“Had the bike just over a year. Must say it's way more fun than my NC750X that I had. That being said I had warped discs about 6months in then had the ECU fail which needed to be replaced. I must say Kawasaki UK were extremely quick in sorting this out considering there were none in the country and they took it from a brand new factory unit to get mine back on the road.
The bike itself
1:- the seat is ok for me for around about 1.5hrs anything past this I have to get off and move about.
2:- the handlebars could be slightly higher but that isn't the bikes fault that's my opinion.
3:- tyres have lasted extremely well.
4:- it's spacious and roomy when sitting on the seat
5:- windscreen is a tad bit naff. Definitely recommend getting a larger windscreen as it really helps.”
“This is a very good bike indeed. I have found it to be excellent in every respect and particularly so for its price in comparison with some other similar bikes. It doesn't tend to get tested against the likes of the BMW R1200GS, BMW S1000XR or the Ducati Multistrada but on the road I reckon its very close and several £thousand cheaper.
Engine-wise its an inline 4 so arguably not full of character but this has so much low down grunt you just don't have to rev it at all hard to make great progress. You can still have loads of fun at legal speed (plus a bit) and it will still return 58mpg. I once refuelled at 238 miles thinking there might be a problem with the fuel gauge and only put 18.5l to brim the 21l tank. It's plenty good enough for 260 miles to a tank if careful.
Handling and brakes are great. I've ridden similar style bikes and they can feel top heavy but the Versys is balanced, tips into bends easily and tracks a bend as if on rails. Brakes could be a little sharper when compared to the very best out there but still excellent compared to many of the other bikes I've ridden. Suspension adjustment is easy.
I love the look of the bike (I have the fast orange version) and wind protection for me (6'1") is good with the screen in the highest position. I haven't felt the need to go for an aftermarket screen as I have on previous bikes.
Comfort is very good, though if I'm on a tour I do tend to use an Airhawk for the long motorway miles to alleviate a bit of the bum-ache you can get after 200 miles or so. Luggage on the Grand Tourer version is plenty and of excellent quality. The panniers integrated fit keeps the bike narrow and there is no problem filtering.
I've fitted Oxford heated grips because they were considerably cheaper than the Kawasaki items but they took a lot of effort to fit and wire in. If I bought another Versys I'd bite the bullet and go with the Kawasaki grips from the options list. The cost is still cheaper than some other manufacturers factory fit items.
I've also fitted a Garmin sat nav using the Kawasaki cradle that mounts to the screen and wired this in to the battery which was much easier to do than I originally thought it would be. It works really well and is positioned perfectly at just below eye level.
No problems at all with reliability, fit & finish after 18 months and 9.5k miles. Rear tyre lasted 6000 miles and front 7500 miles but I tend to change tyres with 2mm - 2.5mm still remaining as I don't want to get caught out in the middle of a tour.
I'll keep the bike for at least another 2 years and get the mileage into the early 20k's before considering a change, but at the moment I don't know what I would swap it for. I know someone with an early Versys currently approaching 100k miles and it's been 100% reliable, still looks great and runs as well today as when he first bought the bike. I reckon the new Versys is equally up to the job.”
“After owning the Versys for two years from new, I have managed to clock up 22,000 miles and have enjoyed every mile of it.
I ride, come rain, shine, wind and snow and every mile has been sure footed. Although the bike is sold in the Venture bike section and badged as a Grand Tourer. It comes with a very powerful in line four cylinders 1000 cc motor. That is very smooth running, ample torque and blistering acceleration, even when two up.
It has to be the most comfortable bike I have every ridden. I get over 200 miles on a full tank and can ride all day, often venturing out on 6 -8 hour trips.
Is it a Venture bike - not totally, is it a Grand tourer – not totally, is it a racing bike – not totally. But it does all three exceptionally. Remember it is a Versys – Versatile Systems – it is.”
“Have had the bike since new 14 months and have completed 10500 miles. Out in all weather and bike performs brilliantly . Been in saddle for 400 miles got of other end still fresh. Would have no hesitation in recommending this bike to others”
“Very pleased with my Versys, comfort, economy and value for money. The Z1000 engine is great too. Only gripe would be the Kawasaki fitted top box. It's only a Givi monolock box suitable for a maximum load of 3kg. Useless, and this despite the fact that the panniers are monokey boxes. Top box already replaced with a monokey box.”
“I have done over 7000 miles in less than 7 months on my Versys 1000. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every one of them, even when it has been windy, wet and cold.
The bike instils me with confidence and comfort. I usually ride with my wife as pillion, both of us are very comfortable and enjoy the open roads and taking in the scenery on longer trips.
If I could afford a second bike, choosing another would be a difficult choice, but I would still keep the Versys, it is just too good to get rid of.
For me the perfect choice in every way.
.”
