The Versys Thread

[OnlyVees]

Since my "can a Versys ever be cool" thread is dying... Here's a chance to show off my freshly-painted Givi luggage. Now, about this 105 degrees for the next 3 months...

Next on the list is a Kaoko throttle lock and a 16-tooth front cog.

[marc11]

Got my 16t front sprocket on order and really want the throttle lock.  I am off for a four day 2000 mile ride tomorrow morning at 4 AM, this is followed by a 2 day 1000 mile ride two weeks ago as a "test".

[1KPerDay]

Rocky Versys Sasquatch

Hillary Versys Jack Bauer

Roseanne Versys All-you-can-eat Chinese Restaurant

Oh....








never mine.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Since my "can a Versys ever be cool" thread is dying... Here's a chance to show off my freshly-painted Givi luggage.

Nice bags.....looks even more Ducati-like now.

[Fourstring]

What's the 16 tooth sprocket for?  Are the RPM's at highway speed too high?

I've been riding the wife's Ninja 650 to work while I put together the Connie, and have found the wind to be pretty bad.  How the Versys?

[marc11]

The Versys on the highway for long runs at 75 - 80 MPH indicated are 6 - 7k.  Way too high IMHO.  I just rode 1000 miles straight, averaged 70 MPH moving, 65 MPH overall, with side and a top case the bike brought back 50 MPG.  I think with the larger sprocket I can improve this a lot and the RPM's do not need to be that high, the bike has enough get up and go below 5k to gear it taller.

[Nodaclu]

More pics please!!

I've been on the fence about this bike for months, and the pics above really paint it in a positive light.

Coming off the king of bad buffeting bikes (V-Strom) I'm also curious about the wind blast on the Versys at freeway speeds. I know Givi makes a barn-door windshield for it, but I can't seem to get a lot of info about buffeting and turbulence on this bike.

[Fourstring]

No comparison, but the Givi touring screen my wife has on her Ninja is pretty bad for me.  Good for her (shorter), but the wind catches me on the chin.

[OnlyVees]

More pics please!!

I've been on the fence about this bike for months, and the pics above really paint it in a positive light.

Coming off the king of bad buffeting bikes (V-Strom) I'm also curious about the wind blast on the Versys at freeway speeds. I know Givi makes a barn-door windshield for it, but I can't seem to get a lot of info about buffeting and turbulence on this bike.

Nodaclu- What do you need pictures of? As for buffeting, it's never been a problem for me. I'm 5'10 and with the screen in the highest position, the wind blast hits right in the middle of my visor. I'm thinking about trying the Givi barn door, just to see what it's like. Remember, turbulence and buffeting are not the same. I also had a Wee Strom, and never had buffeting issues.

My only real complaint with the bike, so far, is the gearing. It's easily fixed though... I can't imagine riding all day long at a true 70mph with the stock gearing.   Of course, I know a guy who rode his Aprilia RS50 from Tucson to Vegas. (I'm not even kidding)

[Nodaclu]

Nodaclu- What do you need pictures of?

Nothing particular, just for the    factor.  

Those bags look fantastic on that bike by the way...

As for buffeting, it's never been a problem for me. I'm 5'10 and with the screen in the highest position, the wind blast hits right in the middle of my visor. I'm thinking about trying the Givi barn door, just to see what it's like. Remember, turbulence and buffeting are not the same. I also had a Wee Strom, and never had buffeting issues.

I experienced both with my Strom. The turbulence I could deal with okay, but the buffeting shook my head badly enough that I couldn't focus on the speedo and figure out how fast I was going at times - too fuzzy.

I don't mind air. The tiny fairing on my Sportster did a good job of giving me nice, clean air. But it seems like every other bike I've owned poured the wind right into (and under) my chinbar. It took a lot of the fun out of rides longer then 75 miles or so.

Of course, I know a guy who rode his Aprilia RS50 from Tucson to Vegas. (I'm not even kidding)

 

There's been a guy from Korea who has been touring the U.S. for over a year on a 50cc Honda Ruckus scooter.

More guts then I have. I can't imagine a top speed of 39 mph (downhill with the wind) on an interstate - on a tiny scooter!

[Fourstring]

Thanks for the info!

How far do the revs drop with that sprocket change?

[Lon]

I like the integrated look of those bags.

[Nodaclu]

Did you have the luggage inserts professionally painted, or did you do them yourself. They look fantastic and really add to the overall look of the bike.

[OnlyVees]

Thanks for the kind words on the luggage. They looked ok in matte black, but I knew a touch of red would finish the look. I had them done professionally. I sell Honda cars for a living, so I had our "bumper touch up guys" shoot the color. The PPG paint code is 911264.

I hate summer in Arizona. It's almost worse than winter back east...

[Nodaclu]

I hate summer in Arizona. It's almost worse than winter back east....

Same thing here in Vegas. I tell people all the time that we're heading into "our" winter riding season.

It's similar in that for a period of at least 3 months (June, July, August) I put the cover on the bike and pretty much forget about it until the temps get back "down" below 105 or so.  

Thanks for the info on the color. Appreciate it.  

[Hickey]

Has anyone ridden both the Versys and a Buell Ulysses?  How would you compare the vibration at typical riding RPMs between them?  How about ergonomics and basic comfort?

[august]

Thanks for the info!

How far do the revs drop with that sprocket change?

At highway speeds in top gear, my rpm's dropped between 5 and 6 hundred with the 16 tooth.  Not a whole lot, but it does feel a lot more relaxed.

Performance is a tiny bit less abrupt, but the engine makes enough power that it will easily pull the taller gearing. If you need more, just shift  down one more gear and you can still cook.

I have gotten as high as 62 mpg on easy rides with the 16 tooth.

[atypical1]

That set up looks very nice indeed. I take it you are digging the bike a lot?

I noticed the levers are adjustable. What about the suspension?

james

[marc11]

At highway speeds in top gear, my rpm's dropped between 5 and 6 hundred with the 16 tooth.  Not a whole lot, but it does feel a lot more relaxed.

Performance is a tiny bit less abrupt, but the engine makes enough power that it will easily pull the taller gearing. If you need more, just shift  down one more gear and you can still cook.

I have gotten as high as 62 mpg on easy rides with the 16 tooth.

I just put my 16t on and pretty much exactly the same impression.  The 600 RPM drop doesn't seem like much, but the bike feels so much less high strung on the highway.

[mike goodwin]

I am not at all familiar with these bikes so a few questions.
Is that headlight system a *stacked* system like a lot of Suzuki's are now using?
Please tell me they dont use those horrid projector beam headlight systems.
By the way how is night time visibilty at highway speeds with those bikes?
Does it use an H-4 halogen bulb(look in your owners manual)?
Is a centerstand available(most important)??

[OnlyVees]

I am not at all familiar with these bikes so a few questions.
Is that headlight system a *stacked* system like a lot of Suzuki's are now using?
Please tell me they dont use those horrid projector beam headlight systems.
By the way how is night time visibilty at highway speeds with those bikes?
Does it use an H-4 halogen bulb(look in your owners manual)?
Is a centerstand available(most important)??

The headlight is not stacked. It's a standard Halogen 55/60w (I think) bulb.

The headlight itself works well, but it's still a little short of the moto-benchmark V-Strom.

As of today, nobody makes a centerstand for the Versys. I'll be first in line when it becomes available.

[maddjack]

Only thing I have added so far is a Luggage Locker setup,but today I added(ordered ) a ventura bike pack system Will post pictures of that as soon as I get her and mount it on the bike

[mike goodwin]

Only thing I have added so far is a Luggage Locker setup,but today I added(ordered ) a ventura bike pack system Will post pictures of that as soon as I get her and mount it on the bike

WTF!!!
Is that tank bag levitating?????

[maddjack]

WTF!!!
Is that tank bag levitating?????

Nope system keeps it off the tank and locks,have same setup on my speed triple for 5 years now

[Rincewind]

Since this is "The" Versys thread, I thought it needed bumping for some updates from the Versys Riders.

How are you getting on with it?  What kind of average mileage and fuel range?  Comfort for 1-up touring?  2-up touring?  Shortcomings?

And please post some more pics too, especially if anyone has one of those green ones.  

[rajflyboy]

I think you really meant to post about this:

http://www.versus.com/

[august]

I have about 7000 miles so far.  I love the bike,I have put 16 tooth sprocket, peg lowering brackets, trax bags, extended the rear rack,tall calsci windshield, madstad windshield bracket, radiator protector (homemade), fender extender,  Hepco and Becker engine guards, throttlemeister, KLR handguards, loud horn, mechanical mount tank bag, Distanzia front tire, Tourance rear tire, and a Corbin seat.

It cruises all day easily at 80mph @ 5700 rpm, gets 50 to 55 mpg, uses no oil between changes goes thru the twisties with the best of them, does gravel roads and good two track roads easily. Mud not so good.  Logs and rocks I won't even try, nor deep water crossings.

 Never had a minutes trouble with it, never overheats, even out runs a few Harleys.

This is one of the best,  most fun bikes I have ever owned.  The tranny is just a little bit (notchy), but certainly nothing bad. I just don't any complaints that would make me say I'm sorry I have it.

A couple of pics.

[Zerosum]

I have to say, I'm impressed by the fuel economy of this engine.  The best I can EVER get out of my V-Strom is 52mpg, with my mixed city/highway commute.  And that's with me riding it like a granny and consciously keeping the RPM down in the 3-4K range.  If I want to actually have FUN, the milage drops to around 42mpg.

[Rincewind]

I have to say, I'm impressed by the fuel economy of this engine.  The best I can EVER get out of my V-Strom is 52mpg, with my mixed city/highway commute.  And that's with me riding it like a granny and consciously keeping the RPM down in the 3-4K range.  If I want to actually have FUN, the milage drops to around 42mpg.

So despite the V-strom's fuel holding advantage, the Versys may be able to go nearly the same distance with its 5-gallon tank.

Thanks for the pics August -those Trax cases look great on your Versys.  Glad to hear the good review.

[maddjack]

On my trip to Colorado  for the National,my Versys averaged 59.8 mpg,unreal,and I 'd have to say its really comfortable on a lng trip. money well spent

[Rincewind]

On my trip to Colorado  for the National,my Versys averaged 59.8 mpg,unreal,and I 'd have to say its really comfortable on a lng trip. money well spent

60mpg?    

I am happy to see 42-45 mpg on my Tiger, and it only has a 5.3 gallon tank.  Looks like this mini-Tiger trumps the real Tiger in more way then one (the other being its considerably lighter weight).  

Carrying-capacity on the Versys is rated a bit low, so I've noticed.

[maddjack]

Best part of that is I crossed Kansas at about 85 mph average and still got high 50"s at those speeds,so its not like I babied it for mileage.The Mikes windscreen i bought was Great too,it was the perfect air pocket for me,no buffeting or strange noise at any speed

[marc11]

Since this is "The" Versys thread, I thought it needed bumping for some updates from the Versys Riders.

How are you getting on with it?  What kind of average mileage and fuel range?  Comfort for 1-up touring?  2-up touring?  Shortcomings?

And please post some more pics too, especially if anyone has one of those green ones.  

Other than a tranny whine which is driving me crazy since late last year mine has been flawless.  Coming up on 14,000 miles with nothing but an air filter clean, new plugs and oil changes.  I'll get a valve check, coolant change, fork oil change and a good grease of the stem bearings this winter.

I am getting about 55 MPG average, no matter how I ride it, I have seen in the 60's if I baby it, but have never ever gotten worse than 50 when sitting in massive traffic. I generally go 200 miles before the fuel lite comes on and then I know I have 1.5 gallons left.  I have gone as far as 225 miles and it still took just a hair over 4 gallons.

I find it rather comfortable, especially with the addition of footpeg lowering brackets and mirror extenders, not to mention the heated grips and Audiovox cruise.  I have not gone 2 up yet.

My only gripe is the wind protection.  I am using a Madstadt bracket with a stock V-Strom screen, which seems to work okay, but you still get buffeting/negative pressure if it is up high and too much wind gets in under it.  I am working on that, if I can solve the wind issue the bike would be damn near perfect.  I may actually try riding without the screen altogether.

[rajflyboy]

VS............

Kind of a cool bike as long as...      You don't turn it into a "Meals On Wheels" machine

[County Tar]

My only gripe is the wind protection.  I am using a Madstadt bracket with a stock V-Strom screen, which seems to work okay, but you still get buffeting/negative pressure if it is up high and too much wind gets in under it.  I am working on that, if I can solve the wind issue the bike would be damn near perfect.  I may actually try riding without the screen altogether.

Find a Laminar Touring Lip to put on that VStrom screen.  Should do the trick.

[maddjack]

Buy a Mikes winshield,either touring or gran touring should do the trick,the stock shield is just a little wrong in shape to prevent buffeting on taller riders,I screwed with mine for quite a while before I gave up on it.

http://www.mikesshields.com/

[R Doug]

I suppose I like obscure bikes because I think the Versys is hot!

[gripnrip]

My dad has a burnt orange '07 for the last 2 seasons and what a great bike! I love the funky styling (I like "unique" looking bikes), nice exhaust note, comfy, sporty, able to tour, and great price/inexpensive to run. What's not to like?

My only minor complaint if I were an owner would be seating position, bar bend seems off to me, and slightly more braking power would be nice. Both of which would be easily fixed by different pads/steel lines and a new bar/adjust existing.

Otherwise good to go!

[County Tar]

Does Kawasaki make their rear brakes out of wood, like Suzuki?  

[marc11]

Find a Laminar Touring Lip to put on that VStrom screen.  Should do the trick.

That is something I thought about, but honestly, with the Madstadt bracket it seems the wind is coming from under the screen and not over it.

[County Tar]

I haven't seen a Madstad on a Versys so I can't comment.  The Lip would direct a little more air flow up and over I would think.  You could always fill in part of the area below the Madstad, but again, it doesn't seem to be a problem on the DL650.  Come to think of it, the Lip would allow you to lower the stocker a bit which should fill in that area some.

[marc11]

I haven't seen a Madstad on a Versys so I can't comment.  The Lip would direct a little more air flow up and over I would think.  You could always fill in part of the area below the Madstad, but again, it doesn't seem to be a problem on the DL650.  Come to think of it, the Lip would allow you to lower the stocker a bit which should fill in that area some.

I am looking at a few ideas to fill in the bottom, but you are right, if I had the lip I could straighten and lower the screen which would eliminate the wind from underneath.  

[BradleyRas]

I never really considered the Versys until I read this thread... I think I'm  

[Rincewind]

How about underseat storage?  The seat is key-locked?

I don't hear people whinging about the suspension - sounds like it's pretty good stock?  Adjustable forks work pretty well?  The MCN article (http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/200711-versystest.pdf) suggests that an upgraded rear shock would help, especially considering the non-linkage set-up - is a premium shock a typical upgrade?  Necessary upgrade?

How is this bike if you are riding the piss out of it?  Handles accelerated back-road barn-storming kind of riding well?  Do you ever say to yourself - I wish this were a Versys 1000?

Is the FI pretty smooth, or snatchy?

This is a "bike of interest" to me, but the low alternator output (112W per MCN article above) and carry capacity figure (398lbs) raise some caution.  Anyone have comparisons to the F650/800GS, or Ulysses?

[marc11]

For "me" the stock suspension is fine.  Not great, not bad, but fine, for my use and weight which is mostly commuting with side and top bags and I am 168 pounds.  It will push a little wide in turns and the front end dives a lot when on the brakes, but then again it does have a lot of travel.

I heard Ohlins and Penske are making shocks for it and I may upgrade as my rear shock is getting tired, but again, I have no major complaints about the suspension, but feel it can be better.  I am planning a shock upgrade this winter and a fork oil change.

As for riding the snot out of it, well it isn't a sport bike and it doesn't have 160 HP, but if you accept it for what it is, and ride within the limits of the suspension AND keep it in the power band it will put a smile on your face, the bike is eager to pull between 4K and 8k after 8k it starts to sign off power wise and just makes more noise, however the gear ratios keep the bike in the power band and so it feels like it makes a lot more power than it does.  

Again, you need to remember it is a tallish bike with longish suspension travel, so handling is different, not bad, but different.  IMHO the weakest link are the brakes, they aren't great.  I upgraded pads and lines, but there is only so much you can do with sliding pin binders.  I am 99% sure the 4 piston Z1000 brakes will bolt right up and may give that a try.

FI is very smooth, a little touchy at 20 MPH and just cracked throttle, but otherwise very smooth, no flat spots I can find.

Again, you need to accept the bike for what its intended purpose is and the price point, to those two items the bike is a huge bang for the buck and performs very well.  If you plan to scratch the back roads with gixxers and R1's and your skills are the same as your buddies, you will be smoked.  But that isn't the point of the Versys.

[Rincewind]

Again, you need to remember it is a tallish bike with longish suspension travel, so handling is different, not bad, but different.

Yes I am familiar with this style of bike already - it is like a fuel-efficient lightweight version of the Tiger1050.

Thanks for your thoughts.  How about the underseat storage?

[marc11]

Oh, well I have my Audiovox cruise in there, so it is big enough for that, its wiring, a fuse box and two relays.  It won't hold your lunch if that is what you want.  

[Rincewind]

Oh, well I have my Audiovox cruise in there, so it is big enough for that, its wiring, a fuse box and two relays.  It won't hold your lunch if that is what you want.  

I'd just be looking for room for an Autocom, tire pump and plugs.  Sounds like they'd fit, thanks.

[marc11]

Yep, no problem fitting those things at all.

[Rincewind]

If possible I will check out you and madjack's Versi at ESTN  

[marc11]

If possible I will check out you and madjack's Versi at ESTN  

If so, feel free to take mine for a spin.

[Rincewind]

If so, feel free to take mine for a spin.

Very generous, thanks

[camaroz1985]

Sounds like there are enough of us in PA that are interested.  Maybe we could get a good deal if we bought 3 or 4 at a time

[BradleyRas]

Sounds like there are enough of us in PA that are interested.  Maybe we could get a good deal if we bought 3 or 4 at a time

OMG, you're from the HUGE metropolis of Bressler??? I lived in Oberlin for several years. I'm sure we never ran into eachother in such big cities though..  

[camaroz1985]

OMG, you're from the HUGE metropolis of Bressler??? I lived in Oberlin for several years. I'm sure we never ran into eachother in such big cities though..  

I just moved there last year, so I'm sure not, though it is pretty big so it would be easy to miss each other

[maddjack]

I'll be bringing the Versys to Placid instead of the Speed triple so you can check it  out there.Riding a 500++ mile to Placid on the S3 would beat the crap outta me,guess I am old

[Giaka]

I'm really digging mine. Other than the seat needing major modification to make my butt happy,  I wish it had a V-Twin but oh well. LOL Here is is in commute mode and cross country mode.

Commute


Got bags will travel.

[Rincewind]

Nice Rotundal!  

[Giaka]

Nice Rotundal!  

"What kind of a BMW is that?"  Got that three times last week.  

Did a SuperMoto fender conversion last night. I like the look but I dont like this fender. I ordered a shorter Acerbis Supermoto Fender to try.



Im gonna work on that front end a little more tonight and go for this look.

[Poweranger]

"What kind of a BMW is that?"  Got that three times last week.  

Did a SuperMoto fender conversion last night. I like the look but I dont like this fender. I ordered a shorter Acerbis Supermoto Fender to try.



Im gonna work on that front end a little more tonight and go for this look.

Very Nice Versys! I have been lusting over one of these for a long time. I need to stop looking at this thread now. The wife will kill me if I get another bike!  

[Rincewind]

Did a SuperMoto fender conversion last night. I like the look but I dont like this fender. I ordered a shorter Acerbis Supermoto Fender to try.

I was with you up until that point.  That's just going too far, someone needs to reel you in!  

[Giaka]

LOL I will make sure I ride a little faster when I ride past the funny farm. Never know when those dudes may nab ya!  Worked on the fender tonight. Looks better I think........  

[Dave the slave]

I was in the kawasaki shop the other day and sat on one of these funny looking little bikes...

... and I thought "gee, this sure seems like it would be fun".  Now I'm starting to think how do I talk my wife into it.  Anyone wanna buy a ZX10R?

[jnor]

  I just bought a Versys.....My wife has had one for a while, and I ride it every time I can. The Versys is one of, if not my favorite bike ever, and I've been riding over 40 years. My previous favorite's were RD350/400's, the my 1st gen FZ1, but I think the Versys has passed them !!!

  We just came back from a week long ride in the smokies last week. I rode the FJR, my wife rode the Versys. The Versys performed perfect, both in the "twisties", and on I75 at 70-85 mph with stock gearing. It has factory hard bags, with SW Mo tech brackets, a mad stand windshield bracket, with a Mike's touring windshield, Speedy's lowering kit, mirror extenders, and foot peg lowering kit, and a tail bag.

  I whined around until she told me to "buy my own"...not a problem !!! I see the FJR setting a lot since I've bought the Versys.  

[kevrider]

GTI, which bash plate is that?  im tking delivery of a green VS today.  

[ddouble]

Hello,

My name is Dan and I've had my Versys since March of 08. Currently it has Givi V-35 bags, Mikes shield, Pro Taper Hi ATV bars, Oxford Heaterz, Wee Strom hand guards, power point, home fabbed radiator guard and fender extender.  It currently has 18,600+ miles on it.

The V has required only tires, oil changes and a chain and sprockets which were my fault for not being more diligent about chain maintenance.

It is my favorite ride for day touring and commuting. I also have a 97 Connie and a 79 KZ650C3. I find it to be a nimble fun bike that does everything well but nothing spectacular. I can spend all day in the saddle and be ready to ride again the next day.

Dan

[maddjack]

Hello Dan ,and welcome To STN. I have a Versys and a Speed Triple.The V has a mikes shield,a Alaska sheepskin and a Tribo seat on it. I run soft luggage and a Ventura pack when long distance riding

[camaroz1985]

I finally gave into temptation and bought a Versys (I've been thinking about doing it for at least a year now).  I pick it up on thursday.  A leftover green '09.  I can't even wait.

[GS1100GK]

I finally gave into temptation and bought a Versys (I've been thinking about doing it for at least a year now).  I pick it up on thursday.  A leftover green '09.  I can't even wait.

Good price?

[camaroz1985]

I think so.  It was the best I found anywhere in the state (I didn't call every dealership though).  I found a couple deals that would have been a few hundred less, but were out of state, and I would have used $100 or so in gas to go get them with my truck.  I ended up paying $6400 OTD.

[GS1100GK]

I think so.  It was the best I found anywhere in the state (I didn't call every dealership though).  I found a couple deals that would have been a few hundred less, but were out of state, and I would have used $100 or so in gas to go get them with my truck.  I ended up paying $6400 OTD.

Sounds like an excellent deal to me.  WTG!

[marc11]

If that OTD included tax and reg fee that is a GREAT deal.  If it didn't, then it is still a GOOD deal.

[camaroz1985]

It did.  $6400 and I rode it home.  Only have about 50 miles on it, but I already love it.

[Giaka]

GTI, which bash plate is that? I'm taking delivery of a green VS today.  

ALGARD, they are from Europe. Check the forums at kawsakiversys.com The V is holding up well. Needs an oil change this weekend.

[camaroz1985]

Wish you could still get them.  Seems he has closed up shop.

[marc11]

www.happy-trail.com has a skid plate and I think www.twistedthrottle.com has one too.

[Giaka]

Wish you could still get them.  Seems he has closed up shop.

Yeah its a VERY nice piece. He should sell his deisgn to SW-MOTECH, yeah its that good.

[camaroz1985]

I agree.  He should sell it to someone so it can keep being made.

[greidel]

I test rode a Ulysses before I bought the Versys. The Buell was tall and heavy, and the steering was limited from side to side. The seat was wide, making it hard to get your feet down. All of this combined to make it a monster to maneuver in a parking lot. It has a Harley V-Twin in it, so of course it shook like crazy at a stand still. Once above walking speed, all that melted away (except the 'tall'). But as I was still new to riding and was looking primarily for a commuter, it was out.

That narrowed me down to the V-strom and the Versys. The Strom was a touch more comfortable, but felt bigger than the Versys. I think they use the same frame for the bigger Strom. I didn't want a big bike feel.  I didn't test ride the V-Strom.

I test rode the Versys, and it was love at first curve. So natural, smooth and easy, it felt like flying. I now have about 12,500 miles on it. I have a large slab windshield and the OEM saddlebags with the Givi rails. I have ridden it from Lancaster, PA to Cleveland, OH and back, twice. Like every biker, I constantly look at new bikes and imagine what I'll get next. While I lust after a C-14, I am afraid that what I'll find is that I already had the perfect bike. So I'm sticking with the Versys. For now...

[trflyboy]

Count me in folks. Just picked it yesterday. Still breakin it in.

[B]

Any opinions on how the V handles 2 up riding?

[Giaka]

Any opinions on how the V handles 2 up riding?

Does great, slightly low on power but nothing to concern yourself with unless you are squidly and like to take chances with a passenger. The wife and I commute on ours two up all the time. 60 miles one way. Brakes are also slightly under powered for the extra weight but again its just something you plan ahead for.

[thunderlips]

what is the carrying capacity in weight of these things?
what is the height between the seat and the footpegs?

[TraumaQueen]

For anyone considering this, here is a useful site to help you figure it all out: http://gearingcommander.com

[ChrisZRX]

I miss my Bandit terribly, may it RIP.  

However, I did miss the ability to go on rough roads and fire roads without shaking my fillings lose that my previous VStrom 1K provided. There's damn little out there that I like presently, save the Tiger 1050, but that's a little more than I'm willing to pay right now.  I figure my insurance will be going up and I still want to get a DR650 too.

I might have waited for the bigger engine in a Versys, but an inline 4 is just wrong IMO for this kind of bike.  So, the Versys 650 will be it for now.  I've always like the way it looks and I've read all the threads on it.  Y'all talked me into it.  Put a deposit on a 2011 with only 1600 miles on it.

[County Tar]

There is a 2005 DR650 just listed on Stromtrooper.  Eastern Ohio.

Link:

http://www.stromtrooper.com/sale/69440-fs-2005-dr650-ohio.html

[Bravo12]

Two days ago I picked up a leftover (new) 2009 Versys for $6100 OTD, including the hard bags. I put about 350 miles of local riding on it since then, and I'm loving it!  I've been riding mostly standards since 1989. I started sport-touring with my Bandit1200S in 2001, then moved on to the 1999 VFR800I about 3 years ago. The Versys is so much more comfortable all day than either of them, and has a character all its own. The VFR started my trend back towards smaller-displacement bikes, so I think the Versys is right where I want to be now. It may be the perfect solo-sport-tourer. At least, it is for me and the way I like to ride.

[AzItLies]

Also riding a Versys now. Got a 2011 and traded in the fjr. I'm having quite a bit of fun with it, much lighter and easier to move around in the garage. It has enough power although haven't spent much time on the highway with it yet.

Just got my seat back from Spencer and it's lowered slightly, seems the Versys seat doesn't allow for too much lowering. Lowering links are an option but trying to avoid that.

Like to ask the OP what attachment brackets did you use for the bags? they really seem to get the bags in very close and look great.

Haven't had it very long so will update with any good info as it happens.

enjoy!

[loadedmind]

Bravo12 - I've been told performance on the highway is lackluster - especially on 50-70 roll-ons.  Do you not find that's the case in your experience?

[greidel]

Bravo12 - I've been told performance on the highway is lackluster - especially on 50-70 roll-ons.  Do you not find that's the case in your experience?

In comparison to a liter bike, I'll bet it is. But it's a 650. It's adequate. If you want the power band above the speed limit, this might not be your bike.

50-70 isn't especially hard. The acceleration doesn't really start to dog until about 84mph... 90 to triple digits is a struggle, but it gets there (not that I would ever... I certainly haven't this week. If you're a cop you have to tell me!) I find that my Versys loves to cruise at about 70-74.

[Fourstring]

Bravo12 - I've been told performance on the highway is lackluster - especially on 50-70 roll-ons.  Do you not find that's the case in your experience?

Trying to catch my wife on wide-open roads, I've found that's not the case.  The 650 engine will do 85 all day long.

[ripdaddy]

   I'm 6'1", 240lbs.  Would this thing haul my big butt around?  Saw one on the showroom floor and fell for it.  Was hoping Kaw would up it to an 800 or 900 twin eventually (and not a 1000 four, which I hear isn't coming here anyway.)  Did read in a recent magazine long-term wrap-up there have been probs with fried stators but haven't seen anyone else mention it.  

[Davy F.]

I'm just posting pics of my Versys for no other reason except I want to.  

[Jay S.]

Two days ago I picked up a leftover (new) 2009 Versys for $6100 OTD, including the hard bags. I put about 350 miles of local riding on it since then, and I'm loving it!  I've been riding mostly standards since 1989. I started sport-touring with my Bandit1200S in 2001, then moved on to the 1999 VFR800I about 3 years ago. The Versys is so much more comfortable all day than either of them, and has a character all its own. The VFR started my trend back towards smaller-displacement bikes, so I think the Versys is right where I want to be now. It may be the perfect solo-sport-tourer. At least, it is for me and the way I like to ride.

You are not the first person I've heard say that. The Versys just might be my next bike. I'm a solo sport-tourer and the more and more I read, it might be about the perfect bike for me and my type of riding.

[Davy F.]

You are not the first person I've heard say that. The Versys just might be my next bike. I'm a solo sport-tourer and the more and more I read, it might be about the perfect bike for me and my type of riding.

+1  

Although my 12GS beemer was brilliant, I felt the need for a lighter machine. I tried the Tiger 800XC/MultiStrada/KTM SMT/Super Tenere amongst others and even tho' they are all more powerful, better quality etc etc, I still came back to the conclusion that the Versys was, for now, my ideal bike. Yes, the suspension could be better, the brakes sharper plus any other little idiosyncratic 'faults' the Versys has. But when it comes down to it, it suits my needs and is so much FUN. I'll be going round Ireland this summer and also over to France/Luxenbourg/Germany/Italy as well. I only ride solo these days and I find what the Versys can do more than anything else is surprise me and others.

[AzItLies]

Hey Smeggy, quick q for you,

your tank is a gloss black, mine is a dull black. Did you do something to yours or did it come that way? it looks great in contrast to the yellow!

Just ordered a 44T and am really looking forward to that, it's pretty cool how easy it is to changed the "gearing" slightly. Bet it's going to be a great benefit

Thanks!

[Davy F.]

Well, it's actually a satin black with nice metalflake in it. But of course, I have it polished near to death.  

[ripdaddy]

  You can't be in N. Ireland.....the sun is shining.

[maddjack]

Trying to catch my wife on wide-open roads, I've found that's not the case.  The 650 engine will do 85 all day long.

Yes it can, ran mine across Kansas 85 to 90 all day

[Bravo12]

I haven't found it lacking in power. You just have to learn how to ride it, compared to larger-displacement bikes. I mean, it's a 650, so more down-shifting is required than with a liter-bike. I'll happily downshift two gears to pass in order to get 50+mpg and lighter weight. I'm sure by the end of this summer, I'll wonder why I ever needed 100hp before.

Unless you're touring two-up, packing the kitchen sink, or taking on Ricky Gadson, the Versys has plenty of power.

[fireman]

How is the Versys two-up? I'm not going to ride cross country with my wife, but she likes to ride from time to time, and we do try to trailer up to the North Georgia mountains each year as well. I had a 2009, but she was pregnant at the time, so she never got to ride with me.

[Giaka]

 Did read in a recent magazine long-term wrap-up there have been probs with fried stators but haven't seen anyone else mention it.  

Yes there have been a few and with no help from Kawasaki its an expensive burn.

[Mark Jags]

Nice pictures. I like the man cave  

I'm just posting pics of my Versys for no other reason except I want to.  

[JTM]

I haven't found it lacking in power. You just have to learn how to ride it, compared to larger-displacement bikes. I mean, it's a 650, so more down-shifting is required than with a liter-bike. I'll happily downshift two gears to pass in order to get 50+mpg and lighter weight. I'm sure by the end of this summer, I'll wonder why I ever needed 100hp before.

Unless you're touring two-up, packing the kitchen sink, or taking on Ricky Gadson, the Versys has plenty of power.

2 gears? sounds like I'm really going to miss my 636 and my XB if I make the swap to either a Ninja 650 or a Versys.

[AzItLies]

2 gears? sounds like I'm really going to miss my 636 and my XB if I make the swap to either a Ninja 650 or a Versys.

Just to clarify, if possible, I don't think he meant you have to downshift 2 gears every time you want to pass. That's silly and untrue. I have a versys and even dropped 2 teeth in the back, and don't have to downshift 2 gears every time I want to pass.

It has plenty of torque and power to pass usually in the gear you're in. But one will probably find themselves shifting a little more to be in the proper gear for road speed.

4th gear (with the 44t rear) is pretty much 4k is 40 mph, 5k is 50 mph etc etc. It red lines at 10.5k So I could be up to about 105 in 4th or down to 30 at 3k. At 3k or 4k on the low side, I'm probably downshifting to 3rd.

And it's a 6 speed. There's plenty of usable power range there without excessive shifting.

[Bravo12]

I was exaggerating with the two-gear downshift. My last bike was (still is) a '99 VFR, but my bike before that was a bored-out Bandit 1200 (1216 Wiseco's) with stage-2 jetting. Compared to the Bandit, anything under 1000cc feels lethargic; I never downshifted to pass anything at any speed with that bike.

My point was just that if you're used to a literbike, there is a period of adjustment in relearning how to ride a smaller lower-powered bike. It's not slow at all, but it takes a little more effort to be in the right gear for maximum effectiveness. With that being said, it has plenty of torque to pull you through even if you're a gear too high.

The old adage still applies: It's more fun to ride a slow bike quickly, than to ride a fast bike slowly. The Bandit was fun but it tempted me into wheelies way too often. The VFR is a great bike, and I wish I could keep it, but I need the money and I'm probably not going to ride it much since I have the new Versys. The VFR, compared to the V, just felt like it was in a hurry all the time. I couldn't ride anywhere slowly. If I got caught in traffic, it boiled my blood; it wasn't happy unless it was stretching its legs or leaned over in the twisties. The Versys feels right a home in a brisk touring pace, and is not at all uncomfortable at any speed I choose to ride.

I also had to relearn how to emergency-brake without LBS, but that's another story.

[JTM]

Thanks for the clarification, we really didn't pass anyone when I did the demo ride so I wasn't sure.

[AzItLies]

I was exaggerating with the two-gear downshift. My last bike was (still is) a '99 VFR, but my bike before that was a bored-out Bandit 1200 (1216 Wiseco's) with stage-2 jetting. Compared to the Bandit, anything under 1000cc feels lethargic; I never downshifted to pass anything at any speed with that bike.

My point was just that if you're used to a literbike, there is a period of adjustment in relearning how to ride a smaller lower-powered bike. It's not slow at all, but it takes a little more effort to be in the right gear for maximum effectiveness. With that being said, it has plenty of torque to pull you through even if you're a gear too high.

The old adage still applies: It's more fun to ride a slow bike quickly, than to ride a fast bike slowly. The Bandit was fun but it tempted me into wheelies way too often. The VFR is a great bike, and I wish I could keep it, but I need the money and I'm probably not going to ride it much since I have the new Versys. The VFR, compared to the V, just felt like it was in a hurry all the time. I couldn't ride anywhere slowly. If I got caught in traffic, it boiled my blood; it wasn't happy unless it was stretching its legs or leaned over in the twisties. The Versys feels right a home in a brisk touring pace, and is not at all uncomfortable at any speed I choose to ride.

I also had to relearn how to emergency-brake without LBS, but that's another story.

Very well put Bravo. I've owned 2 vfr's and yeah, they just have that "let's go faster" attitude, all the time, as do many other similar bikes.

You can actually be kind of casual, go along with traffic if needed, or quickly accelerate around with the Versys. And do it easily, no stress on the back etc.

One diff with the linked brakes on the vfr vs the Versys, a million times easier to bleed. That complicated convoluted LBS systems (my vfr, st1300, fjr) was a major pia.

I teach the MSF classes and just used my Versys in a BRC2 (ERC use to be) for the first time (it was great btw). When doing emer braking I'm all four fingers on the front and both brakes to their fullest extent without locking either wheel. So there's no diff for me in that regard. One improvement for me is to NOT have ABS, my fjr was problematic with the abs, well, on dry surfaces anyway.

cheers.

[Nodaclu]

Since this has been the main Versys thread on ST.n, I figured I'd bring this back up instead of starting a new thread.

As the Versys has been around now for a number of years, and through two generations (albeit mild changes from Gen I to Gen II), I'm strongly considering purchasing a V and wondered what the collective might think of new vs used.

In my area, it seems that I can find a decent '09 in good shape for around $4,000:



Or, I can purchase a brand new 2013 (in WHITE    ) for $7,995:



Are the minor changes in the post-2010 models worth going double the price for a new one? Or should I stick with finding a nice, clean '09?

[Davy F.]

Pays yer money, takes yer choice. Personally, I never really warmed to the Gen1 model until it was out a few years, but I finally took the plunge with the Gen2 as its looks were (IMO) much improved. As far as differences go, there's not a whole lot between them as I found out when I had t borrow a mates Gen1 for a trip to Scotland to pick up a set of panniers I bought. Gen1 is ever so slightly more vibey, but it goes, handles and brakes just the same. The best thing about the Gen1 for me was the screen (and it was an MRA Vario screen fitted to this particular bike) which is way better as it seems to have a better slope to aid the airflow over my lid. The oe Gen2 screen is quite small and more upright and so far, I've tried two different screens (MRA Vario and Powerbronze flip) with no improvement. Don't get me wrong, the screen does a reasonable job, especially as I wear an Arai TourX, but I'll be buying another one to try to help take some of the buffeting out on those really windy, blustery days.

[Davy F.]

A few more pics.  

[maddjack]

Mine hasn't been that clean since it left the showroom in 08  

[Mark Jags]

Love both colors!

[maddjack]

I bought a fender extenda from Pyramid to help prevent the fan from being destroyed by debris again, 403 for just thefan last time

[Davy F.]

I've seen a few Versys with different bellypans fitted (or exhaust covers, as Kawasaki call it) and quite fancied a change myself. I was never a big fan of the oe exhaust/engine shrouds and decided that probably the easiest (and cheapest) route was to buy the one fitted to the ER6n (naked) Kawasaki. So it arrived today and it is on, but I did have to take a little bit off with my Dremel as the gear change was fowling the top rear corner (now done, but not in these pics). Anyway, it's on and I like it and love the way the headers are more exposed in all their snakey lovliness !!   

[BlueRidgeKat]

I wonder if the new Versy 1000 is going to have ABS or a ABS option ??

[Oxman]

it does indeed have the Abs system  http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/STREET-TOURING/1515/Versys-1000-ABS

[motociclista]

To contribute to the Versys thread, how about the first Versys ever to compete in the Iron Butt Rally?

http://bit.ly/YdqPxd

[Davy F.]

Just a couple more pics of my latest farkles/mods.

Fitted a pair of DRL's. Only 5 watts each, but bright as a very bright thing.




And an MRA screen which after two other attempts to find a more effective screen than the oe one, seems to be 'The One' and works great.

[Oxman]

looking good ...love that solar yellow/ blk combo