After a bike that ticks the boxes for price, convenience and comfort? The Kawasaki Versys 650 could be for you…
Previously publishing in issue 179…
Available over the years in both full power and LAMS approved, the Kawasaki Versys 650 is one of the most versatile, capable and fun machines around, and it’s a bargain, too.
Most people look at the crossover styling, 17-inch wheels and can’t work it out though, and move on to more traditional machines. But they’ll have missed out on an interesting bike — and yes, I’m a little biased in this case, I own one.
I came to own this bike through an intermediary, my eldest son… he was still restricted to a LAMS machine when the chance to buy this bike came up at a good price and we had a couple of old bikes whose value had sky rocketed during Covid. So they got sold, the Versys got bought… and I discovered it was a great summer bike (in contrast to my Yamaha FJR1300, which traps a lot of heat) and for around town, the Versys is awesome.
Then I realised it’s also fantastic on tour as the riding position is very comfortable, and the panniers and SW Motech tankbag and rack bag give it a huge carrying capacity.
HISTORY
The Versys (“Versatile” and “system”) 650 was probably built for the European market, where twin-pot upright bikes are really popular with commuters and riders looking for an economic yet capable machine. It was designed as a road bike primarily, but versatile enough to be suitable for everything from taking you to work to handling well enough for a fast run through the mountains through to touring and even dirt roads.
Launched in 2007, the Versys has been with us for nearly 20 years, with sales ticking over well enough for Kawasaki to keep developing the bike while launching a four-cylinder 1000cc version and the smaller X-300 Versys, which leans a little more towards adventure than the larger bikes.
All the 650cc models have featured a tubular steel frame, 17-inch cast wheels, 649cc parallel twin engine, an upright riding position, long travel suspension and protective bodywork. This is a good formula for Australia, where we have to deal with wide-ranging temperature changes (so some weather protection is nice), terrible roads (the long travel suspension makes for a good ride), and the upright riding position makes riding all day at the speed limit comfortable.
There are two (maybe three) downsides to this formula: the seat height, at 845mm, will put off a lot of riders, although the decent seat-to-footpeg distance makes for a very comfortable knee bend; and weight, at a little over 200kg, is similar to many bigger bikes with more power. The third is the unusual styling, which is quite polarising…
The capacity and performance are a good compromise between cost (both the purchase price and running costs) and ability (a Versys 650 can sit on the speed limit all day, although the LAMS versions lack a bit of top-end).
PERFORMANCE
The latest Versys 650 (not available in Australia) produces around 70-odd horsepower, the earlier ones a little less… and the LAMS around 55.
Given that it’s pushing around a little over 200kg, you’d think performance wouldn’t be very good, but Kawasaki has tuned and geared the Versys 650 for midrange and street speeds, so it actually goes really hard… until it doesn’t. If you’re wanting a bike that works well at lock-me-up speeds, look elsewhere — but if you’re after something which gets to the speed limit (and a little beyond) quickly and can stay there all day while returning over 20km/L…
The LAMS models are restricted via a throttle restrictor and different ECU map.
ACCESSORIES
The Versys was designed around being versatile — so it’ll accept Kawasaki’s panniers (the same units which fit the Ninja 1000, H2 SX and Versys 1000) plus useful accessories like fall-over protection, power outlets and heated grips.
The passenger grabrails have threads to accept a rear rack — I’ve added an SW Motech rear rack and often use it with the SW Motech rack bag, which is voluminous and easy to access.
MODEL HISTORY
The early models are getting long in the tooth, so look for a 2015-on model… which was the year the company gave the bike a makeover anyway. Better suspension, a bigger fuel tank (21 litres), stronger subframe (for increased load capacity) and a little more power are the headline improvements beyond the much, much better styling.
For 2022 there was another update — new digital instruments with Bluetooth, LED lighting, traction control, updated bodywork and a larger screen. We haven’t had a chance to test this model at Australian Road Rider, but the updates are all good ideas and the bike is likely to be better for the changes.
WHO IS IT FOR?
If you’re in the market for an all-rounder which is inexpensive to buy, cheap to run, and can do everything from keep Sportsbike riders honest (especially if the road is bumpy) to tour and commute, the Versys 650 should be on your shopping list.
If you’re restricted to a LAMS bike, it’s a full-size option, although we wish Kawasaki would bring in the unrestricted version…
If you’re looking to carry a pillion frequently, you might find the bike a little cramped and under-powered. It may also be challenging if you’re short in the leg or a little tall. Despite its looks it’s not an adventure bike, but will happily eat up a decent dirt road, especially if you choose tyres suited to the job.
PRICING
A new Versys 650 is now over $13,000… which is pretty good value for a versatile machine, but if you’re happy to buy a late-model example, you can easily get a good one for $10,000.
The early examples can be had for just a few thousand, but bikes over 10 years old should only be left to those willing to tinker and find solutions to the inevitable problems which pop up with ageing bikes.
The model update in 2015 should be the oldest bikes considered for those who aren’t home mechanics, and prices for clean, low-mileage examples start at around $5000. I’d be more interested in condition than mileage or age, because a high-mileage bike that’s been looked after is more likely to be reliable into the future.
Accessories like panniers and heated grips can be expensive if added later — if you want them, try to find a bike that already has them.
