Finally saw another Versys on the road

[PlayboyPenguin]

I finally saw another Versys on the road today for the very first time.

It was a nice day here in the pacific NW and it seemed like everyone was out on their bikes.

I passed another Versys on Hwy 14 just west of the 164th Street exit in Vancouver, WA.

[JasonFMHS]

Its not a very popular bike so far... i dont see anything wrong with it.... IMO the 650r seems like the better option to me, but other people see it different ways... Nice bike though.

[ervins]

I have yet to see a Versys...They look cool but I see a ton of 650Rs.

[fretbuzz]

Originally Posted by JasonFMHS

Its not a very popular bike so far... i dont see anything wrong with it.... IMO the 650r seems like the better option to me, but other people see it different ways... Nice bike though.

I think it is a bike in search of an identity and most people will say, "Might as well get the 650R".

I thought the bike was ugly until I saw it live at the dealer, then I knew it was ugly. Everyone has their own taste, though, so I'm not slamming anyone who likes the looks.

My guess is you won't see a lot of them, and in some ways that's a good thing.

Ride on and be safe.

[PlayboyPenguin]

My guess is you won't see a lot of them, and in some ways that's a good thing.

My guess is you will be eating those words soon. The Versys was a huge hit in Europe. It has only been available here for a few months and was first available the first month of winter.

Once spring rolls around and people actually get to see it in person and realize they can have the responsiveness and handling of a Ninja 650R without the uncomfortable, back-breaking sitting position guys my age will realize what a great choice it really is for us.

[fretbuzz]

Originally Posted by PlayboyPenguin

My guess is you will be eating those words soon. The Versys was a huge hit in Europe. It has only been available here for a few months and was first available the first month of winter.

Once spring rolls around and people actually get to see it in person and realize they can have the responsiveness and handling of a Ninja 650R without the uncomfortable, back-breaking sitting position guys my age will realize what a great choice it really is for us.

There have been many bikes that have been a hit in Europe and flopped here.

Also, I don't know how much time you've spent on the 650R, but I'm 44 and over weight and have spent some time on my son's 650R -it is a comfy bike.

I'm not knocking your bike.

[PlayboyPenguin]

Also, I don't know how much time you've spent on the 650R, but I'm 44 and over weight and have spent some time on my son's 650R -it is a comfy bike.

I spent 12 days with one before returning it as trade for another bike. It was just terribly uncomfortable if I rode it further than 20 miles and while it was awesome on the highway the low speed handling/maneuverability was awful.

A good bike but just not the right bike for me (or probably anyone that has had shoulder surgery).

[fretbuzz]

True -comfort is subjective.

[fretbuzz]

Hey, Playboy -I may indeed eat my words. Check out this review:

2008 Kawasaki Versys Road Test

Tester: This is a bike everyone in America should own.

I believe he said that 3 times!

Now, if Kawi would just:

1) Change that gawd-awful keyhole headlight (which one tester said is weak)

2) Offer a color besides red, like, I don't know KAWI GREEN!!

The Versys' direct competition is the tried and true 650 V-Strom, and it is a very, very competent mount with a huge following.

I'm not trying to kickstart an old thread, I just wanted to say, hey, you may be right!

[ervins]

I do not even think I have seen one at the dealerships...I would though.

[fretbuzz]

Originally Posted by ervins

I do not even think I have seen one at the dealerships...I would though.

Would what?

The dealership here had a couple which allowed me to look real close. Like I said, I don't like the looks but I'm a function over form guy.

If I did buy one, it wouldn't be the first ugly bike I've had.

[MN_Smurf]

I went by my dealer here about a month ago and they had 4 sitting in the showroom....they got their first one in early December and sold it in about 2 days.

[maximum_babe]

The Versys is IMO a really sexy bike. ( i hv a preference for naked bikes) I loved it when i 1st saw it sometime end of last year. Great dual-purpose bike to take on long rides to rough parts of Asia where road conditions are bad for cruisers/tourers. . I like the matching side boxes that are optional.

[eidian]

Originally Posted by fretbuzz

...There have been many bikes that have been a hit in Europe and flopped here...

+1

The '07 Z1000 was the best selling bike in Europe last year...period!--not the best selling in it's size class, not the best selling naked bike, not the best selling street bike--the best selling bike. Not that sales in the US for the Z1 would be considered a "flop", but I have yet to see another one on the streets here in SoCal. I'm thinking that if I ever make it to Bike Night at the dealership that I bought my bike from which is five minutes away from home, I might be "kinda cool" because I might be the only one with a Z1.

[jonl]

I want a Versys. I like the Ninja 650, but while the V is similar, I like naked, and all reviews note that it has better suspension. I also like that it doesn't look like everything else on the road.

It really isn't direct competition for the Wee-strom, as it is lighter, with a smaller front wheel, and no dirt-road pretentions. Might be more direct comp. with the standard SV 650. I think the Versys is the ultimate urban run-about bike, while at the same-time, it works great in the twisties.

In Canada, we get colors other than red (for '08, Candy Plasma Blue). It looks sweet in black.

I hope for ABS for '09, when I can maybe rationalize a new bike.

2008 Kawasaki Versys - First Ride Street Bike Test - Motorcycle USA