Kawasaki Versys 650

Reliable and a lot of fun – This bike has served me well both for city commuting and trips up and down the coast, on a variety of roads and conditions. I found it to be comfortable, reliable, responsive and generally enjoyable. When repairs were needed the parts seem to be reasonably priced which was a relief.

Really is versatile, better than a V Strom – I have the non lams abs model. I've done nearly 30 000km, not a single fault. Fitted throttle lock cruise control, highway pegs (I am 6"3), genuine kawasaki bark busters and panniers. Love the handling, I run Dunlop alpha 13 tyres and regularly do track days and the frame is excellent, you can really stuff it in hard on the front. Front brakes need good pads and fluid change to stop fading at the track, wish it had 4 piston calipers. Great engine which loves bouncing off the limiter, gear box is notchy and a nuisance but is much better after my son dropped it on the gear lever side, go figure. Does great wheelies. Excellent suspension which is quite firm. Perfect ride position, 21L tank good for 400k at 110kmh cruise. I do 1000km days in comfort 5000km in 5 days last trip. Not enough power for 2 up but great for just you. If like me you can only afford one bike and need it to do everything give it a go! It's a real Jekyll and Hyde cruise around and it's a nice comfy tourer, bang it down3 gears, keep it just off the limiter and play boy racer and it really surprises... Where my old vstrom cried enough the versys is just getting started, 17" front helps. Oh and it jumps cattle grids on dirt roads without dinting rims. Pity most will overlook it due to the 650 size and go for a 1000 which this thing runs rings around on a mountain road.