and I test rode: a Kawasaki Versys

[sagalout]

To be honest I love my Tiger, but it had to go in to have a puncture fixed today, so I took out a Versys to kill the time, after hearing all the glowing reports. When I sat on it it wasnt what I expected at all. It looks tall in the showroom but when you're on it it feels pretty small (coming from a tiger anyway). The bike feels light and slightly unsubstantial, and the switchgear betrays the price of the bike.

Started it up and the engine note with the standard can is actually quite nice, and the motor is very smooth above 3k. Took it for about a 40 mile ride. Overall its a nice bike - it handles well and feels very light and flickable. Almost too light and flickable at times - the tiger seems more planted both on straights and mid corner - probably due to a longer wheelbase. Its much more road biased than the Tiger, and the suspension shows this up - handles better but doesnt absorb the bigger bumps in the way I've become used to.

The engine feels quite swift for a 650 twin, but you do need to be in the right gear a bit more than the tiger, but I suppose its giving away over 200cc. No idea how fast I was going as the speedo is disconnected on their test bikes to keep the mileage at zero apparently(!) but if a versys owner can tell me what 6k rpm in top gear equates to it felt very comfy at that speed with some in reserve.

Started mulling over a possible change on the way home (I seem to forever have that new bike itch, no matter how happy I am with the curent bike), but for some reason this bike just didnt stir me sufficiently to lay out a load of cash. Its a very good bike, and I think for people who havent ridden litre bikes it will tick all the boxes. Seems well built in general but as I say, somehow unsubstantial. The Tigers a big heavy bike and sometimes I curse it for it (when getting it out of the garage haha) but on the road that weight transforms into security and feeling of solidity and road presence.

So the Tiger will be staying in my garage a bit longer, and I'll probably spend the money I'd already spent in my head towards winterfying it - Heated grips, Crash bars and perhaps a new screen as thats its one weak point.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Kawasaki%20Versys%2007%20%202.jpg

[acwman]

A nice write up

I'm sure that the disconnecting of speedos is probably common place in the motor vehicle world... but them letting you test ride a bike, and admitting to you that they do this!???

...Was this a main dealer???!
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BMW R1200GS & Honda Fireblade 929RR
Bikes owned -Yamaha R1+akrapovic, Ducati 749S, Power Commander + Termi's,Buell XB12R - with race kit, GSXR600-K4 Titanium Scorpion end Can, ZXR400, RS125, Cagiva Mito, RS50, RG125, ER50, FS1E. https://www.bikepics.com/members/acwman/

[Akira]

Nice writeup, shocking behaviour from the shop. Shop 'em to trading standards.

[Vin]

Is it just me who thinks they look horrible. Great idea and I'd be tempted if it didn't look so bad

[Akira]

Had a good look at one recently. I wouldn't be seen dead on one

[sagalout]

They arent pretty, but then the Tigers no oil painting

[mark83]

I used to have an ER6n which is basically the sportier version of the Versys.

Great bike, very neutral but can stir emtions if you rev it a bit!

If I was to be tempted by a Versys/Tiger type bike, I would probably lean more towards something like a Ducati Multistrada 1000 as it has a bit more oomph.

.....oh, and with Termis it sounds the bollocks!!

(Thanks to Soulrider I am actually considering one at the mo!!!)
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[deanoet]

[Harold_Shand]

I likes em too.
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BCF's 6th favourite poster 2009-2010

Harold_Shand's theory might be the best explanation.

[stinkwheel]

They stole my idea. I made a kawasaki, paralell twin street-motard with cast wheels before they did.

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/stinkwheel/imm039.jpg
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Mister James]

Now you've got the VFR, fancy giving me that cheeky-looking full system for a fiver?


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>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...