Thanks for the video, your excitement is contagious. I traded in my electra glide for a versys and Wow what a difference. Everything you said in your video and more. Many Thanks

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

23 күн бұрын

Very cool! Thanks for the feedback. Cheers!

Im about to buy one and this video helped me a lot. Thank you so much. Greetings from Spain.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, I'm glad you found it helpful!

The best bike I've ever owned. I'm on my second versys now after the first was written off. Had about 13years and over 180k miles on a versys. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. I retrofit a pair of HID projector headlights that are now running Led's. The original headlight was ok but never inspired much confidence for night riding, now I see everything 👍 I would recommend adding a pair of 2004 zx6r footpegs as they help greatly with any vibration felt, also well worth getting a rear wheel hugger if you do a lot of wet riding as it helps keep the regulator dry and problem free. Also fit an after market end can if you're able, it sounds soooo good ! Some owners in the UK experience a twitchy throttle at low speeds caused by the FI to meet EU emissions, easily solved by adjusting the TPS. I've had a lot of bikes through the years, but this is by far the best.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

9 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for the tips. If I could only have one bike in the garage, the Versys would be in the running. Fantastic bikes! Cheers

I have this very same bike and it's one of my all time favorites. It just clicks all the boxes of what it means to ride a motorcycle. When I'm on it I don't feel like I'm competing on a track like I do when I'm on a super sport or feel like I'm pushing an overloaded wheel barrow when I'm riding a big cruiser. I feel like I'm riding a good 'ol motorcycle that'll take me any wheres I wanna go! Awesome video Jon, you did the bike sweet!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and very well said! The Versys 650 is one of my all time favorites as well.🙂

@mikesbikechannel4387

2 жыл бұрын

I need your secret about where to find these bikes in such good condition! Great review!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbikechannel4387 Thanks! No real secret, just plenty of practice.

@haasjohn63

Жыл бұрын

Ya, I can't get a cruiser now that I've enjoyed the handling of my Versys. I take any dirt road I see and just explore,

@Monk_Life

2 ай бұрын

@@haasjohn63 What tires do you run?

i have one and love it ,my first riding choice out of the 4 bikes i own

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

I believe it.

@keldonator

Жыл бұрын

What other bikes do you own?

Nice video Jon! I love this bike too!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Roberto!

I bought a carbon copy of this bike last week, replacing a VN900 which was hard on my back. The Versys has much better get up and go, as you point out at 5000 rpm it really livens up. Have to say I was happily surprised at the performance, it is easy to handle (at 6’0”) and insurance was cheap as!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! The Versys 650 is an all-time favorite of mine!

I just got a mk1 with paaniers. Yes back brake is budget and mirrors need a lot of adjusting but this little thing is really enjoyable. It reminds me of old skool bikes i grew up with. A future classic.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

For sure. It's one of my favorites! Cheers!

Great all arounder bike for the price! Good video & ride safe.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I have also owned multiple motorcycles my first was a Suzuki katana 750 and I actually laid that thing down three times within the first 6 months but kept on riding trying to learn how to catwalk and stuff like that my second bike was a Honda rebel after that I got a Yamaha FZ6 and then I got a Kawasaki concours 1400 2009 model now I just recently got the 2009 Kawasaki versus 650 and it is absolutely by far the most fun and most powerful awesome sporty do everything little bike that you can get and I don't care what anybody says it's the best all around in town the best on the dirt roads it can do what other bikes can't in the woods and in the sand and it's got enough power to go fast on the highway if you want to pass somebody that's going too damn slow so if anybody's on here with some negative reviews or comments that's fine just keep them to yourself man this is a show talking about good stuff for the Kawasaki versus 650.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

As long as people are sharing their opinions respectfully, they are welcome to post comments and opinions that differ from mine 🙂. We're all different and have differing values when we buy and ride motorcycles. I worked at a bike shop for many years. Each of us at the shop had our favorite bikes. We would discuss why we liked them best but we didn't fight about it. We sold every brand you can think of. Motorcycles are a common passion for those who watch this channel. Bikes should be something to bring us together - we all love to ride! They shouldn't be devisive regardless of which bike we own or like best.

I love this bike i been riding for almost a year now and it’s my first bike and I love how smooth and easy it feels to ride and it’s tall which i like since I’m 6’1

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

That's a fantastic bike to have! I've ridden over 1000 different bikes and the Versys 650 is a standout.

@suzyamerica4679

Жыл бұрын

I got one of those as a first bike. Still have it, still riding it. During the summertime it's my car. Camped up and down the left coast and all over the northwest on it. Does surprisingly well on gravel at high speed. Already put almost 40K miles on it.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

@@suzyamerica4679 Right on Suzy! The Versys 650 is one of my all-time favorites as well. If I only had one bike to ride, this one would would be in the running. It sounds like you're getting some great use out of yours!

Great review.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hey Jon. I'll say again that I really appreciate the way that you convey the actual riding experience in your reviews. It gives me a strong sense of how the bike "feels". I'm considering the Versys 650, 1000 or Tracer9 as an option. (used market) I really like my 22KLR ABS Traveler. It gives me a gentle smile when I cruise and explore all my local country blacktop and dirtroads. I like the riding position, the wind protection and it's off road capabilities. That being said, I do miss the "grin" factor a bit. It's also the case, that my "off roading" consists of mainly just dirt roads. (Although some are a bit "sketchy" due to more loose sand here in the south) It's possible that the new Transalp750 may give me what I'm looking for in one bike. I'm in no hurry for anything as the KLR is doing fine. Eric in NC

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

3 ай бұрын

All the bikes you mentioned are great. The Versys 650 (especially with suitable tires) would do ok off-road. And I'm sure the new Honda would fit the bill. Cheers!

Those original models are super cool, especially in that metallic green. From your video I'd call it "playful"!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ricardo, that's a great one word summary and I'd add the word "capable".

Love mine, its the 2nd gen version and its great for funnrides over long distances. Runs smooths and the seat is super comfy for long rides. Was a little bit to get used to seeing as its somewhat top heavy and tall for me being only 5'8" but after a couple weeks i felt used to it and it never lets me down.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Right on! The Versys 650 is one of my all-time favorites.

@TheParaxore

Жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 it was a great bike but I hopped on a X300 and knew it was a much better fit. So I traded the 650 for it and never looked back. Loving the heck out of the X300 and taken it down some dirt roads and double track and had a blast. Love how much lighter it is and the power is just right for me

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

@@TheParaxore Awesome, it sounds like you got the right bike for you!

I think when you spend more time with it, you will enjoy reving it out more. It likes it above 5 K. Yes, it has one of the best suspesion I've had. A ton of bike for the money when you buy used.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Right on!

Bought a fourth hand same model one, a few years ago. Never had an issue. Great blend of fun, comfort, agility, road holding, frugality. Just wish Kawasaki would FINALLY decide to make a 19" front version. Beware that the first generations had weak breaking. Should be fixed on later models. Center of gravity is pretty high up; good for handling, bad for maneuvering it at standtills. Can easily do backroads for 10 hours per day rides, without getting sore from the seat or vibes. The bike I definately became one with the most, of all the bikes I had.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

Right on! I was really surprised to enjoy the Versys 650 as much as I do.

@ryanboyd8077

Жыл бұрын

I cured my weak front brake with a set a braided hoses, made quite a difference.

@techtoth1

Жыл бұрын

@@ryanboyd8077 Have had them for a while, but didn't really make a great difference. I thought of switching to a radial pump, but here in Italy you can't do absolutely any changes to the bike, or the Ministry of transport eats you alive... 🤐

thank you nice review..😉

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome Robert!

Jon’s wife is now jealous of the Versys.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

18 күн бұрын

😂

Thanks for the video. I guess the Versys 650 has a following, but the pristine, well-equipped and super low-mileage one I test rode was a bit gutless, and it completely put my arms to sleep after just 10 miles at 80 MPH indicated. I ended up paying a bit less for a DL650 ABS Adventure. It was the same year, but with even more options and it had a few less miles. I found the improvement in vibration, comfort and power delivery to be absolutely astonishing. If given the opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate to ride my Wee-Strom from ocean to ocean, but I might hesitate to jump on another Versys and travel more than a few miles. The V-Strom is also a better commuter in my opinion, and I even like the way it handles in the twisties, though I admit the Versys might hold a slight edge there - barely. ...By the way, I've ridden for over 50 years, have owned around 50 Japanese bikes, and have nothing at all against the brand. I have owned a dozen or more Kawasaki motorcycles and have enjoyed great performance and service from them. I just think Suzuki has set the bar in this category with the V-Strom, that's all. $.02

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

I don't doubt your experience and I respect your opinion. The last time I rode a V-Strom 650 on a longer ride (about 100 mi) I enjoyed it. However, I found the ABS overly sensitive, kicking in way too early. It was comfortable but the wind noise was almost unbearable coming from the windshield (hits me just wrong). I ended up taking the windshield off. The suspension was plush but the knobbies and tall, narrow front wheel gave nothing like the precision and crisp sporting response of the Versys. I tend to lean toward the sporting side of the riding spectrum and don't do lots of 80mph highway cruising. I'm glad you enjoy the V-Strom and finding a bike that you really like is a true joy in motorcycling. Additionally, the V-Strom also has a loyal following. I just picked up a Versys 1000 LT and will be reviewing it soon so stay tuned...

@ralphcantrell3214

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I do appreciate your channel and it's content, and I will certainly stay tuned. Thanks. I have no way of knowing this for certain, but perhaps there was just some sort of a unique problem with the particular bike I rode - a slight imbalance of some sort in the crank or something maybe. I definitely wouldn't argue with anyone who suggests that was the case. However, the bike was certainly un-crashed, garage kept, well maintained, had extremely low miles, looked like new, and it was in the hands of the original, responsible, adult owner (he was a low-ranking General in the Army). I only buy lightly used, "by owner" bikes, and do consider myself to be somewhat of an expert at assessing such matters. Happy trails!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

@@ralphcantrell3214 I agree, it does seem like there may have been an issue with the Versys you rode. Something as simple as a mouse nest in the airbox or bad gas could do it.There is only a minimal power difference between it and the V-Strom so it shouldn't be that drastic. And you're right, the best values out there are the well cared for, lightly used machines! What are some of the other bikes you have in the stable?

@ralphcantrell3214

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I currently have the 'Strom, a pretty cherry '01 CR250R, and a bevy of small Honda trail bikes, all in great shape and purchased lightly used from individuals. I also have an excellent, low mileage, 2nd generation SV650. I bought it for my two "part-time biker" adult sons to ride when the mood hits them. It also serves as a "buddy bike" for bikeless friends who know how to ride and occasionally want to tag along. I have been riding since the very early 1970s and have never been bikeless. I started out on a Bridgestone 60. I got my license at 14 in 1975 and rode away on a Kawasaki Triple. Kept 2-stoke bikes around till the late 80s and went to Honda V-4s. Until recently, I have always had a dual sport or two around also.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

@@ralphcantrell3214 Very cool!

Hey Jon how you doing? along those same lines where/how do you sell your bikes? You're not just keeping them or you'd have 50 by now. RT. 849 out of Duncannon has those humps in the road too. I've lofted the front wheel of every bike I've owned over them. Yes even the ST1300. So fun!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Pete, I will advertise on Facebook and or Craigslist when I sell a bike. The tough part is selling bikes that I really like. Economics dictate that to have a revolving garage of bikes you have to sell some. Currently, the Versys, Concours and NC700X are on the market looking for good homes.

Anyone who knows how to ride a motorcycle, and rides a Versys 650, rates it either as their favorite motorcycle, or as one of their favorite motorcycles to ride. It's often matched against the Suzuki 650 Vstrom, and the BMW F650GS in combined on road and off road comparisons. Even though the Verseys isn't an Off Road Adventure Bike, it always seems to win the overall competitions, and everyone raves about the Versys650 engine. They usually call it the funnest motorcycle to ride, unless they are comparing it to a motorcycle with a bigger motor. The Versys 650 is often matched in comparison videos against bikes with more Cubic Inches, and that alone says a lot.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

Well said. I've owned or ridden lots of bigger, faster bikes but none make me smile or laugh out loud while riding more than the Versys 650. Surprisingly, the Versys is also SO much more fun than the Ninja 650 with the same engine. The Versys 650 is definitely in my top 5 favorite bikes of all time.🙂

@intergalacticbasketballdro7186

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks, man ! ☝👨 but I should know...😉 I just bought a like new, (always garaged) Candy Lime Green, 💚 2009 Kawasaki Versys 650 with brand new Dunlop SportMax-3 tires, and only 5,050 miles on it, six months ago. I recieved lots of great extras with it, too. Very smooth torque range, (wide power band) and great low end torque. (manageable torque) Turn the throttle hard, in first gear, and the front wheel rises. At low speed has enough torque to pull the front wheel up as high as you want to make it go. At a 6mph roll, (it's just idling in 1st gear) and it has enough torque to ride a wheelie, without using and slipping the clutch ! More low end torque means that you can take off from a stop at lower rpm, so that you decrease the amount of wear on your clutch. It makes it much better for hauling luggage, hauling an extra passenger, (you won't stall it or burn your clutch up either). It's great for anytime that you are riding alone in town, too. The Verseys 650 accommodates Panniers and Rear Luggage Trunks. It's nice to be able to keep the RPM low in the city and conserve (both) fuel and engine wear. A Versys650 should easily run for 100,000 miles or more before needing to rebuild or replace the engine. The seat on the Versys 650 is very soft and comfortable, which sometimes makes me want to just keep on riding it ! I'm over 50 years old.. I've owned and ridden a lot of different motorcycles. The Versys 650 is absolutely the best motorcycle that I've owned. I rode it up to Paradise on Mt.Rainer and the road and the spectacular view of the mountain was so amazing that circled back and rode up to Paradise Lodge, 3 times ! Soooo much fun on the Versys 650 !

@intergalacticbasketballdro7186

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Five bikes ? ? ? ? ? These are 5 bikes that I'd love to own. #1 Versys 650 #2 Kawasaki H2 #3 Kawasaki Z-1000 #4 2022 Honda Grom SP #5 Honda GoldWing

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Sounds like you got a nice one and have some great areas to ride as well.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

@@intergalacticbasketballdro7186 Good choices on the top 5. I haven't ridden the H2 or the Grom yet but I would love to try them. 🙂

Thinking of getting one as my first bike, the dash is a bit dull and the headlight looks quite akward but I like the overall shape and how you sit on it, also sounds like it's fun to drive

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

If you're a taller rider, the Versys 650 is a great choice for a first bike.

@HightLink

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I'm about 6.2 (189cm) + my gf as a passenger, hope it will work. Looking for one with ABS

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

2 жыл бұрын

@@HightLink ABS is a great option. It's difficult to find a bike that is great two-up and still a good beginner bike. Again, the Versys 650 is one of the better choices out there.

@HightLink

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thx for the response, I will try to find one in my budged, cheapest ones are 3000+ euro

@dsiz9421

Жыл бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 definitely. I’m 6’4”. It’s my first bike. No regrets. Great acceleration in the power band and loves to throw down in the corners.

How do you feel about an older model Versys 650 in terms of touring and comfort on longer rides? I’m talking rides a rock multiple states? Would thy suffice just fine or are newer models any better?

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

10 ай бұрын

I like the light weight, sharper handling, and simplicity of the early models. The later bikes (especially the LT with hard bags) may be a bit more tour-ready. I'm not a long distance rider (mostly 3 hr or less) and any Versys 650 is good for that. Cheers!

You didn’t mention that the Versys 650 has upside down fork system that helps to prevent damaged (leaking) fork seals. 🤑👍

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Ай бұрын

Unfortunately, upside-down down or rightside-up, fork seals leak over time. I've replaced plenty of both. Cheers!

@andrewroberts6123

Ай бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 You don’t seem to comprehend the significance of having upside down forks. They don’t collect dirt, which can scratch your forks and make them impossible to fix, and have you wondering why your seals are still leaking after you just replaced them.

@andrewroberts6123

Ай бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 It only takes one tiny piece of gravel to land on top of your fork seal and get stuck against the fork, to rub up and down and ruin your forks. But sand is the worst. This problem doesn’t occur when you have upside down forks. I own a 2009 Kawasaki Versys 650 that is also Candy Lime Green. I know good equipment. The Versys 650 is a wonderfully designed motorcycle. Mine has a large tinted MRA windscreen that actually works. (Directs the wind over my Helmet) It also has a Musarri GP street series exhaust. (Sounds great) Team 💪💚😎💚👍 Green

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Ай бұрын

@@andrewroberts6123 The Versys is one of my favorites as well! Cheers!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Ай бұрын

@andrewroberts6123 I don't have a dirt riding background, but I do understand what you're saying about the upside down forks. That makes sense. Cheers!