Every time I think about selling my 2015 Versys 650 to buy a different bike, a video like this pops up on KZfaq... and honestly I can't argue with a single point.

It's almost 8 years a daily ride with my versys 650. Besides, it has bring me to a several countries without any major problems. I love my versys very much.

Here are some of my comments (after taking the versys on several multi-day trips) - 2017 LT: 1. seating position relative to pegs : its OK - but I found that I could ride about 100 miles and my knees would be a little sore. 2. seat cover - its good - but if you go to very hot places (like the desert) - be warned that any metal parts on your coat or gear that get hot can melt the cover - this happened to me! - and I still don't know exactly what caused it - but now I have some small melt-marks on the seat :( 3. suspension - fully adjustable - and works well when you load the bike down with gear. 4. suspension - not enough travel for really bumpy/rocky roads - take it slow and you'll be ok, but still not ideal 5. plastics - the black plastics near the radiator and bottom of the engine are surprisingly strong - I wiped out at low speeds twice on loose gravel roads that these plastics, while getting scratched up, seemed to protect things nicely. That said, better radiator and exhaust protection is a good idea if you take it off on dirt and gravel roads. 6. blinkers -- these are designed to be a little floppy and resist breaking in minor falls ...but I still don't like them 7. range - fully loaded with gear (~40 lbs) - 200 miles 8. The gap under front fairing -- this is where you put all your wires when you add USB and heated grips :) 9. Foot brake/shifter -- these definitely need to be changed if you want to go off the pavement -- even the slightest fall when bend them all to hell - which I did :) 10. wind screen - I'm also 6'1 - and even with the windscreen in the top position it a tiny bit too short. 11. Power / Cruising - I love it - 80mph all day long no worries. PS - *I love the bike*

Guys you forgot to mention the two year warranty (LT model). Engine has plenty of excitement for me. It's a great bike. Combine that with the luggage, warranty, tank range, and price it's a fantastic offering.

The Versys along with the V strom are truly the most versatile and capable bikes made today. One could argue all day about little "wishes" but overall these are the best all rounders made.

I've had a lot of bikes in my life but this one has been the biggest and best surprise. I bought mine as a hack to go to work but ended up loving it. The power figures do not tell the full story, the way it delivers its power, coupled with great handling, comfort and fuel range makes this bike a dream. I just wish the brakes were sharper but they are adequate. Wish I'd bought one 20 years ago 😁

Bought one, added a friction cruise control, a Sargent seat, tank bag, and rode 2851 miles in 7 days on it. My friends were on dresser Harley's, and I absolutely had a blast riding this thing in the Ozarks! I love this bike. Other motorcycles that own include a VFR800 and a TL1000. The riding position on the little Kawie is perfect for my 5'9" frame, and the saddlebags carried everything i needed along the way. Could not agree more with your findings!

Bought one based on the commute video Zach made. It is more than the sum of its’ parts. A great bike.

I know the guys over at Motorcyclists are always raving about the Versys 650, but I love, love, love my Versys 1000 LT. And it comes standard with a centerstand! Take that, Zack. Just did a 6,000 mile, 2 week road trip on it. It performed flawlessly.

I got a 2021 LT that was a trade in with 200 miles on it. Converted it to LED turn signals and parking lights, added a usb and 12V outlets. Great bike, I commute with it, the engine has all I could want. I can do stop signs on this bike without having to put a foot down. The engine can pull from 2500 rpm so a lot of urban riding can be done in third gear without having to down to 2nd. Love the big 'ole analogue tach, looks like I got the last year for it.

Just got a 2017 versys 650 for my wife and me. That bike is pretty sweet and easy to ride. Also the range is a huge help for commuting.

I've got a 2009 Versys and although it needs some work by now, it is still one of the best allround bikes that exist. It's brilliant in town, it is comfortable on long journeys and you can thrash it around corners where it is amazingly nimble. The only thing where it suffers is at speed on the freeway. This doesn't really matter all that much in reality due to speed limits, but if you live near to Germany, you're not going to enjoy your Autobahn ride.

Just traded my versys 650 in on the Versys 1000... Loved the 650... The 1000 has all the good of the 650 with a much better engine... I highly recommend both bikes...

Rode my 2012 versys today to work and it still makes me smile like the first day i bought it.

I had a 2015 Versys for 5 years as a returning rider. It was absolutely a ton of fun, hugely practical and, while it is true that the engine won't light any fires, it has the added bonus of being tried and tested and exceedingly reliable. This review really sums it up nicely.

even with the fails I'll take this over any Harley anytime.

2015 Versys LT owner here. Best bike I have ever owned. And I have owned about a dozen in the last 45 years. This bike is amazing.

i've ridden 07 versys for 30k miles last two years and while it's not the best bike overall, i agree it is amazing value for money. Good enough to take you almost anywhere on the globe.

Brought a 2018 Versys 2 weeks ago. It's just amazing, I can ride for 4 hours without getting tired

I bought a 2018 Versys 650 LT about 2 months ago. 800 miles in and IN LOVE!!! about to take a trip from Kansas City to Maine for University and am stoked to do it on this bike. At 9k, all the off road mods and upgrades really aren't bad.

I picked up my 2015 Versys 650LT as a brand new leftover in Feb 2017 for $6500. I thought it was an amazing deal back then, and I love how the bike is basically unchanged now in 2021. It still looks and rides like a new bike, and everything they said in this video, including the fails, I agree with. I don’t see myself ever selling it.

Great bike! I found the 1k version too big for the way I ride, mostly commuting and PA two lanes. 650 is perfect size for me, just tall in stock form. All the add-ons people keep saying they wished they had stock, except for center stand, I haven't missed any of them. I like the price (my 2 year old new leftover was 5k) and its relative simplicity. Best bike I've ever owned...and that goes back 40 years now!

My 25 year old ST1100 Honda can hold a FF helmet in either bag and has 320 mile fuel range. Still runs like a dream with 215,000 miles on it.

Just picked one up, love it. Also love the fav/fail series of videos guys so keep up the good work 👍

Ive still got my 2009 Versys and still absolutely love it.

Someday, Versys 650, I'll be able to bring you home. Not today, not tomorrow, maybe not even in 5 years. But someday.

Thanks guys, great review. This is top of my list when I complete my A2 next year. Can't wait!

I owned my 2012 Versys for 4 1/2 years and there was nothing wrong with the fueling on it. I could get 400 km from it's 19 L fuel tank (60+ MPG) unless you were doing high speed constantly. Bloody brilliant motorcycle I did a couple of long trips on mine and it was faultless. I was sad to sell it.

Loved my '15 - Amazing handling, compliant and supple suspension you can dial in for any use, phenomenal integrated storage, perfect ergos and a mega-fun factor.

I love my '16 Versys 650LT. Of all the bikes I've owned over the years, this one is my favorite. My FJR1300 would be a close 2nd.

2008 Versys 84,000 miles and going strong. Touring, dirt rides, track days, blasting through twisties...little bike does it all. I have 35 Liter Caribou (Pelican) bags. Only perfomance mod is an Ohlins Lite rear shock. Bought it with 10K miles in 2019 for $3500. I'll keep riding until it dies, or I do, whichever comes first. (Although I may just resurrect it in the former case) :-)

I put 70,000 km in 5 years on a 2013 versys 650, doing 90% pavement sport touring. Brilliant bike. Madstat windshield, heated grips, MP4 tires, engine bars with highway pegs, comfy all day every day, canyons or cruising, take your pick. I switched to a 2018 v-strom 650 to do easy adventure touring, 39,000 km so far in two seasons, 70% on and 30% off pavement. Also a brilliant bike, a better pick than the versys for the rough stuff. Both are excellent for urban video game riding, commuting, and both are okay for light two up.

I agree with you. This is a fantastic bike. I love my Versys 650. I have a 2009 Model, but it´s pretty much the same. I drove 5000 miles until now. Very funny and easy. And every time with the same joy!

Who can be happy with just one motorcycle? I own the Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S with the same engine. Love the bang for the buck so much that I’d love to own one of these two. Then I’d have a cruiser and an adventure type bike. 61 HP and the way they are geared makes for quite a surprise in a world where people assume you need 1200 cc or bigger.

I love my 2015, it is seriously the best motorcycle I’ve ridden! And I have ridden quite a few. My only gripe is no gear indicator, which has been amended on the newer models. I would recommend this bike to ANYONE, unless seat height is an issue. 😉

Kawasaki is KING

Center stand can be bought after market if you need it as well as radiator guard , skid plate and many other things like engine crash bars to mount more lighting .

I have a 2016 & love it & find it far more agreeable off road than anyone will EVER say. Yes suspension lacks for off tossing, so ride slower & avoid large vertical drops & jumps. I wish it had a center stand & a larger front wheel & spokes.

Great bike. I had a 2011 Versys 650 until I hit a deer with it. I now have a Versys 1000LT which is equally awesome and nicer for 2-up touring which my wife and I do. Keep up the good work guys!

1. I am surprised that you have not mentioned one of the most complained of "fails" in this bike, namely, the headlights on the 15 and later models compared to the 14 and lower models. The slim reflector for LO and HI beam has reasonable spread for city riding but just terrible elevation. Add to that the tricky adjustment for both planes (Kawi even says in the user manual that it should be done in the workshop), the overall small size of the lights and long distance night riding is dicey. We got the bike in India only in 2018 but people from here have ridden the much better lit 2014 and earlier models and since then, almost every single long distance touring rider has had aux LED lights like the Gold Runway GR40s fitted. 2. Another issue is the rear damper whose softest setting of 1 turn inwards of the hydraulic remote knob is still quite hard for normal rider weights in the 80 to 90 kg range. So, many people who ride the bike extensively, especially in the USA, have had to retrofit the rear damper of the Yamaha R1, 2007/8 model, which is said to be a superb aftermarket mod and actually the kind of damper that should have been fitted on the bike from the factory itself. 3. Lastly, the factory-fitted Dunlop D222 tyres (at least here in India, tyres made in Thailand)are really, really dangerous on any surface other than warm/hot perfect tarmac roads of the expressway/freeway kind. Their water handling capability is so poor that even while crossing just a thin film on the road (max 2 odd mm), one can literally FEEL the tyres skipping over the surface as if it is instantly hydroplaning. Extremely scary. Forget about anything like off roading, not even simple village road dirt tracks. Again, the choices for replacement were nil other than stock and it was only in 2018 that TIMSUN, a Chinese company, entered India with their 712 series of slightly knobby tyres that we had a choice other than the killer Dunlops. No Conti TKC 70s or Heidenau Scouts for us Indians. 4. About the fuelling. I found it to be just perfect after the ghastly BMW 310GS. As also the gear shifting which is correctly distinct, with an adequately weighted flywheel and pressure plate tension. In India, this is perhaps the best overall bike in its price category and it is a shame that people (actually, posers) go for the much flashier but much less practical Z series. And yes, the V Strom 650 is nowhere near it at all.

I like this new guy. This is a good show☺️. Sending some appreciation through my comments

I’ve got a 2016 Versys, first bike, love it. Only thing I don’t like about it is the seat pitches you forward slightly.

I think this video put me over the top for buying my 2018 Versys 650. (purchase 4/2019..but it's now 2/2020) I wanted to compare it to the new 2019 Honda CB500X, but no one had any in stock, and they had no idea when they were going to get them in. So Versys it is! But one thing you left out: This is a REALLY top heavy bike....with a tall seat. And when you add 40lbs of gas (tank is also up high), it can be difficult to control at slow turning speeds...like a parking lot. Once you get a little lean, it really wants to fall over...and fast! It can take some getting used to. Once you're over 15mph...it doesn't matter. If you had to use this bike to take the MFS course...you'd FAIL. Very hard to turn at crawling speeds....you'll drop it.

After watching a bunch of videos and reading reviews, I just bought a brand new (still in the shipping crate) closeout 2020 for a nice $1,000 discount. I haven't even ridden one yet, but I'm pretty sure it's gonna be fantastic. And with that discount, makes it a steal... Looking forward to leaving next week for a ride up the coast from central Cali up to Washington.

I laughed HARD when he ran away and Zack stepped in! I kind of agree with Spenser. While the Versys isn't my favorite bike, I don't think there's anything wrong with it (except the lack of a center stand). Excellent video, guys!

Well, I got V 650 2015: * with added central stand, it works, it is great. * engine is perfect, 69 HP is really enough on highway (150/160 km nice speed), long distant travelling, curves in sloping terrain, overtaking.... Of course, if you like overkill of 1000 cc +, do not buy V 650 or V-strom etc. * wind shield is adjustable easy just stop the bike and do it from rider position. *** Find another, more sophisticated plus / minus guys...

4:28 booked my versys 650 today after just one test ride. 🤘🏼

yeah im looking to buy i sat on a 300 at the dealer the riding position is the #1 seller for me

I'd like for you to do a Favorites & Fails of the Versys 1000 LT Thx in advance

Really glad you guys reviewed it. And Spenser is passionate about it, the gag you guys had--pun intended--really made the review that much better. Way to go for the self consciousness. +rep

If only Kawasaki would actually innovate a bit on this bike. A larger 750 powerplant and traction control with cruise control and heated grips as options.

I'd love to see you folks go over the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

I picked up a tiger 800xc not long ago. Great bike, new they are pricey but I paid $4k for a 2013 with panniers, trunk, upgraded suspension, engine cage, arrow exhaust,bcenter stand and a few other extras. Biggest complaint is the stock windshield sucks, so it got replaced with a givi airflow. Bonus with the tiger is 60mpg highway, 90ish hp, and IMO better looks. But I will say for a daily rider the ADV style bikes are great. Comfort, luggage to carry stuff, practical, versital.

I had the 2015 Versys LT in white but eventually traded it for the NC750S, for those who aren't familiar, it's the more naked version of the Honda NC750X . Reasons for trading, I have already a NC700S, 2013,with now a flawless 82000km and I must say that the build quality of Honda is just unmatched. The Kawasaki was really a good all rounder but left me with less confidence.... Maybe because of my good Honda experience that is..... And yes a center stand is a good thing to have when loading the bike or for maintenance. Safe rides 🏍👍

What he didn't mention is that the bag mounts are integrated into the frame so when you don't want to go touring there are no ugly mounting racks. I own the 2015 model what a great bike.

Yay finally my bike! Love my 2015 V650LT!

Great job Spenser on the video, I own the Versys 650 LT 2016 and love it. Thanks

I have a 2009, not quite as nice as the 2015+ version, but still an absolute blast to ride, even if it isn't that fast. They corner extremely well and will keep up with super sports in the twisty sections (just not in a straight line). It is comfortable enough that I was able to do a 500mi day on mine yesterday.

How's the seat? the tank and mileage adds up to potentially long stints on the saddle. Pillion ergos? BTW, you guys have gotten real good in front and behind the camera. High quality content! Thank you!

I had a 2015 and switched it out. The lack of centerstand for a chain bike is a big deal for me. But I do big miles, so for mre It would be a pain to oil the chain daily on trips without one. You mentioned the unrefined engine, it sounds the same from 4 years ago. It was also very vibey in the bars and mirrors, although supposedly the engine was rubber mounted. Overall I agree, the price is hard to argue with, it is a good bike, but a used adv bike of upper class may be a better buy for a specific user. The perfect bike for an out the door LT price over 10K is hard to swallow.

Test drive a leftover 16, bought it on the spot. Love this bike.

I have a 2015 and I wish it had a little bit bigger tank. But all in all I love my Versys.

Do a Favorites & Fails of the Z900rs

Nice review, just about everything I wanted to know without turning a wheel. How refreshing :)

I've got a 2015 Versys 650. It is awesome except for forward sloping seat & buffeting windscreen. Fix those and add a 43T sprocket on back to smooth out gearing and a lowering link for sub 6' riders and it's perfect.

Just switched my beloved Versys 650 for my dream bike the BMW F750GS and even though I love the electronics and engine of the latter it does not beat the cyclists of the Kawasaki and how good it is comfortable - even though the seat sucks. Indeed it is well balanced all round bike but never go into the dirt with it, at least not with the factory tires.

Owner my self of a 2015 model, I agree on all the points mentioned My first proper bike. Doing the Germany to Greece trip every summer. Maybe I would switch to a bike that can cruise a little bit more at ease around 120kmh in the motorway. Less vibrations on the handle bars as well as lower rpm in the motorway would be awesome. Hardly anything else to complain!

Why dont you guys critique the new versys 1000. I have the bike and love it but there are not enough American perspectives or reviews on this bike. I watch u guys all the time hopefully u can squeeze this one in. Keep up the good work.

I own a 2017 Versys and I can be honest about its flaws: stock seat is pretty stiff and tilted forward, seat height is very tall (for us 5'8" folks or shorter) and not adjustable (you have to buy a lowering link for the rear shock or a low seat). Also, stock windscreen does produce some buffeting and it's not exactly the best one out there. But the engine is definitely NOT a fail. It's awesome, it can pull fast from a stop with enough top end to get you way over the speed limit comfortably, it's extremely frugal in terms of fuel consumption AND it needs only 2L of oil (2.1 US quarts). It sounds great on the stock exhaust too. What more can you ask? Yes, I realize throttle is a bit jerky and the engine braking is quite hard (Euro 4 compliant fuel mapping to reduce emissions), but you get used to that so your throttle hand definitely improves as a result. All in all, I LOVE this bike! ❤ P.S. I tested the fuel economy carefully (siphoned the fuel out too) and I got 280 miles and 1 US gallon left out of a tank. That actually means the total range on a full tank of gas is 325 miles! And that's after I shave a few miles off as a safety margin!

Still loving my 2018 Versys

Because of you guys, I am very seriously considering the versys 650LT. I have been on Harleys since '77. Now I am looking at this and a BMW r1200r. I would love a RT but don't have the money. For now it's 1 bike to do it all. I'm 60 years old and want something a little smaller and easy to handle. I would love to see a report on the Z900RS. Always wanted a Z1. Thank you. Be safe!

I just took the side fenders and the fenders that cover the pipes off of my 2019 Versys. Now it’s nearly naked and much better looking. It came with a bit too much plastic on it

Love the Versys 650 & can’t be beaten on value for money. However ultimately ended up saving abit more for a Tiger 800. Slightly less weight, more toys, more power & lower seat height. I Still love the looks of the Versys though & it was a very close call. Great video !

That was a fun review...Spenser is a great addition to the team!

You can put a center stand, windscreen well, you stop for a few seconds and that´s it. Fueling and engine can be improved.

First of all, compliments for the amazing content of the channel, second, I would love to see a review for the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT

Honda NC750X 70-80MPG giving a range of 210 (ish) Miles, just say'in; And much cheaper to buy. But I agree this is a gorgeous bike

Great review, I bought one 1300 km ago and I absolutely love it, however I cannot find any good tutorial how to adjust the suspension also when taking a passenger so PLEASE make one ☝️

Do the 2018 Honda NC750X!

I bought it...white! I did lower the chassis 1.5 inches...perfect. Added top case too.

I miss Faves and Fails A LOT. You guys should get back on with it. And just in case you do, I'm really curious to see one about the Versys 1000. Cheers!

Just got a 2018 LT, I like it.

I love my '17 Versys 1000 LT. The stock bags are decent but I do get frustrated with the funky shape, at times.

What does 'fuelling - not perfect' mean? Also 'the engine is not the most exciting.' What do these things mean? And how are engine and fueling (whatever that means) 'minor gripes?'

Was totally considering the Versys 650 LT or the Honda NC750X. The Versys comes with the bags but the NC750X comes with that sweet DCT lazyness I may want to grow fond of.

I still love my 1st Gen Versys650 💚 It has a 5 gallon fuel tank, rather than a 5½ gallon tank. It also has bulb style turnsignals, rather than LED, but I'm changing mine to LED. Otherwise, I'd prefer "everything" about my 2009 over the newer Versys 650 motorcycles.

I have a 2012 Versys and have purchased 3 other bikes since then and the Versys is still my favorite for most rides. I think about selling it but just can't part with it.

Would like to see you guys do a side by side comparison of the 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT and the 2018 Kawasaki Versys 650.

Would love to see a mildly updated version of this bike

been riding 50000km... still going strong

The refinements of the Gen3 are great, especially the reduction of engine vibration. But I picked up a like-new 2014 (Gen2) model DIRT CHEAP! At the right price you can forgive all the minor flaws of the Versys and enjoy its many benefits for so little money.

I'm loving the Favorites and Fails series of your channel. I wish every article would summarize their reviews this way - very helpful and appreciated!!

If you're getting one of these, def spring for the $9k LT version. Factory saddlebags are the tits. Paying a little more for my VFR800 to get the factory hard cases was a v smart decision. Has paid off for years.

I've installed the centerstand, so what's the issue? Also, how often you adjust your windscreen? I did it once and forgot about it. I don't understand the problem with fueling or engine ... where is the issue? The only "fails" I see - gas indicator just lies, with 50% of gas in the tank it shows teh range of 20-40%, also some vibration noise between 4.2K and 5.1K rpm ( using ear plugs...)

You forgot to mention a problem with the valves blowing the engine up if your bike is made in Asia. Mine blew up at 20,000km and cost $3000 to repair....

2018 user here. Love it m best investment ever. BTW got centerstand and a bigger screen as well

This will be my next bike, I'll be trading my klr for one of these.

They need to add a cruise control.

My fav so far in this series 😂

Would be cool to see a Favorites and Fails or MC Commute on one of the large Suzukis. M109 B.O.S.S, Hayabusa, etc.. I feel like they are really popular but often get forgotten about.