Kawasaki Versys is here

[Ian Bungy]

In the latest issue of "Motorcycle Sport & Leisure" Magazine they are Still singing the Praises of the "Kawasaki Versys" and Rate it as the Smartest Buy of all!!! See the Full Article here:
http://www.mslmagazine.co.uk/news/the-smartest-buy-of-all-kawasaki-versys

 

[TonyBKK]

bill;264675 wrote: At ~Bt300k-USD10k on the road and insured in Thailand, it compares pretty well to OS prices.

Googling around, same bike seems to go for $9k in US and $13k in Aust.

Actually mate the US MSRP is only $7699 for the 2011 Kawasaki Versys but then we all know bikes are a lot cheaper in the States ;-)

 

[TonyBKK]

Ian Bungy;264701 wrote: In the latest issue of "Motorcycle Sport & Leisure" Magazine they are Still singing the Praises of the "Kawasaki Versys" and Rate it as the Smartest Buy of all!!! See the Full Article here:
http://www.mslmagazine.co.uk/news/the-smartest-buy-of-all-kawasaki-versys

Can't seem to open that article... (Oh- ignore that- got it!)

While I'm very happy with my Versys and it's amazing value for money here in Thailand I kind of think some of the reviewers are going a little over the top in their praises for this bike. Kinda like the irrational exuberance the new Honda CBR 250 is enjoying at the moment. Sure they're great bikes in their own right, but it's not like they are THAT good, know what I mean?

Cheers!

Tony

 

[nikster]

Well being as it is that I can count my experience with big bikes on one hand, Ill have to trust the reviews for comparison tests...

I guess the Versys is getting a bit of a "dark horse" bonus, and also a bonus for being very competitively priced for what it offers.

I can open the article just fine, BTW, must be your internet Tony ... even though they rate it as smartest buy, they are criticizing the suspension a bit and other things...

 

[bill]

TonyBKK;264704 wrote: Actually mate the US MSRP is only $7699 for the 2011 Kawasaki Versys but then we all know bikes are a lot cheaper in the States ;-)

Yep, plus rego and insurance whatever that is in the US
Does the US version have ABS ?

 

[nikster]

bill;264710 wrote: Yep, plus rego and insurance whatever that is in the US
Does the US version have ABS ?

Good point, no ABS - usually a $500 option?! I didn't see the option at all on the USA website though.

The US price also doesn't include VAT (usually 7 - 9%, depending on where you live). But dealers in the US often sell below MSRP, unless the vehicle is really in high demand. So street price when all is told is usually below MSRP.

 

[salbrecht]

Hello Fatlad,
I am very interested in your luggage rack on the back of your V bike. Did you buy it somewhere or did you have it fabricated?

Thanks very much
Steve

 

[Fatlad]

Just the rack

Bag for solo riding

With pillion

Hi Steve
This is the Ventura luggage system rack and bags, i had my son bring from NZ. Simple design with the bag slidding over the rack frame and secured by two ties at the bottom, removed 2 seconds this actual bag has shoulder straps so can be used as a ruck sack, very handy if you have to leave the bike to walk some where, just stops the light fingered brigade. Great when you are riding as you know your mirrors are the widest part of the bike not two big lumps of plastic either side.

Eric

 

[ronwebb]

I am interested to know what after market cans people are putting on the Versys. I am not looking for more noise particularly but want reduced weight as the factory job is about 20lbs I understand. Reducing that by 17lbs or so would be helpful. The Kawa shop in CM has put a Leo Vince on their demonstrator which sounds OK, looks ugly and they want about THB 22,000 for one as I recall.
Any pointers on this would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Ian Bungy]

Of All the Kawasaki 650 Exhaust Systems I have seen the Leo Vince is the Best I have Seen and Heard so don't bother looking at any of the others if You think that is Ugly!!! It fits in Neatly instead of Hanging out the Side like a Rocket launcher like Most and Sounds way nicer than the Rattly sound of the others!

 

[monsterman]

one of my neighbours has a new versys and i am impressed with the quality , but its so tall that puts me off that style of bike.I like both feet on the ground when i stop.

 

[KZ]

Have you googled it? Found several videos on youtube - Arrow, Yoshi, Akrapovich, Jardine, Remus, Micron and more.
Check out the "Cheery Bomb"!

 

[bill]

Jurgen;262479 wrote: White wash completed (pearl white)

No Versys sticker in black ... job done in airbrush

Had to change my profile picture in the same run ... few changes, just age and the bike
... the boy is my (half Korean) grandson ... my son is already 40!

Jurgen, excellent cost effective cosmetics job.
The lower bash plate ? looks good, where did you get that from ?

 

[schackster]

Jurgen , the bike looks fantastic in white . Who did the paint job for you ?

 

[nikster]

I love the looks of Fatlad/Eric's Mivv Ghibli, going to try and find one... I agree that the Leo Vince is kinda fugly - sounds good though.

 

[nikster]

schackster;264763 wrote: Jurgen , the bike looks fantastic in white . Who did the paint job for you ?

I think it looks great too but I'd do the tank in white also.

I am not yet decided on what color I think I'll start with a stealth fighter matte black sticker job - look awesome on cars I've seen I think they'd be very cool on the V as well.

 

[Fatlad]

Hi Nikster
if you would like to view the Mivv, will be doing a tour from Mukdahan on the 10th Feb arriving Chiang mai 13th for the evening then returning to Riders Corner bar for the talk on the 16th Feb then spending a few days touring the Golden Triangle.

Eric

 

[Changnoi1]

When changing the color did you also change the Green Book?

 

[skybluestu]

ronwebb;264745 wrote: I am interested to know what after market cans people are putting on the Versys. I am not looking for more noise particularly but want reduced weight as the factory job is about 20lbs I understand. Reducing that by 17lbs or so would be helpful. The Kawa shop in CM has put a Leo Vince on their demonstrator which sounds OK, looks ugly and they want about THB 22,000 for one as I recall.
Any pointers on this would be helpful. Thanks

If you don't want to pay for an imported one then a Tyga one would be a lot lighter and gain you a few hp too.

Based in Thailand so no import taxes and pretty good if you believe the reviews.

http://tyga-performance.com/site/index.php?cPath=72_860&osCsid=b293adb681dac5339cb58456630f4b36

 

[TonyBKK]

skybluestu;264775 wrote: If you don't want to pay for an imported one then a Tyga one would be a lot lighter and gain you a few hp too.

Based in Thailand so no import taxes and pretty good if you believe the reviews.

http://tyga-performance.com/site/index.php?cPath=72_860&osCsid=b293adb681dac5339cb58456630f4b36

Has Tyga made a road legal pipe for the EX650/Versys? Last I checked they only had a GP-style race pipe for the EX650 that is feather light, looks awesome but is incredibly loud and intended for the race track only. Ride On! Tony

 

[Jackblack]

Does anyone know of a paintshop in Pattaya that can do a good job on the plastic headlight shroud (as per Hogheads bike)?

 

[Hoghead]

I wet sanded mine and used a rattle can

 

[nikster]

TonyBKK;264785 wrote: Has Tyga made a road legal pipe for the EX650/Versys? Last I checked they only had a GP-style race pipe for the EX650 that is feather light, looks awesome but is incredibly loud and intended for the race track only. Ride On! Tony

I'd like to know this as well. The idea of a locally made and therefore not crazy expensive pipe appeals... are there any other Thai manufacturers making pipes for the Versys? One would think...

 

[TonyBKK]

Any pipe that will fit the EX650 will also fit the Versys.

Tsukigi has one:

DBS is said to be working on one but haven't seen one yet.

Ride On!

Tony

nikster;264846 wrote: I'd like to know this as well. The idea of a locally made and therefore not crazy expensive pipe appeals... are there any other Thai manufacturers making pipes for the Versys? One would think...

 

[nikster]

Tony - thanks for the info - going to go check with the dealer.