Kawasaki Versys

STryder

STryder

Joined
Mar 5, 2007
Messages
22
Location
Bellingham, WA
STOC #
7222
I am considering selling my Magna and replacing it with a Versys as a companion to my ST. Does anyone own one or have any opinions? I had considered a KLR 650, but it is more dirt than I am interested in. The Versys looks like it may work for mostly paved road, the occasional gravel and still be fun on the freeway. What do ya think?
 
Hi STryder
Which Magna you selling and why, I just think you should keep it and get a Kwak as well. You will miss the lazy runs on the cruiser....well I would.
Take care and best of luck with your choices
Paul
 
I like everything about it but the under motor exhaust which keeps you from having a center stand and it has no tail rack or allowances for one. For me this is a deal breaker. :shrug1:
I was really interested in this bike until I found out.

PB
 
In my opinion, Kaw designed the Versys for the "Win the Styling" contest, but could not decide on which style, so they choose a bit from many. It did however win the "Ugly contest". 'nuff on styling; Kaw builds a very strong parallel twin, and it likely has fine performance, somewhere between a super moto and standard. It is a tall bike, yet it comes standard with street tires, so why the adventure poser? Fitted with bags,you'll have a fine weekend escape vehicle. The Magna and Versys are far apart, but I'd take a Versys over the 650 if you intend to stick to pavement.
 
I rode one at the Mid-Ohio demo and really liked the bike except for the seat. I'm right at 6'2" with a 33" inseam. The step in the seat was too far forward keeping me from sitting back far enough to be comfortable. Fix the seat ant it would be a really nice bike I think. Odd they would make a tall bike and not accomodate slightly taller riders. Those group demo rides are not the best way to try out a bike what with having to carefully watch the strangers in a pack in front and the strangers in the pack behind.
 
Thanks Alpha, for the thought on the Magna. It is a 02 750. Although, the Magna is exciting for a 750, every time I head to garage for a ride, I go for the ST instead. It is a shame to see the Magna sit, especially since it only has 6000 miles.
I am thinking that the Versys would be more like a wee strom only not as ugly, and I would ride it more.
 
We've had one on our showroom floor since this past August. It takes the prize for 'most asked about' and 'most looked at' bike. But it hasn't sold.
 
I kept passing up my cruiser for the ST. Traded in on a DL650. I think it feels a lot like the ST but about 250 lbs lighter. Tried the Versys, I didn't like the feel as much as the DL. Got a chance to ride both, from friends that have them. I liked the DL better and that is where I put my money. But it is all what is best for you.
 
I've read everything I can on the Versys and sat on one a few times. It's very high on my new bike list. Don't worry about what other people perceive the bike to be (adventure, sport, etc.) In the end it's a comfortable, upright bike that can probably do a little of everything.

Here is a good Versys forum. More categories and topics become available if you become a member. http://www.versys.co.uk/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Twisted throttle http://www.twistedthrottle.com/ sells racks for sidecases, top box, etc. You can also get crash bars, screens......pretty much everything you need to make it into a nice little tourer. Look under "what fits my bike".

Here's a review with a video. http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2008-kawasaki-versys-road-test-71476.html
 
I bought a V-Strom for the same reason - something lighter to complement the ST. Also something I can laugh at dirt roads, rather than freaking out. I got the 1000 Strom, but many are happy with the 650. I think the Strom 650 and Versys are similar market segments. Upright, fun. The Strom is so easy to ride, I often prefer it over the ST when riding alone.

I wasn't aware the Versys isn't compatible with a center stand. That would be a deal breaker for me, especially on a chain drive bike.
 
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