Kawasaki Versys...Anyone ridden?

[dxh24]

So I was wandering around a dealership a week or so ago and came across the Kawi Versys, another standard positioned bike, a VT (?) iirc...Just wondering, has anybody test ridden one of these and what were your thoughts if you had?

Thanks ahead of time!

-Rick

 

[Yamma~Tiger]

didn't ride, but I did sit on one. They seem a bit higher up I was my tippy toes. Herd they are great all round bikes though.

 

[dxh24]

didn't ride, but I did sit on one. They seem a bit higher up I was my tippy toes. Herd they are great all round bikes though.

I've heard the same. I did notice the seat height looked a couple inches higher than the bike next to it (the mighty fz6 in blue no less).

 

[CanadianFZ6]

So I was wandering around a dealership a week or so ago and came across the Kawi Versys, another standard positioned bike, a VT (?) iirc...Just wondering, has anybody test ridden one of these and what were your thoughts if you had?

Thanks ahead of time!

-Rick

I own a 2010 black one... what do you want to know about it?

 

[Erci]

I've read lots of reviews on it and all are very positive. Drivetrain is the same as Ninja 650 (not a bad thing at all). I've not ridden one, but from sitting on it can tell it has more of a dual sport / touring feel compared to FZ6 (once again, not a bad thing at all). It reminded me of smaller Triumph Tiger.
I'm sure CanadianFZ6 will be able to answer detailed questions, should you have any :thumbup:

 

[dxh24]

I own a 2010 black one... what do you want to know about it?

How's the ride/handling compared to the fazer? Is it more of a tourer compared to the fz? Hows it ride on the highways? Any issues you've had to fix mechanically?

Reason i'm asking is because, while the Fazer is my #1 pick for next bike at the moment, if a good deal on a Versys comes about I've been kickin' the idea of that around. good news is i can test ride one in a dealership whereas you'll be hard pressed to find a dealer with a fz6 model for you to drive around, when i get serious about a bike i'm going to start test driving bikes and see whats for me, just trying to get an idea right now. I know the Versys is a newer(ish) model and i know next to nothing about it heh, so any info is good info :thumbup:

 

[calair]

you'll be hard pressed to find a dealer with a fz6 model for you to drive around

You can check Yamaha demo ride schedule in your area.
The coveat is that you can test ride the only current models which means that there is FZ6R or FZ8, not FZ6.
If you are still interested, here is the link.
Star Motorcycles Display and Demo Schedule

 

[CanadianFZ6]

How's the ride/handling compared to the fazer? Is it more of a tourer compared to the fz? Hows it ride on the highways? Any issues you've had to fix mechanically?

Reason i'm asking is because, while the Fazer is my #1 pick for next bike at the moment, if a good deal on a Versys comes about I've been kickin' the idea of that around. good news is i can test ride one in a dealership whereas you'll be hard pressed to find a dealer with a fz6 model for you to drive around, when i get serious about a bike i'm going to start test driving bikes and see whats for me, just trying to get an idea right now. I know the Versys is a newer(ish) model and i know next to nothing about it heh, so any info is good info :thumbup:

Believe it or not the Versys has quicker steering than the FZ6.... Probably due to the wide handle bars... I prefer it on the highway because of the upright seating position. It is much more comfortable on longer rides too... I have the Kawasaki touring screen, although better than the stock screen, I still get some wind buffiting... At highway speeds (110 - 120 kph) around 5000 rpm it is almost glass smooth, though... Midrange is strong and it feels way more powerful than it actually is.... Yes, the FZ6 can easily smoke it, but the engine is very satisfying to use. Suspension is more sport bike than you would expect and it is adjustable to boot... I recommend leaving it on the soft side as it can have a tendency to be a little harsh if dialed up. It's a great take anywhere bike... Simple and easy to work on and just fun to ride... Sweet torquey motor..... Looks fabulous with the v35 bags (I have the cheaper Kappa version of the V35)... But... rumor has a brand new 2012 version (redesign) of the DL650 V-Strom coming that I am keenly keeping an eye on.... see how it goes... Stay tuned....

Richard

 

[Havok3c]

i Did a demo ride on one and i did not like it, its is not the bike for me. I felt it was too high, Very buzzy and odd as far as position. It handeled well but not overly impressive. It did have a great suspension. I am glad i went with and FZ6 and not the versys. Its not a bad bike its just not for me. See if you can ride them both at a dealer.

 

[macem29]

riding buddy of mine has one and it's a neat machine...a little more
adventure-tour than the FZ6 which is strictly a pavement bike only,
more tire selections available if you want some skins that are more
suitable for gravel/dirt...was riding with the boys today and a GPS
snafu had us going down some pretty rough trails, my bike with
the strictly street suspension and wide tires was way out of it's
element, the Versys took it all really well and is good on pavement too

 

[dxh24]

Believe it or not the Versys has quicker steering than the FZ6.... Probably due to the wide handle bars... I prefer it on the highway because of the upright seating position. It is much more comfortable on longer rides too... I have the Kawasaki touring screen, although better than the stock screen, I still get some wind buffiting... At highway speeds (110 - 120 kph) around 5000 rpm it is almost glass smooth, though... Midrange is strong and it feels way more powerful than it actually is.... Yes, the FZ6 can easily smoke it, but the engine is very satisfying to use. Suspension is more sport bike than you would expect and it is adjustable to boot... I recommend leaving it on the soft side as it can have a tendency to be a little harsh if dialed up. It's a great take anywhere bike... Simple and easy to work on and just fun to ride... Sweet torquey motor..... Looks fabulous with the v35 bags (I have the cheaper Kappa version of the V35)... But... rumor has a brand new 2012 version (redesign) of the DL650 V-Strom coming that I am keenly keeping an eye on.... see how it goes... Stay tuned....

Richard

Thx for the great info!! Definitely putting it on my list of bikes to test ride before i pick a bike, if anything i want something other than a 250 rebel a zzr1200 and dirtbikes to compare the fazer to, but hey you never know, if i like it enough I might end up with a Versys, i have been a kawasaki/yamaha rider all my life.

Was also looking at the vstrom 650, may very well test ride one of those as well, if theres a new design coming out in 2012 I'll definitely look into that too!

Again thx for the info! :thumbup: