Ok guys and girls. I am in the hunt for another bike.
I tried and liked the Honda NC700. I would be buying one of these new or nearly new.

The other thing is a secondhand 650 versys.
It will be used for nearly all highway use, maybe a hard track or two.
Does anybody have any views on this bike?
Reliabily, fuel consumption, tyre life etc.
How dies it hold up to the uk weather?
Anybody done ant serious miles in one?
Atvb

Sure, that Kawi's a great bike for road use! Haven't ridden the NC700X yet myself. Seems very road-biased, too.

But these two are definitely not the only options, if you want a midweight all-rounder.. I'd advice to test ride as many of them as you can, and then see which one felt the best for you.

Here's some feedback from about 18 months ago:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...i-versys-53856

What goes around, comes around, I guess.

IMO, the finish on Kawasaki motorcycle products is near enough to the best days of Mr Honda.

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Dave

Mrs Dash has an ER-6F, which is the same engine.

Really well put together, very fuel-efficient motor, but 3750 mile (6000km) service intervals would rule it out as a serious distance bike for me.

Where did you get that from? I'm pretty sure the Versys is 7500 miles between major service checks with valve checks at 26,250 miles.

Hi
I ride one here in Thailand and ride approx 40% dirt roads, uprated the springs to Hyperpro and run Pirelli MT60 RS tyres, super reliable bike and for Thailand at resonable money. Here Video after fitting the front Hyperpro [turn the sound off !!] Hyperpro Versys - YouTube

Eric

I haven't heard this about Kawasaki, but those I know who ride newish Suzuki bikes have this to contend with; apparently Suzi (here in the UK anyway) reduced their service interval to 3500 miles.
Could this be to keep their dealers happy during the ongoing recession?
It sure is a PITA.
One particular rider I have spoken with explained that he is not too concerned because, as a condition of buying a new DL650 from a dealer, the latter will ensure that the service book is correctly stamped; so, even if he goes on a longish trip and exceeds these recommended service intervals, they will keep the service book records in "tip top" condition for the manufacturers' warranty.

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Dave

Hey there, I think I can answer your questions.

Reliability: My '08 Versys was nearly perfectly reliable. It only failed to start twice, both times from a low battery. Other than that, it did exactly what I wanted it to, rain or shine, 120F to 0F, for 20,000 miles.

Fuel consumption: Mine averaged around 50 mpg US.

Tire life: Mine needed a rear every 10,000 and a front every 20,000. That includes commuting, joyrides, and a 12,000 mile loaded highway tour.

Weather: I live in Illinois, not the UK. It starts in all weather and I haven't noticed a spot of corrosion except for the pipes.

Serious miles: Yes. I put 20,000 miles on mine in 18 months. My longest day was 562 miles. It's good at it. Put a larger windscreen on and a flatter saddle.

Miscellaneous: Basically, it was a terrific ride. It was a fun, comfortable, reliable, no-nonsense streetbike. I wouldn't do serious off-roading with it. It's very low-maintenance, contrary to the opinions of those who have never owned one, although maintenance is not quite as easy as on a thumper, a boxer or a Harley.

thanks for this info and video, i live in canada and gonna do a trip down to mexico on my versys and this shows me it will be no problem, thanks!

Guys,
Reference earlier posts, can someone confirm the servicing schedule for the 650cc Versys?

I have seen an advertisement, here in the UK, for a second hand one which said that it is serviced at 3750 miles but that this does not include an oil change.

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Dave

I bought mine new last year May 2011 in UK. Service intervals are 600 miles, 7500 or 1year, 15000 or 2yr, Valve clearances at 26000 miles.
To qualify for the 2year warranty obviously the servicing schedule needs to be adhered to, which at 8,000 miles i have done. £60(600 miles) and £160(7500 miles)
Great bike and really is Versatile.
Hope this is of use.

The owner's handbook for Mrs Dash's ER-6F.

Now I am confused.

Is the ER-6F engine different in some way from the KLE650 engine?
Put another way, what is recommended to be done every 3750 miles?

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Dave

Same engine but verys is re-tuned for more torque and mid-range not as racy as er-6

I use Road Trip App.
Over 8088 miles Ave MPG---- 57.93 46.9 low 78.76 High
Cost is £0.167p per mile inclusive of tyre changes servicing etc.

I got a Versys 2007. Had it since new and have managed to get around 33000 km on it. Mainly use it for longer trips: 1-up with tent, camping gear e.t.c. Been very happy with the bike: No technical issues worth mentioning along the way, very nimble, quick and fun to ride. No problem if there´s some gravel road for awhile. At least not in the dry, even with the fitted roadtires. I do not ride gravel/dirt just for fun though. Efter all it´s not the Versys main business if you ask me, with the small 17” frontwheel, exhaust under the engine etc.

Only thing I actually miss while on the road is a centre stand. Haven´t found a good one, likely impossible due to the mufflers odd placement under the bike...


Regarding maintenance
My Swedish manual for Versys (KLE650) 2007 says: every 6000 km (3750 miles). I contacted Kawasaki Sweden back in 2007 before I bought the bike regarding the intervals. Got a deal with them and got the Kawasaki warranty if I made these 6000 km services myself, as long as I had the bigger 12000 km/every years done at Kawasaki. The 6000 km service is just a check of the breaks - Loose bolts, pads, fluid leaks etc. Maybe been changed since 2007 and/or different depending on the country? Think the ER6 and Versys came with ABS breaks in 2007, maybe a reason to this ?!?! Mine is the non ABS-version b.t.w.


Over all I´ve been very happy regarding maintenance. Way cheaper than the Yamahas and Hondas I´ve had under warranty and had to service at the dealers back here. 40000 km between valve checks. Change of engine oil and filter is dead easy and done in minutes. Air filter is foam and can be cleaned. Changed drive chain and sprockets at 24000 km, and they were still looking OK.

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It´s not cold - Just windy...
// Tarras
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