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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Kawasaki Versys

Hi all, anybody done any serious mileage on a Versys.
Went to the local dealer and the frame looked strong, as far as i am aware the motor has been taken to 30k with little trouble.
The bike looks to have a strong frame, to much tacky plastic for my liking, hopefully touratech can supply some tough stuff.
Looks pleasing on the eye, but thats no good on the all manner of roads.
Will have a demo when the weather breaks
atb
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cambridge UK
Posts: 107
Never ridden one, but they do appeal to me also for their relative lightness and adequate power.
__________________
This old world keeps spinning round, it`s a wonder tall trees ain`t laying down.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Nov 2010
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
I have one. A 2008 model that I bought from new, to replace my bavarian piece of crap (Commonly known as bmw).

I have been round europe few times since (around France, and 2 weeks spin from London to Tallin loop trip last year).
I have done about 10,000 with it in 2 years. Not huge but I do not use as commuter.

It is nicely comfortable on long rides, has a fuel range of at least 220 miles (I never pushed my luck, also my husband has a 15l tank on his Shiver so need to stop every 5 minutes to refuel).
It is responsive, very easy to ride, very forgiving, and unlike my F650 you don't feel she wants to go down. I have had the back wheel skidding and sliding all over the place on few occasions (gravel, emergency brake on paving stones or simply very slippery surfaces) and never felt I was about to go down.
It turns on very tight corners, you can push as much as you like and beyond... I just can't fault it. I love it and bring a smile on my face. I will be devastated when I have to sell it (when we go travelling again).

Note however this is not adapted to offroad (what with the exhaust under the belly!) but can handle a bit of rough.

Overall, you should go for a test ride and find by yourself. But I am sure you will love it.

Ho and also, even if I leave it outside for weeks on end in the winter, without using, It will start immediately when I try!
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Maria, what do you get to the gallon? Is it heavy on tyres and chain and sprockets?. Why a new steed before your next adventure atb
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Maria, what do you get to the gallon? Is it heavy on tyres and chain and sprockets?. Why a new steed before your next adventure atb
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Nov 2010
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
Hi Floyd!
Hmm, I'm French I don't speak in gallons!!!

That's a very "Man" thing to do I suppose, calculate how many litres per kms you consume.
I would say maybe about 15 / 17 miles / litres. Overall it is very good (if I compare with my husband's Shiver which is always thirsty). The good thing is that the fuel economy is good even when you go above 70mph. You can cruise at 80/90 mph (in the continent !!!) and you don't feel like bleeding fuel like on my F650.

Chain and sprockets are impeccable for now. I occasionally remember to grease the chain. I could not bother with some of those lubricating kits. They never seem to last and work for long. And we are sick of having oil all over the paving stones in our front garden.

Tyres: I still have the original ones. The back wheel will need a new tyre soon. I will wait until spring. I just got the bike serviced and there was no comments there.

Servicing cost usually about 80 to 120 pounds. Fairly reasonable.

AS for the next trip we plan to go from London to Sydney via northern Asia, crossing Mongolia and Siberia. After spending 1 year around South America with my "Bavarian piece of crap", I've learnt some very valuable lessons:

1 - don't ever buy anything with the Bavarian logo on

2- a lighter smaller bike is much much much better when the tarmac vanishes.


Mongolia and Siberia will be tough. I don't want to be limited on where I can go because I have a bike that is too heavy too big and not really off-road. The Versys is a fantastic tourer but not adapted for a trip like that. We will get a couple of DRZ400. They're simple, tough and light. And if I was on my own I would probably stick to a little 125 fro that trip to be honest!

cheers,

Maria
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
The Bavarian can't be that bad if you are going on a long trip for a year.
Whats the story with it anyway!!! How long have you had it and what probs on the way?

The Versy looks fairly tough apart from some tacky plastic ad ons.
Could do with some tasty spoked wheels.

Cripes a DRZ, you must have some good padding on the/your rear lol

To be honest i have a nice Bavarian bike on offer to buy at a good price!!!!

Also a tatty 05 Suzuki DL650 WHICH COULD CUT THE MUSTARD.

Anyway you live in the good ole UK now so you need to use the modern imperial measurement. Better than those flouncy Euro rubbish thingamebobsCool
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Nov 2010
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
Quote:
Originally Posted by floyd View Post
The Bavarian can't be that bad if you are going on a long trip for a year.
Whats the story with it anyway!!! How long have you had it and what probs on the way?

The Versy looks fairly tough apart from some tacky plastic ad ons.
Could do with some tasty spoked wheels.

Cripes a DRZ, you must have some good padding on the/your rear lol

To be honest i have a nice Bavarian bike on offer to buy at a good price!!!!

Also a tatty 05 Suzuki DL650 WHICH COULD CUT THE MUSTARD.

Anyway you live in the good ole UK now so you need to use the modern imperial measurement. Better than those flouncy Euro rubbish thingamebobsCool
The Beemer electrics melted basically. All list of what was wrong with it is on my website. sold it 2 years ago. But to be fair my husband's Dakar was fine.... maybe I was just VERY unlucky!

We'll see about the DRZ... all our plans could go out of the window as the opportunity to move to Rio on a permanent basis (for work) may come our way! We should know in next couple of weeks...
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
I bought an 08 new and loved it. got around 45mpg, but I had a heavy hand. I traded it in on a 1200gs. Wish I'd kept the V. There are some nice accessories out for them now, and I saw one with heindau knobbies that looked like it would do well on gravel.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Dec 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Just want to add, the Versys subframe is not great.

Kawasaki won't sell you a back box and side boxes together because with a pillion, it could break !!

One up, it should be fine though...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 34
Versys

Completed a 3600 mile trip through Europe in June 2011, two up with panniers and top box on '09 Versys. 180 kgs is Kawasakis advised total load limit. 10 kgs each side and 8 for top box, total including luggage. I'm 90 kgs, pillion 60 so we were pretty much maximum loaded

Quick stats run down....Total Average 58.77 MPG. Best 79 worst 46.9
17L max refuell 220 miles on that tankfull.
Tensioned chain once, lubed every 1,000 miles negligible engine oil used.

All round capable tourer, excellent solo sporty ride. Accessories to add will be Rear Hugger, Handguards, bigger screen. The only added accessories from standard for this trip were, aux socket, Givi pannier and top box frame with Kawasaki branded (Givi) luggage and a fender extender.
Attached Thumbnails
Kawasaki Versys-003-3-.jpg  

Kawasaki Versys-001-3-.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadruns View Post
Completed a 3600 mile trip through Europe in June 2011, two up with panniers and top box on '09 Versys. 180 kgs is Kawasakis advised total load limit. 10 kgs each side and 8 for top box, total including luggage. I'm 90 kgs, pillion 60 so we were pretty much maximum loaded

Quick stats run down....Total Average 58.77 MPG. Best 79 worst 46.9
17L max refuell 220 miles on that tankfull.
Tensioned chain once, lubed every 1,000 miles negligible engine oil used.

All round capable tourer, excellent solo sporty ride. Accessories to add will be Rear Hugger, Handguards, bigger screen. The only added accessories from standard for this trip were, aux socket, Givi pannier and top box frame with Kawasaki branded (Givi) luggage and a fender extender.
Interesting statistics roadruns. How was the bike two-up? I mean the room per person/comfort factor. I have more or less given up looking at this size of bike for riding with a pillion for any distance, especially with a pile of luggage; any thoughts about that? Did you have the pillions' helmet banging against the back of yours each time you brake?
Incidentally, the F650GS produces very similar MPG/litre, range between fill ups etc figures with a tank of the same size as the Versys. Not too surprising for modern, fuel injected engine design.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 27 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 34
My usual bike for pleasure riding and touring is a Hayabusa. The Versys was bought as a complete change, and a build up to a tour I hope to do solo next year.
So, Once we got used to sitting upright, helmets at the same level, helmet clashing wasnt an issue at all. Without the Top box the pillion feels exposed as the seat almost ends at rear of body. I'm 5'11'' 90 Kgs and had no problems with comfort. With the top box, the pillion can sit further back and feel safe, Its a surprisingly large seat.
Fully laden, 2 up, you can motorway ride at 85 MPH, although 70-75 is better with less vibrations, more relaxed feel. When riding Stelvio Pass I slipped the clutch as i was often caught in the wrong gear, gear changing was still new to me We literally got off the Hayabusa and went touring on the Versys. No issues at all with the fitted panniers and top box, the pillion needs to practice their mounting as it is a tall bike and with luggage fitted you need the nack.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday on it.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 27 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thanks roadruns! Excellent factual information which is always welcome. I understand what you are describing because I used to ride a Blackbird and I am now sitting up straight.
Yes, the torque from that type of engine makes us all lazy with the gear lever :-)
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 25
Versys 2008

I just bought a 2008 model here in the states with about 10,000 miles on it. So far I find it a great bike, even at my height of 6'7" aka 200cm. I plan to spend some time on it before taking a long trip, but it seems like this is a bike for paved roads only.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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
Kawasaki Versys - Advice please mac1054 Equipment Reviews 6 2 Aug 2010 18:02
Does anyone here actually own a Versys? Laura Bennitt Which Bike? 16 27 Jan 2009 13:27
Kawasaki KLE 500 Avatar Kawasaki Tech 20 23 Oct 2008 10:37
Kawasaki Versys? buebo Which Bike? 5 7 Mar 2007 13:23

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 09:24.