Kawasaki Versys 650L ABS
Verified11 reviews
What to say about this bike. Well it's bi-polar, not quite as much as your ex wife but close. It's confused about It's function, if it were human it would identify as a potato. It does everything ok, nothing great. The riding position is awkward,… Read more
with the pegs too sports bike oriented and it doesn't need to be. Then there is the engine. There is a sweet spot but it's just a spot. You wind the throttle open and keep winding, and winding and winding. It's smooth but not at the same time. When you engage 1st gear, it clunks and lurches forward, but the other gears are ok. The engine vibrates and you don't feel it through the pegs or bars that much but through your crutch (hey you might be into that sort of thing). If you put an exhaust on this thing you need to see a therapist. The sound of these, and yes that includes you ninja 650 and 400 people, is so awful that your ears would cry if they could. Even derestrcted, this bike isn't powerful or quick but you will eventually get to 190k if you so desire. Suspension is great for the rubbish Australian roads, brakes are sound, clutch pull is ordinary (that may just be my bike), but although it may confuse you more than the "women" in a thai bar, this is not a sports bike, and you can soon find the limits of the tyres etc due to the generous ground clearance. The bike is top heavy, but you can swing a leg over it ok, and the wheelbase is quite short and overall size of the bike is fairly small. Its ok, but I would probably look at the CB500X or definately the Triumph Tiger 660. If you still really want one, save the cash and buy a CF Moto
Follow-up · People have asked about the following: 1. The clutch pull: It's quite heavy and the action is slow. It also isn't very progressive being more subjective to a jerky action rather than smooth. 2. The bi-polar feeling: It is quite upright, yet the pegs are set rearward making it a little more sports bike in feel. It will suck you in to mimicking a… Read more
5 years with Kawasaki versys 650 – 2015 versys, had it since new and now in 2020 clocked 90k. Daily commuter irrespective of weather. Great bike and very reliable, good handling and comfortable. Little 650 ninja tuned engine does have its potent side and will reach 150kmh with ease on track days, and thereafter tapper off till about 170 or so. The bike has plenty and great for… Read more
highways, loves to tip in the corner in the twisters and likes a bit of a hooligan in you :) The screen is great but find it the best placed in its lowest position. Service intervals every 6k are a bit short as a commuter however she does need it. Had 3 sets of pirelli angel gts, each lasting approx 20 to 25km.now on metzeler 01 as trial. Getting rid of original dealer tires is a must... those Dunlop’s are not worth reviewing...get rid off them .., the sooner the better... unsafe tire...perid.Fuel consumption Approx 4.5 l /100 or 23km /l. Go hard and she will sit around 5l :). Small service approx 350 and valve clearances approx north of 550 with the stealership. I find the need for a new chain every 30k. Alternator died at 70k, rewound for 300 but new ones are very expensive , >700 bucks. Reg rect also died at 80k. Known issue with many jap bikes, some die sooner rather than later. Overall mechanical reliability is 10/10. Electrical 9/10 for the reg rect and alternator issue, I.e lost phase. Overall I will keep this bike. Just superb lil gem. I am 180cm, can’t really flat foot her with both feet and it’s not an issue at all. Another small negative is the front rotors. They are expensive if warped and I still don’t understand why they are not the same as ninjas instead another rip off individual component specific to this bike. If you do get this bike, Good chance you will keep her, whether you are on your L or open. The dash is simple but so effective and not more is necessary. And yes if you don’t watch your wrist, smile for the camera :) great bike, comfortable, easy handling, fuel economy and great on highways and in the twisties. Highly recommend! Ps have not commented on suspension , braking etc... that is all in sound and good order, she does five a bit on the front end and something to get used to. Preload works well and has a good travel.
Great bike – These things are excellent value. Sharp handling and a nice power band. Cheap to run with very good fuel economy. A few vibration complaints around 4k and the stock screen isn't very good but a very good value bike. Had a V-strom before and both bikes are superb value. Can't really pick a winner. December 23rd 2017 Update: Excellent value,… Read more
superb handling
Had my Versys 650 for a year now with zero regrets. She is one of the best handling bikes I've ever ridden in my 20 years of motorcycling. Excellent in traffic and great fun through the hills. The engine won't win many races but it's perfectly adequate and the brakes are brilliant.
Only negative is the screen is rather poor and ineffective on the highway, an aftermarket screen is recommended if you do a lot highway riding.
Other than that these are a faultless bike, comparable to the V-strom but with better handling.
2015 versys is a good thing – I traded in my vstrom for the new versys and I'm very happy with it. 17" front and a more compact motorbike was my reasoning. Great handling, brakes and suspension, excellent fuel range and better ground clearance. Ive only done 3000km but so far very impressed. A few tweaks of the clickers and it's great through the twisties, I'm even doing a… Read more
track day on it. Riding position is good for tall people, does excellent wheelies if you are so inclined. Only gripes would be the notchy gearbox, the top heavy feel at less than walking pace and you can feel the fuel sloshing around in the tank. Enough so that I put both feet down at lights as it can throw you off balance when you stop. Easily fixed with a bit of fuel foam in the tank which I will do. Is it better than the new yam tracer...probs not but it is cheaper. Highly recommend the versys, tour, fang, express your inner child, nice bike. Take the tracer for a test ride as well though..wasn't available when I bought the versys but it's got nearly double the power for the same weight!
Excellent motorcycle - just excellent – Bought my 2013 Kawasaki Versys 650 secondhand with 7,000km on the clock. Fantastic power range, beautiful pick-up and just sublime handling. Really, a very fun, flickable, strong contender for best bike I've ever ridden. Excellent fuel economy, too. A little bit buzzy at some speeds (60km/h it seems), but it fades as you increase or decrease… Read more
speeds. And the buzz, to be fair, only adds to its character.
I previously never rated Kawasaki bikes. After the Versys, I can't rate them higher. What an absolutely addictive ride. Highly, highly recommended. A++
A very good jack of all trades – I picked up my Versys 650 cheap & with 50,000 clicks. I've put another 10,000 on it in 8 months. It handles the windy roads brilliantly allowing an average rider to use all the tyre. It's lighter and nimbler than the Monster 696 I tested. Great seat and riding position. Second only to the GS 1200 I took for a spin. Plenty of power to over take… Read more
even on the open road with ease. Not a race bike though but I'm not on the track. Great fuel economy averaging 360km from a tank before the warning light blinks. The gearbox if a bit clunky which frustrates me but it hasn't missed a beat and the motor still sounds good at 60,000. Great way to get back into riding. Handles the road naff fire trails well and plenty of power for everyday use. The gearbox is clunky especially going into first.
I really don't know why I bought the versys. For some reason I wanted a V-strom and the shop didn't – From what I had read the V-Strom and Versys where very much alike. No real difference in cost. The smaller wheels was my first concern. However, you would think that would make the seat height lower. No way, it's tall. I could only find one lowering kit. Reduced height 2" It's fast and fun. 55mph to 85 in a blink The windshield sucks The… Read more
bike is too tall for people with 30' inseam. There are very few after market add ons. Luggage is very espensive.
Excellent – I do love the look on my "now" new bike.... made it my own look (being a Hotrodder) and it certainly goes well. Bought it with 7,400ks and @ 8 months old - I got a bargain!!! big time. Bought some panniers that I will get them soon and hope to do some serious touring. You can see my bike on the [url censored] site and look up - Andreas56.... … Read more
thanks I enjoy the look of my modified Versys... I lowered the rear end 50mm - repainted all the silver - satin black and fitted a larger front screen and it really looks GREAT! with the black and Green theme. just annoyed at the vibration at the 3,000rpm mark @ 60kph... a bit annoying when riding through the City at that speed... also the Digital readout speedo - would rather had the speedo as a dial and the tacho as Digital - kinda find that you concentrate more on reading the speedo than just glancing at it with other bikes I've had. I'm going to the local Kasasaki dealer and see about changing the rear sprocket (off a ER6-NinJa) and see if this helps with the 3,000rpm bit.
Excellent – Great bike, needs a little refining to get ride of vibrations but overall love it and would highly recommend it to anyone. Fun is the word for this bike. great bike, versy quick off the mark. Comfort 10/10. Cheap to maintain and run. Great bike for people starting off but not learner legal in NSW Australia. vibration in the mirrors and a little in the seat. Bike a bit high and will not suit shorter riders. Needs larger screen to be standard.
Good – I bought one to do courier work in Brisbane. 21000km later and I love getting on it every morning. 10.5hr days, inner city or highway traffic, it's a great bike. With tomtom gps, fm bluetooth headset I'm left to enjoy the ride. It's a great bike, wet or dry road, and it's std suspension just soaks up the metal bits in corners without getting out… Read more · 1
of shape. Comfort:10.5hr days in the saddle. Flickability: well traffic gets in the way. Response: funtastic around town or open road.(can be scary off the mark ;double wheelstands!)Economy: 425km to 19lts to be exact, around town. Michie pilots bring out the best in handling: never thought I'd scrape a peg. Freeway or long open road needs another gear or two. 4-5,000rpm@100-120kmh is a bit noisy. I got a taller custom screen from aj plastics: no worries any speed now.
Great and versatile motorcycle – I bought my Versys in April 2011 and am very happy with this bike. I ride mostly around town (commuting to work) but have also taken it out to the countryside on several occasions. Am very impressed with the versatility of this bike - it excels both in dense traffic and on the open road. The engine is smooth and reliable and feels just right.… Read more
Power is adequate and will suit most riders just fine. The front breaks are good (with ABS) but the back breaks feel a bit flimsy. I particularly like the high, comfortable riding position and the nimble handling on this bike. You always feel like you are in control. Perfect for people who want a bike they can rely on in different circumstances -be it for commuting, touring or even a bit of off roading (with the right tires). Comfortable riding position, smooth engine, versatile bike, good handling Back break feels a bit flimsy
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