Kawasaki Versys 650 2015 - Kwacky's brief review
Posted: 07 Jul 2015, 10:37
We've all been there; a blind date, uncomfortable pairing by your friends, too many drinks or being an excellent wingman for your mate and taking a grenade for them. You've ended up with someone who wouldn't be your first choice. Or second. Or possibly third. However, you've got over your initial disappointment, relaxed a bit, decided that it's only short term and soldiered on.
Later on, once you've finally accepted the situation, you suddenly realise you're having a good time, you're enjoying yourself.
That was me yesterday. I dropped off the z1000sx for a service. I had joked when I booked it that I would like the zx10r for the day, but when I pulled up at the dealers there was a nice ZZR1400 Performance parked up. "that'll do nicely", thought I.
Alas, it was not to be. The only bike available was the bright yellow Versys 650, stood all alone like a modern day biking wallflower.
Balls. Let's hope no one sees me.
Let's face it, the Versys is not a good looking bike. You don't get people stopping you in the street, asking you how long you've had it or taking photos. I mean, come on, look at it. It's got a face that says "I know I'm ugly and I shouldn't out in public but I won't cause any trouble"
It's a 650 Paralell Twin. The bike isn't that light but the engine seems pretty much suited for it. You've got the usual torquey pull from a twin which is aided by very good fuelling. The throttle is responsive without being snatchy. In fact it's much better than a lot of sports bikes I've ridden.
You won't be breaking any speed records but the bike pulls away swiftly from the lights. Despite the limited cc of the engine roll on tests showed that it's no slouch, again the good fuelling coming into play as there's none of the usual juddering you can get with some twins when you're too lazy to change gears. The revs rise pretty quick but it soon runs out of steam. I reckon you'll be going some to see more than 115mph on the speedo.
The seat is comfortable and the ride height is tall. It's great for commuting as you get to see a lot ahead of you. The mirrors are closer than I'm used to but work really well. Just be careful when you're filtering as they're the same height as most white vans
The handlebars are wide - the guards you get on the other two models would be useful on this basic model.
Braking is very good for a bike of this spec and weight, stopping the bike quickly without alarm. ABS comes as standard but I've not had it kick in. The suspension is on the soft side but again that suits what you're riding.
It's a basic bike but it's well put together. It's great for darting between the traffic or on the back roads as the handling is nice and neutral. The small adjustable screen offers some protection. The stock exhaust still lets you hear that little twin sing and it's got a nice note to it.
So this isn't a bike you would want to commit to for life, but it certainly is a friend with benefits I wouldn't say no to throwing my leg over once in a while.
Later on, once you've finally accepted the situation, you suddenly realise you're having a good time, you're enjoying yourself.
That was me yesterday. I dropped off the z1000sx for a service. I had joked when I booked it that I would like the zx10r for the day, but when I pulled up at the dealers there was a nice ZZR1400 Performance parked up. "that'll do nicely", thought I.
Alas, it was not to be. The only bike available was the bright yellow Versys 650, stood all alone like a modern day biking wallflower.
Balls. Let's hope no one sees me.
Let's face it, the Versys is not a good looking bike. You don't get people stopping you in the street, asking you how long you've had it or taking photos. I mean, come on, look at it. It's got a face that says "I know I'm ugly and I shouldn't out in public but I won't cause any trouble"
It's a 650 Paralell Twin. The bike isn't that light but the engine seems pretty much suited for it. You've got the usual torquey pull from a twin which is aided by very good fuelling. The throttle is responsive without being snatchy. In fact it's much better than a lot of sports bikes I've ridden.
You won't be breaking any speed records but the bike pulls away swiftly from the lights. Despite the limited cc of the engine roll on tests showed that it's no slouch, again the good fuelling coming into play as there's none of the usual juddering you can get with some twins when you're too lazy to change gears. The revs rise pretty quick but it soon runs out of steam. I reckon you'll be going some to see more than 115mph on the speedo.
The seat is comfortable and the ride height is tall. It's great for commuting as you get to see a lot ahead of you. The mirrors are closer than I'm used to but work really well. Just be careful when you're filtering as they're the same height as most white vans
The handlebars are wide - the guards you get on the other two models would be useful on this basic model. Braking is very good for a bike of this spec and weight, stopping the bike quickly without alarm. ABS comes as standard but I've not had it kick in. The suspension is on the soft side but again that suits what you're riding.
It's a basic bike but it's well put together. It's great for darting between the traffic or on the back roads as the handling is nice and neutral. The small adjustable screen offers some protection. The stock exhaust still lets you hear that little twin sing and it's got a nice note to it.
So this isn't a bike you would want to commit to for life, but it certainly is a friend with benefits I wouldn't say no to throwing my leg over once in a while.
