9 Days on the Big Versys - Fun Times

[lobo10s]

Jamie and I did a great little road trip earlier this month. I have completed the ride reports and you can read them on my blog. It is just too long to re-write. I hope that you all enjoy the reports. I have posted some pictures from the ride to set the tone. Have a great day and Ride safe!

http://www.motoadrenaline.net/2018/09/kentucky-healing-much-needed-journey.html

http://www.motoadrenaline.net/2018/09/msta-bull-shoals-bs-rally-thedosia-2018.html

[Sport-Touring]

[jay547]

Nice. We have some friends that go to Theodosia every year except this one (health issues.) We never have made it during the meet although we've managed to ride in the area some at other times.

I see you met Denise (FZ1GRL). We run into her a couple times a year.

[Blue is Best]

Beautiful country!

[kver]

I guess Jamie knows ---  when you play cribbage -- "let  - the - wookie - win"  


Awesome pics from what looks like  a great ride ---  you guys know how to do it right...  


PS  I envy your large saddlebags on the Versys --  the Sprint won't hold that much....  

[naustin]

Looks like you had a great time!  

[FishrCutB8]

First, I was very sorry to see you needing a trip because you'd lost three people who were close to you. I am so sorry for your losses. In a way, that's part of what brought me in here having had my own mortality brought sharply into focus more this year. My condolences to you.

I thought your ride reports were great - it looks like the organizer put a lot of thought into it and put together a beautiful trip! I jumped into this thread because the V1K is on my list of possible replacements for my 2012 Multistrada. I am looking for increased reliability and better wind management, without sacrificing the OMG-Factor, which isn't going to happen, so I am looking at what the trade offs are, hence 1. Kawasaki and 2. Versys 1000. I read your reports and was surprised to see the other two contenders on my list as well, the Kawi H2 SX SE and the Yamaha FJR 1300. I realize they are three different machines that approach the sport-touring mission from three different perspectives. My take: the FJR is more sport-TOURING (though no slouch in the other department, for sure), the H2 is more SPORTHYPER-touring, and the Versys is a balance in between.

My riding is mostly commuting (200 miles, with half on the slab and half on fun PA roads), 2-500 mile weekend jaunts (80%+ on back roads) and a once-a-year 1500+ mile pick-a-city-and-roll for a week or two, all of which are one-up (Mrs. Fishr doesn't ride, but it made me smile to see you and Jamie together, chessin' like two kids on a high-school date).

I am wondering what your perspectives are on the V1K, and if you had any thoughts about how your riding partners did on their related steeds? Is there anything you wish the Versys had more of or did better? Anything that really stands out and makes it shine above the other two? I am especially interested in consideration of the different types of riding you did, the weather, the experience over multiple days, and the fact that you have had the bike for a while? Anything you missed?

Last, my very first bike was a 2003 Suzuki SV1000s in burnt copper (admittedly a lot of bike for aa first tie rider). From that day to this, orange bikes have captured my imagination. Plus, we know they are FASTER. YYours is a BEAUTY (it's a shame Kawi is not doing them right now).