Kawasaki Versys 2008

[Gizzit]

Hi there
does anyone know if these are available yet ? I have seen a few on the net, but assume they aren't in NZ yet.
They look pretty cool ..... in a strange kind of way ! Has anyone got a Versys here, and how happy are they with it ?
Cheers,
Grant.

[awayatc]

Hi, yea looks different allright.
One for sale on trade me for $12000 in Timaru...
Go on treat yourself ...x-mas and all...

[Gizzit]

Hi, yea looks different allright.
One for sale on trade me for $12000 in Timaru...
Go on treat yourself ...x-mas and all...

Thats a good deal, as they are advertised elsewhere for $12995. Tempting!

[AllanB]

Nah - just get a $11k Honda 919 Hornet and put some MX bars and dirt tyres on it.

[Swampdonkey]

Mate ive got one....bloody love it.Just home from 3500km ride down coro,round east cape, down to Palliser then home via Taupo ,benydale,waitomo etc.. Awesum on the back twisty roads,soaks up the bumps ,plenty of power to get out of trouble.
Love taken her for a romp along 90 mile beach,thru tepaki stream etc....got avon storms on so a bit flighty on the gravel....
Really suits the roads up here...Mum said i could keep it.
Seriously consider getting one tis built for nz roads

[Gizzit]

Mate ive got one....bloody love it.Just home from 3500km ride down coro,round east cape, down to Palliser then home via Taupo ,benydale,waitomo etc.. Awesum on the back twisty roads,soaks up the bumps ,plenty of power to get out of trouble.
Love taken her for a romp along 90 mile beach,thru tepaki stream etc....got avon storms on so a bit flighty on the gravel....
Really suits the roads up here...Mum said i could keep it.
Seriously consider getting one tis built for nz roads

Sounds like a good trip. I bet the Storms make her hang on well on the sealed roads. Where did you get yours from ? Is it a 2008 model ?

[awayatc]

Mate ive got one....bloody love it.Just home from 3500km ride down coro,round east cape, down to Palliser then home via Taupo ,benydale,waitomo etc.. Awesum on the back twisty roads,soaks up the bumps ,plenty of power to get out of trouble.
Love taken her for a romp along 90 mile beach,thru tepaki stream etc....got avon storms on so a bit flighty on the gravel....
Really suits the roads up here...Mum said i could keep it.
Seriously consider getting one tis built for nz roads

My mum would get pissed off if I would take that long to pick up da paper....:niceone:

[Swampdonkey]

Hey gizzit
Your from Whangarei, bought my bike at shaws nov 2006 i havent seen a 2008 model yet. And yes the avons hang on to the road better than the dunlops that come stock.
Ideal for the Hikurangi-Tutukaka , and russell coast, Twin bridges , you know the type Kohukohu -Broadwood and beyond

[Gizzit]

Hey gizzit
Your from Whangarei, bought my bike at shaws nov 2006 i havent seen a 2008 model yet. And yes the avons hang on to the road better than the dunlops that come stock.
Ideal for the Hikurangi-Tutukaka , and russell coast, Twin bridges , you know the type Kohukohu -Broadwood and beyond

Ok. yeah thought you might have gone to Shaws. I got my scoot from them. They have more Harleys in stock than anything else at the moment.
And yeah I know the kind of roads you are talking about. Nice and twisty and not to busy! Good roads.

I'm heading to AK tomorrow on my CB1300S to check out some options. Also keen to look at the new KLR650. It won't have the speed of the Versys, but I'm just looking around at the moment. A 650 V-Strom will also get ridden probably, as well as possibly a Transalp, or maybe even a new DR650SE, as the price is pretty good.
I'm after a commuter, a weekend scratcher, and relaxed (ocassional) tourer. A do everything medium sized bike. Not really any proper off road, but metal and dirt roads - adventure sort of thing - but 90% sealed road riding. That may seem like a waste of a dual purpose bike, but I think they cover more territory than any other bikes do.
I want to be able to have the odd tour, and with a pillion sometimes. I like the robust style of a dual purpose / adventure bike. I want something lighter than the CB1300. Its got power and speed, but a bit of a handful for around town. Awesome for touring, but I've got an old injury that makes the weight a bit of an issue. I'm thinking of getting back to one bike for everything, and maybe selling the scooter as well as the CB. It's hard to justify having the two in the shed, when the CB doesn't get a lot of use, but the scoot can't do everything I want either. .... so I'm just thinking of possibilities for a 'do everything' bike! However .... I know its always a compromise! :cool:

[pete376403]

'08 KLR is not too bad for speed, 130 is an easy cruising speed and the motor vibes are quite tolerable at those revs. Would not accelerate as quick as the Versys. Handling and braking would be on par on the seal and much better on the gravel. Bigger tank, about 22 litres- I get around 300+km without trying to be economical. Has a good size luggage rack. Is available in proper Kawasaki green

[AllanB]

The Honda Slapper thingy just got the Kiwi Rider road/dirt combo thing category bike of the Year. The KLR got a great all round review in a recent US mag and the latest one has had a few upgrades.

[Oscar]

The Honda Slapper thingy just got the Kiwi Rider road/dirt combo thing category bike of the Year. The KLR got a great all round review in a recent US mag and the latest one has had a few upgrades.

Both the Versys and the new KLR got big ups in Cycle World Mag.
It's a tricky thing, trying to improve on a thing like the KLR - something that so successful because of its simplicity. I wonder why it never really caught on here? Killed off by the ridiculous price we pay for DR650s?

[pete376403]

Suzuki must be subsidising the price of the DR - or else they have a boatload of them to get off the books.
The KLR cost me $9890 on the road. They are still listing the previous model and have dropped the price of that into the 8s.
At risk of starting a DR / KLR flame war, I reckon the KLR is a better ALL ROUND bike, even if the DR is (marginally) better in certain off road conditions.

[HTFU]

Hi there
does anyone know if these are available yet ? I have seen a few on the net, but assume they aren't in NZ yet.
They look pretty cool ..... in a strange kind of way ! Has anyone got a Versys here, and how happy are they with it ?
Cheers,
Grant.

Think this bike has been in NZ for a quite a few months now. I looked at one when I got my full license earlier this year.

[Oscar]

Suzuki must be subsidising the price of the DR - or else they have a boatload of them to get off the books.
The KLR cost me $9890 on the road. They are still listing the previous model and have dropped the price of that into the 8s.
At risk of starting a DR / KLR flame war, I reckon the KLR is a better ALL ROUND bike, even if the DR is (marginally) better in certain off road conditions.

The KLR seems to be set up as an ADV bike out of the box, whereas a DR is an old fashioned trail bike.

The yanks love KLR's - search on Advrider.com.

[AllanB]

The latest English BIKE magazine has a verseys/DR comparo. Kawa wins.

[warewolf]

I'm after a commuter, a weekend scratcher, and relaxed (ocassional) tourer. A do everything medium sized bike. Not really any proper off road, but metal and dirt roads - adventure sort of thing - but 90% sealed road riding.Gotta agree with you there! :niceone:
That may seem like a waste of a dual purpose bike, but I think they cover more territory than any other bikes do.It's no more a waste than riding a big bike (or sprotsbike) around town, eh?

The KTM rules the roost for me at this point in time, but I like the idea of the Versys-type machines. The KLEs have long piqued my interest.

[Oscar]

Gotta agree with you there! :niceone: It's no more a waste than riding a big bike (or sprotsbike) around town, eh?


The KTM rules the roost for me at this point in time, but I like the idea of the Versys-type machines. The KLEs have long piqued my interest.

Things like TDM's and V Stroms (which I've owned), Versys and Tigers...
I'm not sure what catergory these bikes occupy, but they seem to be heading to "allrounder".

If I had to limit myself to one scooter, I think it would be one of these.

[timg]

I'm after a commuter, a weekend scratcher, and relaxed (ocassional) tourer. A do everything medium sized bike. Not really any proper off road, but metal and dirt roads - adventure sort of thing - but 90% sealed road riding. That may seem like a waste of a dual purpose bike, but I think they cover more territory than any other bikes do.
I want to be able to have the odd tour, and with a pillion sometimes. I like the robust style of a dual purpose / adventure bike. I want something lighter than the CB1300.

Transalp get's my vote. Your riding/use sounds very similar to mine. Had the TA 650 for a year and am very happy and impressed with it. Does all of the above brilliantly. It may be a 'jack of all trades and master of none' bit it is a very good all rounder with Honda reliability in a well proven and sorted bike.

[RedKLR650]

Hi, yea looks different allright.
One for sale on trade me for $12000 in Timaru...
Go on treat yourself ...x-mas and all...

I'm based approx 150 metres down the same street from that motorbike shop listing the Versys on TardMe and interestingly enough, it's sitting in the window with a tag of $12,995 ???? :(

Looks bloody nice though :banana:

I've got an '07 KLR but wouldn't mind this as a more roady option :bleh:

If you decide to go for it, I'd be more than happy to do the delivery ride up to your place :whistle:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[Gizzit]

'08 KLR is not too bad for speed, 130 is an easy cruising speed and the motor vibes are quite tolerable at those revs. Would not accelerate as quick as the Versys. Handling and braking would be on par on the seal and much better on the gravel. Bigger tank, about 22 litres- I get around 300+km without trying to be economical. Has a good size luggage rack. Is available in proper Kawasaki green

Thanks for that info Pete. The new KLR looks good on paper. All the reviews are very favourable. Unfortunately I didn't get to see one today, let alone try one. cruising at 120 Kmh suits me fine, but like to be able to drop a gear and quickly get around a car or two when I need too. Hopefully I will get to ride one soon.
Cheers,
Grant.

[Gizzit]

Both the Versys and the new KLR got big ups in Cycle World Mag.
It's a tricky thing, trying to improve on a thing like the KLR - something that so successful because of its simplicity. I wonder why it never really caught on here? Killed off by the ridiculous price we pay for DR650s?

The DR650 is a lot cheaper, but from appearances ... it's really a trail bike, and probably meant for that market more than the KLR which appears to be more an adventure style bike. I think now looking at a new DR650SE today, that I wouldn't like to travel too far on the standard seat. Just sitting on it in the shop today, I felt it was bloody hard! I'm sure it's great when used for more off road stuff, and it's a lot lighter than the KLR. They are really different bikes for different use IMHO.

[Gizzit]

The KLR seems to be set up as an ADV bike out of the box, whereas a DR is an old fashioned trail bike.

The yanks love KLR's - search on Advrider.com.

Yeah I totally agree with you there.

[Gizzit]

Gotta agree with you there! :niceone: It's no more a waste than riding a big bike (or sprotsbike) around town, eh?

The KTM rules the roost for me at this point in time, but I like the idea of the Versys-type machines. The KLEs have long piqued my interest.

Glad you enjoy your KTM. I know very little about them, but all reports are that KTM's are awesome bikes.
And yeah ... both the KLR and the Versys appeal to me. I will put my CB on Tardme and see what happens.

Anyone want a mint CB1300S with less than 3000Km on it ?? :rolleyes:

[Gizzit]

I'm based approx 150 metres down the same street from that motorbike shop listing the Versys on TardMe and interestingly enough, it's sitting in the window with a tag of $12,995 ???? :(

Looks bloody nice though :banana:

I've got an '07 KLR but wouldn't mind this as a more roady option :bleh:

If you decide to go for it, I'd be more than happy to do the delivery ride up to your place :whistle:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

Oh thanks for the kind offer Stu, but I think I would happily fly down and pick up a bike and get the pleasure of riding it home myself !! :laugh:

Cheers,
Grant.

[ducatijim]

The DR650 is a lot cheaper, but from appearances ... it's really a trail bike, and probably meant for that market more than the KLR which appears to be more an adventure style bike. I think now looking at a new DR650SE today, that I wouldn't like to travel too far on the standard seat. Just sitting on it in the shop today, I felt it was bloody hard! I'm sure it's great when used for more off road stuff, and it's a lot lighter than the KLR. They are really different bikes for different use IMHO.

You have summed it up well, and without having to buy either( or both) of them!!
The stock 'seat' on the DR is a disgrace....I could barely do 50km before the 'wriggles' set in....100+ and the arse was broke!! I did the Corbin conversion; beautiful....did the RN Southern X back in April on it, my biggest day was 1000km in 12 hours, no pain ( not too much brain either I might say!)

I am currently fitting out my DR for a large adventure and it is surprising just how much really is 'budget' and needs to be upgraded....Hey Oscar....I could have bought a KTM 640 Adv for about the same as my 'blinged' DR will owe me!!!!

I haven't seen the '08 Verseys, but do admire the '07 and thought that it would make a real nice all roads bike( kinda like wot Ducati meant with their fugley Multistrada) but nice on the eye as well

You summed up with your last sentence with 1 of my FAVORITE sayings--- Horses for courses!!!

[Gizzit]

Hey gizzit
Your from Whangarei, bought my bike at shaws nov 2006 i havent seen a 2008 model yet. And yes the avons hang on to the road better than the dunlops that come stock.
Ideal for the Hikurangi-Tutukaka , and russell coast, Twin bridges , you know the type Kohukohu -Broadwood and beyond

I took a Versys 07 model for a short ride today. I was very impressed. They have a lot of poke for a 650 twin, and are nice and light and very flickable. If I buy a adventure style bike, Im pretty sure this will be it .... but I want to try the KLR first, to be certain.
A very impressive bike, and I can see why you enjoy yours.
Cheers,
Grant.

[awayatc]

I'm based approx 150 metres down the same street from that motorbike shop listing the Versys on TardMe and interestingly enough, it's sitting in the window with a tag of $12,995 ???? :(

Looks bloody nice though :banana:

:whistle:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-129701182.htm
Lists this bike for $11990. Humble pie and apologies accepted:slap:

Always good idea to verify facts before mouthing off...:spanking:

[cooneyr]

I picked up a 97 DR for $5500 with 12000kms and have put another 10000kms on it. Stock seat is definitely not that flash on road but I find I can handle up to two hours without a stop (and It seems I can get further than many of a stock DR seat). I've chucked a IMS 18l tank on it, replaced the chain and sprockets, change the oil and ridden. I like to get of the seal and explore as much as possible so see seal as a evil necessity (that can be fun :devil2:) but not what I'm really about. On gravel the DR flies though I know of a certain REDKLR that also gets a good hammering on gravel.

If you want to tour and adv ride the KLR or Verseys is the way to go. If you want to do something between dual sporting and adv riding the DR650 seems to fit the bill and if you are truely dual sporting then the 400's are probably better. If you have the money then the KTM 640 Adv is probably the best of all worlds though I find myself pining for a 990 Adv S at the moment :drool:

Cheers R

[Oscar]

I am currently fitting out my DR for a large adventure and it is surprising just how much really is 'budget' and needs to be upgraded....Hey Oscar....I could have bought a KTM 640 Adv for about the same as my 'blinged' DR will owe me!!!!



The one on Tardme in Morrinsville?
It didn't sell.

[ducatijim]

The one on Tardme in Morrinsville?
It didn't sell.


No, actually I mean NEW !....I know, I know, why waste so much coin on a DR? goes against the principle of buying it in the first place!! What it did and how it did it was just fine for me 2 years ago, however now I have bigger things in my sights and the additions just kept going on the DR untill it owes me so much there is no going back to the start again.

I am not unhappy about that.:mellow::mellow:

[Gizzit]

No, actually I mean NEW !....I know, I know, why waste so much coin on a DR? goes against the principle of buying it in the first place!! What it did and how it did it was just fine for me 2 years ago, however now I have bigger things in my sights and the additions just kept going on the DR untill it owes me so much there is no going back to the start again.

I am not unhappy about that.:mellow::mellow:

You can justify it Jim if you enjoy your bike ... and make it suit you ... so what about the money !! lol. It's about enjoying riding bikes ... what ever they are, and where ever we choose to do it !!

I have been looking at dual sport / adventure bikes .... but road a 400 and 650 Burgman yesterday ..... and thought WOW !! Maybe I'll get one of these !! They are bloody awesome. I've never ridden an armchair before ... and it was fun !!! Big grin factor !! I have learnt over the years that it always pays to keep an open mind .... about lots of things, and especially bikes !!! :cool:

[RedKLR650]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-129701182.htm
Lists this bike for $11990. Humble pie and apologies accepted:slap:
Always good idea to verify facts before mouthing off...:spanking:

As I said before it's sitting here in the window with a price tag $1000 more than that, so it appears that us locals are getting ripped off, and the internet really is a cheaper way to buy stuff :rolleyes:

it's still looking bloody good...... :banana:

Cheers, Stu

[RedKLR650]

I picked up a 97 DR for $5500 with 12000kms and have put another 10000kms on it. Stock seat is definitely not that flash on road but I find I can handle up to two hours without a stop (and It seems I can get further than many of a stock DR seat). I've chucked a IMS 18l tank on it, replaced the chain and sprockets, change the oil and ridden. I like to get of the seal and explore as much as possible so see seal as a evil necessity (that can be fun :devil2:) but not what I'm really about. On gravel the DR flies though I know of a certain REDKLR that also gets a good hammering on gravel.

Now Ryan that's not the whole truth :whistle: , it gets a good hammering on the seal too - apparently.... :Police:


If you want to tour and adv ride the KLR or Verseys is the way to go. If you want to do something between dual sporting and adv riding the DR650 seems to fit the bill and if you are truely dual sporting then the 400's are probably better. If you have the money then the KTM 640 Adv is probably the best of all worlds though I find myself pining for a 990 Adv S at the moment :drool:
Cheers R

I agree, I've put 20,000kms on the KLR in the last 12 months, and for touring and adventure riding, the KLR is really comfortable with a good seat, 23 litre tank as stock, and a still respectable top speed in either gravel or on seal, but if you're really looking for a basic rockhopping 650 with power to burn, and easily picked up when dropped in a river or over a bank, after seeing what Ryan and Carl are able to make their machines do, I'm now a big fan of the DR ( although for my riding style the KLR still has preference.....) :scooter:

Horses for courses, until you actually get an adventure bike of some kind, you probably won't know where you're going to be taking it. Over the last year, the percentage of k's covered on seal has increased dramatically, but I hope to take a few mental health days over summer to remedy that on some of the good gravel around....

Hope everyones having a good New Years, and if you've got any sense, you'll be out on the bike now rather than reading this.....

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[denill]

Had not heard of the Versys. :no:

Googled and read <a href=http://www.speedtv.com/articles/motorcycling/newmotorcycles/41961/?page=1> SpeedTV's article.</A>

[marks]

The KLR seems to be set up as an ADV bike out of the box, whereas a DR is an old fashioned trail bike.

thats a little harsh - calling a mid 80's design old fashioned.

[denill]

There's <a href=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/23september06_klr650.htm>An Updated Version</A> that looks pretty sexy. :yes: :yes:

[Oscar]

thats a little harsh - calling a mid 80's design old fashioned.

An air cooled under-square carbed four stroke?
Ancient.

[NordieBoy]

An air cooled under-square carbed four stroke?
Ancient.

Like the XR650L :D

[Waxxa]

I've just purchased one too and its great!! I believe there wont be another shipment into NZ until March. You'll have to hang out.

[nerdneh]

KLE 650 Has any body out there ridden this bike on gravel roads with OEM tyres or fitted dual sport tyres.? interested to hear comments on performance. Ta for a reply.

[NordieBoy]

Could be problematic finding a good adv tyre for the 17" front unless you go for a rear tyre on there.

[Waxxa]

As a commuter, weekend scratcher the Versys is the BOMB! The Versys isnt a true dual purpose bike as the front wheel is to small...17". The KLR on the other hand has a 21" front tyre which is what you want for adventure riding and you can get good tyres at 21".

I'm very happy with my Versys, they have had a good write up in every magazine I've seen it featured in. Comfortable touring, plenty of power two up and looks different.

[hec]

Gizzit

I like you been looking for/at the Versys - notice they have a Dec2006 burnt orange model at Maunder Suzuki up your way - have you had a look at it... I spoke to the salesman on the phone (I am down in Taupo) but something not quite right had ShinSh** tyres and not had a Kawa dealer service .. so suspicious it was not as well loved as he made out ..

Sold my bikes in the UK and dont have a bike at the moment so agonising over what to get ... "I thought I was decisive but now I am ... well my mind has gone to mush ..." if you can only have one bike the decision is really hard. I know what you mean about the burgermans.. I had a - dont laugh - Dylan 125 scooter an absolute blast as a company scooter but tended to turn into a nutter when I got on it...

Every bike I see I go 'got to have me one of those' but need to get something sensible so keep coming back to the Versys.

[Gizzit]

Gizzit

I like you been looking for/at the Versys - notice they have a Dec2006 burnt orange model at Maunder Suzuki up your way - have you had a look at it... I spoke to the salesman on the phone (I am down in Taupo) but something not quite right had ShinSh** tyres and not had a Kawa dealer service .. so suspicious it was not as well loved as he made out ..

Sold my bikes in the UK and dont have a bike at the moment so agonising over what to get ... "I thought I was decisive but now I am ... well my mind has gone to mush ..." if you can only have one bike the decision is really hard. I know what you mean about the burgermans.. I had a - dont laugh - Dylan 125 scooter an absolute blast as a company scooter but tended to turn into a nutter when I got on it...

Every bike I see I go 'got to have me one of those' but need to get something sensible so keep coming back to the Versys.

I had a look at the Versys at Maunders Suzuki. I wasn't talking with anyone there about it though, so don't know its history. It looked ok though.

I think they look like great bikes ... for a "one bike does lots of things" ... kind of bike. I have my doubts about riding it that far on gravel or on rough roads/tracks. I think that 17" hoop on the front may be a bit limiting. However for commuting and riding the twisties .... it would be brilliant.

For me .... I am going to head in the direction of an adventure bike, and have pretty much decided on a Kawasaki KLR650. I think it will suit my purposes better.
As for the Scooters ... the Burgman is a blast, and was a real suprise for me. I enjoy scoots, so don't have a real problem with them. I ride a PGO 150 T-Rex to work each day, and really enjoy it. I must admit I become a bit of a hoon on the scoot .... which I don't tend to be so much of on my CB1300S. (ok well I do "get along" at a reasonable pace on the open road ...
Good luck with finding your ideal bike.

[denill]

I had a - dont laugh - Dylan 125 scooter an absolute blast as a company scooter but tended to turn into a nutter when I got on it....

I'm not laughing. Added a Dylan 150 to the stable recently - and it's the hooniest ride I've had for some time?
As you say - It seems to bring out the worst, but hey it's FUN! :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Flying Naartjie]

I had a look at the Versys at Maunders Suzuki. I wasn't talking with anyone there about it though, so don't know its history. It looked ok though.

I think they look like great bikes ... for a "one bike does lots of things" ... kind of bike. I have my doubts about riding it that far on gravel or on rough roads/tracks. I think that 17" hoop on the front may be a bit limiting. However for commuting and riding the twisties .... it would be brilliant.

For me .... I am going to head in the direction of an adventure bike, and have pretty much decided on a Kawasaki KLR650. I think it will suit my purposes better.
As for the Scooters ... the Burgman is a blast, and was a real suprise for me. I enjoy scoots, so don't have a real problem with them. I ride a PGO 150 T-Rex to work each day, and really enjoy it. I must admit I become a bit of a hoon on the scoot .... which I don't tend to be so much of on my CB1300S. (ok well I do "get along" at a reasonable pace on the open road ...
Good luck with finding your ideal bike.

Check out this link: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-versys/pirelli-tires/

These fellas seem to be getting pretty far off-road with a Versys on MT60 Pirellis. Does anyone know if the MT60s are available in NZ?

[Waxxa]

Great website Flying Naartjie, makes feel good about buying mine!

[NordieBoy]

Check out this link: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-versys/pirelli-tires/

These fellas seem to be getting pretty far off-road with a Versys on MT60 Pirellis. Does anyone know if the MT60s are available in NZ?

I got 2500km from my rear 160/60/17 before it was shot.
I like them on my Nordie (They're the OEM tyre) but they are a bit pricey.