Versys quality

[Jdcooper]

As a long time KLR rider (both 650 and 250) I'm getting tired of my 685 beating me to death on multi-day road rides. I think I'll keep the KLR's for adventure riding, but I'm becoming VERY interested in a Versys to set up as a middleweight tourer, to be ridden 70% locally and 30% touring. A larger windscreen and Givi's should make the V fit that bill quite nicely...but here is my (subjective) question....

Both my KLR's (96 and 98-250) came with horrible build quality. The fasteners could be heard rusting on a quiet evening. The fit and finish was akin to a Yugo.  The hand of the accountant could be seen in the (poor) quality of every component(like the seat). Still I enjoyed farkling the bikes bringing them up to a modestly quality machine. I still love the bikes today, but compared to a Honda or Suzuki, well.. there's no comparison.

Is the Versys a product of the same corporate culture ?  Am I gonna need to expend time and money to bring it up to industry standards ?  Is it comparable to the Vstrom in build quality ? Honestly given the low price of the Versys I wonder.....

Thanks !

[spiderman]

There are some issues with the Versys as with any other bike, but overall it seems to be a better quality build than the KLR.  It's probably too early to tell, but I don't think there will be many problems you'll need to address. 
There is a very annoying buzz in the front headlight area and the mirrors can loosen up repeatedly.  Those are pretty easily fixed.  The seat has a way of pushing the rider into the tank and a lot of folks put money into that problem.  Other than that I can't think of any consistant problems people have had to deal with.  Of course there hasn't been much farkling or tweaking to date but it's just a matter of time.  I use mine for a light weight touring bike and keep the KLR for trips around town and some camping tours. I've got the Givi bags and windscreen along with a few other toys and I'm very happy with it.  I think in the long run it will turn out to be a reliable, roadworthy bike. 

[maloy]

I have a Versys and it is a blast!!!! So far the longest ride I've done has been about 750 miles. I had an 08 KLR and sold it as the Versys is the better all round road bike. Also no oil issues!!!!

Soon I'll be posting new pics of my current setup. Its soon to be ready for a long road trip.

I went back to my XL500 for my dual sport.

Maloy

[Jdcooper]

Maloy

Nice bike !  I see you're just North of New Philly.  Maybe sometime I could ride down and take a look at your rig ?  I'll buy lunch!

Coop
Strongsville S of Cle

[golfmuch]

I love with the Versys. Have done the mods to make it the perfect all around bike and we tour    alot. got back from Charleston today. 4 day weekend. Have the lowering kit, buell pegs, madstad windshield adjustment, cal-si windshield , heated grips, givi bags and my ever famous bmw RT 1150 seat conversion. I gave my KLR to my son this year so I ride the Versys almost everyday. Worth every penny. 11000 miles and never a problem.

[maloy]

Some of the nicest roads start down this way! Give me a couple of weeks and I'll have most every thing done.

I was up in Medina a couple of weeks ago. Roush's had a nice metallic green one on the floor.

Maloy

Maloy

Nice bike !  I see you're just North of New Philly.  Maybe sometime I could ride down and take a look at your rig ?  I'll buy lunch!

Coop
Strongsville S of Cle

[Jdcooper]

I'm going down there tomorrow.

Golfmuch....can you post a pic w the Givi's mounted ?  Love your GPS setup. Got the same on my KLR; how did we ever get along without them......

[golfmuch]

This is how I set it up on long trips.



Short trips.



I have the quick connects from twisted throttle.

[HotShot]

                   Gulfmuch  what are those rods sticking out the back of your bike? Nice looking bike.

[golfmuch]

Dual antenas for the J&M cb radio.

[maloy]

I went the SW Motech TraX panniers and their EVO quick lock rack. Givi windscreen, home made mirror wideners that raise the mirrors 40mm up, and 40mm out, and Kawasaki's low gel seat.

So Friday is supposed to be nice and I have most of my tools rounded up for the install. The only thing I did not like about the EVO rack was the two wire extensions for the turn signal relocation. They sent the standard crimp wire connectors which I've hated for years and have had failures of unless I just solder the wires together instead.

I don't know how many of you have used them, but I was turned onto Posi-Locks a long time ago. I was impressed when Happy-Trails included them with their pannier setup for my KLR. I'm out of the ones for the 14ga wire I like to use, but they should be in the mail tomorrow.

The best part is that they are reusable and easy to change around when rewiring things. I hate doing a nice soldering job, and then find out I have to take it apart latter. Below is a link to a nice unit for the tool box that uses butane and can be packed for the road. Mine has come in handy several times when electricity was not available.

http://www.posi-lock.com/lock2.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66050

There will be pictures posted soon!

Maloy

[Jdcooper]

I've never bought a new bike, instead preferring to let the original owner take the depreciation hit. Thus I admit I  lack some understanding about the true cost of new bike ownership.....

So I go into the local bike dealer, sit on his new green V and say....."work me up a write-you-a-check price for this bike".  He goes into the back room and comes out in 10 minutes and gives me a page with $7800  on it. These bikes must be selling well, or he's in a different economy than I am.....   Time to rethink this whole thing.....

After evaluating what I REALLY wanted this bike for, I decided that touring was the answer.  I've got a garage full of bikes for specialized purposes. What I need is a bike to haul me around (road, not off-road) all day long, be reliable as a hammer, not overly performance (read: maintenance) intensive, yet still be fun.  THAT, my friends, spells CONCOURS.

After a modest amount of looking around I find a very low mileage C10 for less than half the wanting price of the V. It's way faster, though heavier. Doesn't need bags/racks or an aftermarket seat.  Has better range. Has valves that aren't shim-over-bucket. Despite their short-comings I can deal with carbs as opposed to fuel-injection. Costs much less than a quarter's tuition for my daughter at OSU.  For me...the ideal solution.

SO I pulled the trigger. After Saturdays 170 mile ride, I'm glad I did.  She's not the youngest chick on the block, certainly not the prettiest or most lithe. But when one considers bang-for-the-buck she puts the others to shame.

Thank you Roush Motorsports for focus-ing me on my needs rather than on my desires.

[fallen angel]

sounds like you got the perfect bike. I was looking at a lightly used C10 and only didn't due to needing the offroad capabilities.

Congrats!

[damasovi]

JD that old connie is a nice bike, I once sat on it and gave my full consideration but it just did not work for me since I could not reach the controls that well, I am too short for that bike, but it is a nice one. I guess if I really wanted it I could always make it mine, but I went with a KLR instead.

Congrats and got pictures?

Damasovi

[if6was9]

I just picked up my V Wednesday and have not a single quality issue. Took it for it's maiden voyage with 1 mile showing on the odo. It's a nice feeling knowing your the only person to ride the bike, other than the tech who assembled and preped it.   

[SPANKY]

...not if was assembled in ..uh... remember that Merle Haggard eastern Oklahoma song?  To them I say...attention is in the details!!  I want a Versys...sweet machines!   

[Jdcooper]

Postscript to this thread

It's a year now since I bought the Connie. Several months ago it dawned on me that I'm not riding the KLR685 off road; but use it when riding w the wife when she's on her Silverwing.  I use my KLR250 for off-road stuff: WAY more fun and easier to boot. Sooooo

The KLR will go; much as I love it. I just bought an 08 Versys; and it's great !  I like it much more than my friends Wee (which I have ridden a lot).  I picked it up in ATL, then rode it around Deal's Gap and the Cherohala on the 2nd day I owned it. Never have I gotten use to a bike so quickly. No pix yet, but it's a standard red-one (the fastest so I hear...).  Let the farkling begin !

The circle is now complete.

[kawman10]

Hey JD ! Congrats On The Red Versys  I had a 05 Connie, but after my Med. issues. (My Connie To Heavy For Me) I bought a 08 Versys in Oct. 07 have close to 16 k Trouble Free Miles on it now. Only 1 Front Fork broken lower, ( Landing Problem My Fault ? ) During my 1st Yr . I really Love IT. But Sure Do Miss Connie's 4 Cly @100 while Riding My V. <<That I Can Almost Pick Up Myself on a Good Day   Most Days I still Need Help .