Cycle News Magazine Review: Kawasaki Versys
"A hybrid of 'versatility' and 'system', the name does well to describe the all-around purpose of the bike. Whether it's sport riding, urban assault, commuting or light touring, Kawasaki says the 'Versys has your back', and they're not kidding. "

Download (http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/GetAwardPdf.aspx?id=45) the full story

Cycle World Magazine Review: Kawasaki Versys
“The riding position is not unlike that taken by grapplers during face-offs. Weight over your feet, knees bent, arms up and wide, ready to respond to whatever your opponent -in this case the road, oncoming traffic, etc. -throws at you. There’s a strong sense of being in command.”

Download (http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/GetAwardPdf.aspx?id=68)the full story

Here's another great review done by the folks at SportRider.com

http://www.sportrider.com/features/146_0711_2008_kawasaki_versys/index.html

I have yet to read a bad review of this bike. It's gotta win some sort of award. It's unbelievable.

Motorcycle Experience which airs on TSN in Canada (in high def too!) reviewed the Versys last week. The tester was the motorcycle reviewer for the Toronto Star..

"If I was spending MY MONEY, this bike is in the top two!"

So, ya he liked it alot!
-Steve

Way back in May 2007, Bike (the great Brit motorcycle magazine) did a feature on the Versys that began, "The best bike Kawasaki make isn't a sportsbike or a big cc muscle bike or even a ballistic tourer. It's a trailie styled 650cc parallel twin called the Versys. And it's a revelation." They tested the Versys in commuting, on the freeway, in the city, with a pillion passenger and during "Sunday Blasts." They loved it! By the end of 2007, they ranked it as #15 in their "Bike of the Year" competition . . . and that was a long way ahead of anything else in its class. Since the Bike editors and writers are often highly partial to track-oriented sportsbikes, their admiration for the Versys struck me as especially noteworthy.

See if you can find a back copy and check out the article (pages 136-141).

Peace,
Elllvis

Found another one at the ZX forums;
review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2008-kawasaki-versys-road-test-71476.html)

Here's another review of the Versys worth checking out:
Review (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-versys/)

And another from the guys at Motorcycle Daily
Review (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/11october07_kawasaki2008versys.htm)

Any idea what colors the states may get for 09 and when they may hit the showroom floors?

I am considering both now and read the Vstrom has vibration in the handlebar. I dont mind a little vibration but cant stant that buzz that is typical of multi's. What is the Versys engine like?

Sid

I am the proud owner of a new versus 2008. I went to the dealer to get my 1988 yamaha v max inspected, and ended up trading it in and bringing home the versys. I currently have 700 miles on it, and love the bike. My friend I went riding with has a 650 v strom, and he test rode the versys, and said the versys had more power. He also added that the v strom handled better in the dirt roads due to larger front wheel, but he has more aggressive tires. My next set will not be stock, more dual purpose oriented. I like the torquey motor, if you are not in a hurry you do not have to shift much. (and i weigh 250 with gear) Hope this helps you out, Craig

I am considering both now and read the Vstrom has vibration in the handlebar. I dont mind a little vibration but cant stant that buzz that is typical of multi's. What is the Versys engine like?

I also dislike inline multi-cylinder buzz. That is why I had to ride the Versys before buying it. The V-Strom has the advantage of being a v-twin and thus evidences mostly secondary vibrations which are generally not annoying; parallel twins can be in perfect primary and secondary balance but still have a rocking couple that is unpleasant. Thus far, the Versys is nearly as smooth as the 650 V-Strom in my experience. It has a slight buzz from 3000-4000rpm (exactly where you have to ride it during break-in :() but, even then, it is barely noticeable.

Now that I can actually use the motor, I find it very smooth. I keep thinking of the BMW K-series bikes when trying to explain the feel of the motor. Very smooth and torquey, with a nicely linear response and a very mechanical sort of connection between the wrist and the back wheel.
HTH
d

as a 85/15 street/offroad how do you think the versys do?

I recently traded in my 2005 Suzuki C90 for a 2008 Versys. I was originally looking at a bandit 1250, then the ugliness of the Vstroms started to grow on me. After reading reviews I was leaning toward the wee over the vee and thats when I discovered the Versys. The main reason I traded the 1500cc super comfortable cruiser in was because of the chrome and constant cleaning and buffing. So was a bit worried about riding a bike nearly 900cc smaller with significantly narrower saddle. The Versys is nearly as comfortable as the C90 and definitely out performs any of my previous bikes. I live on a gravel road and drive about 120 km of rough and smooth pavement to work everyday. The Versys really is at home on all surfaces. Its about half the insurance and gets at least double the gas mileage and so far get an equal amount of 'nice bike' comments. The only thing I miss is the ear bleeding sound of the big vtwin.

<i>"A coward dies a thousand deaths...a soldier dies but once." (Tupac Shakur)</i>
<p>
Who knew Shakespeare stole his quotes from Tupak?

Shakespeare's line (from Julius Caesar) was " a coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero but one"
Tupac changed it a bit, but that would be why I wrote Tupac instead of Shakespeare.

Check out Versys 08's muffler mods. You won't be disappointed.

Shakespeare's line (from Julius Caesar) was " a coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero but one"
Tupac changed it a bit, but that would be why I wrote Tupac instead of Shakespeare.

Actually, no. Shakespeare wrote "Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." There are better sources for information than randomly googled quote sites.

Some originality on the part of Tupac, btw, but I guess rap is like that.

Actually, no. Shakespeare wrote "Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." There are better sources for information than randomly googled quote sites.

Some originality on the part of Tupac, btw, but I guess rap is like that.


I thought this was a motorcycle enthusiast forum. Maybe I should have spent more time with my Cole's notes on Shakespeare rather then pulling wrenches. Forgive me for not being an english enthusiast.

Actually, no. Shakespeare wrote "Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." There are better sources for information than randomly googled quote sites.

Some originality on the part of Tupac, btw, but I guess rap is like that.

lol--Just curious as to the significance of the misquoted gem by a 'gangsta' hip hopper----??? Cheers.....Lefty.

Found another review:

http://www.kawasaki.com.au/kawpublic_docs/TheKawasakiVersysisanUnbelievableMotorcycle!.pdf

lol--Just curious as to the significance of the misquoted gem by a 'gangsta' hip hopper----??? Cheers.....Lefty.

I suspect if the quote didn't mention Tupac that this most likely wouldn't have gone on as long as it has.

Agreed! & sad, really, the guy's first two posts were to point out your sig line, not anything about bikes... :huh:

So long thread short, the versys kicks ass. It excels on rough surface and smooth. Its fun in the city and can hardly wait for the on ramp everytime. As stock it isn't a great trail bike, but have seen a few things about a 19 inch front wheel and maybe a few other mods for a more realistic off road versys. Anyone thats shopping around will be sold if they take the test ride.

Here's Another:

Kawasaki Versys vs Palos Verdes (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2008/04/kawasaki-versys-vs-palos-verde.html)

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v239/156/96/8113612185/n8113612185_783050_4375.jpg

Cycle World mag arrived in the mail yesterday. In their Long-Term Update section they claim the Versys "practically perfect" 4100+ miles $0 maintenance/repair costs and 45 Mpg. :thumb:

Some rider reviews: http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/review_list_vehicle.asp?veh=54334

I've got a major stiffy for this bike and I've never even seen one!! I've read tons about it and am hoping Kawi offers a CA emissions ready '09 model. I sat on a 650 V-strom at the dealer and didn't like the way the footpegs pushed squarely into my legs in a feet-on-ground position. I would dearly love to sit on a Versys but the dealer has none and says '09 release is in October.:eek: My point: I'm in So Cal and wonder if any V owners are near enough and willing to let me sit on your bike.

Thanks in advance!

I've got a major stiffy for this bike and I've never even seen one!! I've read tons about it and am hoping Kawi offers a CA emissions ready '09 model. I sat on a 650 V-strom at the dealer and didn't like the way the footpegs pushed squarely into my legs in a feet-on-ground position. I would dearly love to sit on a Versys but the dealer has none and says '09 release is in October.:eek: My point: I'm in So Cal and wonder if any V owners are near enough and willing to let me sit on your bike.

Thanks in advance!

If you wanna come out to AZ, I'll totally let you whip her around the block a few times! ;)

Amir,

Many thanks for your offer! :clap: I may be out that way in August. Where in AZ are you?

Amir,

Many thanks for your offer! :clap: I may be out that way in August. Where in AZ are you?

In Tempe, right by the ASU campus... which if you're not familiar with AZ, is about 10-15 minutes SE of downtown Phoenix.

If we take the trip we're planning (to Zion National Park in UT), we'll only be crossing the very north-western tip of AZ, so I don't think it would work, but thanks, anyway. What can you tell me about your experience with the Versys?

Thanks, Will

Yeah NW AZ is quit out of the way from here, a good 5-7 hours away depending one where you're cutting through. But it's beautiful up there, and the roads were practically made for bike!:)

As far as my experience with the V... well I'm not a very experienced rider, I'll be the first to admit that... and my only real comparison is to an 81 Honda CM400a (my previous bike)... but I do love this bike.
It has plenty of power, (especially in the lower ranges) going anywhere. Never stuggles uphill or anything like that (the old bike did!). Great MPG, myself I'm averaging over 53, and I've heard of other getting anywhere from 45-60ish.
The seat... is not as bad as everyone says (imho). Yes, it's not the best seat ever but it is do-able. I myself am looking into the low gel seat. as the bike is a little tall. I dunno if you are a DP rider or not, but if not.... you will quickly notice how tall the bike is. If you have ridden other DP bikes... then this should be fine. But... don't let the height intimidate you. I'm 5'11"... with a 31.5ish' inseam... i can't flat foot fully, but can touch the ground with both feet. at first this was actually kinda scary, but very quickly and automatically did my riding style adjust to it, and once you're moving it seems fine.
The stock windshield is pretty good. (then again... my comparison is an 81 honda with no windshield!), though like others I do think the bike would benefit from having a little bigger one.
other than that... well the bike handles really well. it is a lot more manuverable and nimble than I excpected from a bike its size. It corners amazingly well, and stops when you need it to stop. (the one thing one that is the back stops so well that it is fairly easy to lock it up.. heres hoping for ABS in the US). hope this helps, and if you've got any more q's shoot away.

Hey, thanks. Nothing like comments from an owner. My current ride is the new BMW K1200GT, which is also tall, so I don't think I would have a problem with the Versys. I want a 2nd bike that's lighter and nimbler, though, for commuting and weekend twisties.

All the best and keep your spokes vertical!

Newb here. Picking up my slightly used 07 next week! Needless to say, I am excited.

It has won MOTY by these people Motorcyclist Online (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0809_motorcycle_of_the_year/index.html).

So I am not yet a Versys owner but I am buying a new bike in the next couple of weeks. I am down to the Versys, Buell Ulysses 12X and BMW GS 1150. I am wondering how the Versys holds it own on the highway with loaded luggage and a passenger. How will it keep up at highway speeds with other bikes under these conditions? Also, how is it on gravel/dirt/fire roads? Does it come loose easily? Any opinions anyone can offer would be a great help.

I'm coming off a 2005 Kawi Vulcan Classic 1500 and An old 82 Yamaha Seca XJ650. I liked the low crusier but hated how I was restricted to smooth roads. I want a bike that I can have as a daily commuter/ Highway tourer but if I see an interesting path off the road I can feel free to explore. I don't expect it to be a dirt bike.

Again any opinions would be appreciated.

No sweat on dirt roads, I'm on them all the time. I think the V starts running out of beans at around 90mph, so keeping up with other bikes really depends on how fast they're going. I don't even feel my wife on the back, I don't notice my Givi 21s either. It's a great all around bike, just don't expect to keep up with liter bikes if they're flying 120+mph.

I'm coming off a 2005 Kawi Vulcan Classic 1500 and An old 82 Yamaha Seca XJ650. I liked the low crusier but hated how I was restricted to smooth roads. I want a bike that I can have as a daily commuter/ Highway tourer but if I see an interesting path off the road I can feel free to explore. I don't expect it to be a dirt bike.


My Buddy has the Vulcan 1500 and I've migrated from an 82 Yamaha Maxim XJ650...you will be pleasantly surprised by what the V can do. I was also entertaining a cruiser style bike, but in the end they seemed too limiting. My Vulcan friend thought I was crazy for considering the Versys, but since we've ridden together he has entirely changed his tune - now he can't wait til I let him try it out :thumb:!

I've been 2 up, takin' the V for some long hauls, ridden some dirt roads and cruised the highway 80+ with zero problems - this is a fantastic bike, and a true all arounder.

Thanks for the feedback guys. It was all very helpful. I took the test ride today and didn't want to return to the shop! Everything you said about the bike was true. It was just plain fun to ride! To top it off, I met another Versys enthusiast in the shop and he told me about his experiences. We exchanged numbers and are planning a ride.

Now that I own one.
:thumb:

I test rode a Versys today and loved it

http://maverickaus.smugmug.com/photos/453448772_9H378-XL.jpg

http://maverickaus.smugmug.com/photos/453448692_feehW-XL.jpg

Cheers

Garry

Another review...don't forget the AMA!

http://www.amadirectlink.com/riding/reviews/2008/Versys/

http://www.amadirectlink.com/riding/reviews/2008/Versys/top.jpg

Also, attached is the 2009 sales guide from Kaw. Some good info and pics.

CC

I just found this great long term review of the Versys.

http://verlenelson.com/versys/index.html

This guys site is incredible.

http://www.verlenelson.com/

Every bike he has owned is thoughtfully reviewed. Great destination reviews too.

Excellent site. One could be up reading for hours. Thanks Mark!

Nice link Mark, thanks for posting it.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/200711-versystest.pdf

Didn't see this one posted - it's from '07, but is still pertinent. It includes comparisons to both the WeeStrom and it's brother bike, the Ninja. Of course, the review is positive - as usual.

FYI. A new long-term test update has been posted on the Cycle World website (attached below).

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=12&article_id=1198

Guess which bike comes up trumps:interesting:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/videos/2008/october/oct0108-video-cut-price-gs-takes-on-rivals/?&R=EPI-103259

I just found this great long term review of the Versys.

http://verlenelson.com/versys/index.html

This guys site is incredible.

http://www.verlenelson.com/

Every bike he has owned is thoughtfully reviewed. Great destination reviews too.

Curious, 45 bikes owned, but only one is listed on his website as current bike, a 2009 KLR. Did he sell the V??

Title in the V reciew article:

2008 Versys purchased new July 11, 2008, from Billy Aller at Davis Service Center, Montrose, CO.
Sold April 19, 2009 to friend Ken (on the left in the picture below).

yes. if you ride a V you are certainly not a coward

I like your post about 2008 Versys reviews. Kawasaki Versys is one of my favorite bike, it is my dream bike. Riding bike is one of my hobby. I like to ride all kind of bikes, right now i have Yamaha R15 bike. Here i want to share my review about Kawasaki Versys

1. After the first Versys appeared at the end of 2006, sales weren’t quite as strong as Kawasaki was hoping
2. The marketing men decided this was because they’d claimed too much for the bike
3. The looks are now more angular, aggressive and confident, and less likely to put anyone off the bike
4. While officially considered a “worldwide bike,” the Versys was designed first for the European and Canadian market.
5. The Versys’ face is as distinctive as ever, now with dual stacked headlights.