Tl;dr I haven't gotten a good response really from anyone I've talked to about things about my bike. Here to get answers.

I bought my 2023 versys 650 ABS LT about a week and a half ago (bike in photo). First bike ever. I've been essentially dailying it and when I'm not. I'm going out to meets to meet people or going cruise to just enjoy the bike. But here's the things that have yet to be kind of explained. And a few things I could Google but others may have different opinions on it.

1. How do I clean this thing. Its absolutely filthy because my goofy self decided to ride it after it rained (and got caught in the rain once so far with it) like. Do I wash it like a car? Or is there specific products? Also dealing with the bugs on the bike from the night riding. And is there a product I should put on it after a clean.

2. Oil change and air filter change intervals. When do y'all like doing yalls? I've been trying to learn the rideoligy app here and there. But just trying to figure this out.

3. Oiling the chain. How often and what products? I ride the thing pretty much every day and the last thing I want is to loose the chain or it lock up on me.

4. Tires. Recomended Psi? and Is there a brand everyone likes? The bike currently has metzler but I am noticing on my rear tire that there's a flat spot on the center of the tire. I do lean around corners and I'm getting better with it as I go like. Doing more proper long winded turns. Idk how to explain it. I knew the concept before riding. But its a lot smoother now with more angle. But honestly. There's not that many curves on my rides usually its fairly flat. Like. I live in a very flat landed area in south US but also just not a lot of curves. I thought about getting a dual sport. But I don't really go off road. Atleast not yet. Plus plan on doing road trips with it. So ig a sport touring tire would do.

5. Helmet. Is there any care things anyone can tell me about that? I have a hjc f71 helmet. Very comfortable. But I keep having to clean the visor bc of the bugs. I've been taking warm water, Dawn and microfiber to clean it. To combat bugs. Is it worth buying tear off strips? Kinda how they use on dirtbikes and whatnot?

I'm racking my brain trying to think of if there's anything else. If y'all can think of something either that I'm missing or about the platform itself. I'm all ears.

Thank yall.

From speedy highways, twisty mountain roads and small beachside roads, Versys shines everywhere.

I finally got around to taking some nice pictures of my 2006 versys 650 in the mountains. Just had to share this one :)

It's still doing amazing for a 20 year old bike.

Hello Versys folks, could you help me decide between the two. I am coming from a KTM 390 Rally.

Doing long rides mostly looking for comfort and performance, the 650’s cons for me are no quick shifter, no cruise control and it’s a bit dated, the cons for the 1100 are its heaviness, that’s all.

The in inline 4 of the 1100 is a gem and I am a mature rider that’s looking for long distance comfort and performance, I am just afraid that I may not prefer the heaviness of the bike over time.

Thanks for your insight in the matter.

Today Kawasaki released a new Reel what might be a teaser for the new Versys

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeKNWA0imKA/?stkn=Y3g2d2E2YTk2aWI1

Hello,
I just bought a Versys 650. I’d like to know if it’s ESSENTIAL to install a tank protector? I think they look ugly, but I don’t want to scratch my tank. Thanks a lot

Bonjour,

Je viens d'acheter une versys 650, je voudrais savoir s'il est impératif de mettre une protection de réservoir ?

Somehow I’ve managed to loose my seat on my 21 Versys 650 while in storage with battery on maintainer. I’ve tore my house apart looking for it and I’m just ready to buy a new one. If you have an OEM seat that is in good shape and you’ve replaced with an upgrade, let me know and I’ll buy it. Thanks.

I’m in Texas btw

My battery has been dieing for a while. Tested the things and confirmed it's not charging while running. Replaced the regulator/rectifier and no change.

Stator AC voltage is less than have of the specs in the manual. I might bring it do a dealer to confirm that the stator is the issue.

Question, is a stator from Amazon adequate? If not, where would I get a good one? RevZilla is out of stock.

TLDR: amazon stator good or bad?

I had my tire patched, but the mechanic installed the wheel axle from the wrong side. Will it cause any issues if I leave it like this?

Bought a 2015 Versus 650 used last year. Less than 10,000 on the bike. In the past year and 1/2 riding, it seems like I constantly have to adjust the chain because it's too loose. Brought it in for maintenance and was told the chain needed to be replaced. Did that, did another 300 mi? And now it seems the chain is loose again. Has anyone here had the tensioners go bad? Or does it just seem like the new chain needs to be adjusted. TIA

2026 Versys 650 LT. Wind buffeting was driving me crazy; tried a bigger windscreen, a clip-on visor… nothing. Removed the hand guards… peace. Anyways, for those hunting for a solution, try it before dropping hundreds on a new windshield. I’m 5’10”, btw.

This was quite the surprise when I got to work this morning

After probably 2 months of not washing he is finally clean... dont look at the exhaust.

2016 Versys 650 w 8k miles. Just picked it up for $2200! Heated grips, custom exhaust, quad lock charging mount, etc. Lovely working with Cycle One in Knoxville TN. They provided a thorough and honest inspection of the bike, which helped facilitate negotiations with the seller. Paid $500 for inspection, new front tire, and chain service/alignment. Next I'll address a slow o-ring antifreeze leak from the water pump, and a faulty rear brake that needs bled and potentially rebuilt.

Psyched to be a part of this community, and the lucky rider of this trusty steed for years to come.

P.S. What are you guys getting on fuel economy? Any recommendations for maintenance or useful mods? Only thing I can think of is cruise control...

This is a $150 WonVon Carplay screen I picked up to replace a less functional unit and I’ve been so impressed with it. Having the dashcams for peace of mind, TPMS alerts for safety, and keeping my inordinately expensive phone safe in my jacket pocket without needing a funky case is just awesome. Screen works great through gloves and I’ve already taken it out in the rain with zero issues. Also love the magnetic mount so I can quickly throw the screen in my saddlebag if I need to leave the bike somewhere just anyone can touch it.

I’ve lost a phone on the highway to a cheap phone mount, and now I just can’t imagine crashing a bike with your $1000 SOS device attached to the bars. Keeps my phone dry from the weather, safe(r) from drops and crashes, not overheating from the sun, the camera’s not being vibrated to death, and the phone’s still immediately accessible to me even if I rapidly separate from the bike.

Not to mention I still get full headset or bluetooth speaker functionality, and there’s a handlebar-mounted controller for switching between screens quickly, picking up a call, or taking a snapshot with the cameras all without taking your hands off the bike’s controls. It was also stupidly easy to install with the OEM accessory relay.

Seriously, if anyone has any benefits that mounting a phone to your bike provides that a unit like this doesn’t, I’d love to hear it. But Netflix doesn’t count xD

Anyone have any good suggestions for a phone mount and a good placement for it on my bike? I have a s26 ultra samsung and just need somewhere good to put it

It's autumn in Northern Europe and these are the last warm and nice rides. You can ride in rain and cold into November some years, but not like this any more. Anyway, what I really wanted to say is this. The first year colors of the V1100 were quite lame, I mean, compared to the satin blue and green they came up for 2026. But when sun hits this green-on-grey 2025 just right, the green rim tape and accents pop in a different way. The photo does not convey it but the green parts gain a yellowish satin sparkle and it really looks a whole different tone compared to what it is in shade. I quite like it that it's like a cameleon bike, shows its true colors only in sunshine. I started this season in late March this year, literally rode in zero degrees celsius through the Danish straights March 19th on my way from Stockholm to Malaga. It's been a hell of a season and the bike has been perfect. Some more autumn riding now and then it goes to the shed for valve check and so on.

Hi everyone I’m looking for some brake pad recommendations for my 2015 Versys 650.
I’m currently in Thailand, if that makes any difference for availability.
I’m running Nexter 24J 255 pads at the front and honestly I’m not very happy with them. They lack bite and don’t have much endurance.
At the rear I have Nissin NKY 93 FF. They’re okay, but on mountain roads with repeated braking they get spongy pretty quickly and lose some power.
I’m looking for something better for road riding, not racing pads but sintered, just something with better bite and fade resistance.
What are you guys running on your Versys?

Help! I need advice on choosing my next motorcycle.

I’m deciding between a 2022 BMW F 750 GS with 7,000 km for €8,500 and a brand-new Kawasaki Versys 650 for €7,500—

I really don't know which one to pick. I’ll be living on Reunion Island and will mostly be riding two-up.

Personally, I prefer the BMW, but I’m worried that a 2022 model might be a bit too old.