I think a 7 is fair. I'm a Versys owner, and it is my first bike. I don't feel overwhelmed or intimidated by it, but I'm 6'2", 250 with a 34" inseam, and can easily put my feet down flat. The size was actually a selling point, to me - I wanted something that fit my frame, that I wasn't going to be tired of in a year or two or three.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I can imagine you'd probably be pretty cramped on a smaller bike.

@aaronporter2566

2 ай бұрын

I know this is an old comment, but you seem to get it. I have never ridden, and I am 6'6", even 200lbs. I am looking for something under $4,000 to start off on. 4 years later, what was/is your experience

@rogershermanmusic

2 ай бұрын

@@aaronporter2566 four years later, I still own it! It's a fantastic bike, although if you're interested in off road, it probably wouldn't be the best for you. But in terms of on road, for a taller, stronger guy, yeah, it's excellent. Friendly power, very good handling bike. I'd highly recommend it.

I agree with you. I have a 2018 Versys 650. Love it. First bike after a long absence from riding for me. Definitely easier for a taller person or at least long legs. I’m 6’5” so the taller seat height was a selling point along with its versatility.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I can see how it would be the perfect bike for a taller rider.

TY Dork! You have clarified the few doubts I had on this bike I really think Versys 650 it will be my first bike

@DorkintheRoad

4 жыл бұрын

It's a great bike! You'll love it. If by some miracle you're local-ish to Oregon I've got a really nice one for sale ;)

@willymariani6010

4 жыл бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad TY but I'm in the opposite face of the world.... i'm italian :)

@DorkintheRoad

4 жыл бұрын

That might make it a little more difficult 😀

@willymariani6010

4 жыл бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad Just a little bit :D

I have an 08 versys and am a new to licensed street riding, I mostly agree with the 7/10 rating. 7/10 with some background experience like you mentioned, but with limited to no experience i wouldn’t let that person on my bike. It’s a fun bike, it can be smooth and gentle to ride when you want it to be, it’s always game to lift the front tire off the ground in first and when you wanna make tracks in a hurry it’ll pick up the front tire shifting into 2nd and 3rd. I find the seating position and height favorable for low speed maneuvering and also am comfortable on the stock seat to ride 2 hrs straight (can’t really ride more then that with limited fuel availability in my area). I see it as a nice friendly bike that’s always there quietly waiting to bitch slap your ego when you don’t give it the respect it deserves lol.

I got a 2012 Versys a couple of years ago after ~20 years away from motos. (I’d started with a 1980 KZ550, then moved up to a 1981 GS850, before getting into bicycles.) The Versys 650 is a GREAT re-entry bike, especially as an all-weather commuter/getaway vehicle. I’m about 5’10”, with long arms and a 30” inseam. It’s a little tall and top-heavy at a stoplight (especially with a full tank) but it give a good SUV-height view of the traffic and feels confident at highway speeds. Plenty of power, but not too much.

That's some serious sharp corners on that wind shield

@Jackice

3 жыл бұрын

not as sharp as it appears, the angle of the camera makes it believe it is

I'm 6' with dirt bike experience, I've had this bike for 3 months now. It's been a great starter bike, and I don't feel the need for any extra hps. It is hard to get your feet down at red lights, but it just take practice and time. I got 2k miles on it now, does highway perfectly fine at 75-80 easily. You described the new rider persona perfectly imo. It has its extreme quirks for a newbie, but it's also very doable. I'd go 8/10. (Just because you opted for a 650 instead of the one liter:)

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you're still enjoying the bike!

i bought a 2020 model last week and it is pretty amazing. i am 6ft5 and it fits me well and feels good. I can flat foot it and even stand up from the seat abit. Ofcourse something like a triumph tiger 900 or a ducati multistrada "looks" better with my length but they are at least twice as expansive. Imo, this is the best fitting bike i could get in the adventure touring class. So if you are 2 meters tall and looking for something like this, defenetly check the versys 650 out!

Great review. I'm thinking of getting this bike as my first... I'm 6'2 and 200lb with relatively long legs, so I'm actually looking for a somewhat tall beginners bike.

Thanks for this video! Checked out a Ninja 650 today, think I'm going to buy it. A versys would definitely be better for me at 6'5" but I like how insanely easy it is for me to maneuver the Ninja. And at 240 lbs I'm really excited about seeing how long the 650 will keep me satisfied with power!

@MocknozzieRiver

5 жыл бұрын

Hey I'm also going to check out a Ninja 650 today! Would it be your first bike or...?

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I think you'll enjoy it power-wise but might find it a little cramped comfort-wise at your height.

@jimbo92107

5 жыл бұрын

I'd still get a versys. They are sooo comfy to ride with that extra clearance.

Old vid but I got to ride a '23 versys today at a demo event as a brand new rider and I was enamored with it. It was the 3rd bike I demo'd and only the 3rd time I'd even been out on the road and as soon as I sat on it I got kinda freaked out about how tall and heavy it was and felt like it might be too much for me to handle but as soon as it got going it felt fine. Riding felt fine the power felt fine coming to a stop and getting my feet down felt fine, tho if one foot is flat on the ground I'm tip toeing the other foot but it still felt fine to me. Loved it so much I've already messaged someone selling one and it'll probably be my first bike.

Love this bike it truly is everything in moderation ...great bike

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I agree!

I got a 2006 Yamaha XT225 as a first bike a couple years ago. It was in primo condition, had lots of excellent mods and only about 3,000 miles on it. I got it because it is very light, has a low seat height and I wanted a trail bike that was street legal. I'm 60 years-old, 6' tall and weigh 200 pounds. The bike does have bar risers and a stiffer suspension than a stock one. It has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. I never expected to still be riding it two years later but so far there is nothing else I'm aware of that might suit me better (even though I can easily afford to buy any bike I might want.) The XT does get pretty squirrelly when I go over 60 MPH on the pavement, but that isn't what I got this bike for.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Dual sports are the best first bike, in my opinion. Great choice.

Kind of funny, we've been shadowing each other : Did the husky test ride at Bill's (liked Smartpilen sp?better). Been riding a Versys like yours for a couple months on the same roads plus some nice twisty gravel here & there & bit of hairy hilly washed out double track. The Versys is no dirt bike but it seems eager to try. Agree about your assessment here. I test rode a ninja 400 a while back and really thought it was a fun little bike and super easy to handle. That (or z400) would be a great beginner bike.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Like two ships passing in the night, I guess. I agree that the Svartpilen was the more fun of the two.

I'm a new rider. My first bike was one of the new Rebel 300's. And I got rid of the Rebel for the Versys 650. I've had one season on each...so not a lot of experience. I was caught off guard by how top heavy and tall the Versys is. Your comments about the big gas tank are correct! With such a top heavy bike, with a tall seat, you REALLY have to watch out at slow speeds. If you tilt/lean to one side, it can get away from you...FAST. The top heavi-ness & big gas tank only amplifies that problem. The Versys is definitely not as good as the Rebel 300 at slow speed maneuvering. ...like parking lot turns or tight turns at very slow speeds. You can go from 'controlled'...to 'out of control' in the blink of an eye. Once gravity gets a hold of that gas tank....watch out! But with time, I'll get used to it. But it was a bit nu-nerving early on. Using your scale, I'd only give it a 5 or 4. It's just too top heavy and hard to control at slow speeds.

@DorkintheRoad

4 жыл бұрын

It's pretty crazy how quickly it starts to tip once you get it past a certain angle. Definitely scary for a brand new rider.

I wanted a Versys 650 so much after 10 years on a Vulcan 1500, big and heavy in the city.Yet In my test drive I could not find the brake peddle. Scared the crap out of me. And the lack of an heal toe shifter was funny. I ended up buying a bigger heavier bike. I wish I gave the Versys more time under the seat. Looking back, I really liked the bikes looks, riding style , performance, balance, Awesome throttle feel and acceleration. Way better than the stock 1700 motor.

I would agree with the 7/10, one thing a new rider should look for is ease of maintenance. I have a 2000 goldwing also, and trying to save money on routine maintenance, I do alot of it myself. Having to take off the plastics to get to spark plugs, air filter, even an oil change have to remove something...I believe the versys is a very easy bike to ride, very forgiving. People talk about weight of the bike, but, after riding a "heavy" bike, the versys is a piece of cake. The Ninja 650 or the vulcan 650 are good choices. I did have a Suzuki 650 gladius, a naked bike, decent power easy to work on.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Maintenance is a good point.

It's my second bike, but I've only been riding for a year and a bit. I have accidently power wheelied, but that felt awesome and not life-threatening😂

Got a '07 model last year as my first bike. I'm 6'3", 165 lbs and decided to get a versys because to me it is nothing else than a naked bike for tall people. I put 8000 km on it and don't regret my decision. Power is plenty, yet managable. Handling at speed is great, however the center of gravity is high up and you have to get used to it for a little bit. Especially when throwing it through tight alternating turns, its a little bit ponderous. However, i have to say, the Versys didn't age well. By factory the Suspension is too soft to do sporty riding. You can do it, but you're not feeling comfortable when you're nearing the limits. Its very nervous especially when shifting weights by rolling on/off the gass. Also, the breaks are terrible! Gen1 Versys has terrible brakes, the ABS regulates very choppy and the braking distance for a full stop is abysmal. I think all of this got optimized in the Gen 3. When comparing it to mid-class beginner nakeds its not as nimble as i would have liked it to be. I thought that because of the wide handle bars and the still relatively low weight of ~210 kg it would be easier to ride. I recently had the chance to get one a friends Yamaha MT 07 and only then realized what i was missing out on. In other words, if you are going to do 80% or more day tours and/sporty rides, don't get the Versys 650, you'll be disappointed in the long run. If you already know for sure that you will do quite a lot of touring with it, the Versys will be great! Really had no complaints on our 2500 km Tour through the Alps. Anyways, thats enough of a reason for me to sell my Versys next year. Will be looking for something more stable and refined, yet nimble, with a higher budget. Thinking about a Shiver 750 maybe.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Good insight. It definitely finds its legs when you're on long highway rides (except for the vibration). It's definitely not built for short, sporty rips.

6 ft 3 265lbs i been looking and looking and researching and I'm dead set on this bike. Its for me..

I just started street riding a couple months ago and the Versys 650 was my choice. I rode a bunch of things and none of them felt particularly comfortable for me. I'm not small (6' 2", 32" inseam) and not young so sport bikes left me feeling like a pretzel. Cruisers in the same price range (like the Vulcan S) felt sloppy and sluggish. Adventure touring felt right for my tall frame to be seeing over almost all the traffic while still being able to flat both feet, which makes me feel less invisible than I would on most bikes. Nearly 500lbs wet with a tall and somewhat wide bike is not easy to handle. The throttle still feels twitchy to me though I'm getting accustomed to it. I am an extremely careful rider almost to a level of paranoia. You can't be lazy with this bike. Is it the right choice for most people to start? Probably not. Is it the right choice for me? Definitely. It's been great for me, and I doubt I'll outgrow it. I may supplement it with a dual sport if the off-road life I lived in my teen years decides to come calling again. 😊

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Dude, that "pretzel" feeling on sport bikes is so true. I don't see how people ride them for long periods.

@najirban

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that. I'm basically your size with longer legs.

Pop the 790 Duke engine into the Versys 650 chassis. Done. Perfect.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

That would be a hell of a bike, for sure.

@jimbo92107

5 жыл бұрын

How's the mpg for a 790 Duke? Versys 650 gets almost 50 mpg as is. The extra performance always costs more gas money.

@exothermal.sprocket

5 жыл бұрын

@@jimbo92107 KTM publishes 4.4 l/100 km or 53.4 mpg. How that translates to the real world, not sure. But I'd guess near 50 mpg, because my MT-09 gets upper 40's.

Went and tried one on today. I am 5’10” and can just flat foot it . I want a comfortable bike that’s still fun , and I do have a passenger half the time ..There is also. 2014 v -strom 1000 I want to look at ..

@jimbo92107

5 жыл бұрын

Yamaha FZ6. Lower to the ground, balances itself, very predictable acceleration, and a gratifying top speed of about 138. Trick riders use FZ6's for wheelies and stoppies. Just don't ride one more than about 100 miles at a time (freeway), or it will buzz your butt right off.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Versys does okay with a passenger, power-wise, but the pillion seat is like really high off the ground compared to other bikes. Something to consider.

@luvsallbikes279

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply , I did notice how the back of seat is much higher..and I am thinking about the fact that you mentioned it is a little too heavy ..

@luvsallbikes279

5 жыл бұрын

*top heavy

Hello Dork, I'm eyeing the 500f for years now, but considering I plan for it to serve in my commute starting next year of 40-50 min a day on a highway with traffic up and then down a mountain (2km rise) I thought that the 500 might be a tad too weak, but then again I am 5'8 and a new rider and I believe that even though it seems like a great bike the Versys is too much for me in comparison to the smaller, more forgiving and tamed Honda. Thoughts?

@DorkintheRoad

3 жыл бұрын

Power wise you'll be fine. The Versys is pretty smooth and easy to handle. The seat height and top heaviness can be a little off putting at first though.

What about Versys 1000 for beginner? I am 7ft tall and it fits me great

How is it for two up riding? Considering this for my wife and i

I mostly agree. The versys 650 was my first bike. I feel like a new Rider you have to be careful of your throttle control. I feel like the versus can be very twitchy. It can throw you back and forward. It does have good power to get up and move when you want it to. It looks great. The Price is Right. I just feel like it lacks soul.

@exothermal.sprocket

5 жыл бұрын

Most 180° parallels do. Takes a different firing interval to give them the soul they lack. Kawasaki stubbornly refuses, in spite this engine being around in one way or another since 2006.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

You make a good point. I think the fact that they tried to make it so versatile means it really doesn't excel at any one thing. Kinda vanilla, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

@danminer3548

5 жыл бұрын

I mean 2 wheels is 2 wheels but damn I'm loving the HD it's everything my versys isn't . Don't get me wrong it always puts a smile on my face when I see it but..... I can't really explain it yet.

@exothermal.sprocket

5 жыл бұрын

@@danminer3548 It's the feel of the engine, sound, vibration, the way torque rolls on at lower speed. Similar attributes are found in different ways with other twin cylinder bikes that have lumpy power deliveries, like KTM bikes, Ducati, Suzuki TL and SV sportbikes, even metric cruisers.

@danminer3548

5 жыл бұрын

I guess that y I'm loving my 18 fat bob v twin 114 it's got so much soul .

That windscreen is full Dork .

I agree, it is a great starter bike and as a taller person I had no issue being able to go flat footed. Was great until I went on gravel and went down hard and bent the frame, slightly at the passenger peg, and totaled the bike. Plenty of power, good mpg in the lower 50s, just not comfortable past 20-30 minutes. That seat has to go. I tried an Alaskan butt pad and that doubled comfort time on the seat but not worthy of anything long distance. Great short commuter. Just my 2 cents. I'd be curious if the Versys 1000 has a better seat. I did move up to a HD Road King, seat is much more comfortable, mpg is less, and probably just as fast. I could see myself getting another gen3 Versys if I could find a decently priced used model.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I agree on the seat. It's so weird. It should be so much more comfortable than it is.

First. Love ya dork

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Well played.

As the average person looking for their first bike is a young guy, I'd say stay away from a torquey 650. Might just be asking for trouble. It really depends on the person.

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. That's why I tried to qualify it. It could be a decent starter bike if you're careful. Some people (young dudes in particular) are better off starting out on like a Ninja 250 where they're less likely to get themselves in trouble.

I think I would give it a 3 out of 10. I have one as my 4th bike, (600-1000cc all super sports) and I’m 6’1” tall. I agree with you about the ergonomics or moving a tall motorcycle around, but I will add the first gear problem. If you forget to release the clutch, or hit a bump and jerk the throttle, you will wreck that bike. The downshift into first is super rough as well, The first week I rode mine, I went into a full slide a few times. I would have dropped it moving it and wrecked it as my first bike, I’ve been riding 10+ years now, and I realize a good bike for people to learn on is a short, light bike with high gearing. The engine size is not a problem unless you love speeding, don’t get it confused, a 650 Versys is faster than a Camaro SS in the quarter mile, so you will get pulled in a heartbeat if you aren’t careful. I say the ideal bike to drive is a Honda cbr 250.

@DorkintheRoad

4 жыл бұрын

I've definitely noticed that first gear is a little twitchy. I guess I just haven't ridden enough bikes to know it's exceptionally bad. Good insight.

@deea2680

4 жыл бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad It'ss not exceptionally bad, infact it's no different to most bikes Save a lot must have had a bad bike!!

I bought it two days ago after riding a maxi scooter for over 10 years (Gilera Nexus 250cc) and found it INTIMIDATING. The major problem is it's size/height - I feel really small on this bike and don't fell in control (I'm 6 feet tall). The other thing is the torque - when in lower gears one needs to really careful when ease off the gas. If you release the gas too suddenly the bike will slow down instantly/forcefully and one might fall. Maybe I should have bought something smaller ... I wouldn't recommend this bike for anybody smaller than 6 ft. Great review though!

Vstrom vs versys for beginner bike?

@ashermil

2 жыл бұрын

I test-rode both (both of them used). I found the V-strom (a 2013?) really twitchy at low speeds-like a bicycle with a heavy front load. It plowed a bit. The Versys felt much more neutral and balanced.

@AuGold808

2 жыл бұрын

@@ashermil thanks for the response . I can see that be the case w the strom being a bit twitchy lowspeeds

No, and here's why: 1. Even a decent used Versys will cost you $5K, where a used Ninja 250 will go for under $2K. Assuming you are a typical stupid beginner, there's a good chance that you will dump and wreck your first bike. Question: Better to lose $2 thousand or $5 thousand bucks on your first bike? 2. A Ninja 250 (or similar) will be light weight, reasonably rugged, and "flickable," meaning it's easy to turn the bike and handle its weight with your thighs. 3. If a 250 tips over in a parking lot, a reasonably healthy guy can lift it back up, even with bad technique. This is much harder with a bike that's over 50 percent heavier. 4. A 250 will force you to learn how to work the gears to get up to highway speed, where a 650 lets you be lazy with gear shifts. 5. Too much power. A 650 Versys has ideal power for a mature rider, but far too much for a beginner. A sudden jolt of power from over-twisting the throttle can cause a panic response in a beginner, making him grip the throttle even tighter, which makes the acceleration problem go from funny to tragic in about half a second. In contrast, you must twist the throttle far more on a 250 to get it to pop a wheelie, so it's a little less likely. Credentials: I learned on a Ninja 250. Top speed, about 122mph. Now I ride a Versys 650. Top speed, I don't know and don't care. It handles well, will go from 80 to 100 quickly enough to get me away from bad situations, and it gets good mpg. I am glad I learned on a 250. Made me a better rider.

@GasWorksISO

5 жыл бұрын

Jim Parker I agree. People should start small and work their way up. I own a Vulcan S, which is considered by many to be a good beginner bike. It has the same engine as the Versys. I think it has too much power for someone who’s never ridden before. I started on a Ninja 300, and yes, I did eventually get bored with it, but if I would have started on the Vulcan, I surely would have wrecked it.

@smugmode

5 жыл бұрын

I just bought a '08 Versys 650 with 7k miles, '16 tires with 50% tread left, for only $2300 cash. It's been dropped on both sides at low speed, but the damage is miniscule. Love this bike so far, although the stock windshield and seat are slowly killing me, as well as engine vibrations numbing my hands. Any recommendations to remedy these issues?

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I agree on the Ninja 250. I think it's a great first bike, but it isn't one that will last you forever. Starting with something cheaper is always a good idea. I would never recommend the Versys to a true beginner, but the right rider (tall, reasonably cautious) could probably survive on it as a first bike.

@maikoui

4 жыл бұрын

Dork in the Road could probably survive 😄? I am a 5.7, 75kgs. Sat on it, toes left and right, flat-1-foot only. My question is, do I go for the z650 or mt07, or for versus which is my dream bike? Note1. Only driven scooters for 5 years with one minor crash. Note2. Never driven an actual bike. Note3. I’m 33 yrs old. Not a child anymore to put senseless danger! Nevertheless the danger is there, I know, that why I never tried to buy a bike before.

@orencohen5118

3 жыл бұрын

@@maikoui dude you're nearly as heavy as a 500

Go Pro is way better

@DorkintheRoad

5 жыл бұрын

I'm glad it makes a noticeable difference.