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-   -   Kawasaki Versys?? (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/which-bike/kawasaki-versys-64512)

carloshalifax 30 May 2012 03:50

Kawasaki Versys??
 
I have a 2010 Kawasaki Versys 650 and just wondering if anoyone has experience with one of these off road/gravel? Im thinkin of gearing it up for a trip. thanks

carloshalifax 30 May 2012 14:20

im a new dummy to this site and now see other posts about the versys, this is a good site!!

Bigdon 1 Jun 2012 17:58

My Bud Clark has one rigged for traveling and gravel roads. It is very stable and seemed to do a great job. We just did the Tennessee portion of the TAT and he rode the Verseys.
Here are a few pics.

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...IMG0515-XL.jpg

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...IMG0628-XL.jpg

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...IMG0630-XL.jpg

http://bigdon55.smugmug.com/Motorcyc...IMG0642-XL.jpg

He did great on it. We rode about 1200 miles pavement and about 600 of mixed gravel and one lane roads with a few slick water crossings. I don't know how it would do in a really rocky environment but other than that I'll give it a :thumbup1:

aasterbeatrix 24 Jun 2012 02:53

i am a newbie over here. Searching for some more information as well. I have seen a huge list of motorcycles over here but unable to catch some Honda stuff..

CharlestonADV 5 Nov 2012 15:55

Last year, I rode a '09 Versys from Charleston up through the Rockies and on to Montana. Covered 6,333 miles in 23 days. Bike performed quite well on pavement. Not so great on gravel. I liked the bike for its agile, quick performance. On balance, I didn't like its cramped riding position. Also, the 17" front wheel doesn't allow for many tire options and tends to 'plow' when turning on gravel.

I replaced the Versys with a '12 KLR 650. While the KLR doesn't have comparable power...it is a much more comfortable ride and a tremendous improvement on rough pavement and dirt/gravel. I'm a short guy and thought I'd need to lower the bike's suspension. After replacing the stock seat with a Sargent low model this wouldn't be necessary. So far, I'm happy with my decision.

IMO, the Versys is essentially a middle-weight sport bike with an upright riding position. For long haul pavement touring the Wee-Strom is a better choice. With a 19" front wheel the Wee also has more tire options for dirt and gravel riding.

Walkabout 5 Nov 2012 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlestonADV (Post 399212)
Last year, I rode a '09 Versys from Charleston up through the Rockies and on to Montana. Covered 6,333 miles in 23 days. Bike performed quite well on pavement. Not so great on gravel. I liked the bike for its agile, quick performance. On balance, I didn't like its cramped riding position. Also, the 17" front wheel doesn't allow for many tire options and tends to 'plow' when turning on gravel.

I replaced the Versys with a '12 KLR 650. While the KLR doesn't have comparable power...it is a much more comfortable ride and a tremendous improvement on rough pavement and dirt/gravel. I'm a short guy and thought I'd need to lower the bike's suspension. After replacing the stock seat with a Sargent low model this wouldn't be necessary. So far, I'm happy with my decision.

IMO, the Versys is essentially a middle-weight sport bike with an upright riding position. For long haul pavement touring the Wee-Strom is a better choice. With a 19" front wheel the Wee also has more tire options for dirt and gravel riding.

Hi,
I can't disagree with your comments on the Versys regarding the "cramped" riding position if you are referring to the angle of the knees - the footpegs to seat dimension basically. For the reach to the bars etc I have found it to be OK, for me that is.

There is some more about the bike in the Kawasaki tech forum, here:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-thread-65709

You can also find information in there about the KLR which is much more commonly available in the States than here in Europe.

:welcome: by the way, with your first post.


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