Versys any good?

[TAftonomos]

I'm 6'4", and need something comfy to go back and forth to work on.  Maybe blast down the occasional twisty road, do a little bit of light touring, etc.

I enjoyed my st4s, cept I didn't.  See, it was comfy, kinda quick, but seemed quite large.  Once I rode a Concours 1400, I knew that I was lacking quite a bit in the power department...


Anyway, I see some leftover 09' versys's going for 4800 OTD on various forums.  Seems like a decent amount of bike for the price.  I can't imagine not being able to sell it for 2500-3000 a few years down the road??

Anyone here ridden/have one?  Whatcha think?

[Popeye the Sailor]

I've heard good things about 'em, but have no first hand knowledge.

Here b some reviews:


http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=8423.0

And they make a cool streetfighter:

[TAftonomos]

I was thinking MS1100 for a commuter fun bike, but it's tough to spend 7-10k on a used one (with values dropping like rocks) when the V is available NEW for half that.

I need to ride one, but the local dealership(s) are being douche-canoes about it.

[Travman]

douce-canoes? 

[dennisd]

I've got an '09 that I've made into an adventure touring bike (no illusions about trails, just some gravel road time occasionally).  I have to say the Versys is one of the best bang for the buck bikes I've owned (I've had 17 different bikes including the 6 I have now).

What I've done to mine:  Givi V35 bags (same bags as the Kawasaki) with the matching color side panels from Kawasaki, quick attach racks from Twisted Throttle for the bags, Engine guards from Twisted Throttle, large Kawasaki windscreen, Beowulf radiator guard, Alguard skid plate, Corbin seat, Barkbuster hand guards, Speedy-Moto footpeg lowering brackets, Ermax color matched hugger and I've cut down the length of the rear mud guard plus a few other little odds & ends I've done.

Once I rode a Concours 1400, I knew that I was lacking quite a bit in the power department

The Versys is no Concourse, remember; it's a 650 parallel twin.  If you keep this in mind you will find it to be a very responsive engine.  I find the power to be up to my needs when on the Versys.

Here is a good website dedicated to the Versys:
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/

Be sure to check out the forums; you will see VERY little negative talk.

[orangelion03]

I love the way the Versys looks (dennisd:  your bike looks terrific!), but if it were my money, I'd be looking at used V-strom 1000s.  DL650s are even cheaper.

[R0CKETMAN]

I've heard good things about 'em, but have no first hand knowledge.

Here b some reviews:


http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=8423.0

And they make a cool streetfighter:

Wow!

[dennisd]

I love the way the Versys looks (dennisd:  your bike looks terrific!), but if it were my money, I'd be looking at used V-strom 1000s.  DL650s are even cheaper.

In every review I've personally read (individual & professional), the Versys came out on top.  I considered the DL1000 & DL650 but the Versys is much more versitile to most riders, YMMV.  Let me make one thing clear; I like the Suzuki L twin.  I've owned 2 SV650N (the naked versions), one SV1000N (again the naked) and a TL1000S.  I'm familiar with that motor; and it's a great motor!  Remember however, the DL motor is "de-tuned" from the SV which was "de-tuned" from the TL.  The DL just misses the mark however in the handling department.  The Versys is a little more flickable than the DL (from my experience riding both).  I think the DL carries it's weight higher than the Versys.  One area where the DL is "better" is in front tire size.  The DL uses a 19 inch and the Versys uses a 17 inch, giving the DL more choices if you want a more off road type tire.  Then again, it might be that 19 inch front wheel that hinders the handling of the DL; I don't know.

Don't get me wrong however.  If you find a good deal on a DL, go for it.  I don't think you can go wrong with either the DL or Versys.  They both offer great bang for the buck; I just think the Versys holds a slight edge.

[FastAndLight]

A buddy of mine in DC has one and loves it.  I had the chance to ride it around the block and enjoyed it well enough, though that isn't much of an assessment really.  I'd say go for it.  It sounds like there is a lot of demand for them, so if you don't like it you can always unload it.  Also, that streetfighter one looks awesome.

[the_Journeyman]

BTW  - The Versys was bike of the year recently ~

JM

[Pip]

I'm thinking about picking one up, seeing as they are so versatile and inexpensive... I'm digging that Jelly Belly Green, too.

[dennisd]

My camera phone pics don't do that "jelly bean green" justice.  It is actually a candy paint that looks great in sunlight.  BTW, the pics I put up were taken on a cloudy day.

[TAftonomos]

Seems almost like a poor man's multistrada.....perfect

I need to find one to ride.  I was going to buy a car, but I can make due with what I've got.  Lets get another bike 

[ajw85]

those brake calipers are so little and cute