Kawasaki Versys 650 Freeway Performance: Does it Have The Top Speed To Cruise Comfortably?

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Kawasaki Versys 650 Freeway Performance: Does it Have The Top Speed To Cruise Comfortably?

Рет қаралды 93,300

Күн бұрын

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a fantastic bike for almost any type of riding. Whether you're going for top speed or just trying to cruise comfortably on the highway, this bike can do it all. Watch as I put the Kawasaki Versys 650 Freeway Performance to the test: merging, passing, and just cruising along with traffic.
Is the windscreen sufficient to reduce wind noise? Can you maneuver and pass at will? If you're considering the Kawasaki Versys for a commuter bike and any part of your commute includes freeway or highway riding, you're going to be very happy with this motorcycle. The Versys 650 is awesome on the freeway, and the Versys 1000 freeway performance must be even better!
#versys #versys650 #versysfreeway
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2016 Kawasaki Versys LT
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Пікірлер: 109

@philtompkins2769 6 жыл бұрын

I have a 09 model and I have cruised at 80 mph for hours, trust me these bikes are the real deal

@paulguillemot2613 6 жыл бұрын

how did you find it when you wanted that extra get up and go to overtake that car travelling at just that speed to be annoying?

@AmericanMadeAdventures 5 жыл бұрын

Same for me Phil. 11 Hours from Atlanta to Chicago and back and my 08 performed like a champ! Paul Guillemot - zero problems passing. The extra oomph is there. :)

@mastersoanes 5 жыл бұрын

2016 model here, 28k miles of mostly 80-90 mph. Bike eats up 100miles daily like nothing!

@treier1589 4 жыл бұрын

I have the cousin, the Vulcan S. Same motor. The Kawasaki 650 is no slouch. I know for short bursts in the Vulcan. The lowest HP version in the family. It will do 65 in 3rd. So 80 in 6th is nothing.

@Burlehmangus 3 жыл бұрын

I have an 09 as well. I ride 2 up with my wife for hours at a time as well on the freeway....75/80mph....still plenty of power to accelerate past 100 in a heartbeat, even if just rolling on in 6th. Bike does about 65 in second gear. I can cruise at 65/70 in 4th gear only, and still only be halfway through the rev range. Very comfortable too. I will say however, as the video says, the windshield isn’t great. Still feels like a naked bike. So wear earplugs or be prepared to full tuck!

@jeffcraft1456 5 жыл бұрын

Have a 2009 verseys with 16 thousand miles on it. Bought it on craigslist for $2.500 dollars. It had 13000 miles on it then. Clean as a pin still looks new. It's been a great bike love it no problems. Very fast too for its size. It's a 650 also. Great channel man.

@jimbo92107 5 жыл бұрын

I recommend the Givi Airflow wind screen. Two piece solution that steers wind over your head like a biplane wing. Original bolts on bottom section, plus sliders on top give it ten inches of vertical adjustment. Completely gets rid of head wind, if you want.

@supersegway9464 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2008 Kawasaki versys that I’ve taken over 51000 miles on with only a few repairs. Great bike

@joecamel6835 11 ай бұрын

Wow !

@danminer3548 6 жыл бұрын

I just got a 16 versys. Bought it for a daily commuter. It's my first bike I don't take the msf course till April so I'm limited to the driveway and parking lot for now

@weljo2001 6 жыл бұрын

Check out the National Cycle V-Stream Windscreen. I put the Tall V-Stream on my Versys 1000 and it did the trick. I'm 6'2" with a 32" inseam. I keep it on the lowest setting for city riding and raise it up when its windy or if i do a lot of freeway... The V-Stream Screens fit bot the 650 and 1000's 2015-2017 models

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I'll look into it. I put an aftermarket screen on my CB500F and really enjoyed it.

@daveh5625 11 ай бұрын

I have a 2015 and the power band between 7k and 10k rpms is exciting to this senior... please note i am only a 3 year rider.... dave vrooom Arizona

@Braves2Dawgs 5 ай бұрын

I recently just got the exact same one you’re riding, 16’ 650. Love it so far. My first bike. Beautiful and perfect for what I need.

@doxasnob8137 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. A good cheat is to extend the screen past the top notch that rides in the track and have that over the top of the screen bracket, so the bolt with the knob THAT holds on the screen is at the top of the extension channel and the lower notch that rides in the slot is still in the slot. This pops the screen up that much more and really helps. Mine has been there for 2 years now! I am sure you know that is a 6 speed transmission, so hopefully you were in 6th on the freeway! Thanks again!

@mattiasliljenberg131 5 жыл бұрын

I got a 2019 Versys 650 about a week ago and I love it! So far no modifications done but I am thinking of installing a smart turn system on it.

@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mattias. I'm seriously considering moving from an NC750 to a 650 Versys for the extra power. Was wondering how you have got on with the bike? Is it good for long distance (400 miles a day) cruising? Any vibration issues? Fuel economy etc....

@gregbaumann4924 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2017 kawasaki Versys 650LT and I love it 💯💯 long rides are awesome great motorcycle

@two-wheels7397 6 жыл бұрын

I have the same Versys. I did pay dealer to add gear indicator and power port for USB. Try the Shoei Neotech for quiet helmet. Love mine. Enjoy!

@hiperaktifmanyetik 6 жыл бұрын

I have the same Versys, plus the same helmet. :)

@THEOAKLANDBABY510 4 күн бұрын

commenting so i remember to get helmet

@Tk_Gaming97 3 ай бұрын

I just picked up a 2014 versys 650 from Lebanon I love it. Let me know if your ever looking to cruise

@americandude3825 2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely regret selling my 2015 versys 650. Had a Baldwin seat, Givi screen, shift indicator, hard bags, two brothers full exhaust, tank protectors, tank bag, shock cover (shipped from UK). It was white. Gorgeous. I was dumb and sold it thinking I didn’t want to ride anymore….three years later and here I am…. For some reason I wobbled very little at highway speeds. Not sure why.

@RoadDogSteve 5 жыл бұрын

older post but getting my 2014 this Friday.... stoked

@nicholasarceri6613 6 жыл бұрын

Considering a versys 650, thanks for the personal viewpoints.

@diegoazcuy300 5 жыл бұрын

Nicholas Arceri great bike

@ducfan9546 6 жыл бұрын

Ok, the “tinted visors don’t have pinlock” thing is a legit nuisance... have helmet companies never heard of weather that’s clear and cold? That’s nearly HALF our riding season in Oregon.

@atomx111 6 жыл бұрын

I ended up buying a tinted pinlock insert for my clear shield. Works well on my HJC IS-Max 2. Good luck!

@49ProRatStreet 6 жыл бұрын

DITR, Always fun to see your videos and happy to hear the V650 is highway capable. I'm still waiting for our snow to melt to ride my new V. You mentioned a seat mod and I'd be interested to see a video on the details and if your "boys" appreciated the mod. Thanks from North Dakota.....

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

My boys very much appreciated it. I've got all the info gathered to make the video. I just need to find time to film it. I'm definitely motivated to share the mod if there's a chance it will help make anyone else's good old boys more comfortable!

@MrEvanvance 4 жыл бұрын

If I can ride the versys 300x on the freeway this will do lol

@kipmillwee6936 4 жыл бұрын

I have an 09, dropped a few teeth on the rear sprocket, 5000rpm at 72 mph, 6000rpm at 83 mph..

@kipmillwee6936 5 ай бұрын

Same

@MC-Racing 6 жыл бұрын

Why would anyone think that a bike with over 70 HP would not work on the freeway? all you need is about 30 HP to keep up..

@BMRTV 6 жыл бұрын

Wind and vibrations are the other considerations. The Versys does vibe a bit over 65....needs taller gearing.

@andymckenzie8031 6 жыл бұрын

Beats me. I kept up with 65mph+ traffic on a 2007 Honda Rebel 250. That comes in around 16 HP. It was a struggle on the uphills, don't get me wrong, but it was entirely doable. On a flatter road it really wouldn't have been much of a problem at all. It was kind of buzzy, though, and the Spitfire windscreen helped a LOT.

@normanhughedicko4076 5 жыл бұрын

I used to ride a two cylinders 400cc maintain around 70mph for hours without any fuss..

@normanhughedicko4076 5 жыл бұрын

There’s t rex lightweight centrestand for 2008-2019 models

@pacodawg9879 5 жыл бұрын

I am definitely leaning towards this bike based on all of the reviews and your review was instrumental in my decision, especially given the fact that I will have a lot of freeway miles. That being said, I am 6’3” 176lbs; in your opinion, will this bike fit me well both in triangle and torque? I am coming from a Roadstar 1600, which is obviously not comparable. Thank you in advance for your opinions and review.

@paragodful Жыл бұрын

Man I really wished he had replied to this, kinda in the same boat.

@eoscrabnardwar2199 5 жыл бұрын

This bike is great. I have an 09 and on the highway at 55 in the city here I don't even need to go in 6th.

@Unsleep98 6 жыл бұрын

I got the Madstad a few weeks ago on my ‘15. Big improvement on the highway once I got it dialed in.

@aerodylluk2543 5 жыл бұрын

I got the extended screen for mine and it made a huge difference at high speeds.

@jeffcraft1456 6 жыл бұрын

I have a 650 verseys & LOVE IT. Are you down south??

@llerradish 6 жыл бұрын

Looks like a pretty comfortable bike . But until you spend six seven or 8 hours in the seat you really won't know how comfortable it is for a long haul . How much air pressure do you run your tires?

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I'm looking forward to some real long rides this summer. I usually just run the recommended air pressure on the chain guard.

@dcampi7597 6 жыл бұрын

I've had a versys 650 for about 5 years now; 8,9,10 hour days are not a bad experience on the V. It might be worth getting a cheapo gel pad but it's not critical and because the pegs are right under you, you can very easily stand up and stretch a bit.

@allanperez-12 6 жыл бұрын

you shouldve shown the power of the 650 a lil bit.

@keithfowkes4240 6 жыл бұрын

Definitely something I have my eye on. Thanks for your view on the Versys! Would it be something that you would stay comfortable on an 6+ hour trip?

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I'd say it's as comfortable as anything else would be on that long of a ride. I'm hoping to find out myself this summer.

@peterkinda4983 3 жыл бұрын

Are they any good for pillion riding, long distance

@chadkline4268 2 жыл бұрын

@@peterkinda4983 650s can manage pillion, but 1000s are better of course.

@Biancamarton1 4 жыл бұрын

I have a 2013 versy 650 and I have to duck down on the freeway because of the wind im 5'5

@danielventura3469 4 жыл бұрын

Could you send the link of the video you were talking about at the beginning where the Versys won.

@DorkintheRoad 4 жыл бұрын

It should have popped up in the video when I was talking about it, but here's the direct link just in case: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gN58pK12l8-0c4k.html

@Splashdown99 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. I'm subscribing.

@dross1492 5 жыл бұрын

You were in 5th running 70? Why not 6th? Do these bikes like to run in the 5000 rpm range?

@DavidHarbour159 3 жыл бұрын

Low end is about 3000 where it starts lugging. 5000 is "economy" rpm 7000 to 10000 is top end high fuel consumption. 10k is start of redline.

@angrywormfishing 6 жыл бұрын

Hey you mentioned a seat mod. I have a 2014 and believe I’m having same issue. What mod did you do to help. Video? Link? Anything will help.

@disekjoumoer 6 жыл бұрын

Dork, my lad, as a fellow dork, I think you should know about 3D printing, right? How about printing some small vortex generators from clear stock and sticking them close to the top of the screen (look at the Schuberth S2 helmet's visor) to eliminate the buffeting and lower the wind noise.

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea. I wish I had access to a 3D printer

@disekjoumoer 6 жыл бұрын

There might be an online service that'll do it cheaply?

@nicholasarceri6613 6 жыл бұрын

Companies sell visor extenders with mounting hardware, not sure if the fit the versys shield though, worth a look into. Also check out helmets with a drop down shade, I have a Nolan N91 iirc and it was cheap, it’s quiet, and has the drop down tinted shade.

@TheBraps 6 жыл бұрын

Schuberth makes a pretty good quality helmet.

@TignoRice 2 жыл бұрын

Would you prefer the 650 or 1000 versys???

@NeuroWrangler 6 жыл бұрын

What’s the seat mod? I’d like to see what you did there. I just bought this exact same bike and something has to be done about the forward slope.

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I'm going to make a full video on it, but the gist of it is I raised the front seat bracket (the one up against the tank) using some longer bolts, spacers, and washers. I got the idea from KawasakiVersys.com and it worked very well.

@bennyang8049 6 жыл бұрын

I have the cruiser cousin of your versys, Vulcan S 650, my number one problem on freeway rides is the vibration of the engine at 70-75 mph. At 4k to 5k rpm, my feet and lower leg gets numb on a continuous run without stopping. Do you experience the same? Also how is your feet position, do you get to support some of your weight on you thighs or even legs while riding continuously on the freeway? Thanks

@vsimileac 6 жыл бұрын

Ask Killakam - kzfaq.info/love/o-sVUA2tP0s8qX5emer09gfeatured . He rides Vulcan S650

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I noticed that same vibration on a ride the other night. She's definitely happier at higher RPMs. The peg position is great for shifting weight and for repositioning as necessary. That's one thing I really love about this bike.

@RamenOnWheels 6 жыл бұрын

A nice day for cruising.

@josephclemons4308 6 жыл бұрын

Let's say i wanted one and i had to take a trip for 3 hours do you or any body no if that would be a good bike for the trip

@Thomas-qk7wf 6 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel. Good stuff, so far. As I'm considering adding something like the Versys 650 to my stable and would like to know if you ride two up? If so, how do you expect the Versys to perform with a passenger? I'm about 215 lbs, my wife is 165 and I'm concerned the 650 might be a bit under powered two-up. I'm not intending a cross country adventure on it, but, long day trips and the occasional overnight. Thanks.

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I ride with my daughter and combined we weigh about the same as you and your wife. I haven't had any concerns power-wise and the adjustable suspension makes it easy to stiffen up on the fly when you add another person.

@johnnygross4415 5 жыл бұрын

Has anyone tried one tooth larger on the front sprocket??

@jeffcraft1456 5 жыл бұрын

Get some shades man. Don't worry about a new visor. Ride on

@mrvwbug4423 6 жыл бұрын

How is the vibration level on your Versys at highway speeds? I have a 2009 Versys myself and while it has no problem doing 80mph on the highway, it is rather vibey at that speed, especially through the pegs.

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

It's not bad. I get a little vibration at around 4k rpms but that's it. Supposedly they added rubber to the motor mounts in 2012-ish so it's much better on the later models.

@georgeblumenthal7938 5 жыл бұрын

What kind of seat mod?

@masterspin7796 3 жыл бұрын

I think the 2021 models have different gearing...6th is more like overdrive...

@johnnygross4415 5 жыл бұрын

you feel comfortable and stable @ 75 mph?

@mastersoanes 5 жыл бұрын

I have done about 28k miles on a 2016 Versys, most of it at 80-90 mph on a 50 mile commute. Very stable at that speed, impressive really.

@jimmcc2543 6 жыл бұрын

Looking at the versys 650 and 1000. down in florida I would be traveling the interstate mostly at 85. Thats what everybody usually drives at. Should I get the 1000 or would the 650 be enough.

@T3merity 6 жыл бұрын

Having had a ninja 1000 (same engine) I would prefer the 1000.

@eoscrabnardwar2199 5 жыл бұрын

Like Justin said. The 1000 will be a tank on the freeway and sounds better then the 650(only my opinion). I have a 650 however and it can roll at 85 all day.

@normanhughedicko4076 5 жыл бұрын

If a two cylinders CB500X can do just well on freeways why not 650 Versys?

@bakabezzraka 5 жыл бұрын

4 more months till i get mine winter go away :D :D :D

@jamesphelps9573 6 жыл бұрын

Haha I’m gonna ride damnit!! XD

@screggybojanklin3567 4 жыл бұрын

Is this bike too tall for 5'7"?

@DorkintheRoad 4 жыл бұрын

I think you might be a little uncomfortable with the height, but the best way to know for sure is to go to the dealership and sit on one if you can.

@lfakerson7703 6 жыл бұрын

Does the versus 650 have cruise control

@ReverseProof 6 жыл бұрын

No!

@bamabackroads1203 6 жыл бұрын

I've got a cl-17 too and it's sooooo noisy.

@Tinribbs38 6 жыл бұрын

Bama Backroads j

@bamabackroads1203 6 жыл бұрын

Tony Broadribb k

@warpedjester 6 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'2 and I have moved my windshield past the top setting and it's still to low

@DorkintheRoad 6 жыл бұрын

I'm seriously considering an aftermarket windscreen.

@GetBrainWashed 4 жыл бұрын

I am 6-3 I had to buy an aftermarket large windscreen.

@josephclemons4308 6 жыл бұрын

I don't see how it can last at that rpms if you ride it every day

@phnx4life 5 жыл бұрын

Yes..get a larger fairing my fairy friend. I'm a poet and don't even know it.

@4n0n87 5 жыл бұрын

Like for Excite Bike!

@motorhead_jt21 5 жыл бұрын

You sound like an American SnowCat

@johncarlson8029 3 жыл бұрын

Honda has the best fasteners. The quality of Kawi and Suzuki is pure shit