VIDEO FIRST RIDE: 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT

For 2015, Kawasaki ‘s base Versys is the ABS model, which sells for the same $7,999 as last year’s bike. But we’ll also get the LT version, which comes with color- and key-matched 28-liter hard saddlebags and nifty metal-and-plastic hand guards for $8,699. All Versys 650s come with the basic mounting hardware for the saddlebags, but they’re more expensive to add than just buying the LT version from the start. Competitors? Honda’s NC700X starts at $7,799, but that’s without ABS. (To get ABS, you also need the DCT automatic trans, for $8,799.) BMW’s single-cylinder G650GS runs $7,895 with ABS. And the V-Strom 650 is $8,549 with ABS and $10,049 in Adventure trim that includes hard luggage and a bunch of accessories. So in addition to the Versys 650 being that “quietly magnificent” machine that does a lot very well (and precious little poorly), it’s also a smokin’ good deal.