10,000 miles on our long-term test Kawasaki Versys 1000. Plus Triumph Scrambler 1200XE’s new pipes
From daily grind to trackday lapper – it does it all
It’s hard to believe I’ve been testing the mammoth Versys 1000 SE since early April, tackling the back end of winter, a summer of weekend blasts, thousands of commuting miles in all weathers and even a trackday. With every new challenge, my admiration for the bike has increased; capable of hours of continuous comfort when you need it, as well as boasting bags of backroad ability when you fancy a good scratch. It’s good on fuel, gives a smooth power delivery, and would be the ideal companion for cross-continental epics. However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. This is the story of our first 10,000 miles together.
600 miles
Being just 5ft6in tall, early rides on the Versys felt quite daunting. With the bike weighing 257kg wet and with a standard seat height of 840mm, early stops and slow speed manoeuvres were negotiated with gritted teeth. Although equipped with an optional low seat, which makes it slightly narrower and removes 20mm, it took around a week of riding before I could confidently hold the bike on one foot.
2000 miles
Removing the bike’s luggage and switching to ‘sport mode’ reveals the Versys to be a surprisingly sharp backroad blaster. With a crisp, predictable throttle response and firm, but forgiving suspension, muscling the big Kwak around a bend is effortless, its mass allowing you to carry plenty of mid-corner pace.
4800 miles
Following months of ultra-reliable usage, the bike was victim to a stone through the radiator during a group ride, covering my right leg, boot and both tyres in sweet-smelling coolant. Replacing the radiator at an official Kawasaki dealership was £755.20 – which could’ve been avoided by fitting an optional Kawasaki radiator guard priced at £79.95.
5500 miles
The rear OE Bridgestone T31 tyre had completely squared and was running close to the wear indicators. With summertime on the horizon, I opted to fit a set of Dunlop SportSmart Mk3 tyres, which proved perfect; offering consistent, dependable grip in all conditions (until their replacement at 10,700 miles). The sportier profile also allowed the bike to tip into corner more quickly and offered far greater feedback.
7300 miles
Inspired by the Versys’ surprising cornering prowess, I headed to Donington Park for a trackday. Using the 2.49-mile GP layout, the SE carried me through six sessions of hysterical, knee-dragging fun on just one tank of fuel, with 21 miles of range still remaining. Although running out of ground clearance around Melbourne and Goddards, on its firmest suspension setting in ‘sport’, the Versys proved to be far more engaging and enjoyable on circuit than I could have ever imagined it would.
8000 miles
Over time, it has become apparent that the bike struggles with a wobbly screen. Adjusted manually via two screws, these fasteners have loosened themselves on multiple occasions, allowing the screen to rise on the move and obscure my vision, often at a wonky angle.
10,000 miles
With autumn upon us, my evening commute is now done almost entirely at night. This has caused issues with operating the complex barmounted switchgear, with a lack of back-lit buttons, meaning you often press the wrong thing. A problem amplified by winter gloves.