Versys VS KLR....?

[mydogyuma]

OK guys here goes;
I've researched the KLR for the last several years knowing that I have plenty of time before I buy my next bike.
I test rode the KLR and LOVE IT.
My problem is why the heck hasn't Kawasaki fixed the doohickey after 20 years?
What about the radiator and it's radical fluxuations in temp?
I really like the KLR for the fit. IT's BIG ENOUGH THAT I DON'T FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, I'm 6' 3" and 240.
THEN I SEE A VERSYS AND I'M REALLY LOVING THE LOOK AND THE DESIGN.........AHHHHHHH!
It seems a bit smaller but not too much......
PLEASE TELL ME WHY YOU BOUGHT THE VERSYS......
ALL THE INFO YOU CAN GIVE ME WILL HELP....

[dwell]

They are apples and oranges.  The KLR is a daul purpose bike and the versys is not.  If you will be off road the KLR will be a better fit.  The KLR has a single cylinder engine (thumper) with an old style carburetor and is easy to work on and maintain.  The versys  has a twin cylinder engine and is fuel injected.  It pushes more ponies but is more complicated to work on. 

As for the doo, Kawasaki improved the it dramatically in 2008.  I have not heard of anyone having a broken one.  The problem is they didn't improve the sping and it apparently looses its tension pretty quickly.

[SPANKY]

To add...I have seen '08's and '09's with less than 50 miles on them and the spring had no tension. Easily fixed...and  ...get the KLR ... let the fun and farkling begin! 

[spiderman]

I have both bikes and I agree they are much different bikes for different purposes and it's not fair to say one is better than the other.  You just need to decide which one is more suitable for your purposes.

[Dodger]

Does anyone have both? I too am drawn to the sleek looks of the Versys, but the KLR seems more functional to my needs.

[spiderman]

Like I said in the post previous to yours, I have both bikes and I agree they are much different bikes for different purposes and it's not fair to say one is better than the other.  You just need to decide which one is more suitable for your purposes.

[Bob in FL]

Does anyone have both? I too am drawn to the sleek looks of the Versys, but the KLR seems more functional to my needs.

I have both. Both are 08's. I bought the Versys first and latter bought the KLR650 when I had more yearnings to find out where more dirt roads went. The Versys is OK on hard dirt or lime rock roads, fair on gravel, but you better be on your game if you find yourself suddenly in sand and forget about even the tiniest amount of mud with the stock tires. The KLR handles most any dirt or sand roads but can be a handful. YMMV The Versys is an absolute hoot to drive on pavement. Very nimble, turns quick, not underpowered, not overpowered. The KLR is adequate for power and will cruise all day or scoot thought traffic, depending on gearing preferences. There is no comparison between the Versys and the KLR on pavement. If you want to use them for a commuter, both will do a good job. The Versys will cost more and might attract some traffic citations, but did I mention it's a hoot. They are just too different to compare. U needum both :-)

I have stated in the past that if I had to have only one: "If it were good times, I'd keep the Versys. But if times were really bad times, I would keep the KLR and cry over the loss of the Versys" :-(

Right now I am going to keep them both and my KLX250 :-)

[damasovi]

Bob great info!

Damasovi

[jaleader]

  Maybe you don't have to choose between the two anymore . A very nice looking bike has been built with the versus motor in the KLR frame and the guy who did it is willing to sell kits 
 Here is a link to the guy on ADV rider read  post 137 on the link below.
 Link..http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=632255&page=10

[tallboy]

  Maybe you don't have to choose between the two anymore . A very nice looking bike has been built with the versus motor in the KLR frame and the guy who did it is willing to sell kits 
 Here is a link to the guy on ADV rider read  post 137 on the link below.
 Link..http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=632255&page=10

That guy built a sweet bike! 


Actually he says it's a Ninja(EX650R)motor he used in his build.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640772

[CWAY]

How is the Versys for two up riding

[TrailRider]

What about the radiator and it's radical fluxuations in temp?

What about it, indeed, mydogyuma?

As long as the coolant temperature remains within safe limits, what, if any, are the consequences of "radical fluctuations in temp?"

Surely, none identified regarding service life; KLR650's often have remarkable longevity accomplishments (i.e., long service life, high mileage without major repair/overhaul) with the stock cooling system.

Performance?  Of no known consequence.

If KLR's had "idiot lights" instead of temperature gauges, perhaps no one would "view with concern" the temperature fluctuations.  On automobiles with only overheating indicator lights, the operator has no idea what thermodynamic battles might go on, between "OFF" and "ON" conditons with the idiot lights.

While some warn of the dread perils of "thermal shock," etc., with the KLR650's cooling system, actual data confirming the concern doesn't exist, AFAIK.  While some speak of out-of-round cylinders, oil consumption, etc., attributed to non-specific alleged shortcomings in the stock cooling system, absolute cause-and-effect hasn't been established, AFAIK.  Regardless, MANY KLR650's have rendered exceptional service from cradle-to-grave with the stock cooling system, such as it is.

As long as the coolant stays within safe limits, the KLR650 engines seem to know no better than the keep rolling right along, temperature fluctuations within the safe operating zone notwithstanding.

Contrary experience/data confirming the heartbreak of safe-tempeature fluctuations welcomed; actual experience and data preferred, versus theory and, "It stands to reason . . . " comments, but--all opinions respected.

[CWAY]

I personally would not worry about the KLR's cooling abilty.  I have run the dog out of my 08 running single track dualsports in 100 degree weather where the gauge reads 3/4 all the time to 600mi days on the freeway in 20 degree weather. I am at 33,000mi with not cooling realted issues.

[Bob in FL]

How is the Versys for two up riding

The KLR is no slouch for 2 up, but the Versys is explosive compared to the KLR. You need to pay more attention at keeping the front wheel on the ground. The pillion rides higher on the Versys, even thought they look the same height at rest, the Versys does not have the ride sag the KLR has. In stopping there is no comparison between the two, but that is the way it should be. A Versys with KLR brakes would be a death trap. My wife rides on the back of both of them and her only complaint with the Versys is that her knees need to bend more. She's getting old too, but still game.

[9am53]

I ride my dads versys from time to time, and I have to say take it for a spin before you buy it.  I am 6'5" 285#s and the bike seems tiny, I don't think you will be comfortable on it.  The bike is certainly better on the street, it handles nicely, and it peppier than the KLR, it's not really fast or anything, it's a good street commuter bike.  I also found that the versys seems kind of rinky dink, the exhaust pipes seem really thin, and although the twin cylinder sounds good when you gas it, it kind of sounds tinny and cheap.  I also for some weird reason feel like I am always going to break something on it, granted I am used to 500 pound UJM dinosaurs, but even compared to the KLR the versys feels delicate, I would worry that you with your size would be cramped, and that you would stomp on your shifter too hard one day and break it off...

[DaveC]

I'm 6'0, 235lbs with a 32" inseam, and I have (and love) the Versys. That said, mine isn't stock, and I've had to add/change a few items to make it more comfortable:

1) Peg lowering blocks (Motowerk)
The seat-to-peg distance is more like a sport bike than a KLR. The lowering blocks drop the pegs by an inch, and the difference it makes is amazing. If I had to give every farkle back except one, this is the one I would keep.

SW-Motech now has replacement pegs that are adjustable for height. I haven't tried them, but they should have the same effect.

2) Mirror extenders (Motowerk / SW Motech)
The stock mirror location sucks, at least on the pre-2010's. Mirror extenders are necessary to see what's behind me. Others have resorted to bar-end mirrors, which are pricey, but look good.

3) Handlebar Riser (Motowerk / SW Motech)
This raises the handlebar about 1", and when combined with the lowering blocks, give the bike an almost KLR-like riding position. I find it comfortable.

Do I find it "delicate"? No. It has more plastic on it, and its not meant to ride off-road. But it's a street bike, not a dual purpose bike, so I can live with that. And it's a blast to ride.

Just my $0.02,
Dave C

[TD]

Does anyone have both? I too am drawn to the sleek looks of the Versys, but the KLR seems more functional to my needs.

I have both. Both are 08's. I bought the Versys first and latter bought the KLR650 when I had more yearnings to find out where more dirt roads went. The Versys is OK on hard dirt or lime rock roads, fair on gravel, but you better be on your game if you find yourself suddenly in sand and forget about even the tiniest amount of mud with the stock tires. The KLR handles most any dirt or sand roads but can be a handful. YMMV The Versys is an absolute hoot to drive on pavement. Very nimble, turns quick, not underpowered, not overpowered. The KLR is adequate for power and will cruise all day or scoot thought traffic, depending on gearing preferences. There is no comparison between the Versys and the KLR on pavement. If you want to use them for a commuter, both will do a good job. The Versys will cost more and might attract some traffic citations, but did I mention it's a hoot. They are just too different to compare. U needum both :-)

I have stated in the past that if I had to have only one: "If it were good times, I'd keep the Versys. But if times were really bad times, I would keep the KLR and cry over the loss of the Versys" :-(

Right now I am going to keep them both and my KLX250 :-)

Excellent dissertation!

[kojack]

I just sold my KLR for a 2011 versys left over.  I cannot wait to go for the maiden voyage.  the bike is way more suited for what riding I do.  I do mostly street touring etc,  with the occasional voyage off road on fire roads..

[br6ppc]

I've had a Versys since 2008. I just bought a 2011 KLR this year. I had the intentions of selling the Versys, but now I'm undecided. Both are paid for and I don't need to sell either one. The Versys is somewhat better on the pavement, but for my riding style not he pavement, either one will suit my needs. The only place I would pick the Versys over my KLR would be on an Interstate road. My Versys will run 70-80 mph all day. I can't say about the KLR yet because I'm still breaking it in (476 mi). I have a 16T CS sprocket on it and it still has enough power for my riding. I'm not a speed demon witH my riding.

In the dirt, there is no comparison. The KLR is much better in the dirt. I live on dirt roads that are sandy and the Versys is a handful wrestling it to and from the hardtop. I may be changing my tires pretty soon though on the Versys. I see where Continental has a TKC80 in 120/70-17 now. That might be just the ticket for these Ga dirt roads.

You will have to make the decision yourself. The choice just depends on your type of riding and terrain/conditions. If you don't have to run long distances at 70-80+mph, the KLR may be able to fill all of your needs. The KLR is much easier to maintain than the Versys.

[kojack]

I am loving my versys,  its a great ride.  I need to get another set of wheels preferably laced versions with some agressive tires.  either that a stock set with pirelli MT60s.  too see if the off road worthyness will be there for what im doing which is mainly dirt roads.  If not,  I will have another KLR,  but this time built even better than my last.  I want the 2012 american colored blue and white.  but for the 90 percent on road I do now,  the versys is amazing.  fast, comfortable,  once the trax luggage and sw motech bits are on,  its a great adventure bike.

[admeyers]

There has been a lot of discussion on KLR vs Versys but I could still use some help.

I have an 09 KLR and I'm thinking about selling it and getting a Versys.  I know the V will be a better fit for the type of riding I do (no highway but no off road either - mostly state/county roads) but can someone who has ridden both tell me - will there be a big noticeable difference in how it actually feels to ride?  I've only been riding one year and I don't feel totally confident on the KLR - especially coming to a stop.  I sat on a Versys and I can get my feet flat on the ground - can't quite on the KLR.  I'm not so good in the curves either so I am hoping the V would those feel smoother.

What I'm concerned about is getting rid of the KLR and finding it isn't the bike but the rider that needs improving.

Any input would be appreciated.

[damasovi]

I've only been riding one year and I don't feel totally confident on the KLR - especially coming to a stop.  I sat on a Versys and I can get my feet flat on the ground - can't quite on the KLR.  I'm not so good in the curves either so I am hoping the V would those feel smoother.

amigo first welcome to our forum, and after one year (how many actual miles?) if you are not comfortable on the KLR maybe it is not the bike for you. I rode a 125 cc DP bike for 1 year as my first bike and then came to the klr, and at first was very uncomfortable not being able to touch the ground so i rode it, then order a low seat from corbin but by then I had ridden the bike enough miles (less than 6 months) that when the low seat came I had a worse experience with the lower seat so I just put the stocker back on.

For reference the seat is 35 in. tall and I have a 30 in. inseam so it is still a challenge but I have more experience and don't care any more..

so my advice is get a lower seat and get more miles before buying another bike for the wrong reasons.. also cheaper in case you decide it is the rider.

Damasovi

[Bob in FL]

+1 what Damasovi said.
If you are riding mainly paved roads and occasional dirt roads, The KLR will do you a good job. Put a set of Kenda K761 tires on it and change the CS sprocket to 16 teeth and it will be right at home. Change the seat to a Low Sargent seat and if that's not low enough add lowering links. The tires will make the KLR very well behaved and quiet on pavement and will have more potential than you can use at this stage in the game. Everything you will do is relatively inexpensive except for the seat. Did I mention that tires for the KLR are a lot cheaper and last longer than tires for the Versys. Beside KLR's look good dirty but a Versys doesn't.