Kawasaki Versys 2008

[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!

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! 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

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

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

Cheers, Stu

[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! 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 ??

[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

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

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

Cheers, Stu

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 !!

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



Cheers, Stu

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

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

[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 ) 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

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.