Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jul 2008
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
Talking 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.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jan 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Republic of Texas
Posts: 2
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...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Jan 2009
john_aero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 111
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
__________________
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2009
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
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!
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jan 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
very rough or dirt roads it lacks a few things.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:25.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Here is what I said about the KLR
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:26.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
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
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
PS I am planning to do the doo with the 3-6000 km service - for my own piece of mind...!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Sounds like a great trip.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 02:26.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
KTM LC4 Adventure-R Bike Preparation Checklist JNTaylor KTM Tech 6 10 Nov 2013 08:10
My R80 Custom Adventure Bike alexr BMW Tech 62 18 Feb 2010 12:41
New 250 Adventure Bike planned stuxtttr Kawasaki Tech 0 25 Feb 2008 02:25
KTM Adventure 990 Bike Review Stephano KTM Tech 0 15 Feb 2006 21:40
New adventure bike coming? ekaphoto Which Bike? 1 15 Jul 2005 04:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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. 11-14
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

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:31.