View Full Version : Another new bike thread - Versys
Thought Id post up a few pics of the bike which I picked up this afternoon. Rode home the 70 miles and had a massive grin on my face throughout. This could be the start of something great.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040894.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040904.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040902.jpg
Nice bit of trellis to the rear
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040913.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040915.jpg
Love it or hate it looks. What you looking at?! :cyclopsani:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040908.jpg
Hands were freezing by the time I got in so its handguards or heated grips (cant afford both just yet) but no fatigue, totally easy ride all of the way up the A1 & A19 to get home.
the_lone_wolf
24-01-09, 09:22 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040908.jpg
DUDE - you crashed it already?:eek:
shonadoll
24-01-09, 09:22 PM
My husband has one and much prefers it to my sv- says the throttle is snatchy and unforgiving on the sv compared to the versys. I bought him the skidmarx tall screen for it, which helps. Nice screen on yours, what kind is that?
The green is nice too, they do get good reveiws- but quite a tall bike.
Oooooh another Kwak rider :-D. As Shonadoll says the green looks nice :cool:.
I likey :-D Hows it cope with a pillion?? I see your pegs down!!!
Pillion was only sat on it in the garage!
Shonadoll its the Vario screen, a genuine Kawa option. It also has the Kawa topbox, which will be ideal when going off on a Jolly.
MR UKI (1)
24-01-09, 09:33 PM
My husband has one and much prefers it to my sv- says the throttle is snatchy and unforgiving on the sv compared to the versys. I bought him the skidmarx tall screen for it, which helps. Nice screen on yours, what kind is that?
The green is nice too, they do get good reveiws- but quite a tall bike.
Looks like an MRA Vario screen.
MR UKI (1)
24-01-09, 09:34 PM
Pillion was only sat on it in the garage!
Shonadoll its the Vario screen, a genuine Kawa option. It also has the Kawa topbox, which will be ideal when going off on a Jolly.
Beat me to it!
shonadoll
24-01-09, 09:44 PM
Screen looks great. What do you think of the bike compared to your sv?
Early days yet, the first sort of 30 miles was familiarisation and sitting in a line of fair paced traffic, the rest was mway/main dual carriageway, plus the ground was pretty greasy. Having not been out since last May, I was very wary of doing anything wrong. I think I need to find some kind of drop protection without going down the engine bar route. Kawasaki do some bungs but theyre carp so I hear.
First impressions is that the engine is very linear in its delivery. Bit lumpy around 3-4k but then smooths out and its great rolling on. Very flickable with the wide bars and low centre of gravity. Everything is weighted towards the centre having the underslung exhaust
Im swapping the exhaust for something more fruity, will be sorting a couple of other bits and bobs out as money permits.
There is a bit of rattling from the dash at about 3.5k which is apparently a warranty fix so might take it in the local dealer for them to sort it out.
Tim in Belgium
24-01-09, 10:12 PM
Nice bit of trellis to the rear
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040915.jpg
.
Will the new exhaust lose this bit of big silver metal/plastic?
V jealous that you're out on the road again and I'm bike less.
kwak zzr
24-01-09, 10:12 PM
is it a parallel twin? your description sounds like my old gpz500s.
think it's the same engine as the er6 isnt it detuned a little dont quote me though.
Er6 engine reprofiled for more low-mid range.
Tim, the can can be used with or without the silver trim plates. Im tempted to take it off (dont like it myself either) or spray it black. Ermax do a nice looking bellypan but its last on my list of mods. I just need to find out whether or not it does any kind of job at protecting the lower part of the engine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040906.jpg
Another showing the side profile of it.
Nice pics Rob looks good :thumright:
Tim in Belgium
24-01-09, 10:24 PM
The silver bit doesn't look as bad/big in that shot.
Paint the rear spring green though, it's crying out for it...
kawasaki's done that stupid trick too of making the mudguard too short fenda extenda maybe a good mod.
Er6 engine reprofiled for more low-mid range.
Tim, the can can be used with or without the silver trim plates. Im tempted to take it off (dont like it myself either) or spray it black.
Should have bought the 09 model Met Diablo Black one then, it's the blackest motorcycle ever made I reckon.
Tim in Belgium
24-01-09, 10:48 PM
Unless you don't like black all over...a bit mid 2000's.
PS my next bike will be black.
Thought Id post up a few pics of the bike which I picked up this afternoon. Rode home the 70 miles and had a massive grin on my face throughout. This could be the start of something great.
I really like that, be nicer in black though
I do like the look of the new black one actually, but still prefer something brightly coloured. It means I dont have to wear a high vis when Im out riding ;)
Ive got quite a few ideas on what to do with the bike, but Ive ran out of money totting up the mods!
I guess riding it is fairly cheap at ~60mpg so Ill start with that :D
look's like a good bike to go touring on.
look's like a good bike to go touring on.
For '09 Kawasaki are doing them with panniers as standard on the 'Tourer' model. Looking at it they come with the Vario screen, crash bungs and panniers for a little extra.
sorry, but that is one ugly bike
Thingus
25-01-09, 11:37 AM
What does the ar$e look like? Personally don't like any angle so far sorry! But congrats, sounds like a nice ride at least.
http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/product.asp?Id=340E4B23662&Sub=8
They have dropped the green for '09 apparently. The all black looks reallly good, but I would say that wouldn't I?
Nice looking bike very funky looking, best colour for a Kwak too ;)
Just picked up my new wheels yesterday
http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2114/2/86/819345723/n819345723_5663857_8148.jpg
shonadoll
25-01-09, 01:50 PM
My husband has the black Versys and it's nice, but then I love black everything.
STRAMASHER
28-01-09, 02:35 PM
Nice bike. I think they look cool and are suppossed to have zippy low gearing.
Its a mini GS/ supermoto thing. Bet its just as much fun too.
My fave is the "black all over" of the 08/09 one also. Mad-Max-moto.:)
Enjoy.
well the bike looked like this when it came home
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1040906.jpg
with a few "choice" modifications, it currently looks like this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1050321.jpg
shot of the Ermax Hugger and shiny Scorpion (and some opinion splitting rim tape)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1050323.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1050325.jpg
This thing is loud!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1050330.jpg
Heated grips & KTM handguards upfront
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1050324.jpg
The pipe has made a big difference to the character of the engine, it chops about a foot off the pipe and gets rid of the Cat. Have only tried it with baffle out (which I should maybe replace before I find myself £30 lighter!)
Nice bike, I think the green sets it off just right.
A guy at work did have a FJR1300 but now rides one of these. Not had a change to speak to him as we are on different shifts.
Ch00
Looks good Rob :cool: When you bringing it down to Squires so we can hear it ? :)
Brought it once Graham, last week! Intending do get out with this lot once another eve/afternoon is arranged. Keeping my eye out as the weather is supposed to be quite good this week.
Tim in Belgium
31-03-09, 12:47 PM
Looking good Rob, how does the firing order sound compared to the V-twin?
punyXpress
31-03-09, 04:15 PM
One - Two ?
amarko5
31-03-09, 06:51 PM
Looking good Rob, how does the firing order sound compared to the V-twin?
thudda thudda whapp whapp
amarko5
31-03-09, 06:53 PM
hey rob buy some of that fake carbon stickon or clear plastic as your taking all the paint off those heel guards mate
punyXpress
31-03-09, 07:51 PM
Or leave his spurs off ?
yeah, thats one thing Im disappointed with. Its done just over 5k now but I have seen some heavy wear on those guards. I didnt think fake Carbon would look that good as it has the dimpled effect on the edge but I might have to resort to something like that to protect them.
Thingus
01-04-09, 11:02 AM
That bike's starting to grow on me, considering i thought it was fugly at the start.
You done a good job! Exhaust looks sweet aswell.
Tim its a strange noise, not nasty but not as sweet as the V twin.
I quite like the sound of mine as it is. When I chose the Versys I bought an all-rounder with a more touring bias, so I won't be fitting a loud can to it - I think the stock one looks quite funky where it is too.
Those are KTM handguards, yes? It's a shame I won't be able to fit them with the Baglux cover I'm getting as the clamps on the bars hit the hooks on the cover. I'll probably go for some other brand.
A hugger is high on my list of must haves, the rear of the bike gets covered in crap when it's wet. I've never known any bike get quite as dirty as this one in such a short time.
So far my list of mods are as follows:
Scottoiler with touring kit behind number plate
Satnav bracket mounted behind screen with Zumo 550 cradle
Lowering kit from Speedy Gonzales
Sidestand shortened and Speedy's flat-foot added.
R+G paddock stand bobbins
Hepco and Backer engine bars on order
Black Baglux cover and Tweety bag (made especially in all black just for me) on order
Things it will be getting soon:
Fenda-extenda
Hugger
Handguards
Heated grips
All in black...naturally
The thing I found about the standard can Lozzo is that it gets completely covered in crap on top and its pretty impossible to get at. With this aftermarket job, its a lot lot lighter, and its easier to access the underside for cleaning etc. With the baffle in, its slightly louder than stock but isnt intrusive. Its only when the baffle is out that it makes such a difference.
KTM guards are great, theres a set on Ebay at the moment. In fact theres about 4 items on there which i'm looking at at the moment which will "finish" the bike for me.
Ill be able to refit the topbox rack in 5 mins before I go out if needs be, particularly for touring or even just for nipping to the shops.
A fender extender, rad guard, tail tidy, a set of clear indicators and a bellypan are the items which I'm looking to sort. Mainly cosmetic but the extender and rad guard do stop some of the mess.
Rothsta
01-04-09, 09:37 PM
Looks really nice, love the colour.
punyXpress
01-04-09, 11:05 PM
Rob's can reminded me of some very fit Honda twin racers in the 60s - it aint too loud.
Should have bought the 09 model Met Diablo Black one then, it's the blackest motorcycle ever made I reckon.
My beauty.
Haha, same model/colour as mine, but mine is the Touring version with panniers and MRA Vario screen.
and mine is the streetmoto tarts handbag version
Alpinestarhero
21-04-09, 09:46 AM
Rob and loz, how are you finding the build quality of the versys?
Id say it was on par with the SV. A couple of things I have been disappointed with - the gear and brake levers, the heel plates and I keep rubbing my boot against one of the plastics above the foot pedal. I think historically, Kawasaki & Suzuki are about on par with build quality
Alpinestarhero
22-04-09, 07:56 AM
I see...seems like all the same bits on kawasaki's and suzuki's furr up / corrode. I think your right in saying the build quality of kwaks and suzuki's is similar.
mind you, are you comparing to a 1999 curvy (great build quality!) or a 2009 pointy (turns to dust even when you spell the word "salt")...?
TheRamJam
22-04-09, 12:16 PM
Doesn't do it for me am afraid
Although I just love all the Kwak colour ranges. Black, Green, Blue, Orange all look great on their bikes.
I would say it is of pointy build quality. On the plus side it wheelies on big throttle openings in first gear. Wind up the throttle fast and up she goes.
I would say it is of pointy build quality. On the plus side it wheelies on big throttle openings in first gear. Wind up the throttle fast and up she goes.
Yeah I did notice that on Saturday for the first time. It was coming out of a turning too so wasnt fully straight!
Comparable with a K3 Pointy
Rob and loz, how are you finding the build quality of the versys?
I'm not, to be perfectly honest.
I washed it with Autoglym Motorcycle cleaner the other day and I'm seeing passive coated parts looking like they are starting to corrode. It may be a film left by the cleaner, but I doubt it. Also, I have already worn through the paint on the left heel plate. This shocks me because I have only worn my Daytonas on this bike, and they are inside a pair of Cordura HG trousers. There's a 20mm diameter hole worn right through the black finish. The bike has just over 1500 miles on the clock.
Paintwork is marginally better than Suzuki's, in other words they waved the spray gun over it for a second longer. It picks up scratches quicker than the SV did, but the paint thickness is better able to cpe with polishing them out (I wore right through the paint on my original SV fairing trying to polish a light scratch out).
It's a shame because I love the way the bike rides, but it looks like it may appear to be an old skanker in about half the time it takes an SV to look that way... about 6 months.
Well I've now had the whole of the summer with the bike, and after having some initial worries about build quality, nothing seems to have corroded, only the heel plates have scuffed.
From a riding perspective, its a great bike. I'm sure anyone who fancies having higher bars will love riding this around the twisties, b roads and less. On the A roads, the bike has the ability to keep the wind off you, and the screen does a great job of providing some weather protection from the elements.
The 64bhp is surprisingly nippy when out in the twisties, with a lot of low down torque and it does bely its small number of horses. I really do enjoy riding this bike, probably more so than the SV as I prefer the upright riding position.
If you're someone who likes to sit about the national speed limit for any length of time or likes to have that power on tap anyway, it'll let you down. I would imagine that top speed would be somewhere in the region of 115mph and 3 figures do take a little winding up. Up to around 85mph (indicated), it has no problem but above this and you feel like you're wringing its neck.
As you can see, I have made a few more mods to the bike since the last photo on this thread but I still cant quite settle on the overall look of the bike. I think once I replaced the baffle into the pipe, things started to go a bit pipe and slippers for me. Its seriously loud with it out and maybe a bit too loud although I did love it, I'm just not sure if the traffic boys would. I had it Dyno'd in June (free Dyno with HG) who said it was running too lean with the baffle out and needed a PC to rectify this. Whether its worth spending another £250 on just to make more noise and sort the fuelling out i'm not sure. With the baffle in, it ran as it should.
Part of me is still telling me to keep this bike, as it rides great and does attract some attention wherever it goes. (A lot of people who ask me what I ride still dont know what it is and some still dont know what it is when they see it). The other half of me says to sell up now before winter, keep the money to one side and get something a bit more alluring next spring. Currently in mind is the Street Triple and now the KTM 950. I do love the 690SM but having a big single, although putting out the same power it will be seriously struggling at speed.
Anyway, for those that havent had the opportunity to see what its current look is:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/06072009430.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/06072009434.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/25052009331.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/06072009422.jpg
I might look to remove the extender on the fairing to clean the lines at the front up if I decide to keep it. The decision to buy the PC still wrestles with me....
that last photo is stunning...
sorry this isn't helping you sell you bike.. but OMG... Stuning...
Rim tape actually looks good for once :)
STRAMASHER
18-09-09, 07:54 AM
Maybe you feel its too loud cos of that short exhaust system sitting under your ear!
Interesting read and great photies.
I'm still hoping for Yamaha to give us a 1000cc+ Super Tenere. But imagine a big cc version of a versys. :cool:
The japs have not got it right for years with their big trailies/ adventure(:rolleyes:) bikes. They must have summit in the pipe-line to easily beat GS/Tiger/KTM?
that last photo is stunning...
sorry this isn't helping you sell you bike.. but OMG... Stuning...
And would you believe it, taken with a phone....
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