Anyone ridden a Versys?

[Aero]

Just wondering if anyone has had the chance to ride one. I went into my local dealer yesterday to have a look at a KLR but saw a Versys there which got me thinking about buying one later this year. I have been thinking about either the KLR or a Wee-Strom but the Versys might be a good alternative, if only because the dealer is a lot closer. I won't have to chance to ride one for another couple of months or so, so I am curious as to any personal experience anyone might have about performance, handling etc.

[Grainbelt]

There's a good thread at advrider.com, in the 'road warriors' section about a versys owner in ontario. His is burnt orange. Hasn't ridden it much, bought it just before the bad weather hit. Not sold in the US, so nobody down there has ridden one.

I have a Ninja 650R, and ride it as if it were a Versys... as far as I know the main mechanical changes are suspension related. Powerband is very flexible. handling is a bit choppy on expansion joints, but light years ahead of my GS500, and the Versys has better suspension than my 650R.

Ninja's and Versys' will take the pirelli scorpion syncs that are OEM buell ulysses tires, as well as an even more aggressive version, but no real knobbies.

My favourite thing about it is how narrow it is, and the low centre of gravity.  Easy enough to toss around, but stable on the highway.

[nanbil]

Inline twins make great motorcycle engines, my TDM has one as does the new Versys—rumor has it that there is a 1000cc Versys coming next year.

[Nomad]

Someone did a test ride of a few kawi's on another forum i read....Here's the part about the versys:

Kawasaki Versys

This bike is not available in the States, only Canada and Europe. It is best described in my mind as a Kawi-Vstom. It is a great all a rounder. It is powered by a new for 06-07 fuel injected 650 off the Ninja. 6 speed and Chain Drive. Unlike the Ninja but like a V-Strom your feet are below not behind you, and some serious risers bring the bars up nice and high. It has a small adjustable windshield, with an analog tach just below it, and a digital speed/odometer. I where a full face helmet and found I never needed to move my head to see all the indications when cruising. I can’t say the same with tank mounted gauges.

I was curious, but more nervous testing this bike than the others as it is a TALL bike, and I'm only 5'9". Happily I could flat foot this bike, but it was with a straight leg meaning that sitting on and walking the bike backwards was a little more challenging than on the two 900 Vulcan’s. On the plus side it weighs (guessing) 150-200 lbs less so stepping off and walking it while beside was easy.

Both my wife and I are not big fans of sport bikes. For her it is the look, for me its looks, comfort and the…umm… well...’Squid factor’ attached to them. I love the look of cruisers. That is why it is hard for me to admit this was hands down my favourite bike of the three tested.

Once under way the bikes shifter and brake position were very comfortable. It took me only a few shifts to feel at ease with the bike which surprised me as it is fairly different from what I'm used to. I've never ridden this style of bike before.

The handling was so light and nimble I couldn’t stop smiling. At slow speeds the balance was damn near perfect. The tall seat height I enjoyed, as it is one thing I missed from my wife’s Vespa when I started riding my 500 Vulcan. Creeping at slow speeds the bike is so nicely balanced it was as easy as a bicycle to keep your feet up until dead stopped. The power is amazing for a 650 and I really enjoyed having the tach. The bike felt much faster than the other two 900's however to be fair, the Versy is a high rever needing much more shifting and the others were more low end torquey and happy in each gear over a wider range. That said the fun factor for me on this bike was huge . This was the only bike with a screen, (it is a shorty) and it did a nice job of keeping the wind off my chest. Like the other bikes there wasn't a squeak, vibration or rattle to be found. The transmission had smooth and easy while neutral was a piece of cake to find. The only slight negative for me was the rear brake which felt a little underwhelming. I found I used more foot pressure to get the desired stopping from it than the other bikes.

[panther289]

Interested in checking one out. I'll give Kawasaki a call and see if they have one. Thanks for the info.