Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Test drove one of these at Bike week in Daytona this year and damn near bought it on the spot but after sanity returned, I decided to be patient before laying out $7K for a new bike. Looking for a midsize 4-stoker and the upright sitting position agrees with me. I still love the '78GS750 but it is a hog compared to these new bikes with the latest suspension, brakes, and powerplants. The styling is a bit different but hey, I don't care - a biker's bike right? What matters is how comfortable you are on it. Also have test driven the RZ's and SV's but prefer the Kaw. Anyone on the board a Versys owner?

Before you buy the Versys go test ride a V-Strom first to compare.......that's the only advice I can offer

I miss the days when one look told you what kind of bike as in Street or trail ,Versys I had to read wiki just to know what it was, probably a well thought out bike but it would get first place in an ugly contest

_________________
1975 S3 project bike
1974 H1 project bike
1972 Yamaha R5
1974 Yamaha RD350

Drove one and while comparable to the Versys, had much more buffeting at high speed and not near as nimble in low speed handling. Also, the Kaw seems to be geared/tuned to give a lot more power at the wrist

Already said I don't care about the looks What is important to me is handling and ride comfort.

what engine size are you mussing over?

_________________
she will never be pretty but she is a fun ride.

73 KAWASAKI H1 (Sold).
82 YAMAHA RD350LC
2000 KAWI KDX200H
2001 Triumph TT600

Did you ride the 650 or 1000 Vstrom?......just curious. I have only ridden the 1000 Adventure. And yeah.....they are ugly as hell but all adventure bikes are.....until you really make them look like a piece of army kit

Okay I'm probably wrong cause Kawasaki engineers are darn good at what they do , but how the heck can that big azz bike handle an off road trail, a trail bike needs to be light agile and not loaded down with nonsense like the fairing

_________________
1975 S3 project bike
1974 H1 project bike
1972 Yamaha R5
1974 Yamaha RD350

OK Jim, I contributed to your Versys fund. Ugly is in the eye of the beholder, what you will see is the top of the tank, the instruments, your arms and the inside of the windshield. If you like that view then nothing else matters! Personally, I think all the "adventure bikes" look like a giant praying mantis, so you should get the green one!

_________________
We don't need no stinkin' Cams!

It was the 650, a 2010 model that had been sitting in the showroom for quite a while. Have seen quite a few late model (2010's and 2011's) Versys and V-Strom's that have gone unsold still sitting on the dealer floor, puts one in a good position to negotiate price

Funny thing is, if you try to find a used one on the secondary market, they are few and far between? Guess those that purchase tend to hang on to 'em......



My mantis is going to look like a bee, I am partial to the Y/B.....thanks for the contribution - get that 250 restored already

You are not far off, but for road use - the Kaw is light and fun with an upright riding position that my back and arms can tolerate - reminds me of my S2 with way better handling and wide powerband. Lot's of fun in my book - and just enough power to keep me out of trouble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB6jI9iq ... re=related