Kawasaki Versys 650 comfort

[SimonN]

Hello Everyone,

 

myself and my girlfriend are in love with the look of the new Kawasaki versys 650. I was wondering (seeing as we can’t test ride anything at the moment), what’s everyone’s experience. Really keen to know about pillion comfort. Will she be okay for 4/5/6 hours riding all over Europe? We have only sat on the 2017 1000 versys and that’s like an armchair comfort, but possibly a little too big for me. How does the 650 compare?
 

let me know your experiences. 

[Stu]

Hi and welcome to the forum 

 

@Throttled might be able to help with this as he has a versys 

[Beans]

I had one and found it very difficult to ride due to the fuelling. I mean I found it borderline dangerous. Once you get away from the showroom I'm not sure you will find it comfortable. The saddle slopes strongly towards the tank. My review

[SimonN]

I went on to read the review after to made this post. Interesting. I’ve only heard good things about the bike. How smooth, comfy and fun it is to ride. I guess I’ll just have to make sure I take it on a good test ride. Failing that, get a v Strom 650

[Bender]

40 minutes ago, SimonN said:

I went on to read the review after to made this post. Interesting. I’ve only heard good things about the bike. How smooth, comfy and fun it is to ride. I guess I’ll just have to make sure I take it on a good test ride. Failing that, get a v Strom 650

Yup test ride, regardless of what other folk say some bikes just don't fit.

[Ian Frog]

There used to be a fella on here who said how good his Vstrom was a lot, until he bought a BMW that he reckoned was much better.

Maybe have a rootle about in old threads and look for Spain, BMW, Dark motorcycling I am sure you will find it and it`s only someone else`s opinion lol.

Cheers

Ian

[Throttled]

20 hours ago, SimonN said:

Hello Everyone,

 

myself and my girlfriend are in love with the look of the new Kawasaki versys 650. I was wondering (seeing as we can’t test ride anything at the moment), what’s everyone’s experience. Really keen to know about pillion comfort. Will she be okay for 4/5/6 hours riding all over Europe? We have only sat on the 2017 1000 versys and that’s like an armchair comfort, but possibly a little too big for me. How does the 650 compare?
 

let me know your experiences. 

The seat and space between them (top box fitted) is very similar for the Versys 650 Mk II and 1000 Mk I. I have had my son as a pillion for hours at time and he was happy on both bikes. I am 6'2" and he is now 5'10". He likes the top box to lean on.

 

The biggest difference between the bikes is that at 70 mph the 650 is working harder and vibrating more than the 1000. But, I happily put nearly 20k on my 650 with the longest rides being Swansea to Glasgow and Newtownards to Donegal town, both not by the most direct route. If you do go for the 650, I would suggest you get grip puppies and go for the SW Motech footrests with the rubber pads to virtually eliminate vibrations.

Edited February 7, 2021 by Throttled