Opinions on the Kawasaki Versys?

[Ericthejet]

A good friend is looking to purchase one of these bikes within a few weeks and seems to be happy with his choice. He has done his homework on the bike and has a history with motorcycles so this is not his first bike.

Any Versys riders care to offer up some first hand feedback on this machine?
How about price paid and options/access. that you have installed?

Other than Roadside Marine in VT. and Keene Motorsports in NH. do we have any other options for the purchase of a new example?

Thanks in advance.

[jcbell1007]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9530/4.7.0.75 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Green mountain power sports in st. Al bans vt might be another place to try.

I didn't own a versys but I did own a ninja 650. Shares the engine and frame and ergos are similar. Engine is great and super easy to handle. Suspension is low tech but capable and confidence inspiring.

I think its a good choice of a bike. I just don't care for the styling.

[ThisBitch]

A good friend is looking to purchase one of these bikes within a few weeks and seems to be happy with his choice. He has done his homework on the bike and has a history with motorcycles so this is not his first bike.

Any Versys riders care to offer up some first hand feedback on this machine?
How about price paid and options/access. that you have installed?

Other than Roadside Marine in VT. and Keene Motorsports in NH. do we have any other options for the purchase of a new example?

Thanks in advance.

Its probably quite the haul, but Cliff at Nault's Windham is a good friend and will give you a great deal. I've purchased every bike I've owned from him and he's been fantastic.

I've got the 650 as well and I can't say enough about it. I've never once regretted the purchase. Its comfortable, handles really well and I've got almost 10k on the clock without any problems thus far.

[Ericthejet]

Thanks for the insight.

[schleppy]

I'm very seriously considering trading my SV in for one. Slightly better ergos, a "windshield", good fuel range, and better mpg than the SV.

I also love the 2009 green color

[richw]

When/if life turns around i am a buyer

I think that that the future of fun is county roads almost hypermotard but not the expense

youtube it there ia a nice video report

[HIGHONSTRESS]

the V-Strom regularly whoops the Versys in most comparo's. i'd get a vstrom 1000, and not the 650 if i was going to get one.

[GixerJockey]

the V-Strom regularly whoops the Versys in most comparo's. i'd get a vstrom 1000, and not the 650 if i was going to get one.

Not unless you find a used or leftover Strom 1k. Suzuki didn't import them for 2009.

[e30addict]

Its probably quite the haul, but Cliff at Nault's Windham is a good friend and will give you a great deal. I've purchased every bike I've owned from him and he's been fantastic.

I've got the 650 as well and I can't say enough about it. I've never once regretted the purchase. Its comfortable, handles really well and I've got almost 10k on the clock without any problems thus far.

really? I might be upgrading to the 650 soon. Deals are always nice

[highsider]

I'd advise against buying at Roadside. Personally, I've never had much luck getting a good deal there. Before I bought my V-Strom, I had my heart set on a Versys and walked through the door of Roadside ready to make the purchase. The sales staff sucked so bad I left and bought a Suzuki.

The Versys is definitely a cool bike. I went with the strom due to the slightly better setup for off-road use, with a large front wheel and a little more ground clearance.

If your friend has his heart set on one, have him phone shop around for one. A little drive will likely save him several hundred dollars.

[markbvt]

the V-Strom regularly whoops the Versys in most comparo's. i'd get a vstrom 1000, and not the 650 if i was going to get one.

For what it's worth, all the reviews say the 650 handles much better than the 1000. And as a V-Strom 650 owner I can definitely report that it's a sweet-handling bike.

--mark

[Nix]

When/if life turns around i am a buyer

I think that that the future of fun is county roads almost hypermotard but not the expense

youtube it there ia a nice video report

I am dying to grab a motard. They have a 2006 KTM Supermoto at Razee's for $5,500, super clean. I want it. No street kit...yet.

[Fitz]

Souhegan Valley Motorsports out of Milford, NH carries them also.

Fitz

[ctbandit]

If you're friend wants to take a ride, canton cycles in winsted, ct has Kawasaki now and I'm 90% sure they will let him demo the bike. The sales staff rocks there.

The versys seems like a great bike to me. More road oriented than dirt, but still comfy.

[RandyO]

Not unless you find a used or leftover Strom 1k. Suzuki didn't import them for 2009.

it's not good to spread rumors thart are not true

2009 V-Strom 1000s are at the dealers now, I've seen them

they are not selling the 1000 in Europe because they do not meet european emmission specs but they are selling them in North America

[mikeb]

i've been told by more than a few they prefer the 650 over the 1k v-strom. something about size and handling.

[RandyO]

i've been told by more than a few they prefer the 650 over the 1k v-strom. something about size and handling.

there is minimal difference, size of the Vee vs Wee is almost identical, the Vee is about 40lb heavier, has cartidge fork where the Wee has a damper rod fork

Weenies like to believe they bought somehting better, its a cheaper version lower grade bits with a smaller engine. because of its smaller engine, it gets better fuel economy, the Wee also has a ABS option

[richw]

Noel is a dealer

[Ericthejet]

Thanks for the input.
My friend is picking up his new green Versys tonight from Keene Motorsports.
He is trading in his wife's 250 Virago as well as getting a $300 off coupon from Kawasaki.

I look forward to seeing the bike up close.

[mikeb]

Thanks for the input.
My friend is picking up his new green Versys tonight from Keene Motorsports.
He is trading in his wife's 250 Virago as well as getting a $300 off coupon from Kawasaki.

I look forward to seeing the bike up close.

they give him a deal? i live right down the street from them and don't have nice things to say..............

[DesmoTull]

I like the bike alot.

Somehow Kwak found a way to make a bike like the multistrada that isn't ugly!