My Versys is a Jan 07 bike its done almost 25,000 miles it had a few problems during its warranty time ie: new rectifier and front disks but all in all its been a fantastic bike used 365 days a year and been to France, Scotland, Wales its managed 500 miles in a day with no complaints i would not hesitate to buy another one....great mid range all rounder.
The bike intrigues me basically because it's a "upright bike". Because of my lower back issues I can't ride either a sport bike nor a cruiser because of nerve pinching issues. There fore a upright bike is more to my liking, sure wish there were more of that type bike out there.
love my 08 versys, they just should have given it a better seat, fixed the noise in the console and given it a little more power. the seat is the worst part about it.
I am on my second Versys and would say as someone who rides 365 days a year whatever the weather. This bike is the best I have owned in 28 years of motorcycling. This review was crap, try talking to the guys on the Versys forum. Mine has proved to be reliable, fun, economical and a pleasure to ride. Toured France and Belgium last summer, didn't miss a beat. I am just thinking about buying a 2010 model to make it number three!
I am not a fan of the seating position of this bike. It doesn't necessarily look uncomfortable, it just looks a bit odd or a bit off, maybe too upright for my tastes.
Remember this was originally a Europe only model, it was the public lobby to Kawi that had them bring it over. We (here in the USA) knew what it looked like way before any efforts were employed to bring it over..and it won 'bike of the year' in 2007 as I recall.
I cant disagree with you regarding the challenging styling choices of the Japanese designers nowadays, I'll admit to that.
I don't see how. If you want an adventure tourer , buy an adventure tourer , a real one like Bmw's offering . That one looks good . This thing needs to go back under the bridge it crawled out from under . One thing is for sure , no one would ever steal it.
who ever said chroming anything made it look better?
For my sensibilities the Versys is one of the best bikes in it's class. lovely engine, nice price-point. Generally a splendid all rounder road bike.
Dont quite clearly understand the ideas that run through the japanese styling departments of recent times admittedly, there seems to be a 'overstyling' thing thats been happening with the new century.
Your missing the point , which is ugly is ugly no matter what you do to it . You can put lipstick on a pig but it doesn't change the fact that its a pig . There are better bikes that use the same power plant . The ER6N and the Ninja 650R both are competent street bikes and far more visually appealing than the Versys . Kawasaki makes plenty of on / off bikes that do a better job than the Versys. They don't need another on the 650 platform is all I'm saying .
Well to each his own I guess . I can understand someone appreciating the bike for what it was designed for , I just think they could have done a better job aesthetically . Again I point you towards the BMW F / GS series of bikes .
I have the the Ninja 650R and its a lot of fun on the street as well as a great daily commuter to and from work . It just seems to me that the KLR 650 would do a better job of what most people who buy into the sales pitches of the Versys are really looking for .
When the rider leans, his body position seems awkward. He's a crotch rocket rider I can tell because he keeps rotating his hips into the turns. From what I know you're not supposed to do that with a bike like Versys.
A great bike, no doubt...maybe my next choice...congratulations to all Kawasaki Team.
Kumbanigash 8 months ago
For the benefit of younger riders.. wheelies are No No thing to do ;)
djole777 8 months ago
I love you street of Sardinia Cagliari Italy !
FabrixMMA 1 year ago
highsiding on this would be fucked the handlebar too long you gotta be an expert jumping vault with gold medal
theuncanspan 1 year ago
My Versys is a Jan 07 bike its done almost 25,000 miles it had a few problems during its warranty time ie: new rectifier and front disks but all in all its been a fantastic bike used 365 days a year and been to France, Scotland, Wales its managed 500 miles in a day with no complaints i would not hesitate to buy another one....great mid range all rounder.
Fidius1967 1 year ago
The bike intrigues me basically because it's a "upright bike". Because of my lower back issues I can't ride either a sport bike nor a cruiser because of nerve pinching issues. There fore a upright bike is more to my liking, sure wish there were more of that type bike out there.
gregnsan 1 year ago
smaller tourers should be the right riding position for you.
Gizmorun 1 year ago
love my 08 versys, they just should have given it a better seat, fixed the noise in the console and given it a little more power. the seat is the worst part about it.
aujax 2 years ago
i got a versys 2008 ...its tall, its ugly.but it is a fun machine and very agile.....thats why i love my versys
sanggarD5 2 years ago
I am on my second Versys and would say as someone who rides 365 days a year whatever the weather. This bike is the best I have owned in 28 years of motorcycling. This review was crap, try talking to the guys on the Versys forum. Mine has proved to be reliable, fun, economical and a pleasure to ride. Toured France and Belgium last summer, didn't miss a beat. I am just thinking about buying a 2010 model to make it number three!
harleyman341 2 years ago
Another shit MCN virtually usless infomation free video review
winksta0 2 years ago 2
If you want an ugly bike that is a "jack of all trades" get a V-Strom.
UltraSWG 2 years ago
I am not a fan of the seating position of this bike. It doesn't necessarily look uncomfortable, it just looks a bit odd or a bit off, maybe too upright for my tastes.
TheDuerden 2 years ago
Remember this was originally a Europe only model, it was the public lobby to Kawi that had them bring it over. We (here in the USA) knew what it looked like way before any efforts were employed to bring it over..and it won 'bike of the year' in 2007 as I recall.
I cant disagree with you regarding the challenging styling choices of the Japanese designers nowadays, I'll admit to that.
gurney85 2 years ago
FUCK
slipknotmetalhead13 2 years ago
That bike is pure ugly...
WarInTheTrench 2 years ago 2
You can chrome plate a turd but its still a turd .
Its the ugliest thing I think I've ever had the displeasure to lay my eyes on.
WatchToddPattison 2 years ago
true but it is better looking than the last =]
PrinceAvison 2 years ago
I don't see how. If you want an adventure tourer , buy an adventure tourer , a real one like Bmw's offering . That one looks good . This thing needs to go back under the bridge it crawled out from under . One thing is for sure , no one would ever steal it.
WatchToddPattison 2 years ago
who ever said chroming anything made it look better?
For my sensibilities the Versys is one of the best bikes in it's class. lovely engine, nice price-point. Generally a splendid all rounder road bike.
Dont quite clearly understand the ideas that run through the japanese styling departments of recent times admittedly, there seems to be a 'overstyling' thing thats been happening with the new century.
gurney85 2 years ago 2
Your missing the point , which is ugly is ugly no matter what you do to it . You can put lipstick on a pig but it doesn't change the fact that its a pig . There are better bikes that use the same power plant . The ER6N and the Ninja 650R both are competent street bikes and far more visually appealing than the Versys . Kawasaki makes plenty of on / off bikes that do a better job than the Versys. They don't need another on the 650 platform is all I'm saying .
WatchToddPattison 2 years ago
Nah..dont think I'm missing the point. Ugly/pretty doesnt really matter to me much truth be told.
I have a speed triple and a zx-14, not notably 'pretty' bikes. Ugly by the sensibilities of some..doesnt bother me, never will.
If I had the need of a bike to undertake the tasks that I determined the Versys for me was ideally suited for, I wouldnt hesitate.
Visually challenged tho it may be, but when it was introduced there was an outcry to bring it to the USA because it proved worthy.
gurney85 2 years ago
Well to each his own I guess . I can understand someone appreciating the bike for what it was designed for , I just think they could have done a better job aesthetically . Again I point you towards the BMW F / GS series of bikes .
I have the the Ninja 650R and its a lot of fun on the street as well as a great daily commuter to and from work . It just seems to me that the KLR 650 would do a better job of what most people who buy into the sales pitches of the Versys are really looking for .
WatchToddPattison 2 years ago
Oh good, it doesn't look that much like a cyclops anymore.
XtraKryspy 2 years ago
I like the looks, even thouh its not super sporty
patrick1wtf 2 years ago 8
LOWER THE BARS !
jlm1298 2 years ago 2
DIY!
Gizmorun 2 years ago 2
yup i wouldn't lean on this bike, it's designed to keep your back straight all the time, liked it!
criosgra 2 years ago
the looks remind me of my BMW 650GS. Mines yellow too
drmlabs 2 years ago 5
Hmm, it doesn't look so bad in motion. =-)
4strip 2 years ago
When the rider leans, his body position seems awkward. He's a crotch rocket rider I can tell because he keeps rotating his hips into the turns. From what I know you're not supposed to do that with a bike like Versys.
joonsuk88 2 years ago