2024 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S | First Impressions Ride Review

Welcome to our ride review of the awesome Kawasaki Versys 1000 S! In todays video, we put the Versys through its paces from a riders point of view, putting its performance and comfort to the test. Let us know what you think of the wicked Versys 1000 in the comments!

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End Credits:
Rip & Tear - Mick Gordon (DOOM 2016 Soundtrack)
Rip & Tear - The Anchor (Cover)

Thanks for watching.

[tech]

It's not an adventure bike :) It's a Sports Tourer with adventure bike styling. It should never see anything but a well maintained dirt road. I've got 11K on my 2022 SE LT+. it's the electronic suspension version. I love it.

[kwakk]

It's not a adventure bike, it's a 'tallrounder'...
Struggles after 50mph?? What are you talking about? It'll do a standing 1/4 in the 11s at 120+mph
Did you have it in low power mode??

[berticusmaximus]

That is in no way, shape, or form an adventure bike. It is a sport tourer. You must have had it in Low power mode. It has 120 hp.

[youngeroldie]

I have the SE model, I did own a ZZR 1400 but aching older knees forced me to change it to a GTR 1400. Moving it around became hard work as its so heavy. Now got the Versys and yes not as much power as previous 2 bikes but still more than enough for everyday roads.

[wonderweasle]

I rode a versys650 in 2018 from the bottom of Florida to the top of ny and back. Slept next to it every night. It was an amazing bike

[michelod.i.y.]

Great video, noticed you always refer to it as an 'adventure bike' nothing wrong with that of course. To me an Adventure bike is more BMW GS, Suzuki vstrom, Yamaha tenere, Ducati DesertX etc. For me the kawasaki 1000 versys is a classic tourer

[Roadrunner]

Bike is plenty fast. Just be sure to ride it above 4, 000 RPM where the fun zone starts.

[marcusgeorge]

28 degrees, I’m boiling! Even without your accent you can tell where you’re from. No wonder why so many poms visit and end up relocating to Australia. A positive side is you no longer need to commit a crime and be sent down under for free. Nice review, thank you. 👍😎🇦🇺

[smoberdeen]

Reviewers need to begin with a knowledge of what the product is.

The street tires should've provided a clue. It isn't an ADV bike.

[scotthuxtable]

I did about 35k kilometres on a 2021 V1K S here in Australia before changing over to a 1250 GSA - including a run across the Country from Canberra to Perth and back. IMO it is absolutely an adventure bike - as I had many excellent adventures on it. Mostly pavement, but some light gravel roads also. In terms of power for the street - it is plenty hooligan if you run it in sports mode. Versys 1000 does not need more power or torque for the street. The V1K S provides very good all round wind protection (easily better than the GSA) and I think it’s also more comfortable than the GSA. I traded it in on the BMW only because the group I ride with does a lot of off-pavement runs, where the Versys is less at home (ie., 17 Inch front and smaller suspension travel).

[woeihwang]

Used to own Suzuki Vstrom 1000. Wish had a shaft drive

[jackvliet]

Struggles avove 50? Its a 1000cc 4 cylinder with 120 hp

[snakeman]

Thank goodness you referred to the Versey with it's correct name, Adventure Tourer and not a sports tourer as it has been referred to and sold as by certain dealers.


Ok. This bike ticks all the boxes, it is comfy, tall, decent high screen, hand protectors, however, it has just one main problem (It is just my opinion) ugly AF, also very underpowered. But the main issue and it isnt just the Versey, is I don't like the look of Adventure bikes.

I would ride this bike if I had to, unlike the zzr1400, which I ride because I love to.

For me, acceleration/torque and mid range is very important to me, the fact this bike fails on this and the looks department, would be a no no..


We all have our own tastes, this is why Bikes are brilliant, so much choice in style, speed, colours.

Great review mate...

Respect 🙏

[Eddie]

It is a touring buffalo with excellent comfort not a speed devil …

[nicholasjarrold]

Nice looking bike I think but I don’t know if they’ve sold many and I don’t think they are quick enough I’d prefer the z1000sx I think ride safe mate

[Eddie]

what are you doing the first fifteen minutes? Test whether it is a superbike? incomprehensible 😒

[Alwaysthinkbeforeyouspeak]

Own a 2022 SE LT+ it is a good sports tourer but soon you will realize that it is a bit overweight for what it is, and also underpowered. 2025 manages the power concern by giving a few more bhps.
The big letdown is not having a CANBUS system. - After a while, you will start thinking about adding aux/driving lights as it is so comfortable to tour. You would be in a pickle like me who wants to add Denali/LoneRider/Clearwater any of these high-end feature-rich lights that you cannot install on this bike to use them in full potential.

[JohnnyRebKy]

Definitely tall bike. But the thing I didn’t like was the seat was hard as a rock I thought. But I’m used to riding a harley so maybe that’s why

[kevinmill]

Same as zh2 ecu needs flash to open it up

[wonderweasle]

The tuning is designed for the gas mileage and not get crazy fast. You just have the speed if you need it.