Stumbled across this video and loved it wish i had seen it 16 to 18 months ago it would have cemented my decision earlier .I bought a 2014 in triple black in May 2022 after riding a 54 plate 1000 vstrom for a couple of years .The versys had 8.5k miles on it had a full service history and had just had the major service done it was and still is fantastic now has over 12000 on it and new boots and is going great guns.
A solid review... I'm changing my Triumph Sprint GT 1050 as I find it a little heavy on the wrist now for these old bones. Your review gave me the nudge I needed to take the plunge. I take delivery of a 2013 plate with 12k on the clock next week!! I hope all goes well.
I own the same bike in the same colour on a 13 plate that I bought brand new. I have been riding bikes for 35 years and can honestly say it’s the best bike I have ever had and I will never sell it. It really is that good.
Thank you for your comment. It is a brilliant motorcycle. I just wish I could use all of its power and handling ability. British roads, laws and cameras inhibit the fun. Beginning to think all I need is 50 hp! Cheers and good riding.
I agree with your opinion on looks! I think it is fantastic. I just got the same colour 2012 with 10k kms ! Showroom condition. Great step from my V650
Sounds like you've bought yourself a beaut. The power of its motor will kill your desire for any other motorcycles. Looks, speed, comfort. Its got it all. Thanks for the comment.
This was a good review. I've had my eye on an FJR for months. Convinced it would be the one. About a month ago I learned about the Versys. And it changed my mind. Will pick up a 2019 model in the spring. Can't wait!
I had an FJR before I bought the Versys. Video link below: ruclips.net/video/flw6EJVAaD0/видео.html Would I go back to the FJR after riding the the Versys 1000? No. The Versys 1000 is still the best bike I have ever ridden. You can ride it like a semi auto because there is plenty torque so you can ride to a very low speed in 4th 5th and 6th and accelerate away without the need to change gear. Spool up the rpm and it shifts. It's comfy and thrifty too if you mix your riding style. You will not be disappointed if buy one in the spring. The later versions - 2019 - are even better.
Agree! I had the same thought process as you - even in finding this bike quite beautiful, contrary to the whole world it seemed - and got a 2012 white version. Love it.
I said it on the video and I say it again, " This is the best bike I have ever ridden." Have noticed on Auto Trader the used price on these earlier versions have risen since I purchased mine 9 month ago. Demand must be high. I used to keep looking around for my next motorcycle. Owning this one has killed all my desire for anything else. Like you I prefer the white ones. Cheers.
I like your unusual style of presentation. A Nicely done review. With regards to the slipper clutch: Many of the clutch components are common between the two clutch types so with the right parts you can convert yours to the much lighter 3 spring slipper/assist type. 2016 on Z1000/Versys or Z900/Z900RS would be suitable clutch part donors.
To be fair, think I like the squared off looks better than the fluent lines of the same year 650. But do I want a 1000cc for a nice weather near home commute and a weekend around the church route?
I see you are still answering comments! I ride a TDM 850 right now and I am looking to upgrade. The thing that bothers me is the bikes high weight. I trash my bikes hard, having my rear wheel step out every once in a while, locking up the rear brake for fun, pulling wheelies and going through bends I know at 10/10 while hanging off the side and scraping the inner peg. How do you feel that this bike takes to that style of riding? P.S. Nice clip, love your calm voice and the plinging in the background. Informative and fun to watch!
Thanks for your comment. Sounds like you are quite a rider. I moved down from an FJR1300 so seemed light to me. Put your leg over one and check if the seat height is OK for you. Performance wise they are fast and agile, but they aren't a sport bike.
@@J2onton Thanks for letting me know man! Deciding between this and a Tiger 1050, which seems a bit sportier. I'll make sure to try both! 183cm, so height should be fine 👍
Im nearly positive I now own it. Picked it up from Bolton today and went through Snowdonia on it. I will be comparing this video to it tomorrow and looking for any minor imperfections
Thanks. It will be difficult to replace this one. Must be one of the best all rounders on the market. If you want it to thrill you, just twist that throttle and it goes. By that I mean it goes fast, fast. Unusual looks and fairly comfortable. Would be perfect for me if it had a neutral riding position.
@@J2onton Kawasaki was on the right track with the look of this bike, it could have been heading towards the yamaha t7 look way before the yam. Kawasaki sometimes just stalls when they could tweak a product improving it. This could have evolved into something still unique. Even though the new one is nice , it looks similar to the 6r, ninja, 400, 650 ect. im not much of a fan of that. Still have my tdm 850 2nd gen. Shame i sold the zzz 250s, they crashed really well! (as n frequent/ not cheap) Shame i'm off the road now the uk has ruined all the fun.
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i buy a 2013 model, about 30 days, great value for the money and i love the bike
Good choice!
Stumbled across this video and loved it wish i had seen it 16 to 18 months ago it would have cemented my decision earlier .I bought a 2014 in triple black in May 2022 after riding a 54 plate 1000 vstrom for a couple of years .The versys had 8.5k miles on it had a full service history and had just had the major service done it was and still is fantastic now has over 12000 on it and new boots and is going great guns.
Yes they are good bikes. Pleased you ended up with a nice one. Cheers.
Which major service was done thanks?
Was looking at the FJR1300 and the Versys 1000 and I think you have just helped me decide. Really pleased I came across your excellent review.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the videos.
I had the first model 650 and I think that this early model looks very cool
I agree with you. Cheers.
A solid review... I'm changing my Triumph Sprint GT 1050 as I find it a little heavy on the wrist now for these old bones. Your review gave me the nudge I needed to take the plunge. I take delivery of a 2013 plate with 12k on the clock next week!! I hope all goes well.
I own the same bike in the same colour on a 13 plate that I bought brand new. I have been riding bikes for 35 years and can honestly say it’s the best bike I have ever had and I will never sell it. It really is that good.
Thank you for your comment. It is a brilliant motorcycle. I just wish I could use all of its power and handling ability. British roads, laws and cameras inhibit the fun. Beginning to think all I need is 50 hp! Cheers and good riding.
I agree with your opinion on looks! I think it is fantastic. I just got the same colour 2012 with 10k kms ! Showroom condition. Great step from my V650
Sounds like you've bought yourself a beaut. The power of its motor will kill your desire for any other motorcycles. Looks, speed, comfort. Its got it all. Thanks for the comment.
This was a good review. I've had my eye on an FJR for months. Convinced it would be the one. About a month ago I learned about the Versys. And it changed my mind. Will pick up a 2019 model in the spring. Can't wait!
I had an FJR before I bought the Versys. Video link below:
ruclips.net/video/flw6EJVAaD0/видео.html
Would I go back to the FJR after riding the the Versys 1000? No.
The Versys 1000 is still the best bike I have ever ridden. You can ride it like a semi auto because there is plenty torque so you can ride to a very low speed in 4th 5th and 6th and accelerate away without the need to change gear. Spool up the rpm and it shifts. It's comfy and thrifty too if you mix your riding style. You will not be disappointed if buy one in the spring. The later versions - 2019 - are even better.
Agree! I had the same thought process as you - even in finding this bike quite beautiful, contrary to the whole world it seemed - and got a 2012 white version. Love it.
I said it on the video and I say it again, " This is the best bike I have ever ridden." Have noticed on Auto Trader the used price on these earlier versions have risen since I purchased mine 9 month ago. Demand must be high. I used to keep looking around for my next motorcycle. Owning this one has killed all my desire for anything else. Like you I prefer the white ones. Cheers.
best looks of all versys generations
You are right .
I like your unusual style of presentation. A Nicely done review.
With regards to the slipper clutch: Many of the clutch components are common between the two clutch types so with the right parts you can convert yours to the much lighter 3 spring slipper/assist type. 2016 on Z1000/Versys or Z900/Z900RS would be suitable clutch part donors.
Thanks for your kind comment and thanks for the info. Didn't know that. May well convert to a lighter clutch.
I like the look. I getting one hopefully. I think both 650 and 1k previous edition look good
Sorry for the delay in replying. Been working. Both top bikes. Been out on mine today on a 2 hour ride. Love, love, love. it.
Bought mine from Robinson too it was green I lowered the front sprocket teeth for better cruise
I trust you got your better cruise.
To be fair, think I like the squared off looks better than the fluent lines of the same year 650. But do I want a 1000cc for a nice weather near home commute and a weekend around the church route?
It's a bike people either love or hate. I agree with you . They are a good all rounder. Much fster than you would think, if required.
i have a 2018 Versys 650 and plan to ''upgrade'' to a first gen 2012 Versys 1000, i don't like electronics anyway
I am with you on electronics. The fewer the better. Also ,they have pushed the price of new bikes up and up and up. Used prices have followed. Cheers.
I crashed my GTR1400 two weeks ago. Looking at a 2011 Versys 1000.
They are a good bike. It will feel a lot lighter than your GTR 1400.
@@J2onton i have ridden it twice now. Solo and with pillion. My wife is not so keen. I loved it.
Good review 👍👍👍👍
Glad you liked it!
I see you are still answering comments! I ride a TDM 850 right now and I am looking to upgrade. The thing that bothers me is the bikes high weight. I trash my bikes hard, having my rear wheel step out every once in a while, locking up the rear brake for fun, pulling wheelies and going through bends I know at 10/10 while hanging off the side and scraping the inner peg.
How do you feel that this bike takes to that style of riding?
P.S. Nice clip, love your calm voice and the plinging in the background. Informative and fun to watch!
Thanks for your comment. Sounds like you are quite a rider. I moved down from an FJR1300 so seemed light to me. Put your leg over one and check if the seat height is OK for you. Performance wise they are fast and agile, but they aren't a sport bike.
@@J2onton Thanks for letting me know man! Deciding between this and a Tiger 1050, which seems a bit sportier. I'll make sure to try both! 183cm, so height should be fine 👍
Please tell me if this is the bike I'm about to buy from Bolton on Friday - has all the same accessories! Surely it has to be!!
Sorry, can't help you. I sold the bike 12 monthe ago. This version is a good one, whoever has owned it, you will enjoy it.
Im nearly positive I now own it. Picked it up from Bolton today and went through Snowdonia on it. I will be comparing this video to it tomorrow and looking for any minor imperfections
@@Seanmcmullan92 Cmon, "is it the same actual bike"?
Nice bike.
Thanks. It will be difficult to replace this one. Must be one of the best all rounders on the market. If you want it to thrill you, just twist that throttle and it goes. By that I mean it goes fast, fast. Unusual looks and fairly comfortable. Would be perfect for me if it had a neutral riding position.
Hi, are there any annoying vibrations while driving?
Can't say annoying vibrations. BUT at high rpm in the cruise I can detect a slight tingle through the bars.
ugly are current v-strom and ktm 890 adventure...
Beauty is in the eye of the looker. Cheers.
ugly, but i like it
I would rather be plain and interesting than handsome and Mr Perfect. So does my bike.
@@J2onton Kawasaki was on the right track with the look of this bike, it could have been heading towards the yamaha t7 look way before the yam. Kawasaki sometimes just stalls when they could tweak a product improving it. This could have evolved into something still unique. Even though the new one is nice , it looks similar to the 6r, ninja, 400, 650 ect. im not much of a fan of that. Still have my tdm 850 2nd gen. Shame i sold the zzz 250s, they crashed really well! (as n frequent/ not cheap) Shame i'm off the road now the uk has ruined all the fun.