How tall are you? I have to tiptoe on my versys 250. Quite a pain in the ass when I have to reverse the bike and can't use my whole foot, the bike feels much heavier. Even worse if I have to reverse uphill.

Can't imagine myself doing so with a taller and heavier versys 650.

Should be around RM 38k~39k. Then around RM 1.5k for side and top boxes.

But if you lower it, you have to cut your side stand and double stand. Else your bike will be almost vertical on side stand, and have to lift quite a lot while using double stand. That's what someone on my whatsapp group told me.

What if you cut your side and double stand then one day decide not to use the lowering kit anymore. 😅

Now that you changed the title from only versys 650 to both versys 650 and 250, here's my review for versys 250:

1. The stock seat can get quite uncomfortable on long distance. However you can somewhat mitigate this by switching postures and taking occasional break. Or get a custom seat.
2. Fuel consumption on average is around 30 km/l.
3. Top speed is around 150 km/h. But I myself prefer to ride less than 130 km/h for less wind noise.
4. Regular maintenance is 2.2 liter of engine oil and oil filter, every 6000 km. Oil filter is around RM 40-50, engine oil is around RM 40-55 per liter. You can keep the extra 0.8 liter for next oil change.

Since budget is a concern, you need to know that the cost of ownership for big bikes are more than just paying the monthly installments. If you can barely afford the installment for 650cc bikes, you won't have any money left for spare parts or new tires later on. Any bike you plan to get, make sure there are some breathing room on your budget.

For my versys 250, it's still not that bad. RM 50 roadtax + RM 530 first year insurance (single rider).

If versys 650, probably RM 250 roadtax + RM 900 insurance?

You can. But newer model should have gear indicator on the screen.

Actually I wasn't even sure if newer model has gear indicator. You'll have to confirm with your dealer.