Kawasaki Versys 1000 Questions & Answers

Buy the 1000 and you'll be happier in the long run. The new 650 really is a great bike but with your height and weight I think you'd find it physically a bit small for comfort. The power would be OK as it has around 70hp and 45ft/lbs of torque, better fuel economy and cheaper running costs etc, but it's not a very big bike. There are quite a few used V1Ks around at very good prices, especially the original 2012-14 model, and I'd look at those first as there isn't much difference between the current and the first models. You can find a very good low km used V1K for way less money than a new 650. Also, the 2015 and onwards 650 is far better than the earlier models and the only one worth considering, but there aren't many of the non-LAMS versions around. I like mid-sized bikes and actually intended to buy one of the new 650s last year until I discovered it would have to be ordered in as the dealer only stocked the LAMS version. You'd probably find a used current model VStrom 1000 round the same price as a used current model V1K, and they are worth a look as well. Much better bike than the original VStrom 1000.

I agree with Henry, I think the 650 might be a bit small for you given you are a big bloke. Also the older 650 Versys could get pretty buzzy at speed. The current shape Versys 1000 has some improvements over the 2012 to 2015 model, It also comes with a centre stand standard which the earlier model did not..I have heard the handling is better and it gained a couple of HP. The Versys 1000 is a pretty competent bike and will do pretty well everything you ask of it. If you are into wheelies they are pretty good at this in the first two gears even with the traction control in level one. The setting keeps its memory too unlike other bikes.
I have moved on from my 2014 Versys 1000 but I did think it was a pretty good bike. It is hard to find the perfect bike however as there are always some improvements you want to make to suit your individual needs.
I also owned a 2012 Suzuki 650 Vstrom (non lams) and it was an awesome bike and although only a 650 made good power and torque and was never found wanting in the company of much bigger bikes. They are very comfortable, handle very well and fuel economy is outstanding averaging 4.2 litres per 100km. Even at 6ft 5in you won't find it uncomfortable.
Best thing to do is try out a few and you will then work out which is going to be best for what you want to do with it. Also check out youtube reviews to see what others think about the bike you are looking at buying..
Best of luck
Frank

Go for the 1000cc.you won't be sorry. I am sis six 105 kilos and the bike is perfect for me.

Hi Battleaxe the new model (2015) is better than the older Versys 1000 and better on the eye too. You also get a centre stand as standard. Not sure what you mean by "what is the lowest it can drop" though. They are a pretty quick bike with pretty good torque at lower revs than the Z1000. I had to modify the seat on my 2014 model but others reckon it is not too bad. My wife liked the pillion seat which she found comfortable. The Kawasaki 1000 motor is bullet proof so you won't have any reliability issues. They also like putting the front wheel in the air in the first 2 gears.

Hi frank. My wife is bit short in legs department.72cm hight is already a stretch for her. She would like to move away from cruizer style .she likes this one but we will need to lower it... hence my question what is the lowest it can drop? Loweringkit? Cheers pierre

Hi frank. My wife is bit short in legs department.72cm hight is already a stretch for her. She would like to move away from cruizer style .she likes this one but we will need to lower it... hence my question what is the lowest it can drop? Loweringkit? Cheers pierre

Hi Marc, I am a little shorter than you at 179cm and I didn't really have an issue swinging my leg over and I am late 50's and not as flexible as I used to be. However in saying that about a week after buying the bike I dragged a boot over the seat and put a tear in it. I had a local bloke in Brisbane recover with better material for $120 so that was great. It just made me a little more aware of lifting my foot a bit higher. Side stand is pretty strong so you can step on the LHS foot peg and it is easy to get on and off the bike this way.
I have since sold the Versys 1000 and bought a Triumph 1200 Explorer which I do like but you won't go wrong with the Versys as they are a very good bike. You should be able to get one of the earlier models 2013 like mine at a good price as they are not a good seller having the unusual look. The new model does look the goods though and I believe better in a few subtle ways.
Rgs Frank

Hi Marc I own a 2013 Versys and I think you will find the seat a bit high. But the seat is good quality and digging your foot over occasionally will not hurt it. There are seat lowering kits available for them. They are a great bike. I have done 60000 klms on my and no problems. If I was to upgrade I would buy the latest model.

Unfortunately not

I ride the bike everyday to work, gym and back (50 km a day). Handling is superb due to the 17 inches wheels. It really doesn't look the big bike it is, and is SILKY smooth to ride. Seat is very comfortable. I'm an Ulysses Club member, and it's not uncommon riding more than 700 km during a weekend. Petrol figures depend on your riding style. With me, it's roughly 21 km/l on the road and around 16 km/l when riding exclusively in the city. I'm really loving that one. Negative points are: the radiator is very exposed - buy a radiator protector; the windshield doesn't offer much protection above 100 Km/h - I've installed an aftermarket bigger one which fixed this (no buffeting at all nowadays); the chain must be "degreased", cleaned and re-oiled every 700 km or so, or it starts squeaking. Overall, an outstanding bike for the price.

Im not sure if this shows up to you FLiragibe, but thankyou so much for your answer, even a few details of yours really assured me of this bike, so again thankyou.

Also when you said the windshield dosent offer the protection needed, what shield did you get? And do you have sidebags or a top case? If so how much does it change the bike, if full?

Sorry for the delayed response. I only saw your question a couple of days ago. I installed an after market screen, just slightly bigger than the original, and the buffeting effect disappeared. I've also fitted the panniers and top box from Kawasaki (Givi originally). Most of the time, I use only the top box. Panniers are used only for long rides (weekenders or overnighters). They increase the "sail" effect when you ride with cross (or strong) winds blowing and, if the panniers are not carrying approximately the same weight, the bike requires a little more caution when taking corners: it's a bit like having a pillion who moves more than it should. If the panniers are well balanced, this effect is negligible (unless, of course, your suspension is really poorly adjusted).