1000cc Versys

[Lucasind]

I see that the 1000 cc Kawasaki won this award for 2015. Was wondering if anyone has had the chance to ride this machine ? and can it really be comfortable enough to be a "touring bike".
Their advertising says that it is suited for the "long haul"....but looking at that bike,I don't think so ! any thoughts ?.............................tony

https://motorsportsnewswire.wordpress.c ... -07271514/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mr Jensee]

I have been out of it I guess. I didn't even know that this bike existed.

[DaBull]

I rode it at the VRA Rally in Eureka Springs....

-Its a scootin machine with a ton of power...every gear i twisted the throttle and it answered---fast.

-great handling

-liked the way knees fit into tank

-finding the rear brake---had to keep looking down for it as it is further "down" due to seating position

- no heel toe shifter

- due to seating position there was pressure on forearms which resulted in both thumbs hurting after 45 minute ride.... would imagine risers would fix that??

- seat seemed comfortable

- didnt know the windshield would move up and down---resulted in alot of wind on my face---FF helmet bike me thinks ;)

good impression over all, smooth and fast, good brakes and handling

[David (N. Alabama)]

I rode it at the VRA Rally in Eureka Springs....


- due to seating position there was pressure on forearms which resulted in both thumbs hurting after 45 minute ride.... would imagine risers would fix that??

It's called core muscle strength.

The Chain kills it for me as far as being a full touring bike. Shaft and cruise are musts for touring IMO. It is a great backroads tourer and a great bike for those who can no longer lean forward on the Ninja 1000.

[Kevin B in Illinois]

It's a bike designed to do touring in the range of 1000 plus mile days. As David said the chain drive does require to shoot it with a can of lube every couple fuel stops (about every 600 miles or so). I find this bike to be a very interesting ride . Maybe Kawasaki will spring a full luxury touring bike out of this or the Concours 14 engine in the future. Ducati's Multistrada was selected as Cycle World's best touring bike recently....unseating the BMW K1600GTL and Honda GL1800 Gold Wing. If you have never ridden one of these Adventure style touring bikes , you might be surprised at their ability to handle nicely. Of course if you are looking for floorboards and heel toe shifters ...then you wouldn't be interested. I for one am glad Kawasaki has finally brought the Versys 1000 over to the US to sell.


KB

[DaBull]

I rode it at the VRA Rally in Eureka Springs....

-Its a scootin machine with a ton of power...every gear i twisted the throttle and it answered---fast.

-great handling

-liked the way knees fit into tank

-finding the rear brake---had to keep looking down for it as it is further "down" due to seating position

- no heel toe shifter

- due to seating position there was pressure on forearms which resulted in both thumbs hurting after 45 minute ride.... would imagine risers would fix that??

- seat seemed comfortable

- didnt know the windshield would move up and down---resulted in alot of wind on my face---FF helmet bike me thinks ;)

good impression over all, smooth and fast, good brakes and handling

Good googly moogly---i totally brain-farted....i rode the Connie, not the Versus.....

[Lucasind]

It's a bike designed to do touring in the range of 1000 plus mile days. As David said the chain drive does require to shoot it with a can of lube every couple fuel stops (about every 600 miles or so). I find this bike to be a very interesting ride . Maybe Kawasaki will spring a full luxury touring bike out of this or the Concours 14 engine in the future. Ducati's Multistrada was selected as Cycle World's best touring bike recently....unseating the BMW K1600GTL and Honda GL1800 Gold Wing. If you have never ridden one of these Adventure style touring bikes , you might be surprised at their ability to handle nicely. Of course if you are looking for floorboards and heel toe shifters ...then you wouldn't be interested. I for one am glad Kawasaki has finally brought the Versys 1000 over to the US to sell.


KB

Riding one of these "new bikes" 1000 miles in a day is something us "touring bike " guys might find challenging ......to say the least...... I find it hard to ride the new style connie ....with the $750. full blown heli bar riser kit ...less than desirable after 100 miles....just sayin

[Kevin B in Illinois]

I agree the new Concours peg placement to me is part of the issue with the comfort level. I can't remember if the seat height is adjustable (like on the BMW's) but that does help with comfort level.


KB

[Lucasind]

....Yes , in fact ,the guy we got the bike from did everything he could possibly do to his brand new connie....see this post.

http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewt ... f=2&t=8509" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
of tues nov. 4th

He ended up getting a BMW at a much higher price ,and giving us a heck of a deal on it,(didn't ever say that he was pleased with the beemer either) don't get me wrong .....it is a great bike ,plenty of power...awesome handling, bullet proof,flawless dependability,
but still ,just not a bike that a guy that has had a touring bike for a long time .....would call it a touring bike, heck.....I am still looking for the perfect touring bike !...................tony