Versys Question

[baileyjn]

I was looking on the Kawasaki site and it lists the Versys as a dual purpose in the same category as the KLR 650. So what kind of motorcycle is the versys, really? Can it do serious offroading? Is it kind of a supermoto type bike that is basically a street bike with some minimal off-road or bad road capabilities?

How capable could the Versys be off-road?

I have been wanting a dual-sport for a long time. From what I have seen, the only dual sport out there truly worth a rat's tail off road is the KLR. However, the KLR is underpowered. Not fun to ride on streets. The better dual sports, such as the KTM adventure series, are too heavy. From what I hear, a real heavy off-road bike is going to take quite a bit of skill to keep control of on bad terrain. Anyway, I have been in a quandry about not being able to find a good dual sport for quite some time, so I was just writing to get peoples' impressions of the Versys and how it would measure up as a true dual sport.

[love2ride]

Probably light offroad, street tires. Its a versatility tool.

[JasonFMHS]

depends highly on the tires i would think.

[PlayboyPenguin]

I have had mine off the pavement but I would not take it onto anything that did not include the word "road" in it. I have had it on paved road, packed dirt roads, and even a gravel road (go slow, you don't want to chip that pretty red paint) but I would never take it into the mud, loose dirt, sand, or grass.

As long as it qualifies as an actual road you should be fine on the Versys. No trails, fields, or dunes though.

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by PlayboyPenguin

I have had mine off the pavement but I would not take it onto anything that did not include the word "road" in it. I have had it on paved road, packed dirt roads, and even a gravel road (go slow, you don't want to chip that pretty red paint) but I would never take it into the mud, loose dirt, sand, or grass.

As long as it qualifies as an actual road you should be fine on the Versys. No trails, fields, or dunes though.

You guys should check out the Rider Magazine article for December on the Versys. I don't want to quote from it becuase my old mind can't remember exactly, but from what I recall they mentioned that it's not the thing to take off-road, I believe. I think they considered it a street performer. I wish I had some way to point you to the article, but I don't think it's available anywhere online at this point.

[bross]

The Versys is a street bike, just like a V-Strom. Perfect for rough roads with it's extra suspension etc., OK for gravel roads but that's about it. If you're looking for a better dual sport but not a big trailie like an R12GS or 990 Adv, then BMW just released their new F800GS.



2008 BMW F800GS Revealed at Milan - MotorcycleUSA.com

Which slots in nicely between, the G650 XCountry (same as the KLR, a 650 thumper), and the R12 series.


or if you're really serious... HP2



Enjoy...
YouTube - BMW Motorcycles HP2 "Dig the Dirt!"

[JasonFMHS]

BMW's are way to much.... and they dont give you that much more... i dont understand how they sell.

[stevend135]

I like the looks of the bmw f800gs

[JimmyD]

Originally Posted by JasonFMHS

BMW's are way to much.... and they dont give you that much more... i dont understand how they sell.

The same reason Harley Davidson is still in business... image.

Which is odd because a lot of beemers are just plain old fugly. At least Harley has good looks wrapped into the 25000 pricetag.

[bross]

Originally Posted by JasonFMHS

BMW's are way to much.... and they dont give you that much more... i dont understand how they sell.

Originally Posted by JimmyD

The same reason Harley Davidson is still in business... image.

Which is odd because a lot of beemers are just plain old fugly. At least Harley has good looks wrapped into the 25000 pricetag.

Um sure, it's all about image. Could also be that they make bikes that people want, that fit a niche. And seriously guys, not all BMWs and Harley's cost $25,000. Have you ever even compared comparable models? Take the BMW RT, Yamaha FJR, and Honda ST and they are all within $2000 of each other. I like the new Harley FatBob and it is the exact same price as I paid for my MeanStreak in 04, $16,000.

Just gets tiresome hearing the same old lines parroted over and over again, when they bear no resemblance to reality.

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by bross

Um sure, it's all about image. Could also be that they make bikes that people want, that fit a niche. And seriously guys, not all BMWs and Harley's cost $25,000. Have you ever even compared comparable models? Take the BMW RT, Yamaha FJR, and Honda ST and they are all within $2000 of each other. I like the new Harley FatBob and it is the exact same price as I paid for my MeanStreak in 04, $16,000.

Just gets tiresome hearing the same old lines parroted over and over again, when they bear no resemblance to reality.

Well, for those of us who consider price point the most critical factor, it's hard to understand why someone would pay more for the "expensive" brands. When I bought my 650R I also looked at the F800ST. I really liked the F800, but couldn't convince myself that it was worth paying over 4 grand more.

But....to each his own!

[bross]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Well, for those of us who consider price point the most critical factor, it's hard to understand why someone would pay more for the "expensive" brands. When I bought my 650R I also looked at the F800ST. I really liked the F800, but couldn't convince myself that it was worth paying over 4 grand more.

But....to each his own!

I agree as well, but too many people immediately dismiss BMW and Harley as being more expensive than any metric bike. I was merely pointing out that both BMW and Harley have models that cost the same as the comparable metric bike.

I'm fortunate that price isn't a big factor when bike shopping, and can go buy any bike I want. And that's why I bought my MeanStreak and not a V-Rod. That's why Jodie bought her 650R, because the bikes had the features we wanted, and that's why we will "pay more for the "expensive" brands. ", even though a lot of the time the "expensive" brand cost the exact same as the "other" bike.

Some people just have a weird sense of value. Jodie drives a Lexus and gets bugged about it all the time from her friends "Ooooh, you drive a LEXUS!", coming from the person driving the club cab diesel Super Duty that cost at least $20,000 MORE than the Lexus! Or the Tahoe that again cost more than $10,000 than the RX???

If you're shopping for the most inexpensive bike, then yes I'm sure you can find a metric for less money. But the scales are way closer when you start shopping for a higher end bike, be it American, German, Italian or Japanese. Check out the price of a VTX 1800, or Star Roadliner, or V2K Limited: they're all $20,000C.

And back on topic, a Versys may end up in our garage. I love riding Jodie's 650R, but really prefer naked bikes, and I really like having the extra suspension travel of a bike like the Versys, GS, Ulysses, V-Strom etc. They make our lousy roads fun to ride.

[NCDave]

Hey dad...will you buy me a new bike....Please????

Yeah, I hear you. When you look at high end bikes, the price points become a lot closer. Many of the metric high end bikes are closing in on the "expensive" brands.

I'm more into "simple" bikes than expensive state-of-the-art components, so I shop more on price. I didn't like the looks of the Versys myself, nor really that class of bikes. When I bought my Vulcan, it was because I wanted a cruiser and price/reliability were the key. For the 650, it was a comparison between the SV650, 650R or F800. The F800 was more toward ST than I really wanted, and the S was just too expensive compared to the others, so I found a deal on the 650R.

My big problem is that I just want one of EVERYTHING!

Have you taken the time to compare each of the bikes and which one seems to best fit your needs?

[bross]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Hey dad...will you buy me a new bike....Please????

Yeah, I hear you. When you look at high end bikes, the price points become a lot closer. Many of the metric high end bikes are closing in on the "expensive" brands.

I'm more into "simple" bikes than expensive state-of-the-art components, so I shop more on price. I didn't like the looks of the Versys myself, nor really that class of bikes. When I bought my Vulcan, it was because I wanted a cruiser and price/reliability were the key. For the 650, it was a comparison between the SV650, 650R or F800. The F800 was more toward ST than I really wanted, and the S was just too expensive compared to the others, so I found a deal on the 650R.

My big problem is that I just want one of EVERYTHING!

Have you taken the time to compare each of the bikes and which one seems to best fit your needs?

Yep, but needs change. I'm always looking for that one "do everything" bike. We have had a garage full of bikes and currently Jodie and I both have our street bikes and the dual sports, but I want a bike that can do it all. A few are close and I'm seriously looking at a Buell Ulysses. Right now, the RT does everything well for me and I love the protection and heated bits, but we're moving this summer to Canada's only desert so I may look for a less dressed bike. As I said, I like naked bikes better, but currently living in Alberta where I do a lot of cold weather riding, I wouldn't trade the RT, that's for sure.

I love to demo bikes and our dealers are pretty good around here, in fact they threw me the keys to a Multistrada one day and said 'Here, you need to try this one out' There isn't a bike that I've been interested in that I haven't been able to ride, but for now the RT pulls my chain. Once we move, who knows? Jodie says she's riding her little DR200 out there and that's it, she loves that bike, and I have a blast on my DR, so maybe that'll be it for awhile.

[NCDave]

That's why I wave to everybody. we may all have different tastes, but we all love two wheels!

[bross]

Originally Posted by NCDave

That's why I wave to everybody. we may all have different tastes, but we all love two wheels!

Uh huh! Scooter dudes are the most fun, they always look shocked that someone actually waved at them.

[bennice]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Hey dad...will you buy me a new bike....Please????

Yeah, I hear you. When you look at high end bikes, the price points become a lot closer. Many of the metric high end bikes are closing in on the "expensive" brands.

I'm more into "simple" bikes than expensive state-of-the-art components, so I shop more on price. I didn't like the looks of the Versys myself, nor really that class of bikes. When I bought my Vulcan, it was because I wanted a cruiser and price/reliability were the key. For the 650, it was a comparison between the SV650, 650R or F800. The F800 was more toward ST than I really wanted, and the S was just too expensive compared to the others, so I found a deal on the 650R.

My big problem is that I just want one of EVERYTHING!

Have you taken the time to compare each of the bikes and which one seems to best fit your needs?

I feel your pain! I had my way I'd have another garage JUST for bikes. And it would be FULL of 2-wheeled goodness, and most of it would be GREEN.

[hunting1]

I have the Versys and it does very well on dirt roads, gravel and as good as any street bike in sand. The BMW's are nice, but more money and require alot more maintenance. I ride with 2-GS series bikes. The Versys is awsome for road screaming down pavement or down rough roads. You would not regret KLR, and the F-Series BMW.

[manitunc]

I agree with your theory completely. I was looking at a 2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000s ds with 4k on it. It was loaded with the Ohlin suspension package and other "s" bits. But the Versys has caught my eye not because its cheaper, but because I think it could make a better starting point for the type of all round bike I am looking for. My last bike was a 1992 Suzuki VX800, a v-twin standard made for 3 years of low sales whose main lacking feature was a lack of sixth gear. The versys has light weight with a compact engine for mass centralization. Decent suspension for now and probably needs better brakes for serious scratching, but adequate for light touring two up. Its the kind of bike you can ride almost anywhere, especially around town, and throw luggage on and explore the country without a lot of bother, fuel or wieght. I am leaning towards the Versys over the Duc because of reliability, availability of service and I think, possibly better rough road handling once the suspension is sorted out. I do wish they had brought in the burnt orange color with black frame that they have in Canada. I think that color combo is much better looking than the others. Anyone know what the procedure is for bringing a Canadian bike over?

[manitunc]

of the bikes you have ridden, how would you compare each to the Versys for power, handling, comfort, suspension, brakes etc. My local dealer doesnt have one available for demo, or to even start up to listen to, just the showroom unit that you can look at and sit on.