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Kawasaki Versys?? Kawasaki Versys??
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 30 May 2012
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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
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  #2  
Old 30 May 2012
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im a new dummy to this site and now see other posts about the versys, this is a good site!!
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Old 1 Jun 2012
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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.









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
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Old 24 Jun 2012
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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..
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  #5  
Old 5 Nov 2012
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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.
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Old 5 Nov 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlestonADV View Post
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.

by the way, with your first post.
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