Thinking about a Versys !!! DO YOU LIKE YOURS ????

[PO-SLOKE]

 Hey Versys guys ,
    I am thinking about a Versys as an addition to my KLR . I am curious about the Versys , whether or not you guys like yours or not . I have somewhat compared them to the V-Strom 650 but tend to lean towards the Versys .
    I suppose my biggest questions is ..... How is it for power , handling , reliability , etc... etc... . I would really like to buy something and simply ride just like it is , right out of the box without all the mods and such as I have done my KLR 07 .
    Any known issues with the bike ? Any true likes or dilikes I shold know about . How is it for comfort on long rides . I am 6' 1" and 245 lbs . I am not one for tons of power but do like a bike to carry me with some signs of strength in the mountains here . I am not looking for the Versys to be used as a DS bike at all . Personally , I just don't see it as a DS but do like the looks of it's ergonomics . I will be using it for 100% street purposes and I simply loathe a sportbike and or cruiser sort bikes , especially the sport bikes . LOL
   Let me know if you would and I would greatly appreciate it !!!!!!!!!!!

[maloy]

Let me put it this way, if I had to choose between my KLR and the Versys, the Versys would win. I was actually thinking about the Wee-Strom before I got to ride the Versys. The Versys feels like it has more power down low, and it is more maneuverable that the Wee-Strom. It actually has far better road handling than a KLR or Wee-Strom, and you'll love the fuel injection.

She handles like an oversized super motard, and you can't resist finding back road twisties to ride through. On the twisties it will match any crotch rocket, and because of the parallel twin, you can open the throttle up sooner than the inline four guys, this means you come out of the turns right on their asses and they can't lose you. The reason you can do this as the twin builds power slower and is less likely to break traction if you hit the throttle too soon.

In short, the Versys is a very forgiving bike and is extremely neutral in it's handling. Some think it is a boring bike as it will do pretty much what you ask of it with little or no unpredictability. She'll lean over when you ask it and flick over to the other side just as quick. In addition, if you are use to the KLR brakes, be careful of the Versys, it has much better brakes. I've also done as much as 730 miles on its seat without any problems and lets just say I weigh more than you.

The only real downside to the Versys is the OEM tires, they are crap when cold and really need warmed up before you hit the twisties. They are also crap in the cold rain. I'm looking at the Battlax BT-021 Sport Touring Radials when I get ready to replace them.

So yes I like my Versys very much. I've had it in the PA state forest on their crappy gravel roads and some similar roads in WV. It handles fine, but you need to remember it is a road bike, it'll handle almost any road as long as it is a road. There have been people that have had some success putting dual sport tires on them and having them do even better.

It was this last weekend that finally made up my mind on my KLR. I have a tendency to fall down off road, and that thing gets to heavy to pickup after a while, and my back is still feeling it. I do like having a dual sport again, but I need something lighter. and easier to pickup So it will be up for sale soon, and I can see a KLX being the replacement.

Maloy

[maloy]

I forgot to add, since you live in the Smokies, the Versys will be the perfect road bike for your area! Those roads bring out the best qualities of the Versys, and you will not find power lacking.

Maloy

[PO-SLOKE]

 

[golfmuch]

Have I mentioned how much I like the Versys lately. I have been riding the versys alot lately. It has to be the perfect bike. Rode it to work today. Quick, nimble, great gas mileage and the fun factor is way up there.

 

[PO-SLOKE]

  Sounds god guys . I need to look into eradicating some excess vehicles around here to justify the possibility of a Versys . LOL
  The good news is that I owe nothing on any of my rides . LOL I think I am just going to give up an paying high gas useage with pickups and get things down to a few bikes instead of a driveway full of 4x4 trucks .

   Any luck at all , there will a Versys out there for me when ready . LOL 

[maloy]

The '09's are supposed to be out in September, but that is all I know.

I'll know a little more in two weeks as Kawasaki is always setup at Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, OH. Held on the last weekend every July.

Maloy

http://www.amadirectlink.com/vmd/2008/

Also a review the AMA did on the Versys.
http://www.amadirectlink.com/riding/reviews/2008/Versys/

[HiVel]

Looking at a medium road burner and this sounds like the real deal-I have heard they are really great on twisties!!

[justanotherider]

Looking at a medium road burner and this sounds like the real deal-I have heard they are really great on twisties!!

Twisties, straights, commuting, touring, good at the whole lot.  Best value in a bike on the market.

[spiderman]

I've had an 08 Versys for a little over a year and like it a bunch.  Good power and handling.  I've got it set up for touring, much like Golfmuch.  I still find myself riding the KLR most of the time for short trips and around town errands etc.  I plan on keeping both bikes for a long time. 

[Kenbike]

How does it work for two up riding?  My very tall wife is 6 ft with 36 inch inseam and needs lot of leg room!
I think I can make a bracket to drop the passenger pegs and 1"

How is the power for two up highway riding?

[golfmuch]

I may be Versys biggest fan. But I don't think you will like it for two up riding. Plenty of power. It is a little cramped on the rear. My daughter inlaw loves to ride on the back with me. But if you are 5ft 1 she is looking up at you. Just saying.

[Markk9]

I don't think the Versys would be a good 2 up touring machine. I think of mine a great solo machine, can do anything you want a street bike to do.

[Fireplug]

I have a friend who is trying to sell his Versys and V-Strom.  Let me know if you're interested and I'll see if he still has them.

[solorider40]

My Buddy just bought a brand new 2009 Versys and got it for less than 6K out the door. He let me take it for a ride and I was really impressed with this bike!!! The Versys is an awesome bike!!! Sure wish Kawasaki would put that engine in a KLR or put 21" and 17" laced wheels on the Versys for true off road riding. The bike is smooth and powerful

[damasovi]

My Buddy just bought a brand new 2009 Versys and got it for less than 6K out the door. He let me take it for a ride and I was really impressed with this bike!!! The Versys is an awesome bike!!! Sure wish Kawasaki would put that engine in a KLR or put 21" and 17" laced wheels on the Versys for true off road riding. The bike is smooth and powerful

In March Kawasaki was offering a $1,000 discount on all 2009 Versys, my local shop had them at $4,999!! plus fees and such and this is San Diego CA!! were it is never winter!!! I was a couple grand short so I did not pull the trigger!!

ANd yes that motor on the KLR would be super!

[preybird]

Let me put it this way, if I had to choose between my KLR and the Versys, the Versys would win. I was actually thinking about the Wee-Strom before I got to ride the Versys. The Versys feels like it has more power down low, and it is more maneuverable that the Wee-Strom. It actually has far better road handling than a KLR or Wee-Strom, and you'll love the fuel injection.

She handles like an oversized super motard, and you can't resist finding back road twisties to ride through. On the twisties it will match any crotch rocket, and because of the parallel twin, you can open the throttle up sooner than the inline four guys, this means you come out of the turns right on their asses and they can't lose you. The reason you can do this as the twin builds power slower and is less likely to break traction if you hit the throttle too soon.

LOl I don't know what you are smoking but that versus cannot hang with any crotch rocket. I will bet your versus pink slip against my crotch rocket any day of the week. I will pull out my zx10r it goes 104mph in first gear. I don't see that versus hanging at all. Just test rode it on Saturday at the ticket to ride demo and it was disappointing. I was going to buy one and now i am glad i didn't. Its the same thing as the ninja 250 twin parallel but a little bit bigger cc's.
You might as well be buying the ninja ex500. Just new clothes on an old design!

[Feral Donkey]

I wouldn't go that far.  "Smoking" someone is a relative term.  It all depends on the playing field.  On the drag strip, yes the V is a dog.  On a tight, twisty road that's bone dry or covered in tar and pea gravel, the V is going to walk all over any rocket out there just because of the handling and ergos.  At that point the bike can be powered by Brigs and Stratton and it'll walk all over any crotch rocket.  The difference is the semi-dirtbike seating position.  You can steer with footpeg pressure, slide through corners if need be and stay upright, and manipulate traction by shifting your weight around.  On the rocket, your weight is in the bike via your nutsack and palms of your hands with your feet crunched up against your ass.  The end. 

My '09 is a little "doggy" but it's still OEM.  It passes any Harley out there just fine.    You ever see the lay-out of that muffler?  It's like 10 feet long in there with a cat mixed in.  I think a pipe, air cleaner, and PC would help that bike a whole bunch.  Yes, the ZX10 will smoke it between stoplights.  Most of the big, muscle bikes will smoke it.  I've outgrown all that stuff.  I don't need to go 140mph anymore and I know what it's like to get too comfortable with that amount of stupid power and pretty soon you're making runs to the store to get a gallon of milk at 120mph and it feels normal.  Future organ donor there. 

What I say is that if a person wants to buy a KLR and use it for a 95%-5% on road-off road then you'll be MUCH happier with the Verseys.  It's a really nice bike for big and tall people.  I'm 320 pounds, 30" inseam, and a size 58 coat and it scoots down the road with me just fine.  Handles just awesome too.  The OEM tires get a little funny feeling on wet, cold pavement or going across manhole covers and painted center lines.  I hear the Bridgestone 023s are very nice on the bike. 

[Fireplug]

Very well stated, and i'd have to agree with the Feral Donkey.