2010 Kawasaki Versys Review [ashonbikes.com]

[UFO]

The 2010 model receives some design changes to give the looks a facelife and address some vibration niggles.

Well if a superbike rider really thought a 650 twin with long travel suspension was going to give him the same thrill as a ZX-10R, he’s taken a few too many knocks to the head. As for me, I loved it and rated it as one of the best bikes of 2006. If it hasn’t been on enough riders’ radars at purchase time since then, maybe Kawasaki’s marketing departments should shoulder some of the blame because more effort promoting it surely would have resulted in more, and deserved, sales.

Kawasaki certainly listened to Versys owners, who liked its versatility, value price, response, wind protection and urban performance, while disliking the headlamp design, wind protection (a split decision then...) and too-stiff suspension. All of these and other comments were addressed by the facelifted 2010 model, which has seen changes to its styling, lights and screen with efforts made to reduce vibration reaching the rider, another complaint.

Read the entire review over on ashonbikes.com.

[maddjack]

Intresting read, glad to see Kawasaki did listen to owners on the niggles .My opinion of mine is ,its one of the most under rated machines out on the road today. I bought mine as a commuter,it turns out I ride it more than anything else . I have done touring,twisty riding and back road exploring on it,and it does it all.I'll be hanging on to this one for a while,although the new lok and upgrade are a small temptation to me.

[JonS]

Seems like I am drawn to this type of bike these days. This one is very appealing and so is the price tag. From reading the article, the only thing needing work is the suspension, to make it a complete package.
I do wonder if I would be content with a mid size motor, as the weight is almost identical to my current 1000cc bike.

[st2sam]

What a fine bike!
IMO - Kawasaki is in the lead when it comes to listening to their riders, especially this year. ( Versys & C14.)
I've got to ride one this summer, but as is now, for me the Versys makes too much sense!

[Fourstring]

IMO - Kawasaki is in the lead when it comes to listening to their riders, especially this year. ( Versys & C14.)

I was thinking the same thing after reading the new Sport Rider.  

Honda dropped the ball on pricing the Dullsville.  The new Versys is getting a second look...

[billo]

60 hp and only 42 mpg?  Really?    I hope that's riding the holy bubbling snot out of it!  Looks like a fun bike otherwise.

[Powder Addict]

60 hp and only 42 mpg?  Really?    I hope that's riding the holy bubbling snot out of it!  Looks like a fun bike otherwise.

I have a Ninja 650, exact same engine, and I get 55 mpg, and if I'm on a long mountain backroad trip (mostly 55-65) I've gotten 75 mpg (over several tanks)

[jfurf]

The redesigned face is fantastic. Love it. All it needs is dirt-friendly wheels/tires and factory luggage and it'd be a F800GS killer.  

[maddjack]

60 hp and only 42 mpg?  Really?    I hope that's riding the holy bubbling snot out of it!  Looks like a fun bike otherwise.

I get mid 50's al the time

[marc11]

I am also getting mid 50's.

[jeepinbanditrider]

60 hp and only 42 mpg?  Really?    I hope that's riding the holy bubbling snot out of it!  Looks like a fun bike otherwise.

Probably.  I know if I was a motojournalist I wouldn't care about how hard I rode a bike it's not like I'm buying it lol.

[Indefatigable]

I am seriously considering this bike.  My FJR just doesn't make sense for the type of riding I do now.  This would fit the bill perfectly.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

I am seriously considering this bike.  My FJR just doesn't make sense for the type of riding I do now.  This would fit the bill perfectly.  

Blasphemy!!!  We all know the FJR pwns all in all riding conditions  

[maddjack]

I am seriously considering this bike.  My FJR just doesn't make sense for the type of riding I do now.  This would fit the bill perfectly.  

Being one who has owned large ST machines in the past , I can tell you I have no regrets.

[Indefatigable]

Don't get me wrong I love the FJR it's just that most of my riding is short spur of the moment stuff.  Not really what the FJR was made for.  

[hugerider]

60 hp and only 42 mpg?  Really?    I hope that's riding the holy bubbling snot out of it!  Looks like a fun bike otherwise.

That's about what I get: http://hugerider.blogspot.com/search/label/Fuel%20Economy

I'm a bit bigger than average, and I do ride fairly aggressively though.

These numbers are a bit out of date. I'm going to try to remember to track it a bit better this year.

[ddouble]

Mixed riding and I'm not a petit guy.

If you click the link you can check highs and lows.

Dan

[Poweranger]

So has anyone seen the 2010's at dealers yet? I have seen lots of 09's left over but no 10's yet.

[camaroz1985]

When I bought my leftover '09, the dealer told me that he waited too long, and missed out on ordering a '10.  He said they were sold out for the year.

[Poweranger]

When I bought my leftover '09, the dealer told me that he waited too long, and missed out on ordering a '10.  He said they were sold out for the year.

I would assume the dealers are not ordering many 10's. Two different dealers that I have been to in the last week each had 2 09's left over still.

[Spectreman]

it's too bad they aren't bringing that yellow model to the US this year- that's screamin! the black is just too bland looking.
Lee

[GS1100GK]

it's too bad they aren't bringing that yellow model to the US this year- that's screamin! the black is just too bland looking.
Lee

[Poweranger]

                 

it's too bad they aren't bringing that yellow model to the US this year- that's screamin! the black is just too bland looking.
Lee

It looks even worse in person. That sparkle black is just tacky. Reminds me of stripper dust. Yellow or white would look good with the black.

[Spectreman]

That's just a strikingly cool looking ride, especially w/the matching colored bags.
Lee

[Poweranger]

I will be waiting for the yellow and abs here in the states. But with all the 09s left over I wonder if we will even see anything new in 2011?

[trophyrider1]

My 2009 Versys is the best bike I have ever owned. It replaced a bike twice it's size and is way more fun. I wrote a review for the '09 model in my blog that you can see here:
http://www.sporttouring.us/entry.php/11-2009-Kawasaki-Versys-Owner-Review

Now, I'm not saying that new Tiger 800XC couldn't replace it...

[Smeggy]

My 2009 Versys is the best bike I have ever owned. It replaced a bike twice it's size and is way more fun. I wrote a review for the '09 model in my blog that you can see here:
http://www.sporttouring.us/entry.php/11-2009-Kawasaki-Versys-Owner-Review

Now, I'm not saying that new Tiger 800XC couldn't replace it...

I had to bring a 2009 versys from Scotland to Northern Ireland earlier in the summer. TBH, I was quite amazed at how well this bike rode. I had gone over with a friend on his Yamaha TDM900 and on the return leg, I found that the Versys didn't have any problems keeping up with the more powerful Yamaha (and as we had a ferry to catch, we weren't hanging around). It was very comfortable (gell seat), the wind protection was fine and I didn't notice excessive vibes either (but if the Big K have addressed this, fine). Even with our 'spirited' pace, it gave around the high 50's mpg. I was so impressed with it that I have considered changing my Fazer 1000 for one as it was such a fun bike to ride. Mind you, I sat on the new Tiger 800XC at the motorcycle show on December 2nd (or as I now call it, my next bike). So, the Versys is now my fall back option as all the Tigers for 2011 are already sold out from my Triump dealer should I wish to change next year.

[wibornz]

I have an 09 and love the bike. ...... It is the wifes bike, but I ride it alot.  It is fun, light and easy to throw around.  We put the matching hard bags on it.  

The best thing i did was put buel foot pegs on it.  The pegs are wide and about 1" lower.  I then made arubber pad for the pegs.  More leg room and got rid of the vids that come through the pegs.  Having a local guy remake the seat right now.  He is moving making it 2" wider, 2" longer from the tank and 1"taller.

Yea the wife is tall.  When I get the seat back I will post a pic.

[Kraz]

I read the 800 Tiger review on the AshOnBikes website as well... Versys would easily my choice.  

Now, I'm not saying that new Tiger 800XC couldn't replace it...

[wibornz]

here is the new seat for the versys

[camaroz1985]

Looks comfy, and well done.

That might be on my list someday, but as of now I can still last until the tank needs refilled, so I'm good to go.

[wibornz]

On bike seats I say if you can last a tankful or 600 + miles.  The seat is fine.  I still have the stock seat on my C14 and can ride all day.  So no seat change for me.

[swimmer]

I traded my VFR in last week for a lightly used 09 Versys.  Currently undergoing a paint color modification.

[camaroz1985]

Do tell.  What are you changing to?

[swimmer]

I'll post pictures when its done.

[Zerosum]

Wow, this redesign makes me happy in my pants.  I love yellow/black on bikes.  I like what they did with the headlight, sorta reminiscent of BMW.

If my V-Strom ever met an unfortunate end, I might have to get one of these as the replacement.

[swimmer]

I'll post pictures when its done.

[DogBoy]

Looks great!  

[camaroz1985]

I agree.  I really wanted the orange they had in the UK for '09.  If I ever have to repaint mine, that's what I will get.

Wow, this redesign makes me happy in my pants.  I love yellow/black on bikes.  I like what they did with the headlight, sorta reminiscent of BMW.

If my V-Strom ever met an unfortunate end, I might have to get one of these as the replacement.

It's too bad we never got the yellow here.

[Smeggy]

Well here's a wee suprise. I had tested the new Tiger 800XC and loved it and reckoned that that would be my next bike. Now that the spring has sprung here in Northern Ireland, I've had time to get out on the FZS1000 Fazer that I currently own and TBH, I haven't gelled with the bike as I'd have liked too. So, the next prospective owner is coming to view the bike and I'm hopefully doing a deal on a (new) yellow 2010 model year Versys. Financially, it makes a whole load more sense over the Tiger and although it gives away 20 odd BHP and isn't quite the off road tool the Tiger XC can be, I think the versys will suit my needs right now as it's a real fun ride. I'll know better after I sell the Yamaha, but this is definately on the cards.  

[Uncle Leo]

I got to ride the Versys at a Kawasaki Ticket to Ride event in Tampa last month and thoroughly enjoyed the bike, except...

the seat. The stock seat won't let you move fore and aft if you're a taller rider, 6 feet or more, and for me, unfortunately, it's a deal breaker. On short rides you won't notice it, but as the miles start to stretch out, it's a killer. But the ride was nice, the engine very tractable and pretty smoothe, the tranny was quick and positive and the brakes were fine. But that darned seat!!!

[Smeggy]

Well, the first viewer came, saw, bought and took the Fazer thou' away. So after stashing the cash in the bank, I had some serious thinking to do as whether to go all out and buy the Tiger 800 or go for the Versys. Funny thing is, about two days after riding the Tiger, I was back to thinking that the Versys was such a fun bike to ride. It's a lot cheaper and even though it doesn't have the horsepower I'm used too, it is a superb middleweight bike with lots of low to mid range real world usable power. Also, since selling my BMW 12GS, both bikes I've had since just haven't given me that fun factor a motorcycle should.

So, I pick up my new (2010 model year) Kawasaki Versys on 20th April in England and ride it up to Scotland before getting on the ferry for Northern Ireland. I've gone for the yellow (because you guys can't get them and the 2011 models only come in crappy black or wino red  ) and got a killer deal. Only three sleeps to go.................  

[DogBoy]

Congrats Smeggy! The yellow looks great.

[Smeggy]

Congrats Smeggy! The yellow looks great.

Thanks.  
I love the yellow. My 12GS was yellow, so it must be a primary colour thing.  

[Orson]

It's a lot cheaper and even though it doesn't have the horsepower I'm used too, it is a superb middleweight bike with lots of low to mid range real world usable power. Also, since selling my BMW 12GS, both bikes I've had since just haven't given me that fun factor a motorcycle should.

 

I pity da fools who think horsepower numbers are the preeminent number  

[Roadscum]

 

I pity da fools who think horsepower numbers are the preeminent number  

Yep, the only thing that matters is the size of the grin on your mug!!

[Smeggy]

I concur with the the posts above.  

Already, people who know me have asked why I'm 'going down' to a small bike ? After owning in more recent times a few VFR's, the BMW 12GS and the 1000 Fazer I've just sold, they wonder will I be happy with something that doesn't have 100+ horsepower. I find it difficult to convince them that this bike is pretty fast point to point and then remind them it isn't what you ride, but how you ride it.  

[maddjack]

Well, the first viewer came, saw, bought and took the Fazer thou' away. So after stashing the cash in the bank, I had some serious thinking to do as whether to go all out and buy the Tiger 800 or go for the Versys. Funny thing is, about two days after riding the Tiger, I was back to thinking that the Versys was such a fun bike to ride. It's a lot cheaper and even though it doesn't have the horsepower I'm used too, it is a superb middleweight bike with lots of low to mid range real world usable power. Also, since selling my BMW 12GS, both bikes I've had since just haven't given me that fun factor a motorcycle should.

So, I pick up my new (2010 model year) Kawasaki Versys on 20th April in England and ride it up to Scotland before getting on the ferry for Northern Ireland. I've gone for the yellow (because you guys can't get them and the 2011 models only come in crappy black or wino red  ) and got a killer deal. Only three sleeps to go.................  

    You'll love that bike