On a level of flour to ghost pepper how spicy was this one? I honestly didn't mean to roast the Versys so hard, but I just really, really don't like riding it. Sorry Versys people...

I had a 2012 Versys 650 for 8 years and I loved it. Paid $4500 for it slightly used and sold it for $4500 after 12,000 miles. Never broke down. Never needed any repairs. Was a great bike to get back into motorcycling. I have 3 bikes now. I think being critical of any bike that’s reliable and functional is like criticizing someone first job. Everyone needs a starting point.

I honestly don't even understand calling any bike boring. It, serious as a heart attack, doesn't make sense to me. I've ridden bikes that I've liked more than others... but I've never ridden a bike I'd call boring.

I absolutely love the VERSYS 650, don't care if you like it I love it.

I have never not had fun riding any motorcycle. The fact you are on two wheels should bring you joy. Just cruising along on a nice day.

The versys is a great bike for what it is. I can't imagine why one would want to compare a 19000 dollar Ducati to a Versys 650. I would rather have a video categorising boring bikes with exciting bikes to ride, irrespective of genre, power, or price.

You should ride a Burgman 400. Let’s take this dad energy to a new level.

I really like the Versys 650 and it's insanely practical, but let down by a super boring sounding/feeling engine. That said, not everyone rides for passion/fun, some people just need to get places without spending a fortune and the Versys does that well.

Never really thought about getting a Versys before, but after watching this video I kind of want one. I love a bike that doesn’t distract me from the ride!

I love my 2022 Versys 650. Just perfect for commuting and weekend trips. Good value, easy to handle and sufficient powerful to have fun in the city.

The total uncoolness of the Versys 650 is what makes it cool. Just wish they would put that engine in the KLR.

I switched from an 80's 600 Ducati to a brand new Kawasaki 650 in 2006 and it was more like switching from a gourmet kitchen to a microwave for me. But it got me to work every day with no fuss & I've only had to check the valve clearances twice in over 95,000 km of riding it. And, while it will do all the things that you expect from a twin of this capacity, like being easy to ride & having decent acceleration from around 3,000 rpm, the real party trick is that, in my experience, it loves to be ridden like an inline 4. So, let it lope along during all the boring bits, but when you get into the fun stuff keep it on the boil at 6,000-8,500 rpm & you might find that there's some spice in the sushi after all.

I’m just an ordinary biker who is never going to be in a position to spend 18k on a (second-hand) ride - I don’t own one, but seems to me that the Versys is an affordable two-wheel machine that gets you out on the road, and won’t give you any problems. Of course if you are a Blogger and you get to ride lots of great bikes without any cost attached, then of course you go for the expensive up-market bikes.

Haha. I loved this video. I watch Spite because of his passion for bikes. Seeing him ride a bike with zero passion and all functionality, was great! Haha. Whitney just laughing and giggling her ass off at his pain is so evil and wholesome at the same time.

What I'd like to see? A video about the Versys 1000. Never ridden one, and I'm genuinely curious if it's just a bigger 650 or a wholly different experience.

My friend's Versys 650 is what got me to drop my sport bike. It was just so comfortable and easy to ride. I had no idea motorcycling could be so comfortable. Of course I then went and picked up my 701, which kills my butt even with the "comfort" seat, but at least my wrists no longer feel like death. lol

I have ~ 40 years of experience with motorbikes, rally cars, speed cars. I have ridden fast 4 cylinder bikes, strong 2 cylinder bikes, trials, races, super motos and ended up on a Versys 650 in 2007. I see you driving on boring flat roads and highways, honestly I would die of boredom on such roads even in a Ferrari. I recently had a 4-day tour of the Alps and their passes, sometimes for 12 hours at a time, and I was never bored for a moment. My advice is, change the road, not the motorcycle. In my country, people say: every hair bothers a bad fu**er ... Cheers mate 🙃

As a 2017 versys 650 owner the only thing I heard was you say it does nothing bad, is good at everything, and has a nice windshield lol. I understand how you feel and I too feel that way. I just love all types of motorcycles and could not choose do I want a cruiser, a supermoto, a sport bike, or dual sport. I then landed on getting the Swiss Army knife of bikes the versys. I too find the sound of the parallel twin boring but as a family man that wanted a well rounded practical bike it has fit in well. My wife though wants me to get a cruiser if she is going to ride with me but it’s mostly just used to commute to work.

It's funny that a dude named spite is such a chill and nice dude

A few years ago, I was deciding between a Versys 650 and an MT-09 Tracer. I bought the Tracer, and I love it. But I have to be honest. The Versys actually felt more comfortable. However, I just couldn't justify buying a 650 that weighed as much as the Tracer, but had so much less power. But here's the thing. I live in Kyoto, Japan. I almost NEVER get to experience the power of my Tracer in daily riding. Traffic and the roads around here just don't allow it. I often wonder if I perhaps would have been better off with the Versys. It was much cheaper. I'm not upset. I love my MT-09 Tracer. But I think people need to really evaluate how they will actually ride versus how they dream about riding. I suspect that many of us buy too much bike when we really don't need to.

This video makes sense since you have probably ridden a ton of really cool bikes. For the average person like me (this is my second bike), this bike is perfect. On group rides I know I’m not breaking any speed records, but I get there with the most comfort and it’s still a ton of fun!

I feel like boring bikes are for longer trips so your not tired of them after a long ride.

Well Spite I don’t completely disagree with you, as a Versys650 owner even. But I needed a bike in budget that would be reliable over thousands of miles, had the luggage to do big trips, and wasn’t the size of a Goldwing or K1600GTL but could keep up in range - my friend rides a K1600GTL. I also have a bad knee that doesn’t like a sportier riding position’s bend for more than an hour. I too would rather have a Multistrada, 1250GS, maybe even a S1000XR - but I don’t have the money for those, and the the Versys came with the luggage - which it spoils for space with the KQR’s full face helmet capacity. I spent a day with 11.5 hours in the saddle with only two short breaks, and I felt fine afterwards. In some cases, that really has value. I’ll agree with the others too that a bit more pep and a less-boring 270° crank should be a mandatory update to the model in future. Hope you get the soul back in time for the full review! 😂

That was painful to watch. Spikes review damages his credibility in my eyes. The Versys 650 is obviously one of the greatest bikes being sold today and his inability to see that basic fact is just sad. He forgot the most important fact of all. That Ducati will spend three to six times as much time in the shop as the Kawi.

If the Versys 650 was a spice, it'd be flour

I tested a Versys 650 LT & was very pleased with it. I didn't buy it because it lacked power for fully loaded long touring rides. But for everyday use its a good, reliable & cheap bike. Not everyone wants "thrills" & comparing a 650cc twin against a V4 1200cc is a strange choice.

I feel the "sport touring dad" bikes are generally misunderstood by those younger folk who've never ridden them. They're flavoured by us older sort not because we're slowing down and scared of power - were experienced riders and we've got money to spend. We want fast *and comfortable*. Modern sport touring dad bikes are typically around 450-500lbs (not the fat behemoths of yesteryear) and often providing 120+hp. They're *not* slow. They're excellent on the edge of the tire, and will get their zoom on all day long. Frankly, they're for people who want the speed and handling of sport bikes without sacrificing comfort. I mean, even the Versys - it's a ninja 650, but more comfortable. It's boring, yes, but so is the Ninja :)

Spite: The Versys 650 is for nerds. Also Spite: The Ducati fun factor is logarithmic. 🤓

I own a 2016 white Versys 650, just like the one in the video. Its ok bike, drove 60000 km and still runing. Planing to take it to the Nortkapp. Bike is not boring, you just need to take it on fun roads! Greatings from middleaged dad😂

I’m not a Versys owner, or really even particularly a fan, but I have to say that IMO this is just trash motorcycle content. For a couple of intermediate riders to sit on a slightly twisty road at 40 mph, maybe do a couple of freeway roll ons, and talk about how they need 170hp and Ohlins suspension and 30 rider modes in a 30k ish bike just compounds all of the toxic big D energy in the online motorcycle space. Haters can go watch PowerDrift ripping the street and dirt on a versys and decide if you think the problem is the bike or Spite’s riding.

I’m a 2009 Versys 650 owner. Yes it most definitely has only a face a mother could love. And yes it does everything you need it do adequately. But for some reason I just love the damn thing lol. I did however re gear it. I went down 1 on front and up 2 on rear and it made a very noticeable difference.

A bike that does everything well is a very desirable thing to many people, comfortable, good wind protection, handles good, rides good, easy to ride, good mpg, cheap to insure, good commuter, good for back-road touring, good for weekend trips & camping, it's good. That's why people love the Versys! I have a cb500x and love it and for all those same qualities and I have fun commuting and travelling on it.

Whitney is exponentially better than Spite’s former partner. I’m a 53 year old dad of 2 young daughters. I almost got a Triumph Tiger 660. But I thought to myself I already have a practical vehicle with the Honda Odyssey. I wanted a bike that was less pocket protector and more cool looking so I opted for the Bonneville.

I'm honestly surprised that a former proud KLR owner can't have fun on a Versys. The parallel twin is quite lively until you surpass highway speeds.

I would like to see you compare the Versys 650 with the Vstrom 650. The battle of the anvils.

I think you need to do a Versys 650 vs NC750X. But make sure the NC is the manual version. I just want to know which one you hate more.

This doesn't just go for the Versys - but the whole idea that something good makes it really bad is a stance I will never learn to understand! It happens for other things too. You have nothing bad to say about the versys, and THAT makes it the worst! I am not saying it's the best - and it would be sad if it was as good as something twice it size and 3 times the money, but I just can't wrap my head around this becomes so bad! But then again, I also struggle a bit to get the notion that something bad and faulty makes it better because that "adds character" or "a soul" - when it's so clearly something someone said to try and justify what they bought, and then others starting to regurgitate it as fact and truth because they really think its like that, or just don't know better! We can't all like the same things, and we shouldn't. you don't have to like the Versys, but it's hard to take your opinions serious after a "review" like that - at least if what you are looking for is an objective opinion - I am sure there are people who agree with a lot you say, that might value the more subjective style - there is a value in that too, but anything you say about a bike, good or bad, someone like me needs to take with not just a grain, but a pinch of salt.

Up here in Canada a Pikes Peak goes for $36k roughly. Versys $12k roughly. I will take practicality, dependability, and a motorcycle that doesn't cost as much as a car - any day! It is a good honest review. However, I struggle to find justice in spending over $35k for a motorcycle. Let alone 30k, or 25k, or 20k. Have we really become this out of touch?

Me thinks we should send lots of Versys 650 pictures, t-shirts, merch to Spite.

I was riding an nc750x last week in Portugal and had almost the same feeling about the bike - it goes, it turns, but it was insanely nothing.

Versys 650 is for older folks who wants to tour around in an affordable, comfortable and capable package. It is not exciting by design but it is very accessible and therefore quite popular among touring crowds in certain countries.

Man so good to see you both riding together again ! Congrats spite

"Versys 650, I'd rather be driving" is like saying, "Vanilla ice cream, i'd rather have saltines."

I enjoyed the commentary more in this video than I think I have in any other motorcycle video of any sort before.

Proud Versys 650 rider here… still love ya bro. Always great to have Whitney on the channel.

Get a real exciting bike.. like a NC750X! -cough.. Jokes aside; bikes like this are very reliable and will never let you down. They will always get you where you wanna go and are low maintenance cost. But yeah; they are quite .. boring. However; if i had to travel a big distance i would know my pick reliability wise and it aint Italian.

I've been looking at ninjas and Zeds but the 2015 versys for a great price. I'm probably going to make it my first bike. After all the great reviews I can't wait..❤️💪🏾💯

Nothing wrong with the Versys 650 at all.

Not everything needs 150hp..

NGL, Spite makes a good case for the Versys 650. I may have to check one out now.

As a versys owner it is always fun to see my bike featured on a channel that I watch on a regular basis. Even though I know that you hated this bike before you even agreed to write it for this video. But something you have to remember is that not every bike is for everybody. I personally enjoy my versys for what it is but have other bikes that are much more fun for when I want to use them. You being the owner of another very utilitarian bike with a cult following should understand this. I can't stand the KLR 650, but that bike isn't for me. Anyway, I just wanted to say I appreciate you reviewing it even though you reviewed it as apples to pasta Neapolitan Pizza.

It’s a really good bike though. Better suspension than a Ninja 650! It’s sublimely comfortable with excellent ergonomics and great weather protection. In 2007 it was revolutionary. The upgrades over the years have kept it relevant. The downside is that Kawasaki never did anything with that 650 engine other than slight refinements and emissions updates. I would buy a 4th Gen because I loved my 2nd gen and I miss it. Sadly, it really is a you get it or you don’t bike, much like the Honda NC750X. I really appreciate Ari Henning and Zack Courts for showing so much love for the Versys 650.

I think boring bikes have a place. As one who commutes on a motorcycle everyday, I reach for my Honda Nc700x keys over my Ducati Multistrata or Triumph speed 4 keys every day. It’s comfy, easy to ride, and does well in the snow. If I’m going on a ride just to ride, that’s when I go for the Ducati or Triumph.

You two keep it going. I liked you two best at that other place. Good show.

Love the honesty! hat's what makes this channel so good.

Glad to see the dynamic between you two, you can't fake the relationship, I appreciate it, I don't think I'm alone

comfortable, rides straight, dependable, simplistic, expectable. All things that I am looking for in a daily rider and road trip type of bike. Thanks for the video! Also, really enjoyed the Samurai comparison!

Would love to try the updated Pikes Peak, but I don't think I'd ever turn in my Multistrada 1260 Enduro. Gives me all the acceleration I want, has a 7.9g tank, and gets over 45mpg on interstates. I've gone 286 miles from Vegas to Anaheim and had over 90 estimated miles left. Discontinued too soon, but I got mine before it was too late.

Guarantee it out lasts that Ducati.

HAHAHAHAHAHA shout out to my homie who bought this literal exact Versys from AF-1 shortly after Spite recorded this video. I tried to talk him into a KLR.

Look up a YT influencer, I think he is called Schaff. He does excellent reviews on motorcycles. He doesn't do any talking. He lets the motorcycle engine speak and he's a very high performance reviewer. One of his reviews was with a versus 650. It was pretty good in my opinion.

what is the power to weight ratio of the versys 300 vs the 650?

Spite the KLR owner calls the Versys boring?

Fun video, I never rode a 650 but I bought a versys-x 300 with no abs in 2019 as a secondary play around bike and I love it. I keep the big bike for commuting and enjoy riding the piss out of the little versys in the woods on fire roads over the weekends, granted I did a lot of adv mods so it's not as easy to break things.

I'm curious - as a new rider, happy with my Versys 650 because I have nothing to compare it to - is there a bike in the same price point that you rank higher. Not necessarily new but maybe a 2017 650, around 6k or so? Just curious.

I got rid of my mt07 for a 22 Harley. And the versys description matches how I feel about my Harley

I’ve got a 09 versys. It’s my first bike so of course I find it super cool and exciting 😂 I don’t really see myself keeping for more than 3-4 seasons tho but the power wheelies in first and second are its saving factor (also a nice slip on exhaust really changed how it sounds. Take that car muffler off it and put an arrow or Leo Vince on there and it’s gold)

Can't agree with you here... Versys 650 is an awesome bike. I rode my friends and it is so comfortable and smooth. Not the fastest thing around, but that's not what its aimed for. Just a comfortable way to get around on 2 wheels and enjoy your day. I don't see anything wrong with the bike or anyone who owns one.

I have a 2015 Versys 650LT. I currently have 86,700 miles on it and use it every day to commute to work. I love that bike and would not change it for the Ducati. I also have a 2021 Kawasaki ZX14R. Both those bike together probably cost less than That Ducati.

If guy who changes 3 lines one after another, one handed, without using blinker even once tells me that some bike is boring, I say this must be good bike.

I've never seen handlebar mounts like that on the Ducati. Pretty interesting. I wonder if that actually would help functionally

I was recently spending some time in my local Triumph dealership when I bought my used Street Triple, but while meandering the showroom, I found myself eyeballing the Tiger Sport, which seems to be about the same class of shmedium sport tourer... If these two are so different, where in the spectrum do you think the Tiger might fall? Also, love seeing Whitney showing up in these videos. Love the perspective and banter!

Whitney + Spite = KZfaq Magic. The best. That being said, I've never not had fun riding a motorcycle, even terrible motorcycles. BTW, I'm an old fart been riding 40 years. I've been on my share of bad bikes. Ill take two wheels any day, regardless.

Well, thats just like, your opinion, man. My heart likes the Duc. My pocketbook likes the Kawi. Such is life.

Any plans to ride either the V-Strom 650 or 1050?

It's at least a good starter bike though right?

Spite, I love your channel and I think it's cool that you and Whitney are doing videos together, BUT...c'mon man! This was not a fair comparison! The Multistrada is three times the price of the Versys 650! Yes, the Versys may be the Toyota Carolla of motorcycles, but that's fine given what it is: an affordable, reliable bike that would be great for a beginner or someone who just wants a reliable commuter. And by the way, I find it interesting that the Versys has better wind protection than the Ducati. I say that because I and am seriously thinking of buying a Multistrada. So thanks for bringing up that point.

Love to see you both on the videos! ❤

The difference between you hating that bike and loving it is about 270°.

Oh man! That’s exactly how I felt the first time I rode a KLR… the funny thing is, I own a DR 650 and love it. It all perspective.

This ought to be interesting… To be fair, I just got rid of my ‘21 Versys 650 for a ‘19 Road King Special - the Versys is not a bad bike by any means, but I wanted to try something different - and it don’t get much more different than going from a Versys to a 114 Road King Special.

Great review! I'd love either bike...yeah, if I had the $$ I'd take the Duke. Don't know if it's what you're going for, but the "snubby" humor, does remind me of your days with yammie. Either way, love the post!

My past 4 bikes, has been a kawasaki zx6r, honda nighthawk 750, an iron 883, and now a versys 650. Honestly i'm loving the versys. I will admit it is a bit boring in the 4-5k rev range, and if you ride it like you would ride an iron 883, for instance, it is boring. But im not leaving a stop light and shifting until i am at least at 9-10k rpms, and shit is it fun going through mountain canyons. I ride it 130 miles a day to school(I'm a motorcycle mechanic) and back and it handles the highway with ease. Riding on the highway on it is boring I will admit because you are mostly coasting at 6k rpms the whole time, but I dont find many bikes fun on the highway at all unless im doing illegal stuff like on my zx6r(which is why i got rid of it lol).

I usually don't laugh hysterically while watching your videos but damn that was great." I'd rather be driving a car" wow! Epic.

I am on the same page with you regarding taste in bikes and I wonder if you guys have CFMoto in the states, more specific I would want to hear your opinion on the 800 MT Touring. For me it was love at first test-drive and spoiler alert: it has an up and down quickshifter, adjustable suspension, upside down forks, slipper clutch, TPMS, tracking and OTA updates via phone app, cruise control, 5 yr warranty (at least here) and other standard goodies and a very low price. The stock exhaust has some discreet pops on deceleration and gear changes

The worst part about the Versys 650 is the $8899 MSRP. The KLR is 2k cheaper, and bikes like the Vstrom 650 and MT-07 are similar in price.

The Versys is just a practical, daily schlepper. Vanilla. Beige. Does what it says on the tin. That’s why my daily schlepper is an old Suzuki Bandit 650S. Because it’s fun! And costs peanuts to own!

I think the virtue of the Versys 650 is that it's a versatile system :P It's got enough punch for the street or as a commuter, but it's got that practical functionality to go adventuring on weekends.But as a Kawasaki Sport Tourer, I'd go for the Ninja 1000. I am interested in how it compares to the KLR650?

I think you did find the nugget: the Versys is "the tip of the bell curve". "That's not nothing", as Zack Courts might say.

Question: Versys 650 or Duke 390?

Next week on InSpite of good judgement, Spite will be comparing the Honda Navi with the Fireblade. Spoiler alert, he finds the Navi boring in comparison. It has Cable brakes for Pete's sake and the mirrors feel cheap.

I do not aim with my hand, I aim with my eye I do not shoot with my hand, I shoot with my mind I do not kill with my gun, I kill with my heart The Versys 650 has forgotten the face of his Father

Veri nice review, thank you:-)

What do you think of bmw s1000 XR

I bet the Versys didn't have an oil leak after 80 miles, like for instance a KTM 690.

Except the two most highly respected motorcycle journalists, Zack and Ari, appear to think the Versys 650 is the best motorcycle for the greatest number of people....

Thankyou for the Versys review...just convinced me I should have one 😆

Is vanilla a spice?

I really enjoy your videos, up to this one. I cannot see the point of discussing the Versys in the same video with the Ducati. "Happy birds sh*t in their nests". The whole manufacturing world panders to the USA market, the biggest market for consumerism. People in other countries are not endowed to have a seven-bike garage for one-a-day bikes. Even in developed countries this is not possible as it is in the US. Worse off, in Third World countries where one wonders if his derelict will start this morning in the first ten kicks ! Even his house is smaller than the American's seven-bike garage ! We ain't got time, nor money for that, nor bragging rights ! You acknowledged that there are thousands of Versys owners who are quite satisfied with their machines. Yes ! In the old days there were those who had to tinker every Monday morning to get "Betsy" going. The modern version of that is pressing buttons to scroll up and down.....change rebound/damping, switch ABS on/off, select mode if there was a drizzle for two minutes, see if the "change oil" warning will be due in two weeks, and what is the outside temperature ! All shown on a Mac-size display ad nauseum !! By now you and all the Versys owners (some Ducati owners too) will agree that where an $18,000 horse goes, the $6,000 donkey will go also. Too, reliability, repairs, parts etc. "Ain't got time for that !" OK. Next video ! Regards. Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.

Years ago I was loaned a 650 transalp by a shop overnight, jesus, I was so bored I never even bothered speeding or doing wheelies etc. I was so pleased to get my 900 hornet back