Versys flaws ...

[Lours_Polaire]

Hi there

I'm a klr owner that maybe wants to do the transition to the V
Is their sometime alike the Doo, or the "oil burning situation"  that I should be aware or is this bike a bit more refine and reliable ?

Thank's

LOP

[spiderman]

I've had a Versys for a year now and I like it a lot.  I've got mine set up for light touring but it also does well as a sport street bike.  I don't think it can really be considered a dual purpose for a variety of reasons and that's why I've kept the KLR.  It doesn't have nearly as many problems as the KLR, it seems to be pretty good right out of the box.  That being said, it does have some minor quirks.  The biggest annoyance to me has been a buzzing sound coming out of the fairing/instrument area.  I've been working on that for a while.  Other frequent complaints concern the seat.  It's a fun little bike and it performs very well for a 650.  You can get a lot more info from the users forum at   http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/ 

[Camas]

I know there are other forums for the Versys but it would be great to know more here.
One thing I wonder about (although I haven't spent time at that versys link) is if it's as user work-able as the KLR. I really dis-like that car I've got that requires stealership diagnostics (drive by wire, etc).

[DaveC]

I've only had mine one season so far, and have only done normal maintenance on it and added a few aftermarket parts (peg lowering kit, mirror extenders, and a Kappa tail rack and trunk).  From all appearances and reports, it's a workable bike, and people have done some decent mods to it. The only thing on it that I would consider exotic is the fuel injection. Even that can be modified if you have the right tools (Power Commander, etc).

If you browse the forums, there are only a few complaints:
1) The seat is uncomfortable after a few hours in the saddle. I haven't had that problem, but there are aftermarket seats available, and there are quite a few suggestions on how to modify it yourself.

2) The mirrors give a great view of your shoulders. Mirror extenders and/or replacement mirrors are highly recommended.

3) There have been some complaints of the mirrors flopping around or being too loose due to a loose nut inside the mirror housing. I haven't experienced that, but again, it can be addressed.

4) The seat/peg distance can be a bit tight for those with a 32" inseam or more. The extra leg room provided by the peg lowering kit is welcome, at least for me.

5) The cowling apparently buzzes on some models, which can be corrected via trial and error by experimenting with foam tape in places where the cowling meets other parts. I haven't had that issue, but it just might be that the ear plugs I use work a little too well. 

That said, Spiderman is right...it's not a DP bike. However, it's an excellent street bike. If you just need a decent street bike with more power than the KLR provides, this is a great choice.

Dave C

[damasovi]

  The biggest annoyance to me has been a buzzing sound coming out of the fairing/instrument area.  I've been working on that for a while.

I spoke to a guy who has one the other day (like 2 hours) he spoke about his Versys and me about the KLR, and the only complain was the windshield and GIVI fix it, no more issues, it is bigger, wider and better.

Damasovi

[Lours_Polaire]

Thank's for all the reply

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To Spiderman;

Thank's for the info
I did find out the forum you are refering to, but I'm a bit more at ease in this one, that's why I decided to post here first
But I will become a frequent flyer in both forum

And I'm absolutely not planning on doing any DP riding, only street, so I think that the V is a better choice, will see !!!

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To Camas;

Good question about the workability

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To Dave C;

Hello "comprade"
Good answers
An detailed to the point that I don't have any reserve anymore
I'll be jumping in (I'm meeting my vendor today)

And I can't believe that the seat is worst then the klr
That would be a temporary turn off !

And can you point out which lowering peg kit you have ?

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To Damasovi

You spoke to someone for two hours ... OMG  You could have being riding instead !!! 

I had order a oem taller klr windshield that I hadn't had time to put on the klr, I might try to fit it on the V

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Thank's again all of you   

[Darth]

Lours_Polaire -

If you haven't already, at least take a look at the Versys' brother the ER-6n.
Same bike basically, with "street fighter" bodywork and shorter suspension.
Oh, and it's more powerful, lighter and cheaper.
And a bunch prettier! (YRMV)

[damasovi]

Thank's for all the reply

To Damasovi

You spoke to someone for two hours ... OMG  You could have being riding instead !!! 

I had order a oem taller klr windshield that I hadn't had time to put on the klr, I might try to fit it on the V

=========================

Well in my defense I will say I had already riding 200 miles and I was still a good 100 away from home, so it was a perfect Saturday, you know, no wife, kids, temp. 74 F no wind, and blue sky!

[DaveC]

And can you point out which lowering peg kit you have ?

I ordered mine from MotoWerk. It's listed on his site as "Lowering Foot Pegs Blocks Front". He also sells mirror extenders,  a flatfoot, and other goodies. I made the mistake of not ordering the standard flatfoot when I got the mirror extenders and the peg lowering kit  . The shipping to Canada is quite a bit ($20-$30!)...for a $45 part, that's significant. While I moved a sink-no-bob from my KLR to the Versys, I think the flatfoot would work better.

The peg kit and mirror extenders work as advertised, come with good instructions, and were not difficult to install (if I can install them, anyone can...).

Dave C

[Lours_Polaire]

To Darth;

I like that bike
It does look very Madmaxesque
I did sat on it at the dealer, but was a little cramp/crouch on, lot more than on the V
And I do like the screen on the V
Since I'm getting a 2009 V, the price was way better then the 2010 ER-6n
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To Damsovi;

 
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To DaveC;

Thank's for the info
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And BTW, the deal is done !!! 

BUT
I have to wait for summer to get back  (even though this past one was lousy) 

Ciao LOP

[DaveC]

Congratulations!  Hopefully it will be a short winter...

Dave C

[Bob in FL]

I bought my 2008 Versys new early in 2009. It is a great flickable bike. It is the most fun bike I have ever owned. The seat sucks, fixed. The mirrors suck, no good solution yet. The windscreen sucks, fixed that. First set of tires lasted 4450 miles, now using Michelin Pilot Power 2CT's. Love em.

I wrote someone on the KawasakiVerys forum: If I had to give up all my bikes but one: If it were good times, I would keep the Versys. If it were bad times, I would keep the KLR and cry over the Versys.

Suspension on the Versys is nicer and the engine is not as peaky as the ER6N. The Versys weighs 13 Lbs more than the New Gen KLR empty (according to Kawasaki specs) Which would be only 7 lbs more wet (the Versys only holds 5 gal of gas). I usually keep an eye out for fuel at about 175 miles. Several times on trips I have paid for gas at the pump and never got off the bike. It is a blast traveling.

[slacker]

i have had a versys since they started production and am now on my second one. all the faults with the bike have already been mentioned except one.
the rectifier or regulator [which ever you want to call it] failure!!!!!!!!!. this is due to water getting on the contacts and then corrosion starts, so if you cover the plug at the regulator/rectifier with electrical grease you will prolong the use of it greatly. the connections are very small pins 

chris

[Lours_Polaire]

To Bob in Fl;

Thank's for those comments

Tell me, if you had to compare the seat between the NGen KLR and the V, which is worst (I could get almost three hour of riding on the klr before it was unbearable, with a little break along the way) ?


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To Slacker;

Thank's for that cue, I sure will look in to that !

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LOP

[kojack]

I have spent 6-8 hr days on my versys.  I love it.  i guess its where im shorter or something...but I can ride it all day no problems.  but I could do the same on my KLR with the stock seat too.

I have to get another KLR later,  just not now!  ha ha.