KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 (2022 - on) Review

Have ridden 150 miles between breaks, no issues at all.

Suits my style perfectly, I cruise A and B roads at around 50 and tend to stay of motorways. I run it on super unleaded and regularly see 63 to 71 mpg Ave on runs.

No issues so far, build quality very good.

Costs are what I expect, mpg is a big surprise, I see 60 to 71 Ave on runs.

Not a big fan of the fitted Dunlops, lacking progressive feel, have to fit bridgestons soon. Heated grips are magic with the guards, the front brake is a 1 finger job.

exelent brakes pretty soft set rear shock is overdamped a little 300 quid yss is a very nice solution ..its best when touring longer distances its a bike that kinda grows on you with miles ..i had the seat reworked as im tall big touring screen and heated grips ..empty a yank fill it go again all day comfy when you tweak it ..a lot depend how tall you aretaller riders may need to address the seat and legroom like me ...

better than you may think ive run 1200gs 1000 stroms varaderos and it makes its power right in the middle where you live ..solid dependable and quite likable for a touring bike ..benifitsgreatly from a 16t front sprocket .a bit hunty in town under 3k over that its nery sweet and pretty much vibe free

all good watch out for rust on front discs

oil filter ride ..less than 50 quid for the first 10k miles consistantly over 60mpg 240/50 miles is easy to get with three litres to spare ..gentle on chains easy to work on

quite good for the pricepoint with a bigger screen its very protective and smart cockpit dunlop222s are ok for running in

Great comfy all day riding position with adequate weather protection, I fitted the low gel touring seat and can genuinely sit all day on it. It has a 21ltr tank and at nearly 60mpg regardless of how hard you use it, the range is theoretically over 250 miles although I never risk much more than 200. Brakes are more than up to the job the back works well with plenty of feel although the front does need a good squeeze. ABS not too intrusive but there if you need it. Overall not the best I've ever used but the day the sleeping cager pulls out and you really need them they work VERY well.....dont ask how I know lol

This engine has been about for absolutely ages, its in the vulcan ,Ninja, Z650 in fact pretty well everything and was the main reason I chose the bike over more tech rich rivals, after all this time I am sure it's going to be a trouble free sorted unit! Some have said it's low down throttle response is Jerky and engine Braking to harsh this is in my opinion not the case, as contentious as it will sound don't blame the bike! Learn to ride it. Once I had got used to the characteristics of the bike, which took a couple of weeks I found it no problem in town traffic or slow riding and the engine Braking is smooth and predictable you just have to remember the clutch is not a switch. I am an advanced rider and ride regularly with others on much more powerfull kit and have no problem keeping up, in fact some on 100bhp+ bikes struggle to match the versys pace especially in the bends where it performs better than it has any right too

I have covered over 7k miles on this bike in all weather's and it has never missed a beat! It always starts on the button, and so far shows absolutely no signs of age, I always hose it off and dry it before putting it away if it's been a bit wet or salty on the roads but so far as good as new. The factory fit Dunlop tyres are not the best and only lasted 4k miles but it now wears Michelin road 6 and the improvement is huge.

Apart from anual⁸ servicing and a pair of tyres (and it only really needed a rear) I have spent nothing. Service a bit steep but I did use a Kawasaki dealer to keep the warranty in place and fitted a scottoiler from new which has done an awesome job on the chain which looks like new and has only needed adjustment once in 7k miles

Personal choice here of course! I bought the GT so it came fully loaded with spot lights, luggage etc, I also added a low seat, hugger, heated grips, engine protectors scottoiler and an sae lead I have also changed the handguards for SW Motec kobras with integrated indicators and removed the factory ones as they have a well deserved reputation for trashing the fairing if you tip it and it's no lightweight so a tip is always a possibility. In retrospect I probably wouldn't buy the luggage again, it's about £1000 and its just sat in the garage never been on the bike, the topbox is more than adequate

Good all-rounder, very comfortable on long rides, brakes and suspension all seem to be adequate and perfect for my requirements.

Good engine but could do with a few more horses as its starting to fall behind the competition nowadays, it's very good on fuel and vibes are still slightly there but nowhere near as bad as early models due to rubber engine mounts.

Still early days yet as only just done 600 miles, have owned three previous Versys 650's and all were built well and have had nothing go wrong apart from a radiator cap fail.

A bit expensive for a few litres of oil and filter, tend to do it myself and keep the parts receipts when out of warranty.

My favourite features are the headlights and the colour instrument display, however the Bluetooth connection to the Kawasaki app doesn't work with my android phone, if I'd have bought the bike wanting this feature I'd be disappointed, I'd have preferred better security more than the traction control too as I don't believe that the bike is powerful enough to require it.

Only done 600 miles so far with one long run. The seat is very comfortable and a good relaxed riding position.

Not run in yet but it's powerful enough for me.

Looks amazing! It has the look of a transformer!

The panniers fit into slots under pillion grab rails so it looks it looks clean when unloaded. Top box is very useful and takes 2 x helmets.