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The Kawasaki Versys 650 has been part of the Japanese firm’s range since 2006, providing a dependable introduction to road-focussed adventure touring for riders of all experience levels and carrying salt-crusted commuters across years of dependable service.
- Related: Retro Kawasaki Z650RS review
Updates arrived in 2010, 2015 and now again for 2022, but the same basic recipe has always remained; a no-nonsense 649cc parallel-twin engine sandwiched in a tubular steel frame, with enough room for a rider and pillion and a pair of 17in wheels for road-only adventures.
Think of it then as the Volvo estate of two wheels – likely to blend into the backdrop of a busy bike meet, but simple, dependable, and capable of years of hard graft.
This latest model is no different, featuring the same steel diamond chassis and twin-pot motor as the previous incarnation, allowing for a claimed 66bhp and manageable Kawasaki Versys 650 seat height of 845mm. What’s new though is the styling, which now mimics the larger four-cylinder Versys 1000. There’s also LED lights everywhere and a colour 4.3in TFT dash with mobile connectivity. But is it enough to be top dog in a competitive sector?
In its 16-year lifespan, the Versys has lived through countless changes to the motorcycling landscape, but the road-biased middleweight adventure segment has never been hotter – currently saturated with capable, credible competition from Japan and Europe.
Exactly where the Versys fits in will have to be be decided in a later group test, but the Kawasaki shines in isolation as a no frills easy going tall roader.
The burbling motor sips its way through the 21-litre fuel tank with a tiny straw and the handling is predictable and easy. I’d never ridden a Versys 650 before this test, but it felt like I’d been on this one for years after just 40 miles in the saddle.
You get span adjustable levers, traction control, and it feels narrow between your legs for greater confidence at a standstill. The spongey seat is also all-day comfortable, and the gear change is slicker than a dealer at a Las Vegas casino.
It’s not all good news though, I’m afraid. At 219 kg wet, the 650 is a hefty lump and circa 66bhp just isn’t enough power for it. It might be helpful for novices or keeping a clean licence but overtakes require at least one down shift and it feels wheezy at the top end. Full up with luggage and armed with a pillion, it could struggle to tour comfortably, too.
What’s more, our test bike was the full-spec Kawasaki Versys 650 Grand Tourer, with three-piece luggage, spotlights and more. In this trim, prices start at £10,149, which is a serious wad of cash for a bike making less than 70 horsepower. It’s also only £300 less than the base spec Versys 1000 and I know which one I’d rather have for long distance adventures...
Ride quality & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)
In a word: easy. The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a cinch to ride fast or slow solo and would be just the ticket for new riders wanting a first big bike of this style, or someone wanting an easy-to-live-with daily rider for all weather exploits.
It’s a bike that handles exactly as you’d expect it to, with light pushes on the raised bars resulting in easy changes of direction at any legal speeds. Soft without being wallowy, it soaks up the bumps of a British backroad nicely and remains composed with a big squeeze of the powerful front brakes.
There’s plenty of ground clearance for loads of lean when the tarmac gets exciting, and the thick padded seat and roomy pegs mean motorway drudgery is simple and painless. A remote rear preload adjuster is a nice touch, too.
It’s even good in the wet, with the Dunlop tyres offering ample stability under acceleration or tipping into a corner in even the heaviest of springtime downpours. Consider me very impressed.
The only proper chink in the Kawi’s armour is the ABS system, with the front and rear levers protesting back at you when you’re being particularly aggressive. But this could be remedied with calmer roadcraft and a fault unlikely to deter would-be buyers.
If you’re short in the leg like me, it can be awkward to hoick off the side stand on uneven ground and things can get quite snug with a pillion on the back, occasionally squashing you up against the tank. That said, my passenger noted how useful the grab rails were by the second seat for stability when accelerating.
Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)
Despite updates to the styling and electronics, the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 retains the same 649cc, circa 66bhp parallel-twin engine as before.
A rev happy, Euro5 lump producing a characterful rumble reminiscent of an old Subaru Impreza WRX heard from a distance, it’ll plod along at the speed limit without fuss and rev its little heart out on a back road whenever called upon.
Much like the handling, it’s simple and easy - providing a safety net for newbies and enough power to keep ahead of the traffic on the way to the office, without being fast enough to worry your licence.
Strapped up with luggage, I’ve no doubt it would handle a spot of solo touring too, with a hefty 21 litre tank (that’s more than a BMW R1250GS) providing a theoretical 241.6 miles between stops. It can also be restricted for an A2 licence.
That said, for all its practical positives, this lack of power does become a stumbling block when you want to press on or carry a pillion. Weighing in at 219kg wet before you’ve climbed aboard, the tiny engine has lots of timber to ferry around and this can become noticeable under acceleration. It’s also 14bhp less than the rival Triumph Tiger Sport 660 and even 5bhp less than the Suzuki V-Strom 650, which uses a V-twin engine that began life over 20-years-ago.
The motor revs cleanly up to the redline, but you need to work the gearbox hard to make progress and drop at least one cog to make comfortable, safe overtakes. What’s more, it sits quite high in the revs in top gear at motorway speeds, which then translates into a light vibration through the pegs that becomes tedious over time.
Reliability & build quality
4 out of 5 (4/5)
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is screwed together very well, with no panel gaps, rattly nastiness, or cheap fittings. The paintwork has a premium glossy finish, and the switchgear clicks with purpose and feels like it will stand the test of time.
Our show nothing concerning regarding reliability. , which shares the same engine and main frame, return an average of 4.7/5 stars for this section too, suggesting you should have no major issues with the new machine.
Value vs rivals
4 out of 5 (4/5)
As mentioned in the engine section, the Versys 650 is incredibly frugal, but it’s not all wallet friendly fun with the Kawasaki. Prices for the bike start at £7899, which is about on the money for the genre and cheaper than some rivals, however they then climb to over 10 grand for the highest-spec GT model, which is simply too expensive for a 650 twin.
Outside of that though, expect the proven twin-cylinder engine to be dependable and reliable, with a two-year warranty on hand to look after anything that goes amiss.
But what about rivals for the Versys 650? How does it stack up? Other bikes to consider in this genre from mainstream manufacturers are the popular Yamaha Tracer 7, great value Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Triumph Tiger Sport 660.
With its 19in front wheel and beaky snout, the Suzuki is the most adventure-focussed of the lot, with a pricier XT model adding to this with spoked wheels. The Triumph sits at the sportier end of the spectrum, based on the Trident 660 naked roadster.
Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)
The Kawasaki Versys 650 gets plenty of accessories in even its base spec, including a 4.3in TFT dash with mobile connectivity. A full colour unit styled similarly to the Ninja H2 SX series, and larger capacity Versys models, it’s easy to read in all light conditions and simple to navigate using the chunky switchgear.
For those that want it, you can also connect it to your mobile phone, but I personally see less of an appeal to this. Likewise, I don’t see the need for traction control, which is new for 2022 and seems unnecessary on a bike with less 66bhp.
No matter how aggressive I was with the throttle in the dry or wet I could not get the excellent Dunlop tyres to break traction. Leave this out and sell us the bike slightly cheaper, I reckon.
You also get a taller screen and new LED headlights, with options for luggage, spotlights, handguards, heated grips and more. Cruise control would be nice, though.
Specs
Engine size 649cc Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v parallel-twin Frame type Steel diamond Fuel capacity 21 litres Seat height 845mm Bike weight 219kg Front suspension 41mm USD forks, rebound and pre-load adjustable Rear suspension Mono shock, preload adjustable Front brake 2 x 300mm discs with two-piston calipers. ABS. Rear brake Single 250mm disc with single pis-ton caliper. ABS. Front tyre size 120/70 x 17 Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17
Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption 52.3 mpg Annual road tax £111 Annual service cost £200 New price £8,349 Used price £6,000 - £8,400 Insurance group - How much to insure? Warranty term Two years
Top speed & performance
Max power 66 bhp Max torque 45 ft-lb Top speed - 1/4 mile acceleration - Tank range 241 miles
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2006: Kawasaki launch their ER-6-based Versys 650.
- 2010: Refreshed Versys 650 model arrives with revised looks and claimed reduced engine vibes
- 2015: Updated parallel-twin tourer Versys 650 gains 5bhp power increase.
- 2021: Bike goes off sale, replaced by this new model for 2022.
- 2023: Kawasaki Versys 650 price is now £8349
Other versions
Kawasaki will also sell you a Versys 650 Tourer and Versys 650 Grand Tourer. Sharing the same engine, electronic whatnots and chassis components, the Tourer comes with dual 28-litre side cases, claiming to fit most full-face helmets, along with a set of inner bags. You also get handguards and a gel-resin tank bag. Prices start at £8699 for metallic black paint and then climb to £8799 for more lavish schemes.
The GT model starts at £10,149 and jumps to £10,249 for fancier paint. It gets everything on the Tourer alongside a 47-litre top case, LED fog lights, a larger screen, 12v power outlet, and a GPS bracket on the handlebars.
Other 650 parallel twins in Kawasaki’s range consist of the sporty-yet-upright Ninja 650, the Z650 naked roadster, and Vulcan 650 cruiser.
Owners' reviewsfor the KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 (2022 - on)
4 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 (2022 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 (2022 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5) Ride quality & brakes: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5) Engine: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5) Reliability & build quality: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5) Value vs rivals: 5 out of 5 (5/5) Equipment: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5) Annual servicing cost: £200
5 out of 5 nicer road bike than my t7 surprisingly likable thing
27 November 2023 by minkyhead
Version: 650LT
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £50
competant solo tourer
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
exelent brakes pretty soft set rear shock is overdamped a little 300 quid yss is a very nice solution ..its best when touring longer distances its a bike that kinda grows on you with miles ..i had the seat reworked as im tall big touring screen and heated grips ..empty a yank fill it go again all day comfy when you tweak it ..a lot depend how tall you aretaller riders may need to address the seat and legroom like me ...
Engine 4 out of 5
better than you may think ive run 1200gs 1000 stroms varaderos and it makes its power right in the middle where you live ..solid dependable and quite likable for a touring bike ..benifitsgreatly from a 16t front sprocket .a bit hunty in town under 3k over that its nery sweet and pretty much vibe free
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
all good watch out for rust on front discs
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
oil filter ride ..less than 50 quid for the first 10k miles consistantly over 60mpg 240/50 miles is easy to get with three litres to spare ..gentle on chains easy to work on
Equipment 5 out of 5
quite good for the pricepoint with a bigger screen its very protective and smart cockpit dunlop222s are ok for running in
Buying experience: on line all in new with panniers at 7400 little to complain about at the discounted free luggage offers that come up
5 out of 5 Better than the sum of its parts
18 October 2023 by marty_stain@hotmail.com
Version: KLE650
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £350
Absolutely cracking little bike, I bought this new in November 22 and have waited for a year and 7k miles to review so that I fully understand the bike
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Great comfy all day riding position with adequate weather protection, I fitted the low gel touring seat and can genuinely sit all day on it. It has a 21ltr tank and at nearly 60mpg regardless of how hard you use it, the range is theoretically over 250 miles although I never risk much more than 200. Brakes are more than up to the job the back works well with plenty of feel although the front does need a good squeeze. ABS not too intrusive but there if you need it. Overall not the best I've ever used but the day the sleeping cager pulls out and you really need them they work VERY well.....dont ask how I know lol
Engine 5 out of 5
This engine has been about for absolutely ages, its in the vulcan ,Ninja, Z650 in fact pretty well everything and was the main reason I chose the bike over more tech rich rivals, after all this time I am sure it's going to be a trouble free sorted unit! Some have said it's low down throttle response is Jerky and engine Braking to harsh this is in my opinion not the case, as contentious as it will sound don't blame the bike! Learn to ride it. Once I had got used to the characteristics of the bike, which took a couple of weeks I found it no problem in town traffic or slow riding and the engine Braking is smooth and predictable you just have to remember the clutch is not a switch. I am an advanced rider and ride regularly with others on much more powerfull kit and have no problem keeping up, in fact some on 100bhp+ bikes struggle to match the versys pace especially in the bends where it performs better than it has any right too
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
I have covered over 7k miles on this bike in all weather's and it has never missed a beat! It always starts on the button, and so far shows absolutely no signs of age, I always hose it off and dry it before putting it away if it's been a bit wet or salty on the roads but so far as good as new. The factory fit Dunlop tyres are not the best and only lasted 4k miles but it now wears Michelin road 6 and the improvement is huge.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Apart from anual⁸ servicing and a pair of tyres (and it only really needed a rear) I have spent nothing. Service a bit steep but I did use a Kawasaki dealer to keep the warranty in place and fitted a scottoiler from new which has done an awesome job on the chain which looks like new and has only needed adjustment once in 7k miles
Equipment 5 out of 5
Personal choice here of course! I bought the GT so it came fully loaded with spot lights, luggage etc, I also added a low seat, hugger, heated grips, engine protectors scottoiler and an sae lead I have also changed the handguards for SW Motec kobras with integrated indicators and removed the factory ones as they have a well deserved reputation for trashing the fairing if you tip it and it's no lightweight so a tip is always a possibility. In retrospect I probably wouldn't buy the luggage again, it's about £1000 and its just sat in the garage never been on the bike, the topbox is more than adequate
Buying experience: Bought from a dealership, Robinsons of Rochdale. Absolutely faultless
5 out of 5 Very pleased with my recent purchase
30 May 2022 by Paul
Version: HNFAN
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £150
Adjustable screen without having to undo screen screws, Led lights all round which are a definate improvement over std halogens and the colour instrument panel has enough features and very easy to read and navigate., would definitely recommend 👍
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Good all-rounder, very comfortable on long rides, brakes and suspension all seem to be adequate and perfect for my requirements.
Engine 4 out of 5
Good engine but could do with a few more horses as its starting to fall behind the competition nowadays, it's very good on fuel and vibes are still slightly there but nowhere near as bad as early models due to rubber engine mounts.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Still early days yet as only just done 600 miles, have owned three previous Versys 650's and all were built well and have had nothing go wrong apart from a radiator cap fail.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
A bit expensive for a few litres of oil and filter, tend to do it myself and keep the parts receipts when out of warranty.
Equipment 4 out of 5
My favourite features are the headlights and the colour instrument display, however the Bluetooth connection to the Kawasaki app doesn't work with my android phone, if I'd have bought the bike wanting this feature I'd be disappointed, I'd have preferred better security more than the traction control too as I don't believe that the bike is powerful enough to require it.
Buying experience: Very good buying experience from Cradley Kawasaki, fair price given for my 2020 Versys 650
5 out of 5 Initial thoughts after 2 weeks and 600 miles
06 May 2022 by Megatron
Version: Grand tourer
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £250
Totally happy with my purchase. I got a good trade in on my er6f and wanted a reliable tourer. Im 71 and lightly built so find the 1000 to heavy. The 650 GT fits the bill. It maybe slightly underpowered but it's fast enough for me and just cruises along.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Only done 600 miles so far with one long run. The seat is very comfortable and a good relaxed riding position.
Engine 4 out of 5
Not run in yet but it's powerful enough for me.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Looks amazing! It has the look of a transformer!
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
The panniers fit into slots under pillion grab rails so it looks it looks clean when unloaded. Top box is very useful and takes 2 x helmets.
Is Kawasaki Versys 650 a reliable bike?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 has an excellent reputation for reliability, with many examples covering 100,000 miles with only regular servicing and no problems reported.
What is the top speed of the Versys 650 2023?
Power flows through a six-speed transmission with an O-ring chain final drive that turns out an estimated Versys 650 top speed of around 128 mph.
How many miles will a Versys 650 last?
The quality of new japanese built motorcycles is extremely high and you can expect to have 30,000+ miles without issue just by keeping to the standard maintenance schedule. Anyone own a 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT Classic? Having trouble selecting the right stands to put it up for the winter.
Is Versys 650 powerful enough?
For the Versys 650 it depends on your riding style. If just bimbling about it would be fine, but overtaking on a A roads would be more like driving a car. For riding 2-up, it's not just the power but the suspension esp rear shock that's important. Another one worth a look would be the new Tiger 900 GT.