaust system) is long enough, you could run with no muffler and not burn the exhaust valves. You could run with shorter pipes and a more restricted muffler and be ok for the valves, but then you would be loosing power and efficiency from the motor.
Hey Danakin I'm a whole 140 pounds. and i'm looking to trade toowards this bike... hows it for 120kph 75mph on the RPM's? I'm looking for something that isn't as high rpm at highway speed.
Danakin Streetrider thanks for the rapid response. .... dang gonna have to be the 1000 for me then. Unless ..... how the vibration? my Z750s is an inline 4 and riding at the same rpms for long gives butt fatigue because of the vibration.
Danakin Streetrider nice... and please don't take offense but you seem to be close to 200 pounds. Like I said I'm trying to gauge to get it or not. only been able to sit on it at the dealerships. and trying to get the pros and cons 650 vs 1000. so you've been really helpful.
Ray McLellan no offense taken. I'm actually 230lbs. But I'm also 6'4", so Ive got an average build, just on a large scale. And the max weight capacity is something like 450lbs, so it's not like my size is taxing for it.
Not the best for a round the world trip, look at a adv bike around the 1000cc. Vstrome 1000, Africa twin, triump 800 or explorer or bmw gs 800 or 1200. Remember you will have hard cases etc, the extra weight makes a big difference to the 650 where as the 1000cc handle it much easier and if your riding long distances you will notice the difference.
I'm 5'8" (174cm) and I can't flat foot both feet it but it doesn't feel heavy and slow speed handling is easy. But I started on even a taller supermoto 250 so I got used to standing on one leg only.
It essentially *is* the Ninja 650. The Versys has a tad more low end (it's been tuned that way) but it has the same engine. My personal opinion is the Ninja 650 looks a tad cooler, but the Versys is much more comfortable for a taller/larger rider. So, for me, I'd say the Versys, but either one is a great choice.
+Bullets Bikes & Books okay awesome because it's going to be my first bike and I wanna get a ninja 650 I did look at the cbr650f but it's not easy to take the back seat off for that one when I was little I use to ride dirt bikes but paid more attention to school haha
Not for me. I had the screen fully raised and I got a really small amount of buffetting, I dropped it to the low position, and now there's none. I can't explain it. I could theoretically ride with my visor up on the freeway and be fine. I won't, because a rock in the eye at 85mph would put a damper on my afternoon, but hey...
I called the dealer and it said that 5'7 is the perfect size to drive the Kawasaki Versys 650. But i will have the best information when i try it! Thanks for your answer!
Ha, all good, cool review. Im still on the fence between this and a Tiger 800 XR. Have a leftover near me which I test rode today. Getting test rides on Japanese bikes without attending a demo day is impossible in the surrounding states by me.
Danakin Streetrider the engine is tuned a bit differently and the suspension on the Versys is way better than what the ninja has, although the new ninja has a great frame and all now and the assist and slipper clutch is nice
A dealership nearby has this exact bike for sale. Strongly considering buying as my first. Great video, keep us updated.
You mention that when come to a stop that you can't shift to a lower gear. This is normal. I've been riding Kawasaki's for over 40 years and they all did this. The lack of movement causes it. The next time this happens, at idle release clutch just enough to were it starts to engage, disengage, press down on shifter, you'll go down 1 gear, repeat as needed. Works every time. Also, someone complained about the trans shifting "clunky". Using a heaver weight oil will give you a smooth shifting bike. I used to use 20w50 conventional motorcycle oil, but have switched to full synthetic Rotella T6 5W-40 diesel oil. Its better for cold day starts, much less expensive, approved for motorcycle use, and its sold at more stores.
Rich Kowal Good to know. Thanks.
I want to get the new 2017 versys LT. I used to have a DRZ 400S and it didn't have the power I wanted, or the cargo space for trips to work or the store for some milk etc. I really like that these bikes have a shock adjuster. I love the wind screens for keeping wind off your head and the side saddles for carrying your crap. For these reasons, I'll be getting the versys as soon as I can.
I have a 2008 Versys and I have found the transmission is a bit clunky. It shifts best if you completely remove any pressure from the shift lever between shifts. In other words be very deliberate with your shifts. Put some shinko 705s on this bike and then you really can appreciate how versatile it is.
Shifting issue: The shifting issue that you mentioned is quite common. I have had it several times on a couple different makes. Try: Let of the throttle a little then; try to down shift again. Or, let out the clutch a little and rock the bike. Try downshifting again. Nice Video.
Nice bike. To assist with your strange lack of downshift - the only time i ever had a similar issue, it was the other way around, but strongly suspect it is the same cause: internal to the gearbox, there is an arm attached to the end of the shifter rod that enters the gearbox. It has a kind of 'pawl' as they term it, it is essentially a sticking-up spike of metal at the far end of the pawl arm, there is a cutaway for maybe an inch, then another raised spike, the other end of the pawl. You move the lever up, inside the gearbox, one of the spikes drags something one way. Keep on doing that, it keeps notching something around that way. When you move the lever downward, the other spike of the pawl shifts the something the other way. If one of these little raised spikes is either broken completely off, or partly broken off, you get your symptoms. Take it to the dealer, right now. Make sure you have a written note of them taking it in. The engine and gearbox generally need to be removed! Soz
Oh man, that's intense. Thanks for the info!
The detail of this review. Thank you so much.
traded my klr for one yesterday , love it. I'll keep it a couple yrs trade up. I've got 600 miles of break-in to do first.
I've only done 1100 miles and I know already it's the best bike I've ever owned, does everything well.
I love hearing things like that. It reaffirms my decision lol.
Your welcome.
Next time you experience the issue where you downshift, but the gear doesn't actually change, slowly let the clutch out and the trans will click into gear. Then you can clutch in again and keep downshifting.
I'll try that. Thanks!
Hi Guys I just got my 2015 versys with 650 miles on it already and had same issue on downshifting as well as up shifting.Did talk to the dealer about it?
+moh se I never bothered as it didn't happen again.
I chose black on black. Yesterday I got caught in the rain and had to seek refuge in one of the bays of a self service car wash. I don't particularly enjoy riding in the rain, it ups the safety factor 10 fold.
Oh god the black model. I wish I had that one. And yeah, rain riding is less than ideal.
I actually like that black and white. It stands out, especially at night.
+Daniel Cobb Fair point. I like the white well enough.
I've owned a Ninja 250R since August 2013 (first bike). it's a nice little bike but my next bike will definitely be a Versys 650. I'm 180cm high, and the Ninja feels small and low. I'm just waiting to see if I move to another country or not before changing bikes.
I must say, you have very little views, but I've watched about 20 videos on this type of bike and your video is the most useful so far. Thanks and great job. You should do more videos.
Thanks! I appreciate that. I just hit 2k miles, today, and I haven't had any other complaints or issues. Seems to be a bulletproof little bike.
it happens that there is a faulty part in a new bike. I had an issue with mine, the engine would turn off when I reach about 120 km/h (75 mph).
it turned out to be an electrical problem in the Down Sensor, I changed it and since then no problem at all. I've just reached 34,000 km on tbe odo
im convinced this is the best motorcycle ive ever owned ! had the previous model,this is a lot better,had a lowering kit fitted,now my short legs reach the floor,comfy,fuel efficient, sensible insurance ,looks good,reliable, nice price,after 40 yrs of riding and many many bikes,this one hits the sweet spot,does everything very well
Glyn Greenwood I agree. I've started a new job where I travel much further every day, and it's great!
hey Bob, I have a 16 650lt also. I do all maintenance my self, I have felt what your feeling while shifting. I notice if I shift to quickly and not let the shifter get to the resting position it would do it, I'd suspect it's not grabbing the next gear due to not allowing it to grab the gear selector rod all the way. I also had a 08 zx10r that did the same thing. the transmission feels pretty similiar.
Awesome. Thanks. That actually makes a lot of sense.
+Bullets Bikes & Books no problem. any questions you are welcome to message me. I'm also on the versys forums. nice bike 😀
Nice review and awesome bike. I've had my LT for 10 months now and it's my first bike. Also new on youtube, but got some road trip vids posted. Next state over from yours, AZ. Ride safe.
Very cool. I actually lived in Phoenix for most of my life!
The Versys totally rocks as an adventure/do everything bike. Plenty of power, (at least for my skill level). Fits me well too, I'm 6', 220 and the bike size is perfect, probably not a great choice for a smaller rider tho.
Howdie guys
Ive had this bike for a week now. Amazing bike. I am 5'7" totally working for me. But then again I have been riding for the past 5 years on heavy bikes. But this is one of the most stable bikes for its size and weight. So a shorter rider would also feel comfortable. I personally use the one foot method which is plenty if you have experience stabilizing yourself in sticky situations.
Sat on a white 2015 LT the other day. I'm 5'6". I could flatten my toes on the ground. I'm more than comfortable with that. Due to my height, it's been that way for 30+ years of riding.
Very helpful review, thank you so much. Actually I´m buying one of those in a few days, an this video really help me.
I'm glad I could help! You won't be disappointed. I love mine more every time I ride.
Danakin, sorry could you please tell me where you buy those OEM things and what is the porpuse of that? And other question, the bike came with that thing in the gas tank? Thanks.
I usually buy things either online or from my local bike dealership. The thing on the gas tank is a tank protector. It keeps belts and pant zippers from scratching the paint on the tank. They're cheap. Anywhere from $5-$20 depending on which one you like.
Enjoy it , I just got my last weekend ... orange metallic .
Alonso Rodriguez very nice!
I wanted the orange, but grey is what my dealer had,sooo.
Good review. I'm riding the 2016 650. I think the down shifting issue might come as a result of not stepping on the gear lever firm enough. Sometimes it can feel a bit clunky. I've felt something like that actually downshifting back to 1st. That black and white looks good.
Cool man! And thanks for the input! I haven't had the downshifting issue again, so maybe it was a fluke. What color did you settle on?
+Bullets Bikes & Books im only 5'5",need lowering kit tho,my second versys,been riding 40 yrs,the best bikes ive ever had ? eerr... yeah and ive had loads,comfy economical,nuff power ? could do with a tadge more,toured europe,britain,love em whether a newbie or an oldie
+Glyn Greenwood That's really good to hear. Did they last you a long time?
awesome review and awesome info. I've been thinking of getting a FZ6R, but the Versys may be a better option for me.
My first bike was a 2008 Versys. Vibrated my hands to sleep in 30 min and the clutch/fueling was awful. Stalled it constantly. Thought it was just operator error til I bought my Moto Guzzi Norge. The new ones are much sharper and has me thinking of trying it again. Lot of bang for the buck!!
Thomas Weirs The bike was redesigned in 2015. They took care of the vibration issues. It rides very smooth, and the clutch is great. I get over 50mpg easily. Granted, I have heard all the things you said about the older model.
Good review man! Also looking into getting this bike, have an awesome deal from my dealer for the LT model. Can't quite pull the trigger yet haha
I understand the hesitation. The LT model is definitely worth the money, though, and the bike has been amazing. Good luck on your final decision! I know what a pain that can be!
What do you think of your bike now mate? How comfy is the seat? Does the bike vibrate?
It's my daily driver, and it's at almost 20,000 miles. It's given me no trouble at all and I still love it. The seat is very comfortable and the bike has no noticeable vibration.
Great review bro, I just bought mine last week. And it's pretty awesome I've been riding a 250 for 3 years so it's a great up grade for me. But my only problem is the height.. It's so freakin tall, and I'm 6'0 but I still struggle in finding the best way to swing my leg over. Also mine tends to get stuck in between gears while I'm shifting up for some reason.
Thanks! I appreciate that! Even being 6'4" with longer legs, I still have a hard time. I have to swing my right leg sort of back/across the pillion seat. I can't just step over it.
+Danakin Streetrider one thing that I can say is that it's an awesome bike, I bought mine at discounted price at the dealership because it sat there for so long, everyone in the area where I stay rides either super-sports or Harley's, I got enough money to get it after month and a half , and it's everything I could want in a bike.. Ppl missed out but I got lucky lol
+Shan Crawford That's how I feel. I'm coming up on 2k and I still love it.
it look beautiful with orginal side cases..realy sport tourer..white is better..i like some lite off-road;so what mods available for Versys to have the Versatility..?!#
i think its a lovely looking bike , spent all evening looking at reviews of this and the 1000 version , not sure yet what to get in 2017 version as i've just been on and sold a susuki 650sv .....most of my driving is city based, this is prob the better option price wise but the 1000 ....oh im in love
So in your opinion, is that a good starter bike?
Nice Bike . I really loved this design.
The front end redesign was miles better than previous generations.
+Bullets Bikes & Books I agree. I was seriously considering one when I was buying .. Did you get the saddle bags also.
+dbest1a Vlogs I didn't. I wish I had, but they only had the LT model in lime green. Noooooooooo thanks haha.
+Bullets Bikes & Books lol. you can still get them . keep your eyes peeled on ebay and or craigslist .. or even a forum for this bike . I got a ton of stuff like that, which most wouldn't believe when they look at the parts...
+Bullets Bikes & Books gave you a subscribe also .. keep making videos bro..
Could you please elaborate.. .you say it's good or bad for "my size" "my height" "experience level" but we don't know what any of those are... thx...
I did say at least twice that it was my first bike, so that should speak to experience. As for the other two, I am 6'4" and about 270lbs.
glyn greenwood. ....1st versys 20,000,had its quirks, poorish brakes,vibey engine,tad ugly,new one like yours,absolutely no quirks, strong brakes , no vibes,looks good,bullet proof, proven engine.but a question..people say theyre poor on fuel,they must be driving in the redline ! ive always had between 50 and 60 mpg !
Same here. 45-60mpg for me, too.
What does the "Passing" lever do????
If you don't have your high beams on, it'll flash your high beam to let someone ahead of you know you're going to go around them.
Interesting. Not sure what the purpose of that is? I didn't know you're supposed to flash your high beams when passing?
+Schmidt McGready safety more than anything. Mostly for use on the highway or road trips.
Thanks for the review. Did you test ride any bikes before deciding?
I didn't. Nowhere in my area would allow it, and having only ridden in the MSF course at the time, I wouldn't have felt right risking it.
Bullets Bikes & Books I wonder who allows test rides. I want to get a versys, but also want to see if a different bike is better for me.
+Mathew Ryan I wanted to do the same. In the end I had to look at it as not being able to compare bikes, maybe, but just finding one that worked for me and going with it. For my next bike, I can be more informed.
Well, thanks for trying it out. So far everything looks great.
Danakin Streetrider had one for 6 months now, done about 4K miles, great comfortable sports tourer for me (6'-2" & 220lbs), nice stablemate for my XR 1200r Harley Davidson.
nice review man! thanks ;)
Any time!
Nice bike and good vid 👌
does anyone understand why the exhaust pipes that come out of the engine have so many curves and why not a straight out , down and under the bike?
I think it has to do with internal presure to make sure all fumes get out of you engine properly
Shorter pipes would cause the exhaust valves to burn, unless you increase the back pressure at the muffler. It's called a tuned exhaust. If the pipes (exhaust system) is long enough, you could run with no muffler and not burn the exhaust valves. You could run with shorter pipes and a more restricted muffler and be ok for the valves, but then you would be loosing power and efficiency from the motor.
Nice video helpful I am also buy Kawasaki versys 650
Very nice
Hey Danakin I'm a whole 140 pounds. and i'm looking to trade toowards this bike... hows it for 120kph 75mph on the RPM's? I'm looking for something that isn't as high rpm at highway speed.
Ray McLellan At 75-80mph on the highway you're looking at about 6k RPMs in 6th gear.
Danakin Streetrider thanks for the rapid response. .... dang gonna have to be the 1000 for me then. Unless ..... how the vibration? my Z750s is an inline 4 and riding at the same rpms for long gives butt fatigue because of the vibration.
Ray McLellan there's none. It's super comfortable at speed.
Danakin Streetrider nice... and please don't take offense but you seem to be close to 200 pounds. Like I said I'm trying to gauge to get it or not. only been able to sit on it at the dealerships. and trying to get the pros and cons 650 vs 1000. so you've been really helpful.
Ray McLellan no offense taken. I'm actually 230lbs. But I'm also 6'4", so Ive got an average build, just on a large scale. And the max weight capacity is something like 450lbs, so it's not like my size is taxing for it.
nice! thanks for posting. similar boat as you, too tall for most bikes :S
Thanks man.
how tall are you..still having problems downshifting ??
6' 4", and not anymore.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Is this a good bike for a round the world trip?
May want to consider the V-Storm 650 adventure too
Not the best for a round the world trip, look at a adv bike around the 1000cc. Vstrome 1000, Africa twin, triump 800 or explorer or bmw gs 800 or 1200. Remember you will have hard cases etc, the extra weight makes a big difference to the 650 where as the 1000cc handle it much easier and if your riding long distances you will notice the difference.
Would this make a good bike for someone 5'6" and 150 pounds?
Reeewaj I don't think so
Zach Bento thank you!
Reeewaj probably not. You could go to a dealership and sit on one, but odds are it's too tall.
Reeewaj It depends on how experienced you are. You won't have your 2 feet flat. If you're ok with it, fine... Otherwise, you might have problems.
I'm 5'8" (174cm) and I can't flat foot both feet it but it doesn't feel heavy and slow speed handling is easy. But I started on even a taller supermoto 250 so I got used to standing on one leg only.
When he said the ignition line when he pointed t out he said horn ha everyone makes mistakes
I realized it as soon as I posted the video! Yep, mistakes happen.
Danakin Streetrider bro should I buy that bike or the gsxr 750 as a first when I get olfef
Aaron Quiroz I love mine. I'd much rather this one.
Danakin Streetrider thanks bro
would you prefer this or the ninja 650
It essentially *is* the Ninja 650. The Versys has a tad more low end (it's been tuned that way) but it has the same engine. My personal opinion is the Ninja 650 looks a tad cooler, but the Versys is much more comfortable for a taller/larger rider. So, for me, I'd say the Versys, but either one is a great choice.
+Bullets Bikes & Books okay awesome because it's going to be my first bike and I wanna get a ninja 650 I did look at the cbr650f but it's not easy to take the back seat off for that one when I was little I use to ride dirt bikes but paid more attention to school haha
+Bullets Bikes & Books I'm also 5'7 haha
+John Javarone at 5'7" you could rock the Ninja 650 no problem.
+Bullets Bikes & Books nice!!!! I might lower it an inch so I can flat foot the ground and I definitely look forward to more videos haha
any buffeting issue?
Not for me. I had the screen fully raised and I got a really small amount of buffetting, I dropped it to the low position, and now there's none. I can't explain it. I could theoretically ride with my visor up on the freeway and be fine. I won't, because a rock in the eye at 85mph would put a damper on my afternoon, but hey...
Iam 5, 7 ... The bike will be OK for me or to tall?
I'd say too tall, but go to your local dealer and sit on one and see what you think.
I called the dealer and it said that 5'7 is the perfect size to drive the Kawasaki Versys 650. But i will have the best information when i try it! Thanks for your answer!
@@remi1213 Exactly. Try it for yourself, and don't take their word for it.
@@danakinstreetrider thanks
Would someone 5'8" be able to touch the floor?
Probably not flat-footed. You'd be able to tiptoe it, I'm sure. See if you can find a dealer that has one, and throw a leg over it.!
how tall are you
josh L. 6'4"
Hey the horn is on your other right! :)
stogierogy Lol yeah I realized that I misspoke after I posted this. 😅
Ha, all good, cool review. Im still on the fence between this and a Tiger 800 XR. Have a leftover near me which I test rode today. Getting test rides on Japanese bikes without attending a demo day is impossible in the surrounding states by me.
Versys is a better bike than the Ninja, sounds like you got lucky.
Starfire XD It has the exact same engine as the Ninja 650, but I agree, the body seems more durable.
Danakin Streetrider the engine is tuned a bit differently and the suspension on the Versys is way better than what the ninja has, although the new ninja has a great frame and all now and the assist and slipper clutch is nice
Your height?
6'4"
+Bullets Bikes & Books I was always wondering how tall is that bike. I'm 6'3 so probably it would be ok. do you find it ok ?
+gloryths it's very good for that height.
I am 189cm
Is this ok for me?
MrBla322 it ought to be. I am only slightly taller than you are. Go sit on one and see what you think.
Danakin Streetrider
thanks for your reply
Nice bike but nothing like my Tracer ok thats much better
Andy Bryant
your tracer have a good motor but it's all....the versys is better everywere and have a good motor too
not a good first bike for you..lucky you didn't end up on your ass.
How tall are you
Luke Johnson 6' 4"