Right on! I had a beautiful 1979 KZ1300 years ago. It was a smooth bike, but the weight really killed any enjoyment I had riding it. What a beast! They're gaining in value now though.
I really like the Kawasaki Versys 1000, but bought a Suzuki DL1000 because I actually wanted to ride on unpaved country roads. My first and second bikes were a 1978 KZ650 and a 1976 KZ900. That was 1994 and I haven't owned another Kawasaki since. I was 13/14 when I had those bikes, I bought them as non runners.
The one thing the KZ has that the Versys lacks...character. Those old Kawasaki 4's were bulletproof. Paired with a 4 into 1 Kerker they sounded amazing.
thanks jon, there is no doubt the newer bikes have nearly every advantage compared to the vintage models.but the old ones still have charactor.i guess its also why some aviation buffs still love to fly old biplanes.they have charactor that cant be experienced in modern aircraft.i really enjoy your channel.
No doubt - it is why I own/ride predominantly vintage bikes after owning or riding most modern bikes. I'm also a huge WWII aviation buff, have done aerobatics in a T-6 Texan, and really want a ride in a Mustang. 🙂 I'm glad you're enjoying the channel.
@@bradmyers6429 That would be a great video. I have done a review on each one but didn't own them concurrently. The 650 is lighter with sharper handling but the 1000 has MOTOR, and is better with a passenger, on the highway, or in the mountains.
Thanks for the comparison, I'm old school and have own many of the KZ1000, Kz1100, Honda's Custom 1000, CB1100F, V65 1100 Magna and Gold Wing bikes. I maybe looking to try the Kawasaki Versys 1000, and fit-in with the youngsters! Although the Honda Africa may have my sights too!
Right on Charlie! It seems like we've owned many of the same models over the years. The Versys 1000 is the least fatiguing bike I've ever ridden. I have owned the Africa Twin as well, and it's a nice bike too. It really depends if you want to do any off-road riding. Good luck in your quest for a new machine!
Strange how different we can perceive things. In addition, production tolerances, dealer setup etc. also play a role. I rode a Versys 1000 briefly during a dealer demo back in 2019, and came away disappointed. Admittedly, there was no time to dial in anything like suspension or windscreen or controls, but the suspension was both too soft and too harsh at the same time, meaning it did not cope with minor imperfections, but bottomed over larger stuff. Not unlike the BMW Rnine-T Urban I tested, BTW. Climbing onto the Versys was a mammoth task - I am 5'11'' with an 32'' inseam, and could only tip-toe it. The screen caused a lot of wind noise, and the vibrations in the handlebars especially, but also in the pegs and tank, were pretty intrusive, particularly around 4000 rpm. There was a lot of power, though, but as a package it was nothing I would consider to own.
Interesting! This Versys had an aftermarket seat, taller windshield, and about 20k miles on it. Maybe it had smoothed a bit with age. No getting around the seat height - it is a big, tall bike. I'm 6-4" so it fit me well. I didn't mess with the suspension too much but it was magic carpet comfy and easy to ride quickly. Not as quick steering or precise handling as the Versys 650 in an all-out sport riding but a better long-range or two-up mount. I was not really impressed with the first Versys 1000 I rode but that was just a short ride and I didn't get enough seat time to appreciate it. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I am very sensitive to handlebar vibrations due carpal tunnel syndrome. After an operation two years ago, my left hand became symptom free - should have done that 30+ years ago, when I had my right hand operated on. That did not give a full relief, making my thumb go numb under tingling vibrations typical of inline fours (but also the Honda 500/600/650/700 52-degree twins and Kawa inline six). If it wasn't for this, the vibrations from the Versys I rode would not have been a deal killer.
@64faffi Understandable. I'm particular about wrist angle for the same reasons, so that simply rules out quite a few bikes and almost all hard-core sportbikes.
Hi Jon; I completely agree with you that the styling of modern bikes has become too much transformer-like, with the exception of few bikes. I admire the performances , but I hate those stylings .Some of the exception is the Kawasaki RS900 that we have in the Japanese home market, I don't know if it's available in US market. The bike has a beatiful styling just like the original Z1, 900 with the performance of modern water- cooled 4 cylinder engine. And to prove the point ,the bike has been a smash hit in Japanese market; people like styling of the classic UJM. Thanks for the nice videos you always post.
Great video! I really love my new (to me) 2016 Versys, like you said it’s just so easy to ride, fast or slow. Question, is that seat aftermarket? The stock seat isn’t bad but I’m looking at options. And what windscreen is that? Thanks!
Thanks! It's a Seat Concepts seat and Puig windshield. At 6'-4" tall, I would recommend the windshield and the seat is fine for hour + rides. I haven't done any really long rides to give a more informed opinion.
Thanks Jon! I logged about 300 miles today, first serious ride, and I’d say the seat is acceptable for that distances. But yes, the windscreen isn’t great, I’m only 5’7” and anything above 60 there is buffeting.
I Bought Both ✅✅ 79 Shaft 1000 and 80 1300 In… 1980 Wish I Still Had Them
Right on! I had a beautiful 1979 KZ1300 years ago. It was a smooth bike, but the weight really killed any enjoyment I had riding it. What a beast! They're gaining in value now though.
Just picked up a 2015 Versys 1000 LT. Really enjoyed your video and can’t wait to put some miles on it
Thanks Jean Paul! I hope you enjoy the Versys as much as I do.
I really like the Kawasaki Versys 1000, but bought a Suzuki DL1000 because I actually wanted to ride on unpaved country roads.
My first and second bikes were a 1978 KZ650 and a 1976 KZ900.
That was 1994 and I haven't owned another Kawasaki since.
I was 13/14 when I had those bikes, I bought them as non runners.
Wow, it seems like you started young! The DL1000 is also a nice bike. Cheers!
The one thing the KZ has that the Versys lacks...character.
Those old Kawasaki 4's were bulletproof. Paired with a 4 into 1 Kerker they sounded amazing.
I do love the old KZ but the Versys is brilliant (in my opinion) in every area save looks - one area where it could use a bit less "character".
thanks jon, there is no doubt the newer bikes have nearly every advantage compared to the vintage models.but the old ones still have charactor.i guess its also why some aviation buffs still love to fly old biplanes.they have charactor that cant be experienced in modern aircraft.i really enjoy your channel.
No doubt - it is why I own/ride predominantly vintage bikes after owning or riding most modern bikes. I'm also a huge WWII aviation buff, have done aerobatics in a T-6 Texan, and really want a ride in a Mustang. 🙂 I'm glad you're enjoying the channel.
Yet another great video! Your camera angle and commentary makes feel like i'm riding those roads and talking in my helmet lol
Thanks Brad! I'm glad the camera angle is working like I want it to. 🙂
How about a back to back comparison of the Versys 1000 and 650?
@@bradmyers6429 That would be a great video. I have done a review on each one but didn't own them concurrently. The 650 is lighter with sharper handling but the 1000 has MOTOR, and is better with a passenger, on the highway, or in the mountains.
Thanks for the comparison, I'm old school and have own many of the KZ1000, Kz1100, Honda's Custom 1000, CB1100F, V65 1100 Magna and Gold Wing bikes. I maybe looking to try the Kawasaki Versys 1000, and fit-in with the youngsters! Although the Honda Africa may have my sights too!
Right on Charlie! It seems like we've owned many of the same models over the years. The Versys 1000 is the least fatiguing bike I've ever ridden. I have owned the Africa Twin as well, and it's a nice bike too. It really depends if you want to do any off-road riding. Good luck in your quest for a new machine!
Strange how different we can perceive things. In addition, production tolerances, dealer setup etc. also play a role. I rode a Versys 1000 briefly during a dealer demo back in 2019, and came away disappointed. Admittedly, there was no time to dial in anything like suspension or windscreen or controls, but the suspension was both too soft and too harsh at the same time, meaning it did not cope with minor imperfections, but bottomed over larger stuff. Not unlike the BMW Rnine-T Urban I tested, BTW. Climbing onto the Versys was a mammoth task - I am 5'11'' with an 32'' inseam, and could only tip-toe it. The screen caused a lot of wind noise, and the vibrations in the handlebars especially, but also in the pegs and tank, were pretty intrusive, particularly around 4000 rpm. There was a lot of power, though, but as a package it was nothing I would consider to own.
Interesting! This Versys had an aftermarket seat, taller windshield, and about 20k miles on it. Maybe it had smoothed a bit with age. No getting around the seat height - it is a big, tall bike. I'm 6-4" so it fit me well. I didn't mess with the suspension too much but it was magic carpet comfy and easy to ride quickly. Not as quick steering or precise handling as the Versys 650 in an all-out sport riding but a better long-range or two-up mount. I was not really impressed with the first Versys 1000 I rode but that was just a short ride and I didn't get enough seat time to appreciate it. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I am very sensitive to handlebar vibrations due carpal tunnel syndrome. After an operation two years ago, my left hand became symptom free - should have done that 30+ years ago, when I had my right hand operated on. That did not give a full relief, making my thumb go numb under tingling vibrations typical of inline fours (but also the Honda 500/600/650/700 52-degree twins and Kawa inline six). If it wasn't for this, the vibrations from the Versys I rode would not have been a deal killer.
@64faffi Understandable. I'm particular about wrist angle for the same reasons, so that simply rules out quite a few bikes and almost all hard-core sportbikes.
gd vid again jon. brill.
Thanks David.
Hi Jon; I completely agree with you that the styling of modern bikes has become too much transformer-like, with the exception of few bikes. I admire the performances , but I hate those stylings .Some of the exception is the Kawasaki RS900 that we have in the Japanese home market, I don't know if it's available in US market. The bike has a beatiful styling just like the original Z1, 900 with the performance of modern water- cooled 4 cylinder engine.
And to prove the point ,the bike has been a smash hit in Japanese market; people like styling of the classic UJM.
Thanks for the nice videos you always post.
You're welcome! We have the RS900 here, and I agree that it's a beautiful bike. I really like the "Cafe" version. Cheers!
Its shame that Versys is with chain drive. Tetra lever shaft version would be more touring oriented for that, more same level with old Shaft KZ.
Agreed, I prefer shaft drive over the chain.
Great video! I really love my new (to me) 2016 Versys, like you said it’s just so easy to ride, fast or slow. Question, is that seat aftermarket? The stock seat isn’t bad but I’m looking at options. And what windscreen is that? Thanks!
Thanks! It's a Seat Concepts seat and Puig windshield. At 6'-4" tall, I would recommend the windshield and the seat is fine for hour + rides. I haven't done any really long rides to give a more informed opinion.
Thanks Jon! I logged about 300 miles today, first serious ride, and I’d say the seat is acceptable for that distances. But yes, the windscreen isn’t great, I’m only 5’7” and anything above 60 there is buffeting.
Good info. Every time I see your footage going down country roads I keep watching for Amish buggies like my part of Pa.
We certainly have them!