r/versys

I own a 2014 Versys 1000 and I love it. It’s probably teh best bike I’ve owned.

On my ride to work today, I was thinking: why isn’t the Versys more iconic like the Ninja or the BMW GS for example.

My theory is that it comes down to identity.

The older models had a bit of a weird but unique look, but the newer ones (especially post-facelift) feel like they’ve drifted into just being a tall Ninja. It looks good, but maybe not distinctive enough to stand out or build a strong identity.

Also I feel like the Versys is a smart choice, but not an emotional one. It's kind of in between a sport bike and a touring bike, when people would likely buy either a "real" sport bike or a "real" touring bike.

Curious what you all think

I just bought a 2019 650cc from a dealer in CA for $4k… tires need to be replaced immediately, they’re both very flat. Zero wear on the edges, and it doesn’t look like burnout wear (the front is flat also). I think the prior owner just toured it like crazy and didn’t lean much lol.

I had an FZ6 previously and leaned that thing to the edge. Granted this one is definitely more top heavy. But as long as it leans better than a Harley I’m good…

What tire sizes do you recommend for daily commuting up a steep grade with windy roads? Current sizes are 160/60-17 & 120/70-17.

I was thinking about going 170/60-17 in the rear… has anyone tried both for comparison?

I’m going with Michelin Road 5 or 6.

Does anyone make an exhaust for the 2023 650 that looks like it actually belongs on the bike. Most, IMO, don't look visually appealing at all. I came across this for a Vulcan 650 and I think it looks great, like it could have been stock.

Does anyone make one that looks similar? This is from CS Racing and they make a version for Ninjas, the Z line of bikes and Vulcan, but not the Versys.

https://preview.redd.it/osvaezacpz0h1.png?width=686&format=png&auto=webp&s=465862622effba7f7324cd9f3fdc696720f3df0a

I adjusted the chain to spec (1-1.5 in) prior to a long road trip. The trip ended up being nearly 1400 miles, with significant spirited driving (infer it exactly how you will). The engine was predominantly sitting around the 7-8k rpm mark during 550-650 mile highway sprints.

Upon ending the trip, I rode for an additional 100 miles, during which I noticed significant sway on the rear. Initial assumption was low air pressure, but I also noticed random drops in rpm, maybe 2 or 3 times. After the 100-mile ride, I noticed that my chain was heavily slacked (~5 inch, end-to-end). I immediately adjusted it to spec.

Did a subsequent 100-mile trip and observed that my slack is currently ~3 inch. Am unsure what the cause for this could be.

Consider that the motorcycle has only 5k miles in a span of 6 months on the odometer, I am the first owner, regularly lube the chain (every 500-600 miles) and clean the chain (1.2-1.5k miles).

Initial research indicates a multitude of possible reasons like:

1. Front sprocket wearing off
2. Tension screws wearing off
3. Rear axle worn off

I can confirm that the rear sprocket is pristine (as much as can be). Looking for any additional inputs.

Thanks

I need to do a fork rebuild for my 2008 versys 650. I'm news to the motorcycle thing. Where does one get one of these fork rebuild kits from?

Hello everyone.
After riding more "sporty" motorcycles for several years, I bought a 2025 Versys 650 a month ago. After using it for a while, I've noticed a change in the position of the rearview mirrors. They're closer to me, forcing me to turn my head to look at them, instead of having them in my field of vision on other motorcycles where they were positioned further forward. Because of this, I'm wondering if there's a rearview mirror model that can be mounted on the Versys fairing. Thanks in advance.

I bought my Versys brand new last year, had it last serviced at 600 miles. After pulling it out of storage this spring, I went to change the oil (I know should have done it before I stored it) and noticed with the bike upright and level there was no oil showing on the sight glass. So I topped it off and it was about 3/4 of a quart low… That was at ~1200 miles. Now at ~1500 miles I can tell the level is lower than what I filled it to… Has me a little worried for a brand new bike… Is this normal for the 650 p-twin?

Hi all – hoping to get some insight from the hive mind on soft panniers and side rack recommendations.

I’m looking to add some side luggage to my 2021 Versys 650 and, while the OEM panniers look great, I’m not a huge fan of rigid/hard cases (plus they seem to cost a fortune).

Ideally, I’d like a set of soft panniers that could also be reused on different bikes in future.

I’ve looked at the Shad TR30/TR40 setups, but they seem tied to Shad’s proprietary P3/P4 racks. They look solid and properly waterproof, but there’s still quite a lot of plastic involved in the mounting system.

Kriega looks excellent, but it’s seriously expensive.

The main use would be weekend touring and occasional camping trips, but I’d want to be able to take them off easily for city commuting.

Has anyone got recommendations for soft pannier/rack combinations they’ve had good experiences with? I’ve also looked at SW-Motech and Motea, but I’m unsure about the long-term quality.

TIA!

Hi everyone,

I own a Kawasaki Versys 650 2019 and for the past few months I’ve consistently noticed a slight burning smell after riding. The smell has basically stayed the same the whole time and hasn’t gotten worse.

I already took the bike to the dealership/workshop to have it checked because I was worried about it, but they told me everything was fine and that they couldn’t find any issue with the motorcycle.

The bike runs perfectly:

•	no warning lights

•	no smoke

•	normal temperature

•	performance feels completely fine

The smell seems to come mainly from the exhaust/catalytic converter area, especially after the bike gets hot in city traffic or after a longer ride. It smells a bit like oil or plastic burning.

Has anyone else noticed this kind of burning smell coming from the exhaust/cat area on their Versys 650?

Did you ever figure out what caused it, or was it just normal heat/smells from the bike?

Thanks!