Kawasaki Versys 1000 Honest Review
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- My Kawasaki Versys 1000 review and comparison with other adventure motorcycles.
Contents:
00:00 Kawasaki Versys 1000
02:50 Price & competitors
04:58 Unique character
06:20 Weight
07:13 Massiveness
08:57 Ergo
09:45 Handguards
10:09 Windshield
10:39 Engine
12:08 Gearbox & quickshifter
13:24 Fuel consumption
14:00 Engine sound
15:05 Vibrations
15:34 Suspension
19:28 Base vs S vs SE
21:40 Conclusion
Adventure motorcycle comparison table: motosmotos.ru
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If you want to provide adventure bike for a test in european countries - write to moto-review@ya.ru 
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Just my opinion but I think the versys 1000 is one of the best looking motorcycles made and I dont even own one. The front end with those dual sleek headlights is awesome.
Honestly speaking, one of the best review ... You just convinced me to get this bike instead of Honda rebel 1100. Thank you
The rebel is cool, but the versys is going to way more for you! Very good choice!
@@ComfyDadShoes thank you .. unfortunately I end up buying hd dyna wide glide 2012 😁😁 not even close 😂😅
@Mitko Mitev I must agree with on that one.. bit I end up buying hd dyna wide glide 2012 and that not even close 😂😂
and I’m here, tired of my 1100, looking for my next bike
Have you ever thought why the Versys 1000 has 6 gears…? 🤔Just use it and you will find that it can also use significantly less than 6 l/100km…! 👍🏻
You suggest riding on twisty roads with acceleration and deceleration in sixth gear, am I right? Alas, 4 cylinders cannot be energy efficient as 2 cylinders.
@@adv-moto Or 4th or 5th..you do hang onto low gears a lot.
You are wright Peter. When i drive 80 , it will be in 5th gear. Ik changed my new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to a Versys 1000 SE and i am so confident. I don't need 160 Hp and 140 m Torque anymore.
@@adv-motoThis engine can operate smoothly down to 2500 rpm. Operating in 3rd gear at rpms of 4000 rpm or more is nonsense. I routinely get 4.8L/100km and I don't ride like a grandpa. It is designed with a long flat torque curve but you ride it like its a peaky sport bike.
This review has me so confused, so many of your points just dont mke sense
Excellent review, many thanks.
Very nice review. On Dutch roads..!!. I owned the first version of the versys. 1000KM on one day, twistyroad an high way. Not a problem. THe comfort is realy high. I fully agree with your good review.
i finally found someone who think what i think, being apart of particular preferences such reliable engine at that cost don´t understand other choices. consumption is not an issue, for m,e wiht a passenger and suitcases traveling from spain to swizerland and back 5,1 L 100 kms, now i have been riding this bike for 3 years and 35000 ks and never saw 6 l/100km as average.
Very weel presented. Great work! It's hard to see such a well explained review out here
Nice job. Love the things you pointed out-like the under-seat space, engine/road noise, etc. Looking closely at a ‘15 (I.e., pre-Skyhook); your review answered a lot of my questions.
Subscribed.
Reason for the space is because the bike did not have the electronic Skyhook Suspension. This guy should have done some research before his review.
Then we must assume that Kawasaki made a giant space on the first generation, 7 years before the introduction of Skyhook. :) Suspension module can be located elsewhere, it does not have to be under seat.
@@smokey8400 I have a 2022 SE and yes, that nice under seat storage is completely used up by the suspension module. It doesn’t have much under seat storage at all, barely enough for the factory tool bag. It’d be a nice place for a tire repair and first aid kits.
Yes this is a very good review . And I drive a Versys 1000 in the steep French Alps everyday. A all around good bike .
Great review. 👍
I just bought a 2013 model today. It was already amazing. Coming most recently from the comfortable sack-of-potatoes that is my 2005 Honda NTV Deauville, this Versys is just the right balance between the plaything of my dreams and the affordable maintainable 4-cylinder liter bike. And the seating/riding position just fits my fat ass and broad shoulders perfectly. It is pure joy. See you on the Dutch roads!
Glad i'm here. Thank you!
nice video man subbed.
very comprehensive - thank you
Thank You for a good review.
I would be very grateful for your help. I am also 188 cm tall. Currently I am faced with a choice: Kawasaki Versys 1000 or Honda NT 1100. What would you choose for yourself? I especially mean a comfortable position, comfort over longer distances, the angle of bending the knees.
Perfect review 👌
I have a 2015, have put 20k on it since I purchased it used with 4k. Only negatives I have with it is the seat. It sucks. Replaced it with a Holeshot/Corbin. Problem solved. Very jerky in lower gears, light throttle. Fixed with icu reflash. Very comfy, windshield works fine, not as loud as most say. Plenty of power at all rpms with a beautiful intake howl. Heat hasn't been an issue with me, but I live in the upper Midwest. Change your fork oil and adjust the steering head bearings. It will need it eventually and it is a noticeable improvement.
Thanks for the info 🎉🎉
I had an S1000XR (1st version) - THAT bike’s sound was annoying on longer journeys. I’d still hear the whine in my head the next day… From what I’ve heard and seen (1st hand and from reviews) Versys is much better in this regard (as is the new XR, which is still kinda buzzy compared to the V).
And btw… V-StRom and AkrApOvic(h) (last letter is pronounced like CHess)
so, learned two new names today, acropivic and vstorm :)
Really good review. Very in detail. You got my like. A do it all bike. In my opinion. Drop by if have time.
heb zelf onderhand al bijna 2 jaar een versys 650 op A2 rijbewijs. Lijkt me heerlijk om binnenkort de 1000 te testen en wie weet eindelijk mijn droom 4 cilinder te kunnen bemachtigen.
Never understood why Kawasaki never gave it a shaft drive. It would have been a serious option for me if it had one. Now its a no go from the beginning. Enjoy your ride guys!
Chains are not that big of an issue anymore. Lube every 200 miles with chain wax using center-stand takes me < 10 minutes including clean-up of rear rim and good time to inspect bike. I prefer the much lower weight and cost plus higher efficiency of chain drive
Great review
Great video bro! Is this bike good for tall & heavy beginner? I am 7ft/300lbs and it fits me quite well :)
@ondrisGTR Thank. In any case, you need bike from 1000cc. In that sense, Versys... yes, fits your size. It is also good in "versatility" and gives an understanding of different classes.
But you have a manual weather shield is there an electric option? Especially with all that technology
I almost traded my 2020Road King Special for it… The exhaust sound of the I4 is unreal!!!
Cruise control is only available on S and SE up till 2022 year. From 2023 its fitted on all 3 versions.
Well....I owned Versy x-300, still own Versy 650 and Versys 1000 SE....
I totally disagree with some of the opinions.
This is an amazing sport touring bike. Did 1000 miles rides in one shot, did very long trips on it, bad weather, awesome weather...Its a VERY underestimated bike.
As a matter of fact, somebody I know was comparing 1000SE to BMW GSA 1250 and they were shocked how loaded it is. Again, underappreciated machine for sure.
Thanks for sharing
I got a 2019 versys 1000 brand new. It was a really good starter bike. My buddy on his harly was surprised he couldnt keep up with it. 6th gear at 35 to 45 i can get aroins 60 mpg
Extreme good review
This is gold
Had mine for 2 years now. Only thing I would improve would be shaft drive in place of chain. Other than that it’s all good.
👍👍👍
If you can afford it, the suspension on the SE LT version is a really nice feature. I think the SE LT version is the only one available in the US so the awesome suspension is built into the price. I rode on the standard settings for a few months but then once I set up a custom "Rider" mode and set the compression, rebound and offset it handled even better. I am a lighter than average person so reducing the compression and rebound made it more comfortable. It was nice to be able to do it from the phone app too. Just change the various settings and download them to the bike, very cool, you can save as many custom settings as you want. I was able to get rid of the top speed front end wiggle all together. "Rain" mode is great for dirt or gravel roads and paths which the bike handles quite well. You very accurately described how the quick shift feature is pretty much useless.
Good and interesting review.
Well done. Keep moving on please 👍
It's a great bike, perhaps only eclipsed by it's stable-mate the Ninja 1000SX.
In the user manual the quick shifter is supposed to be used above 4100 rpm. As my bike has broken in with over 8K miles the behavior of the QS has improved. I just dont like using it 5-6th as that step is too great and a bit harsh.
Hi, I've had my new Versys 1000 S for just a year now here in the UK and covered just over 2100 miles, yes, a fair weather rider. Bike is tall and I've had the lowering kit fitted which helps hugely. My only complaint is the very uncomfortable seat which I can only last on for an hour or so before having to stop and get off for a while. Any advice on this problem greatly appreciated. Other than that, it is a nice ride with a comfortable seating position and the luggage a welcome bonus.
@Stiggy Just find an atelier where put a gel inside, or you can order it through Topsellerie or something else. If problem is in stiffness of the filler itself, and not in the form.
@@adv-moto Hi and many thanks for your prompt reply. The original seat I found I could sit on for maybe 45 minutes before discomfort. I did have the seat remade with gel pads and different foam and this improved comfort and I can now ride an hour to hour 15 maybe and I have to get off. I spoke with my local dealer about this and he said that this discomfort thing is increasing with the problem being manufacturers making bikes taller. When shorter riders sit on them they maybe feel unsafe on tiptoes on both feet so to get round this the manufacturer makes the seat narrower at the front which enables potential purchasers to get both feet on the ground and feel safer. This then concentrates all your weight on a very localised spot on the body. I spoke about this with the company that re-foamed my seat and they said the seat needs to be wider at the front to provide more support, example he gave which I find is true, sitting at the computer for hours on end on an office chair with about 2 cm of foam from the plastic base no problem with comfort because weight is spread over a bigger area.
Again, thanks for reply and vids which I do enjoy. Ride safe.
I Just got an Airhawk seat pad it works perfectly.
@@smokey8400 Thanks for the reply WJ. Actually tried a similar recommended gel seat pad same as the Airhawk and found that worse than the original seal. I think I'm just an awkward customer.
I loved my 650 Versys. One of few gripes about the new generation is, they're still using 10 year old tech. That dash needs a serious upgrade to an >8" TFT touch screen with GPS nav.
Only if that's what you hanker for in a bike....I couldn't care less about a satnav
@@BibtheBoulder That's what I'd hanker for if I was buying a touring bike like this and traveling to places I'm unfamiliar with. Much more convenient that having to pull over and consult a map.
@@ToeTag1968 Well said....
Hallo, wäre es möglich die eingeblendeten Tabellen z.b. zu Dropbox hochzuladen und uns dann per Link hier zur Verfügung zu stellen? Das wäre sehr interessant.
Habe ich bei meinem Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Grande Tourer Vergleichsvideo (mit Triumph Tiger 900) auch so gemacht...
Hello, would it be possible to display the tables e.g. upload it to Dropbox and then make it available to us via a link here? That would be very interesting.
I did the same with my Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Grande Tourer comparison video (with Triumph Tiger 900)...
Hi! I have table for "internal use". I will try to publish before the next video, which is almost ready.
Best looking, best stock sound and comfortable. I love my Versys 1000.
I do most of my riding around town with short to medium freeway trips so the 650 would do me. Maybe if I was doing a lot of long trips I might get the 1 lite.
I wouldn’t waste your money on the 1000 for sure. They nerfed the engine so you are not getting liter bike power for your money like other bikes. It’s over priced for what it is.
I have the 650. I like it a lot. However I’m looking at others for my 1000c bike
Hi, would you consider it a better allrounder than Suzuki 1050 xt 2021? Thanks!
1050 isn't bad, it's just not good at something special (ok, for daily city comuting better, than Versys). Versys at least gives more comfort and dynamics/fun - so, yes, Versys is a better allrounder. The main problem with the 1050 as an allrounder is the mediocre suspension that doesn't offer the versatility that the Tiger 900 GT, any Multistrada, etc. have.
@@adv-moto , thanks a lot, really appreciate your answer!
Why don't you use a gear above the third? :) I noticed you did the same with the XR.
EDIT: Oh...
Scooters.can ride without a helmet and use the bike lane in Florida , not sure what you're getting at with the Holland thing?
I’m toying with the idea of replacing my Super Tenere 1200SE (2016) and I don’t see any replacement in the horizon… the Versys was an option but not enough
I did... No regrets
The sound is a personal thing. Wife owns the 1000, I own an FJR1300 - my 1300 hurts at idle. Her 1000 is always nice.
Watched many of your videos on Russian, firstly thought it was your voice:)
Is it stable upwards of 160kmh? Any wobbles?
@Hanei Ramen No, up to 190-200 km/h, even with high windshield in a high position, there is no wobble.
@@adv-moto thanks bro
In Your opinion which of Sports Tourers is best for city traffic?
@crushitall Complex issue. By default, all Sports Tourers have weak low-revs and in terms of comfort, low-rev-bikes will be better in traffic jams. If the Honda NT1100 - Sports Tourer, then I will vote for it - it is far from the most powerful in class, but it has a low-rev-engine, an automatic transmission, it is very narrow for a 1000 cc and quite light. If closer to the usual Sports Tourers - Yamaha Tracer 9 is chic - very light, compact, maneuverable, but the engine is already without fat low-revs. Something else from Triumph. For example, Tiger 1050 Tiger 900 GT, Tiger 800 XR - they all have very smooth torque on all revs. Also great for the city, but I vote for NT1100 because of DCT gearbox.
@@adv-moto thx a lot - now I'm riding Africa 1000 with DCT😁. I love Tracer but it's more like a toy and it's not good for riding with passanger...
Yep, Tracer only for pilot.
really... the engine sounds fantastic... agree on the rest of the review though
Stay on point
I just wanna know how you got your leg over it with that bag there. My poor knees
Holland has some beautiful roads!
👍
Use a 16 teeth front sprocket if you ride long distances... It makes a nice difference
yup 16t = longer chain life to.... , not for two riders though, , 6th becomes very overdrive .... no need to change the rear tooth count. .. touring two up simply run a 60 series tire .....shinko890...😊 look out for the plazic fender.
V-storm??
As a 650 owner I have to agree that the 1000 is not really the same bike nor does it follow the same philosophy. Then again neither does the adv focused 300 whereas the 650 is a road bike.
But it does seem to work. Most people buying new bikes are not making informed choices, and usually have more money than sense. More experienced riders usually go through 3-4 bikes and then stick to one, and may add more to their garage but if they have to have one they keep it. Newer riders are the bulk of motorcycle sales and the prestige of a higher number and spec bikes still works. I'm in some owner groups for the Versys and the 1000 seems to be a lot more popular than I thought, and there's surprisingly a lot of people going from the 650 to the 1000 but also the reverse.
It's a good bike overall and sells ok but most people getting it have the wrong idea about what they're getting
Definitely not a true 4cylinder 1000c. I have the 650 which I love. However if I’m going to shell out more money for the 1000. It needs to run like one. I think the loaded version is like 18000. Mostly because of electronics I don’t need. I havnt seen a base model at any dealer.
@@dsiz9421Comparing Versys 1000 to 650 the 1000 is a much better motorcycle hands down and IMO well worth the price. As far as power is concerned this will mostly keep up with Ninja 1000SX even well beyond legal speeds as my brother has the later and i have ridden it back-to-back but i prefer Versys comfort. There is plenty of power to do stupid things that could get you killed or injured. Comparatively the Versys 650 is a sloth and from an overall performance, handling, and comfort perspective does not even come close to the 1000.
the netherlands?
Hey there, one question. It is good for ADV. or not? ✌️
Depending on what you mean by ADV. This is definitely an asphalt bike.
@@adv-moto That's what I wanted to know, whether it's adventure or not. Thanks✌️
You can do light adv with it. I've owned it and went on unpaved roads no problem at all.
Just little bit sad not to hear the voice of Одинокого волка. But I've submitted anyway in order to support the chanel
V-St-r-om not V-Sto-r-m.
Hnoda Arfrica Tiwn is a great bike tho
650 is owning the market, in the slow lane.....
Nice review, Great bike but a bit overpriced because you can get a tiger 1200 for almoust the same price, fuel economy could have been better because the Versys consumes more gas than the new goldwing.
New Tiger 1200 start from 19 500 euro, the old one - very good bike, but has a reliability issues with engine and gearbox.
This consumption is a feature of 4-cylinder 1000cc engines - S1000XR or Multistrada V4 consume same or more. Gold Wing has almost a car engine with "square" cylinders and a car rev range - it is not entirely appropriate to compare with short-stroke high-revving engines - different emotions. 2-cylinders consume less too, but that's not the only difference.
Where is the Suzuki S1000GT? $13,000 and 150 hp is attractive. 😍
This is not an adventure bike. S1000GT's competitor - Z1000SX.
Engine too busy for sport touring, short geared. Look at one up close, build quality is crap.
Fijne review !
What the hell is a "V-Storm"?
What’s a vStorm?
Would rather have a Ninja 1000SX which i reckon is even better value, but the Versys still a great bike...
Soo many "Grammar-Naciz" out here jeez... 🤦♂
Nice review btw! ;)
I had to stop watching this video because of the computer generated voice and all the mispronunciations.😩 It mentions that the Versys 1000LT+ 2019 forward was a mild update......not true!!! The 2019 was was a major update including heated grips, cornering lights, cruise control, ride by wire, helmet lock, electronic suspension with customized ride ability with the Kawasaki smart phone app, TFT display and self healing paint for minor scratches.
The MC's that are in the Versys 1000LT+ category are the V-Strom 1050, BMW RT1250, Yamaha Tracer 900, KTM 1290 and Ducati Muti Strada with only the V-Strom 1050 being an adventure/s[ort touring MC. The rest are sport touring MC's. The V-Strom 1050 and Tracer are in the Versys price category and offer similar features & performance The BMW, KTM and Ducati are thousands of $ more offering more performance and features. What the BMW, KTM and Ducati don't offer is Japanese reliability. I own a 2016 Versys LT and a 2020 Versys LT+. The 2016 has been completely reliable with only routine maintenance in 60,000 miles. I trust the same will be true for the 2020.
Oh brother. Your country is beautiful. Which country, part is it?
Netherlands and Germany, but i live in Spain. :)
@@adv-moto it's really beautiful and less corwded.
Yes greate video n all, but its not V-StORm but V-StROm... You cant even imagine how much that botherd me 😅
KTM 1190. Done.
You should use only the 1st gear instead of 3rd to get even worst consuption numbers :D
Using the right gears you can tour below 5 liters.
V STROM not V STORM please.
Lol, ride it like you stole it means balls out dude!
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000XR
You keep saying Vstorm instead of VstRom.
I have enough power with 650.. if solo.
Kawasaki Nagasaki
no Z
also not true because Ninja is synonymous with Kawasaki and everyone knows the Ninja names encompasses many different size Ninjas and each one has its merits, the Ninja 300/400 is not the same as a ZX10 and the ZX14 has more in common with the Concours than the ZX10
I liked your review, but why do you pronounce it "Ver-seeze"? A little research would have shown that the name is short for "VERsatile SYStem", in other words a bike that can be adventure, sport and touring, all in one package. So "VER-SYS" please! (Unless you pronounce SYStem as SEEZE-tem 😃"!
It's V-Strom, not V-Storm.
I have a 2012 Versys 1000. Came off a 2012 Versys 650. Love both for different reasons. I am 6'4" 215 lbs so the weight doesn't bother me.
The biggest drawback to the 1000 is the heat generated by the engine. I love the ability to lug around at any RPM and have plenty of power or wind it out if I want to.
Advocate!
15:57 hit a bird big time.
Anyone else hear v-storm rather than v-strom?
3:27 woah woah woah, that's just untrue. Fully loaded XR is 16,500 GBP, just 500 more than an equally loaded Versys 1000, Multistrada V4s START at 20k the XR is very much in the same price bracket as the versys and unfortunately destroys it in almost every aspect.
Edit: apologies you just talked through that 30 secs later but still.
Also, that's the most butchered pronunciation of Akrapovic i've ever heard lol
Right now in Spain (basic versions):
13 900 € - Versys 1000 + free panniers + insurance
20 200 € - S1000XR
20 890 € - Multistrada V4.
Suzuki is V-Strom, not V-Storm :))
No lower leg fairing, high speed stability is supposed to leathal, too heavy......discuss
They might call it an ADV, but it isn't.
Why do all modern bikes look the same and all soooo boring. I want to upgrade from my 81 1100 Katana, tl1000s and 92 zxr750, because I'm older and need more comfort, and while all these new bikes ride very nice..... they just look boring or even stupid, it's like all manufacturers stopped giving a crap since the early 2000s.
Comparing the Ducati V4S to this bike is not an inclass comparison. Until Kawasaki builds a 1200, they need to be evaluated to the 900cc class. The real truth is that the Japanese have fallen behind. They fail to recognise that there are two classes of the ADV bikes. 950 and below and the 1200 and above. Where has Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki been for 15 years?
A few years ago, Honda was selling at the same time VFR1200X, VFR800X, Africa Twin, Africa Twin Adventure Sports, NC750X and CB500X. Yes, VFR is "sporty adventure", but...
It's pronounced versis
Which is derived from
VERsatile SYStem
VERSYS.
Bad handlebar positioning, why forward and down?
Not bad - more sporty than it needs to be.
Decent review, but you read words wrong, it's not VStorm it's VStrom, "liter" is pronounced leeter not lighter. Akrapovic not Akropivic, it's like you're reading a scrip someone else wrote.
… script…
nobody speaking about the heat that will cook your right leg and your balls (only the right)
V-Storm, lol
STROM NOT STORM.
I thought it was VerSIS, not VerSEEES. 😂
I cannot understand if you are a copycat or a legit second channel of the guy who does this in Russian (doubt thelatter since the voices dont match at all)
Legal. I think it would be terrible if I voiced it all with an accent. Especially after the war.