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.