Note - this is not a Versys 1K LT SE review, which is new for 2019.
This was a low mileage 2015.
Starting with ergonomics, the bike is set up to be very neutral and comfortable. I am 5'11 and found the seating position very relaxed and comfortable. Instrumentation is basic but purposeful. Fit and finish are acceptable for the price range, but if you sample other adventure bikes in different price strata, it becomes very obvious and looks a bit cheap to put it politely.
Engine is the Ninja 1000 motor with tweaks for midrange. Engine and handlebars are rubber mounted and do an excellent job of quelling the notorious buzz from the Kawi 1000. I did not notice any obtrusive vibration. In fact I would say it felt as smooth as my C14, maybe smoother.
Power is adequate, though it does feel down on torque to other bikes in the segment. The Triumph Tiger and 1250 GS have noticeably more grunt down low, which I prefer. I have not tried the Vstrom 1K or new Tracer GT, which would be comparable to the base versys. I mention the Triumph and BMW becasue if you are considering the LT SE Versys, you are at $18K MSRP, so you are likely cross shopping those bikes at that price point.
Suspension was just ok. It did a nice job of absorbing rough pavement (smoother than C14). However, it will wallow a bit when pushed.
Brakes were just adequate. Feel was pretty vague, but they worked fairly adequately.
Luggage was decent, though I really hate having to use a key every time I want to go into the bag.
Chain drive is a bit of a drawback for me. YMMV, but the older I get the less I want to fuss with things.
Summation: Pretty nice bike overall. I think I'd have a really hard time with the LT SE though at 18K. At that price it is to close to other bikes that offer more power and shaft drive. At the base price model, I think I might be more interested in the Tracer GT, which offers cruise control and the rowdy triple.
This was a low mileage 2015.
Starting with ergonomics, the bike is set up to be very neutral and comfortable. I am 5'11 and found the seating position very relaxed and comfortable. Instrumentation is basic but purposeful. Fit and finish are acceptable for the price range, but if you sample other adventure bikes in different price strata, it becomes very obvious and looks a bit cheap to put it politely.
Engine is the Ninja 1000 motor with tweaks for midrange. Engine and handlebars are rubber mounted and do an excellent job of quelling the notorious buzz from the Kawi 1000. I did not notice any obtrusive vibration. In fact I would say it felt as smooth as my C14, maybe smoother.
Power is adequate, though it does feel down on torque to other bikes in the segment. The Triumph Tiger and 1250 GS have noticeably more grunt down low, which I prefer. I have not tried the Vstrom 1K or new Tracer GT, which would be comparable to the base versys. I mention the Triumph and BMW becasue if you are considering the LT SE Versys, you are at $18K MSRP, so you are likely cross shopping those bikes at that price point.
Suspension was just ok. It did a nice job of absorbing rough pavement (smoother than C14). However, it will wallow a bit when pushed.
Brakes were just adequate. Feel was pretty vague, but they worked fairly adequately.
Luggage was decent, though I really hate having to use a key every time I want to go into the bag.
Chain drive is a bit of a drawback for me. YMMV, but the older I get the less I want to fuss with things.
Summation: Pretty nice bike overall. I think I'd have a really hard time with the LT SE though at 18K. At that price it is to close to other bikes that offer more power and shaft drive. At the base price model, I think I might be more interested in the Tracer GT, which offers cruise control and the rowdy triple.
