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11 Jul 2008
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
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New 250 Adventure Bike in the pipeline
Kawasaki Versys 250
Kawasaki is on a roll, and just a few weeks ago they released the Kawasaki 250r. There are rumours that kawasaki will also release a versys based on the 250r engine with FI. This is a much anticipated bike in the adventure touring market. A bike that is small and efficient and capable of doing some on and off road work. The Kawasaki ninja 250r would be great for adventure riders if it wasnt the position, and the bodywork. The bodywork would get broken fairly quickly, and the sportbike position can take a while to get used to. There Versys would also be able to adapt to the touring panniers and boxes so riders could take them all over the world.
I for one am excited about such a bike. After riding bikes in muiltiple continents, i can admire what you can do with a 250 twin cylinder motorcycle. And at the rising costs of gas, and gas prices in Europe that can get 8$ per gallon, you would be really stupid for not admiring the versys 250.
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15 Jan 2009
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Is this thread serious? I'd be interested in a dual sport version of the Ninjette, but I could build my own just as easily...
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15 Jan 2009
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if they go about this the right way and dont make a toy version of the bigger brother then they could have a great lil bike
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I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
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23 Jan 2009
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The franglais-riders
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Join Date: Jul 2005
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I have the 650 Versys.
The 250 seems to have the same problem than the big one (if teh photo above is taht of the 250 ) : the exhaust is not in an ideal position for "adventure" travel (off-road). Also it would need bigger wheels (17' wheels not ideal to get off-road tyres)
I am planning another trip in 2 years time but what I know now, I would want big wheels (21' -front - 19 back) and lighter bike. In summary I won't use my 650 Versys. Good for tarmac and touring in Europe, but once you hit 3rd world countries and trails.... hmm...
Let's see how the 250 looks like!
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23 Jan 2009
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R.I.P.
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
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very rough or dirt roads it lacks a few things.
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:25.
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13 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Patrick,
Some insightful thoughts there; if Kawasaki put the Versys engine in the KLR frame or similar, they'd sell a ton of them. Likewise Yamaha importing the XT660Z into North America. Still, they have the sales figures, we don't!
I'm interested to hear you describe the KLR650 engine as crap - I thought the oil consumption issue had been fixed for 09 and the doo is a relatively easy fix - annoying if you buy a new bike, but if that's the biggest gremlin in the engine, that's pretty good, no?
Sean
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13 Feb 2009
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R.I.P.
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Here is what I said about the KLR
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:26.
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14 Feb 2009
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Hi Patrick,
I completely agree a new motor is on the cards and needed for the KLR 650; I may be stuck with the old one though as I need a bike to ride across the states shortly and the KLR is the cheapest one that will do the job and take me off the beaten track....
I did look into shipping an XT660Z which I can get here in Europe, but since I will be staying on the continent indefinitely I couldn't import a non-US bike; I can get a US/Canadian spec F800GS here but it's too damn expensive to start off with....
The joys of modern motorcycle travel, eh?
Best regards,
Sean
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14 Feb 2009
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PS I am planning to do the doo with the 3-6000 km service - for my own piece of mind...!
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14 Feb 2009
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R.I.P.
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Sounds like a great trip.
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:26.
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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.
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