Kawasaki Versys 1000 Bike Overview
A new look with sports tyres that has focused on comfort, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 has risen from the ashes to become a beautiful sports-tourer that is now on a par with the Z1000SX. The Versys 1000 has come out of its ugly duckling phase and, even though it is said beauty comes from within, it is visually striking and has become more of a first choice for riders.
The beauty of this sports-tourer is in its design and consideration for its riders. The cosseting riding position is favoured by tall riders because it allows them more leg room and is much friendlier on the knees, as well as having a brilliant aerodynamic front that combats wind protection and helps to keep the bike balanced and performing at its best.
The adjustable screen and new improved mirrors, which are bigger, allow you to get more of a visual of your surrounding which, in turn, gives the rider much more confidence on the bike itself. It is heavier than its predecessor as it now gives the riders the option of taking extra luggage as well as its gorgeous new centre stand and powerful wheels which improves the bike’s comfort levels overall.
The 4v four stoke 1043cc engine has had a revamp and has been fitted with new cylinders and injectors which gives the Versys 1000 a new 118bhp. It has been said it is more efficient when it comes to fuel intake, reaching around 44mpg. It is a great motorbike for those who are looking for comfort but don’t want to compromise the bike’s overall performance.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 Bike Spec
- Capacity1043cc
- Top speed140mph
- Weight250kg
- Average fuel consumption44mpg
- Engine4v, four stroke, DOHC
- Seat height840mm
Kawasaki Versys 1000 Bike Insurance
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Owner Reviews
Pros
The look, the reliability and the touring capacity
Cons
Nothing
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Great 2 up riding, plenty of power
No problems at all
Good brakes and feel
Great engine and gearbox, smooth power delivery
Great engine for touring and fast when it needs to be
Over 50 mpg
Pros
Luggage system,smooth, comfortable and very practical for touring
Cons
Weight
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The seat is comfortable enough but not on very long journeys
I bought the bike 3 years ago, done 23000 miles and no problems at all
Good enough
Bit on the heavy side
Brilliant
Service every 4000 miles ,works out a bit expensive,fuel consumption is good
Pros
Comfy and quick.
Cons
Should have cruise control as standard.
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Comfy seat and riding position.
Never lets me down
Bite really good.
Confy seat and riding position engine is smooth as silk, standard screen is no good for touring but luggage has plenty of space and never had complaints off of pillions. Lovely bike.
Quick and nimble but big bike for touring.
Around 200 mile out of a full tank.
Pros
Touring ability
Cons
Tyres
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once you have adjusted the suspension the handling is great ,even fully loaded.
its no sport bike but for a 650 twin tourer its very flexible and punchy
50+mppg when touring through France which means that with the 5 gallon tank you don't need to worry about fuel stops
excellent build quality all the finishes 1st rate.
nissen brakes work really well standard tyres are ok but i think an upgrade will make a lot of difference
Pros
I would say it an around sports touring adventures bike ,get on it and it will take you where you want to go in style and comfort
Cons
Nothing I suppose mine is a 2014 model and is absolutely fantastic,and each model to present date has only got better
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Standard settings on the suspension, both front and rear are fine as set by the factory for both single and two up riding
The versys has the renound z 1000 engine all be it being geared different for touring ,still plenty of poke once you get it above 4500 revs ,good low end grunt aswell
Really good on fuel a full tank will give you 250+ miles if ridden sensibly, or if you give it a bit of a sweet it will still return 50+ mpg
Not had the bike long, build quality seems fine and should be ok mechanically as it has the well proven Z 1000 engine
Good brakes all round especially the ABS
Pros
An excellent bike for the all rounder, enjoyable to use to tour, commute, have fun rides in the sunshine. Comfort, build quality, performance and ride are great.
Cons
Could be better if it was a little lower and the stock screen is too small to be of much use.
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Smooth ride, great handling for a larger bike, very versatile
Could be better if it was a little lower and the stock screen is too small to be of much use.
Great quality build
Pros
Comfortable and smooth bike capable for touring Europe even with a pillion and also can be thrown around the twisty back roads for a nice blast out when you're in the mood. All round a great bike that can do what you would usually need 2 bikes to do.
Cons
Brakes need more bite and the screen should be electronically adjustable.
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At 250kg the bike is heavy but once you are moving you hardly notice it and cornering is easy. The bike tips into the corners with ease. Gear changes are smooth and slick.
Not the most powerful 1000cc bike at 120bhp but has plenty of pull in any gear at any rev count even in 6th gear at 25mph just twist the throttle and it goes
Brakes need more bite and the screen should be electronically adjustable.
Build quality is really good as you would expect from Kawasaki but the clock cowling does feel like a cheap after thought.
Brakes are Nissin 4 pot Calipers they have decent bite but this is a place that could do with an upgrade but ABS works really well
Pros
Comfort and engine
Cons
The service schedule could be looked at to trduce the cost of ownership.
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Although it is a heavy bike at around 250kg once it is moving the weight just disappears it is so well balanced.
Pulls like a train, excellent torque and acceleration.
Servicing costs are a bit excessive. Economy is good
No problems so far.
No issues at all.
Pros
Very comfortable and fast
Cons
None
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Amazing ride,bit heavy but it becomes very light once you start riding
All the power I need
Service every 3500 miles other bikes I Owen 6000 miles
I bought the bike brand new and done 1300 miles no problem so far
Pros
Comfort, mpg, good all round bike.
Cons
The over all looks and a couple of more layers of paint on the wheels would help
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Really smooth and for most of the weight being quite high bike handles great at slow speeds and is more than capable to be flung about on more challenging roads.
Great engine, bullet proof, never missed a beat. Plenty power if you need it and more than capable of ambling along putting in the miles. My versys
Fairly impressed with running costs, you can squeeze out about 240 out a tank on an average cost of £20. Servicing prices at local dealers not too bad compared with some other manufacturers. A good set of tyres your looking at just over £200.
Never had any issues with the Versus, all ways started on the button. The only thing I would fault it on is the lack of paint Kawasaki apply to their wheels as they look like the painter was 5 minutes from the end of his shift and gave them a quick coat of cheap paint
It is the ABS model I ride and well impressed with the brakes , they're not quite Superbike level but more than capable of getting you stopped.
Pros
Torque, comfort, performance and value.
Cons
Get someone else to clean it!
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I’m 6 ft 2 and it fits me like a glove, but I did fit 1” bar risers to eradicate shoulder ache, perfect now.
Previous 2 bikes were GSX 1400s so I miss that incredible bottom end grunt a little, but this is one tractable and smooth motor.
53 mpg no matter how I ride, ok with me. Cost per year, who cares? Can’t put a cost on the buzz and smiles!
No probs whatsoever.
Could use a bit more initial bite, maybe different pads?