Hello. As a versys 1000 owner who rides alot of miles per year I think you should give the technology a chance. Those safety features you talk about has saved my life because of other people not watching out for motorcycles. And as far as durability of the versys 1000 safety features they are bullet proof. I have treaded my versys 1000s like dirt bikes and have used them as dirt and adventure bikes to the level even the BMW GS would struggle with and I have never had an eletrical component failure. I consider myself a very skilled rider but I will take any help I can get from technology to get myself back home safe to my family. Overall good review and be safe my friend.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

Like the end of the video said.. I really like the motorcycle. its a great bike! Thsnk you for Watching . Cheers

Thumbs up on the review and the scenic route. I am a Kawasaki guy, though my main ride is currently a Suzuki. My Dad was an old Harley guy from back before 1950 and rode with my Mom up until about 1960 when they had kids. He and his cousins rode their Harleys all over Ohio, raced them, did mud runs, poker runs, etc. So, my Dad was a Harley guy from way back. Then my cousin bought a brand new Kawasaki 750 triple in 1972. My Dad rode that bike and said, "Wow, what a kick in the seat of the pants!" So, he started to follow Kawasaki in the motorcycle magazines and set his eye on a Z1. Upon retirement in 1982, he bought a retirement toy, a 1975 Kawasaki 900 (Z1). Though he was all bunged up from RA, he'd get on that bike and he was free. I could hear him wind it out going up the old country rode where we lived. I inherited that bike a few years later and I still have it. That's how I became a Kawasaki guy. God bless!

I test rode one today. It's an amazing motorcycle. The engine is glass smooth, I did not feel any buzz at the bar at all. The mirrors were smooth and the image crystal clear the entire ride. It has a bit of a hooligan heart. It may be retuned but it is still a 1000 4-cylinder inline Japanese badass. On the softest setting the suspension was a bit bouncy, not quite enough rebound damping, but set at "one rider plus bags" and it was perfect.The tech is great. There is a lot about this motorcycle that is just amazing.

This sports tourer is good for long roads in USA. Definitely got some power on this bike.

Definitely understand the Telepathic link with the V1K. I kind of think about where I want to go, and she just does it. Some motorcycles are visceral and made to be part of the experience. The Versys is so good it just falls away and you forget its there, and that makes it special.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

You said it better than I did lol thanks Brian

@dreadnought1984

Жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Thank YOU sir! Excellent reviews!

I had the Pan America for over a year. The tech is amazing! Seven ride modes, two are user programmable. After the gee whiz wore off I found the one mode I programmed was what I used. The Pan had wheelie and stoppie mitigation. The most important feature is the ability to switch it all off and go full hooligan mode. When I had a Speedmaster with traction control it wouldn’t go up a dirt road incline. The rear would start to spin and the computer cut power! On my INT650 I was heading down a steep dirt road when the ABS kicked in and released the brakes! No way to override it. 😡 The sensor you showed is the same tech as an iPhone 😁. It senses the changes in speed and direction allowing for cornering traction control and cornering ABS. As a lifelong professional pilot I enjoy reading the manuals😁

I added 1 inch bar risers on mine, it help a lot with my wrists getting a bit sore, and helped to sit upright more easily while allowing a bend in the arms. Though, I've never been bothered by any vibration. Next add on will be engine guard/crash bars specifically to add highway pegs on it. Mine is a 2020 SE LT+, so it came with the side bags, and I added the trunk the storage is spacious, and the rear trunk definitely adds to passenger comfort and safety. Eventually I may get a custom seat, if my bony ass cant break in the OEM one in to my comfort as the miles tick by. I agree with all the new tech, and that's why i spent an extra $682 for and additional 3 years to the original 2 year factory warranty. With that being said, its not over bearing with the tech. Heated grips, 4 riding modes, traction control (which you can turn off), cruise control, and the adjustable suspension and abs... that's pretty much it. Though they do throw around a lot of acronyms. The Rideology app is pathetic... and not worth messing with, Not sure why they actually push that as a selling point. Another thing i do on mine is when not using the cruise control on a longer ride, I'll rest my palms on the bar ends, and just use my thumb and index finger on the throttle.. give the hand a rest.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

thats awesome congrats and thanks for the tips Cheers

Hahahaha I really like your approach and mindset regarding motorcycle riding. I used to be like that 20 years back, riding in a T shirt and jean. I've started riding motorcycle again and o my God that's exactly what I want tires, bakes , rear view mirrors and speedometer. No extras

I got a free screen that comes fitted to the standard versys and it totally transforms how the bike feels, much lower and narrower that our screens fitted to the S & SE models. Still don't get wind blast as such but much more airflow and as I say the bike feels much smaller & lighter.

I'm on my second Versys 1000 and am seriously contemplating buying a third. My wife and I love the comfort of our 2019 SE GT and will happily tour on it. The handling is great. Deceptively good, I'd say. I gives me no end of confidence. Like you, I have been riding a long time - since 1968 in my case - and feel today's technology is getting silly but, apart from the QS which I find doesn't work well with a pillion, it works and hasn't been an issue. The vibration on both mine lessened with increasing mileage but it's still there. Thankfully, it's now outside my usual riding zone. You can get bar risers and footrest lowering kits for these, as well as lowering links for shorter-legged riders.

The buzzing is an inline 4 trait. You need a tach on those bikes because it'll feel like it's wound out at 4k rpm, then it'll smooth out for a couple thousand rpm, then get buzzy again. I had the original version before they added $7k worth of gee whiz electronics to it. It was a good bike. I put nearly 60k miles on it before I traded it for my current Road King. I'm like you. I'm not interested in a computer doing everything for me. I prefer the RK for travel. The Versys is better at getting down a twisty road quicker though.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

I agree. My RK is my long ride choice as well

I just got a 2022 lt (base). Just got back from a 3600km trip to Gaspe Quebec with a passenger, loaded with camping gear. All I can say is that, it is a awesome touring bike. It Just needs a few comfort mods (better seat, engine guards with pegs) and it will be great high mile bike for years to come.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

I agree and that's kinda what I said or thought I said lol thanks for watching and subscribing

@Icefisher420

Жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin yes, I agree with everything you said, including not really needing (or sure about the longevity of) the all of the extra electronics. I think that’s why the budget base model LT was a good and cheaper alternative. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. People like you really help others make informed decisions.

Great video. Thinking of moving from a 2017 z1000sx performance tourer to the Versys next Summer. This video has me convinced to do just that. Thanks for the review.

What a fantastic review. 👍

Nice video, thanks Ronin, I’ve had my Versys for a year now, was just meant to be a toy not for every day use but it’s just too good not to use, I even use it on the school run for my 12 year old daughter. I agree with you on the Quick shift, just feels wrong to not use the clutch and you can achieve manual changes so much smoother. Enjoy riding. 👍🏻

Fair question about 'how much is this going to cost to fix', but honestly, it is moot. This is a Japanese bike, I've been riding them for 50 years, never had to 'fix' anything, ever, not even once. I bought my Versys 1000 in 2012. It goes today the same as it did the day I bought it, and nothing has needed to be 'fixed'. I'll get one of these new ones soon :) Man, a t-shirt on the highway? Seriously?

I have highway pegs on my Yamaha Tracer 900😁, works just fine. Thank you for this video Ronin!!

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

lol I know right lol

The quick-shifter will save your left hand in an urban environment maybe, if it works well, some don't. Honda's DCT is a peach in-town.

I’ve been looking at this bike . And the Conurs and the Yamaha Fjr 1300. Great good on the bike

'The bike has so many electronics' 'The bike knows what I want to do' 🤭

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

gee maybe the Title gave that awaay HMMMM? lol😋

Nope. I ride to reduce my exposure to technology, to experience a taste of what it was like to ride in the mid 20th century and earlier. Heck, I still take maps with my on road trips.

Nice bike looks comfy, quick and confidence inspiring. A good tourer but am with you I dont need all the gizmos... But then after you have done x miles on something that gives you ass ache n wrist ache maybe you want the comfort of this.

OMR, I'm more like you; I don't need more tech than the bridge of the Starship Enterprise has! Actually, that's more true for the Honda Goldwing than the Versys 1K, but the V1K still has a lot of tech on it-too much for my taste. What I like about my Meteor 350 and all the Royal Enfield bikes is that they have tech where it makes sense (ABS and EFI), but they don't overcomplicate their bikes. The CFMOTO ADVentura 650 has about as much tech as I could live with on a bike.

Wow. This was TOUGH to watch. Both from an inline 4 perspective , a Quick Shifter perspective, and from a Versys owner perspective. I will try to keep this short and constructive. You may get flamed from others though, sorry. 1. ALL inline 4 motorcycles have some vibes in the 4500K RPM range. Yamaha, Kawi, Suzuki, etc. It's the nature of the beast. They do "calm" down once the bike is fully broken in...usually 10,000 miles or so. 2. The quick shifter...that was a disaster in your review. You DO NOT let off the throttle when upshifting OR downshifting, that's the entire point of a quick shifter! On the Versys, it works as intended at above 2500 RPM. Your acceleration test failed do to your letting off the throttle...you lost acceleration. 3. You should have used the cruise control on those open roads..your speed was all over the place....8 -10 mph differences. That is just one reason technology is great...makes up for bad riding habits. Speed discipline is just as important as lane position discipline. 4. You can still use the friction zone with a quick shifter...just because the QS is engaged does not mean you can't use the clutch..the clutch is always available to you. As an aside...another GREAT benefit of the QS is that fact that your clutch cable will last much longer than one without a QS... for guys like me that put 70 -85K on their bikes before trading or selling, makes a difference. Ok, that's enough of that. Appreciate you taking the time to review, just please read the manual or otherwise educate yourself on the technology so that viewers evaluating for potential purchase will have accurate info. Thanks!

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

That's not the point of this channel. I am NOT a fan of hyper technology. It may be for you, but not for me. If you watch my other videos, you would know that. As far as manuals and learning all the ins and outs, again thats not the point of this channel. Its for guys who want an honest first impression of someone who likes simple tec But thsts cool, you read, I'll ride ;) Cheers and no worries. Opinions and butts, we all have one

@RealJayPowell

Жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin lol...I like your saying "you read, I'll ride". When you get over 1.2 MILLION miles on 2 wheels like me, touch base , we'll then truly be able to compare notes and share experiences. That is all.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

@@RealJayPowell I have much more than that Start sharing

@relevation0

Жыл бұрын

Just whip em out and start pissin boys! 😂 Good original comment btw Jay.

Nice video 🍀✌ Thumbs up 👍

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

G'day Ronin from Australia, that is a great looking motorcycle 🏍️ and would be fine for today's rider that needs everything at their fingertips, l live by the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) and old classic and retro style bike's make you feel the ride, younger riders will embrace the electric motorcycle, but sorry not this old dog. Cheers mate, say hi to the Ironlady, lol Neil 🤠.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

Agreed 100% Neil

@davericketts9101

Жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin I`ll second that too, from a rider of 50 years experience.

@dreadnought1984

Жыл бұрын

Thumbs up! As a Versys owner, I love simple as well. Honestly after figuring out my settings on the first day, the only things I've used in 14K miles are the cruise control and the heated grips. Everything else just works in the background without any rider input at all.

👍👍👍I love my Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE GT/2022 model year.

I’ve almost dropped my phone when I got to a segment with super loud clip.

I know a good number of female pillions who say this is the best bike they have been on especially on long trips.

@gazmoto

Жыл бұрын

That’s because of the vibrations coming up through the pillion seat 😂👍

Maybe add different bar end weights for the vibes

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

might help!

the versys is more at home in the twisties than the flat long run you doin....go and try your first tail of the dragon....youll be even more impress with it

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

I've done the Tail numerous times and I'm certain it would do great. I only had the bike a few days.

@martinst-pierre8074

Жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin did you ended up buyin it!?😲

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

@@martinst-pierre8074 no it was only for videos.

Like myself you’re an analog guy in a digital world. I don’t see the need for most of the technology on modern bikes. ABS, cruise control ? Great. Riding modes? That’s my right wrist. Yes I am a seasoned citizen or as some of the younger folks out there might say I’m a member of Team Geez. 🤣

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

Or Tram Geezer lol thats me

again it's a matter of "what do you want to do with your bike?"

I had a guy just drop his Versys in front of my house yesterday... don't know what he was doing but all I heard was that Ninja wind up and then plastic crunching and sliding. Didn't see any sand or liquid on the road and by the time I got out there he was up and out of there but I did notice he was having a hard time getting the bike going every time he let out on the clutch his engine would cut out so it was probably some type of mechanical issue.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

That sucks

Bought a BMW k-1000 with all the Bags ect. Beautiful motorcycle, But it had a buzz in the Handle bars and it would go into your hands. I rode a hundred miles home and it was one of the longest trips ever. My hands were completely asleep by the time I got home. I put it for sale the next day ! Sold it to a young man from out of State. Worse motorcycle ever, bar none for me . I really like the Kawasaki. Guess I’ll keep riding a old Honda. There’s alot to be said about a old Honda !

haha! you could probably take those corner twice as fast :P

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

I could for sure.

Anyone who is a downplayer of the advantages of advanced motorcycle safety tech such as is used in Versys 1000 is in complete denial of their own human failings. It is like the safety difference between old cars without seat belts, ABS, airbags, stability control, etc. All you need to do is look at the well-documented declining death rate in cars due to this tech. In motorcycle circles someone often knows or certainly heard about of a fellow motorcyclist who has died in a crash. Somehow that bad outcome is accepted as a justifiable right of passage. Yet we have individuals like this who refuse to accept the benefits of avoiding even one accident. If you crash on a motorcyle the human body is often not fixable. Only if you are lucky you will not have some lasting trauma from the experience. What then is the cost to quality or loss of life, medical costs, insurances costs, loss of income, pain and suffering etc.? In comparison the cost of this PROVEN tech is insignificant. Even to make comments about concerns about reliabilty and analogies like I'm an ol' points ignition guy is blatantly ignorant . I have NEVER had to fix any electronic ignition, fuel injection, ABS system, SRS (airbag) system EVER. Maybe because I only buy Japanese products and they somehow know how to do electronics and electro-mechanical systems right. It is time these reviewers get their minds right and stop perpetuating stone-age motorcycle mentality. There is nothing romantic or visceral feeling of having plates, screws, and pins installed in your body to hold your bones together in a sub-optimal manner. This is not the same less sophisticated tech from 90's or early 2000's. It is much BETTER than what any human can do in a highly unpredictable street environment. The irony is these same individuals record their YT videos with latest photo tech from GoPro and others with image stabilization, 4K resolution, etc. and it is not exactly cheap. If old tech is so great why not use your old flip phone for these videos?😂

All those electronics keep me away from this model

riding a motorcycle without motorcycle gear, not my way of riding a motorcycle

Again, would've been great to actually see a full shot of the bike before you got on it. Looking at just the cockpit for 18 minutes doesn't give any relatable perspective. Just saying. 👍

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

ok

Those dubbed in sirens are annoying