You're pretty close - mind letting me know which Kawi dealear that was? How difficult/easy was it to install the Givi's? Have any photos? I'd definitely need hard bags.
I got mine at Honda East in the Toledo, Ohio area (
http://www.hondaeastoftoledo.com) but as others here have noted, deals can be found all over if you hunt around. I had another dealer willing to match the same price.
I wanted a lightweight sport-tourer that was cheap to buy and insure and maintain. You have various good options for saddlebags, from the Givi-made bags that you can buy through the dealer that are color matched to aluminum "adventure-touring" style bags. The Kawasaki-branded bags are actually Givi V35s, which use a different mounting system than other Givis, so you're locked into that choice if you go that way. They look good but are a bit pricey and wide. I chose to go with Givi E21s and pack lighter. I also like the top-loading style of the E21s. And if I ever tire of packing light, I can leave the same mounts on the bike and buy bigger Givi bags.
The Givis are a snap to install. The hardest part is relocating the rear turn signals. Bolting on the mounts themselves takes literally minutes.
I can tell you from experience that the Versys and the Speed Triple are very complementary. I think you need both.
