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Versys vs other 650 twins

SFSV650

SFSV650

The Slowest Sprotbike™
Joined
Sep 22, 2011
Location
Still behind a Prius
Moto(s)
2007 R1200R
Cthulhu help me, I'm starting to like the look of the Kawasaki Versys, particularly the new ones with factory hard bags and aux lights.

I like the idea of suspension travel because of the state of California roads, and I'm relatively tall and slow so I don't see the ergos as being anything but a positive.

That said, I've ridden the Ninja 650, which as I understand it is the same engine, and I find it very polite, very easy to ride, but a bit disappointing at the low end compared to the v-twins and v-4s I've ridden.

Anyone tried a Versys and have a strong opinion about it either way?
 
I had a Versys, a Ninja 650, an SV650, and hubby had a V-Strom.

The Kawi parallel twin gives up a noticeable amount in grunt to the SV650. I found the vibes better and easier to live with. It's all personal.

I looked at the current Versyssesees at the dealer, and was surprised how much bigger and more ungainly the current ones are vs the previous gen.

I'd consider the Versys 1000 LT - more power, more torque, good luggage.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2015-VERSYS-1000-LT
 
SFSV650 said:
That said, I've ridden the Ninja 650, which as I understand it is the same engine, and I find it very polite, very easy to ride, but a bit disappointing at the low end compared to the v-twins and v-4s I've ridden.
Click to expand...
I've had both and it's not the same engine. The versys being detuned and smoother, has stronger low and but doesn't have the top end hit. The 2015 versys engine is different from mine though-they claim more power and better fuel economy.
 
Honestly, I couldn't tell a difference in the low end between my Versys and my 650R; they just both left me with the overall impression of 'moderate' and 'decent.'
 
I am a fan of the kaw 650 motor over the SV for street. My SV is a 1st gen. So could be different for 2nd gen. I find the kawasaki easier to ride and modulate the throttle. Since you mentioned V4, I'll say the vfr is much better in terms of throttle response and ease of modulating the throttle. But the lightness of the ninja 650 makes it funner as the road gets tighter. I imagine the Versys will be even better in that regard.
 
Roadstergal said:
Honestly, I couldn't tell a difference in the low end between my Versys and my 650R; they just both left me with the overall impression of 'moderate' and 'decent.'
Click to expand...

My Versys would take off from a stop with no throttle. My gen 1 EX650 wouldn't. Later EX650 had lower compression ratio and may have been more similar to the versys. At first I was disappointed in the versys top end, but I got over it.
 
RickM said:
modulate the throttle
Click to expand...

Oh, I forgot that part. Stock SV/Strom has a long-throw throttle; stock 650R/Versys has a looooooong-throw throttle. I got one of the G2 Ergonomics quick-turn throttles to fit, and it helped massively with what WeW mentioned above.
 
My wife has the '09 and I love riding it (when I can sneak it away from her!).

This topic has been addressed in great depth at http://www.kawasakiversys.com/. Consider dropping by to read their posts.

Let us know what you decide.
 
If you're buying new, I would take a long hard look at the FJ09. But yeah, the Versys is a great bike and the used ones are a screaming deal (maybe because they're hideous?) on a super fun, reliable and versatile bike.

I'm hoping that some of Kawi's recent success with that twin pumping out 90+hp in AMA flat track will spill over into consumer go-fast parts for the street.
 
I'm not objective, and I do have a short turn throttle on one of mine. This is a bike that can be ridden gently, but reacts well to being flogged. I love mine.
 
Is the suspension travel make for a much more pleasant ride around / over potholes and rough pavement and whatnot?
 
SFSV650 said:
Is the suspension travel make for a much more pleasant ride around / over potholes and rough pavement and whatnot?
Click to expand...

Stock suspension is pretty cheap. Upgrading it is money well spent. Once you do that, it deals with rough pavement pretty well.
 
I found the Versys to be a bit buzzy at 5k. Otherwise it was really fun, very easy to bring the front wheel up. I went with the G-Strom because I preferred the feel of the V twin.both benefit from suspension upgrades.
 
I loved my Versys, upgrade the suspension as flyinghun said. It transforms the bike into a fun frumpy thing. Just a bit heavy for my tastes.

Saying that, I prefer the SV650 as my street bike. I've always had one in my garage... The 650R twin vibes moar I think.
 
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