|
1 Aug 2010
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 20
|
|
Kawasaki Versys - Advice please
Was having a look at one of these yesterday.
Anyone here riding one? I'd be interested in comments on how practical it is to cover both street and say 20% of the time on a forest service / dirt road.
Also, what aftermarket farkles did you add?
Love my 900 Custom but it only loves pavement.
Thanks? c?
|
2 Aug 2010
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
|
|
Really fun bike based on the test ride I did. Handles well, very neutral steering, spunky power, quite versatile. OK on mild forest tracks but Mud could cause problems unless you fit knobs. (very limited for front 17" tire)
Really a pure street bike or possibly a "bad road" bike. Bit heavy for off road but could be done if set up right. Great motor.
Good all round bike, lots of very happy owners doing all kinds of crazy mods on them. Check out ADV Rider Beasts forum, look for Versys thread. Tons of info, lots of pics.
Almost no one rides them here. (not macho enough I guess!?
|
2 Aug 2010
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
|
|
I'm a fan of these... 650 parrallel twin, Fuel injection.. Really easy to ride and plenty enough power. I used to sell them although they didn't sell too well.
Like Micky says though, it's a street bike but I dont think you would have problems with unsealed roads. It's comfortable and easy to ride. Not a bike you would really ride into the wilderness on though. The suspension is quite firm.
Another thing is that you can't overload them.. They wont actually sell you a back box for it because if you have a pillion and 2 small side panniers, a backbox overloads the subframe and could break..
If I was riding solo though, I wouldnt worry about it. I'd happily own one for commuting or Euro riding.
Maria41 on here has one... PM her.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
2 Aug 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 12
|
|
Hey there
Hi, I have one of those, 07 Versys.. Just took it round europe on a 3000 mile road trip, Panniers, top box and small seat pack, coped with everything I threw at it. Agree with the poster above about pillion and full luggage being too much for the rear subframe, luckily no one would dare go pillion with me . I did do a few miles of gravel tracks etc (mostly through campsites heh heh), it coped with those fine, I couldnt really test it, as off road riding is only something ive recently started getting into. There are plenty of U-tube videos showing it quite heavily off road.. I think its a 95% road bias though, to much plastic, underslung exhaust all work against its favour. That said if your only looking at 20% off road and consider some semi knobblies im sure it would be fine, my experience so far have been akin to riding a little mountain goat... it handled the alpine pass's as equally well as it sat at 85mph for a couple of hours on the motorways, all at 55mpg+ Standard farkles are rear hugger to protect the rather exposed rectifer, Pyramid fender extender for the front to protect the water cooled Rad, theres also various footpegs changes (lower, off road spikes etc).. and quite a few peoples tend to lower the seat as its leg length is better suited to 30inches+.. Most owners mess about changing the screen, spending $$$ before they realise that actually the standard is the best solution. Im 32" legs and find it more than comfatable.. I think its GWR is 386kgs, I only weigh 75kgs, and I add about 30kgs in luggage (including weight of panniers and top box), top box rack sits annoyingly high, so you get weave if its over loaded, Kawaski dont sell a pannier/top box combination rack as they advise against fitting both.. However Givi/sw motech do sell the combination.. Im on the hunt for a simple Alu pannier solution thats cheap. Overall its a good bike, and im looking to do some more touring later this year with a heavy off road bias (30%).. for that purpose im buying an old XT so I dont have to worry too much about the sound of splitting shiney when I drop it. Sorry for the waffle hope this helps! Oh this post also doubles as my intro post.. Hi Im Alan(Midgy) from Essex UK! EDIT - Stupid Forum took out all my page formatting, sorry for wall of text!
|
2 Aug 2010
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Midgy
Hi, I have one of those, 07 Versys.. Just took it round europe on a 3000 mile road trip, Panniers, top box and small seat pack, coped with everything I threw at it. Agree with the poster above about pillion and full luggage being too much for the rear subframe, luckily no one would dare go pillion with me . I did do a few miles of gravel tracks etc (mostly through campsites heh heh), it coped with those fine, I couldnt really test it, as off road riding is only something ive recently started getting into. There are plenty of U-tube videos showing it quite heavily off road.. I think its a 95% road bias though, to much plastic, underslung exhaust all work against its favour. That said if your only looking at 20% off road and consider some semi knobblies im sure it would be fine, my experience so far have been akin to riding a little mountain goat... it handled the alpine pass's as equally well as it sat at 85mph for a couple of hours on the motorways, all at 55mpg+ Standard farkles are rear hugger to protect the rather exposed rectifer, Pyramid fender extender for the front to protect the water cooled Rad, theres also various footpegs changes (lower, off road spikes etc).. and quite a few peoples tend to lower the seat as its leg length is better suited to 30inches+.. Most owners mess about changing the screen, spending $$$ before they realise that actually the standard is the best solution. Im 32" legs and find it more than comfatable.. I think its GWR is 386kgs, I only weigh 75kgs, and I add about 30kgs in luggage (including weight of panniers and top box), top box rack sits annoyingly high, so you get weave if its over loaded, Kawaski dont sell a pannier/top box combination rack as they advise against fitting both.. However Givi/sw motech do sell the combination.. Im on the hunt for a simple Alu pannier solution thats cheap. Overall its a good bike, and im looking to do some more touring later this year with a heavy off road bias (30%).. for that purpose im buying an old XT so I dont have to worry too much about the sound of splitting shiney when I drop it. Sorry for the waffle hope this helps! Oh this post also doubles as my intro post.. Hi Im Alan(Midgy) from Essex UK! EDIT - Stupid Forum took out all my page formatting, sorry for wall of text!
|
welcome to the forum Alan..
fyi, theres a setting in the options to keep all your editing.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
2 Aug 2010
|
|
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
|
|
VErsys
I've had a Versys for 2 years now and I love it.
It is a very capable bike both for touring on tarmac and through gravel roads. Although it is really a road bike. I don't know how it would handle on loose stuff (sand loose gravel, deep mud...). But I presume it may be possible to fit dual or off-road tyres on it?
It is incredibly well balanced. Last year we did a 3500 miles round trip from London to Tallin, back via Stokholm etc...
On many occasions I have had the back wheel sliding and skidding (I don't have ABS) but I never felt it was going down or that I was loosing control.
This year we went to costwold and did some of the very narrow single lanes mountains roads. Some of those had some incredibly steep and very narrow hair pin turns. I found those very challenging on such heavy machine, at first, but the bike was just superb. You just throw it in the extremely tight corners, keep the throttle open and there she goes.
The more I push myself and the bike, the safer I feel with it. It is an incredibly easy bike to ride, very forgiving, keen at anything you throw at her. I just love riding it!
I did not do any mods on the bike, except lowering it. In term of lugagge a bag strapped at the back is good. (I travel light). aS mentioned above, the standard wind screen is good.
Enjoy the V, you won't regret it!
|
2 Aug 2010
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 20
|
|
Just wanted to says thanks to all that took the time to reply to my questions. The feedback / comments are very much appreciated. Now to make some decisions....
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|