Enjoyed the review. After 15 years and 120K miles of owning and riding my BMW 1150 GSA I was looking for something new to replace it. Tested a new GS and RS as well as a VStrom. When I tested the Versys I just loved it, felt so comfortable and immediately knew it was the one I wanted to get. I ended up with SE version with all the gizmos - I went from no tech (not even ABS) to this thing but it is all so easy to use and, for me, is really easy to change, from the traction control to the suspension preload. Had to be Green!! I've done 1500 miles in the 5 weeks I have had it, about 1000 of those with my wife and full luggage and it is superb. Motorway riding is still boring, but very comfortable behind the screen. Riding around Snowdonia on nadgery B roads it was faultless and I got to test the rain setting on the TC which really seemed to work. Very glad of the choice I made.

I have one and it's a fantastic bike. Best seat ever and reassuring for my son. Plenty of power, great handling, great build quality, no rust so far and great luggage carrying capacity. Cons are - REALLY heavy on tyre wear, needs more noise so decat pipe ordered and brakes could do with braided lines in an attempt to get more feel and perceived stopping power. Have fun!

I like your style of presenting - honest opinions with enthusiasm!

Great review.....looks like a fantastic bike and going to be test riding the SE model very soon

My first track day was on a Versys and it handled the job at hand no problem. I've moved on to other bikes but I still have a soft spot for the Versys range.

Really good ‘real life’ first impressions review, John. Kawasaki make some great bikes; I absolutely love my Z900RS Cafe. I think the Versys is very underrated, and the base model is pretty good value in my opinion. Looking forward to the next instalment. Cheers, Matt.

Looking forward to your videos as this is 95% my next bike.! I'm waiting to see what color we get in 2020 in the US; I've heard we're only getting the SE version in a different color. I wanted the bike you have as you could add all the other accessories except for the electronic suspension and the ride app which I could do without

Pretty sure the SE is going to be my next bike. The balance of performance, handling and comfort on the Versys is hart to beat. Not super powerful, but the power is very usable and you can use all of it, it isn't like a big multistrada or S1000XR where you can't touch the power on public roads. The fact that it is a boatload cheaper than a Duc or Bimmer helps too.

I had the first Versys 1000 and found it super capable. Great engine high in the revs, predictable and so on. The TC saved my skin big time once. Then I switched for the Aprilia Caponord, and that was a bit of a revelation: it feels a lot more agile (about the same weight but lower), the sitting position is more engaging, the engine and engine sound are also a lot more satisfying. Comfort-wise I never complained about the Capo. So all in all, the Versys was very good, the Aprilia quite a lot better (for me, obviously).

I've put over 2000 miles on my versus 1000 se lt in just over 2 months. I love it.

Have been eyeing this beautiful machine for sometime, here in the states you get the LT SE+ with all the gadgets and seeing one in person I was really impressed by the quality switches and paint. I’m having a hard time parting with any of the bikes I already have because it couldn’t really replace any of them per say, but it’s just an incredible offering from Kawasaki. The reliability would challenge any brand on the market and for a fantastic price. Left over pre ‘19’s for $10k and ‘19 SE+’s under $14k.

Really enjoy your no-nonsense, clear and informative videos John - another good one. I've got a Tiger 800 that I'm very happy with, but always interested to see what else is out there. This looks like a solid option in this category. Choice is good. :-)

Was a contender for my latest bike I really liked it the engine is awesome at any revs great bike

Was just about to get one, when the boiler went. So am now riding a new cobi vaillant. Not as fast, but warms really quick. Maybe next year!

The important info you gave us up front such as your age (muscle strength considerations), weight and inside leg measurement was really helpful, and it is what all road testers should do (instead of showing us how many wheelies they can pull - Neeves), to put your experience into some sort of perspective. I am 62, 6' tall, weigh 100 kg and have a 34" inside seam measurement (and of Viking heritage), which is not so different to you but enough to take it in to consideration. Thanks.

Such a nice and positive review !

I had a 650 Versys, it's amazing how good a bike it was. If all out power isn't your thing, a 650 is more than capable. And cheap as chips.

Great review, Sir. I'm looking forward to more content on this bike. I have been very intrigued by this motorcycle. Nice feature set, very nice looking in my opinion, it seems to be a very capable machine. Now you have made me have to ride one! Would it be a candidate to replace my Trophy SE? Not really sure. I'm skeptical. But THAT is why I want to ride one!

Beautiful machine and a lot of motorcycle for the money. I love the upscale sophisticated paint scheme Kawasaki chose for it.

Great looking bike, love your enthusiasm

My first bike was a honda shadow 2013, very under powered and the mustang seat a bit uncomfortable it had very low mi so I traded it in for a new 2016 versys ,I LOVE IT !! very comfortable and tons of power for me ,Hey guys no its not a H2 or hyabusa ,Its a great tour bike ,smooth acceleration and handling and many rave about reliability ,I only have about 7k mi so far so cant say , but I hear guys are getting tons of miles out of these bikes , Hope that helps if you are considering it , David in Cali :)

I have a 2016. Was a little reluctant to buy because of the weight. Best bike I’ve ever owned

Hi there, I have looked at this bike many times as it ticks most of the boxes and in many ways its "old school" featuring a proper pillion sized seat, main stand etc. These features are hard to find these days as most bikes today are mainly aimed at solo riding with only the pilot in mind with the pillion very much an afterthought. The only real problem that rules this bike out for me is its way way too tall for someone like me with a 29" inside leg. As you have a 32" inside leg you would find this no problem and not an issue at all. Nice review thanks.

3 weeks ago I picked up a 4 yr old GT with only 7k on the clock. Absolutely loving it so far, but the test will be at the end of the month when I take it for a 3000 mile UK tour

Another wonderful adventure bike.

Still loving my 2016 Versys 1000!

I have an FZ1, and you are 'familiar' because of your MT-10. It is "almost" ideal for me, because I do everything from Track Days -- intermediate -- to 'cruising' with some of my friends, and even Funeral Escorts and Charity Rides. I LOVE the HP and mid-range power of my bike (and have boosted it by about 25 HP ). But I would also Love to have a bit lower seat-height, and a more comfortable seat, for those much longer rides, and even road trips, with some of my friends. This bike looks very interesting for me! I like having the storage, and the ABS and other electronic conveniences... but I think the 'extra' 45 Kilos (100 US Lbs.) along with lower HP and Torque, would leave me 'wanting more'... And I can't spend that much money and not feel that I got what I really wanted. I paid half that price for my FZ1, new, and added heated grips, touring wind-screen, extra HP, some throw-over soft bags, and custom graphics... and I do my own "ABS" (smile) ... and it's all paid for. But I don't have 'self-healing' paint!! WOW!

I'd love to have one. I've been considering getting the old 2012 model with the ugly lights. One can get them pretty cheaply and they seem to handle very well.

Thanks for one of the few Base model reviews. Ordered my white Versys just yesterday. White base model in touring config. Really looking forward to it and yeah - putting her on the center stand is just pure ease. Ride safe!

I just can’t like those adventure bikes, no matter how hard I try. Great review by the way. Superb.

Looking for something to replace my klr. I wish the Verseys had a bigger front wheel. I'm probably gonna end up with a vstrom1000.

Have you adjusted the high beams? I am not liking the illumination. It seems to me the low and hight beam are tied together so i can't raise the high bean without raising the low beam

I have a 2016 model, saw my local dealer had a second SE model for £4k less than new and I thought right I need that straight away! Got there a couple of hours later and it had been sold, damn it!lol

I have a 2018 GT, essentially the same bike ex the the flashy clocks. It does have the top box, lights, sliders. Relatively light and easy to manoeuvre, with a comfortable upright riding position. Have done over 8K miles on it. Just finished a 2.5K tour around northern europe including the Black Forest and Swiss Alp passes fully loaded with my good lady. Hasn't missed a beat, loads of flexibility, which is what the engine is tuned for, more than enough power for normal use. Cruises comfortability at MWay speeds all day. Averaged 60 mpg plus over that tour. Normal average at home around 55mpg. Only additions are a puig touring screen and tutoro oiler. I had heated grips but didn't need them those last weeks in June at 30+c!!

These are Awesome Bikes.

I used to own a ex demo 2015 ,long sold and recently I went to Motorcycle dealers to see about buying a new one.I was totally shocked at how much they cost now.I always viewed mine as my motorised toy.Even If I wanted one badly unfortunately I wasn't born a minute ago.MY local Kawasaki dealer told me that Royal Enfield sales were sky rocketing a bit like Kawasaki prices.Yep the main dealer told me that

Just wondering what your thoughts are in comparing the versys to and FJR as a touring proposition ?

Iam worry about the step board can it carry a280lbs guy standin in the bike? Thanks

aah my dream bike ..

I am looking for best comfort and best power in the road. Versys1000 or vstrom 1000?

Looking at this bike due to the tracer 900 that is a brilliant bike just a big thing is the tracer can only carry a choice of having a pillion or panniers or top box, it just can't cope with all three to due carry weight, hence why looking a bike that can cope with all I need.

Hi John thanks for your video it was very insightful, just wanted to know if you need a bashplate for the versys1000 .

I know you can't adjust the brightness of the screen which is crazy for a LCD but is it bright enough with a tinted visor or sunglasses. I used to love my old Versys but it worries me that i won't be able to read the dash. The SE dash is fine and bright and better but also a lot more money.

One more question i have is about the dash, can you read out the digits while riding in different conditions? The dash appaers to be a bit on the dark side but could just be because of the video

I’ve never had anything but big cruisers. Harley’s and now a Vulcan 1600. If I’m honest with myself I think I am getting bored with v twin cruisers. However, I cannot stand riding a “ crotch rocket”. So one of these Bikes might be the answer! Comfort and a Japanese 4 cylinder engine sounds fun!

Like the bike, but have a Z1000sx which is pretty much the same. Great review.

Got ~52k miles on mine and it's butter. I rode a $30k Beemer the other day. Wife said it was more comfy than the Versys with a top box, but not overly so. BMW felt heavy at low speeds and made a lot of noise to get into the power. I didn't think the suspension had anything on the big V either. Luggage space was about the same on both. Versys steers lighter and feels more precise in higher speed cornering. I can also spend the day with adventure bikes tooling around fire service roads. And it's 1/3 the price. Best bang for the buck touring bike there is.

A little bit annoyed with the changing of imperial and metric units. Maybe a little conversion on screen could help.

How is the suspension holding out on this base model? Good enough for riding two-up without dancing around the streets? The previous models have been known for being a bit on the very soft side when riding two-up. It seems the front fork can only be adjusted on one side (both preload and rebound)? Seems a bit odd to only change one side or is that normal?

I am looking at either this or the vstrom 1000. Looking to do a European touring for my own KZfaq channel and my bike doesn't cut the mustard, especially when I wanna bring a pillion and a load of gear. It's so hard to make the final decision on what bike to get

I've always thought it was strange that Kawasaki has the Z1000, Versys 1000 and the Ninja 1000. Seems like a lot of crossover. It's not like anyone's likely to take this off road, but I guess it's more comfortable? Looks like we're only getting the SE model here in Oz this year, and it's $24K which puts it up against some stiff competition. Heated grips are still an extra $370, but I guess they aren't needed in a lot of Oz. Looks like this "non-SE" version doesn't have the cornering lights either. What about the rest of the electronics? Does it still have the full colour TFT display, bluetooth connectivity, quickshifter/autoblipper and IMU/cornering abs? What's the price difference? The "Standard" model here is still the 2018 which is $16K, so 33% cheaper.

Does it have cruise control?

Hey there, what you think about s1000xr it worth the more money or we only pay the name , want to trade my 2009 v strom in near future .

Wow, is this a beauty! Are the handlebar switches backlit?

Can’t wait for the 2up touring review! As I am looking to purchase a bike to ride 95% of the time 2up with my wife. My HD springer just doesn’t do it for us. Have you made the review yet? Edit: can’t decide between this bike or the V storm 1000.

How does it compare to versys 650? What's the milage? How's the ride comfort?

How do you get on with seat height? I'm 6' and found it a bit high.

"Torrential rain" ... hum... don't you live in UK ??! ;) Good video ! Thank you ! I ride a 1000 vstrom and I really like the versys as well

I have a 2016 Versys 650LT... I’d trade it on this bike right now... but Canada gets the weird orange model... I cringe when I look at it... why do we get such a horrendous colour? lol

Versys 1000 was my close second before I went for Tiger 800 XRX.

Does 2019 Versys 1000 has TFT display??

I think the central idea is easy.

I'm gonna get mine within 1 week. coming from a suzuki bandit 1250. Some people say the kawasaki is a ugly bike. Me ?, I love the bike. Maybe i'm blind ...Anyway, thanks for the (positive) review. My z800 has 113 bhp and for me that's enough ! So, 120 bhp will be fine I guess ! Thx !

Great review, have you ridden the Tracer 900GT if so which would be your preferred choice? It is between these for my next purchase

Test riding the SE on sunday as they haven’t got the standard on demo...if I like it I’ll then be in a dilemma which model to get standard or SE ...great looking bike

I like it very much so I bought one. Only wish it was 1 inch shorter.

I would possibly trade in for the 1000 but only for the GT version but that would be a used model at best with low mileage.....for now though the 650 i own has enough power for my solo camping trips etc i can sit on the motorway at reasonable speed with no issues :)

Does it have cruise control and heated handlebars?

Nice comments , colour not my choice 🙄🙄, should have gone green , the other blue one looks fun , but being 6ft 4 ( me ) you knead a bike with a screen , tiger explorer 1250 , 2014 was my choice blue half the bells and whistles ( cruise control a must ) Bandit 1250 sports 2008 , when I want that terrbine power 😊😊 , that's my other unit , live in Perth WA ☀️☀️☀️weather alway brilliant 👍👍👍 ride safe 👌🏻👌🏻😋😋

I owned a 2015 one, burnt orange. Suited my 6ft 3" frame, was a great all round machine. Unfortunately in 2016 I like you bought an MT10, I thought I would keep the Versys for tours and get my kicks on the Yamaha. Found I preferred riding the lighter more fun range compromised MT10 even on tour so sadly the Versys was sold. Was amazing how well and smooth that Kawasaki engine pulled from low in the revs, but I found it a bit lacking when riding with friends who were on 1200 GS's; they would easily gap me out of corners and up mountain passes. If you want to see how well the Versys goes up the Isle of Man mountain I did have my Gopro with me kzfaq.info/get/bejne/arCDaZiAv9mbfYU.html

I'm 5ft 8in weighing 75kilos. Would I be able to manage the seat height? How do you find it in the off-road? Is the ground clearance good enough? Thanks

Why do you measure your weight in kilograms, but your height and inseam in feet and inches?

No cruise control on the LT model is a fail.

Shaft or chain ??

That camera wobble almost looked like a tank slapper about to happen. Made me clench my butt cheeks.

If I had the money burning in my pocket I would change my Versys 650 for the 1000, no question,

Ive got the v1 2019 base model after the change oil at 1300km the idle started to sttuter supposedly the standard is at 1100 now my bike is at 1000.. the dealer told me that they don't have the "machine" yet to adjust the idle speed this is crap.. this is disappointing...

Definitely I’ve got a problem with the styling of this bike...Diserves at least a 19 inches front wheel...

Ugly (the bike!), and no doubt a bike most would just walk past - especially in the dealer on the way to check out something sexier. But also no doubt a bike most would learn to be very fond of, if not love, and find incredibly good and useful. Want to know - daily short/medium range use - OK? 5-6 miles into say central London - also OK? Insurance quotes versus that MT10 would also be useful.

A very boring bike in white !! Snot green always looks miles better. Unfortunately I think I would walk right in by if is was in the market for that type of bike. It’s just so grey 🤷🏼‍♂️

Too big, too heavy, too ugly. Good professional review.

Fugly nose on it 🤢 The V-Strom 1000 looks better IMHO?!

I have one....An tall and inconfortable pice of crap!

Bored already with this bike, Japan’s sleeping at the wheel. Expensive too at $24k the same price as the BMW S 1000 XR HP or Triple Black