Kawasaki Bring Versys to the US

[twowheelnut]

Things that make you say, 'Hmmmmmm'.

 

[vol210]

I like it..... :good:

Jim

 

[Barabus]

Looks alot like the wife's Ninja 650R- same offset rear suspension, same engine, just 1/4 fairing instead of the traditional fairing. Same price too.

 

[vectervp1]

Looks alot like the Buell Ulysses.

 

[Barabus]

Same exhaust too. Definitely a common platform bike with a fairing swap.

 

[RatoneMuerto]

Same exhaust too. Definitely a common platform bike with a fairing swap.

Just needs saddlebags!Looks a lot like the BMW 800S

 

[Wicked Webby]

Yep. Same platform as the 650r. Must be trying to appeal to more than just new riders(those not ready for the power of a inline 4). Looking to steal some SV style riders too I suppose.

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

"Hmmmmmm" indeed! Very cool.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I heard that Givi bags are making the OEM offering for hardcases. The travel is pretty huge...way over the ninja. While the ninja was the platform, the suspension is changed a LOT. even the swingarm is different.

Hmmmm

 

[NightShine]

Things that make you say, 'Hmmmmmm'.

The "specs" page has a footnote:



* Not available in California

Does that footnote refer to the bike itself or to some option or feature of the bike? <_<

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

And then the next asterisk (what I would call the 'explaining' asterisk -- like, footnote) says prices, specs, etc. are 'subject to change'. I read that to mean CA un-availability is subject to change.

Think...? :huh:

 

[2WheelTiger]

Dayum! Where'd they get that headlight? Was it the only thing they could find in the woodshed? What'd it come off of? 1948 John Deere? I can accept the rest of the design "features" on the bike, but OMFG, that headlight is just TOO MUCH!

 

[Windjammer]

The compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve, 649cc parallel twin engine was modified for the Versys motorcycle so it delivers smooth power that’s well-suited for off-the-line acceleration and flexible torque in the cut-n-thrust of a rider’s morning commute.

The above snippet is from the Kawi marketing literature. This type of "engine modification" was previously known as "de-tuning". Bottom line is they did what is all too common with these standard, UJM style bikes - they gutted the top end of a great motor to provide moderate improvements in midrange power. Too bad. No SV650 killer here, just another gutted Ninja.

 

[yellowmagnaman]

Wow, how come the didn't call it a Ninja too?

 

[Mike-H]

Things that make you say, 'Hmmmmmm'.

We got it this year ....they (Kaw) were showing it at our bike show last fall....not for use for those that are vertically challenged through the inseam.....nicely put together though :good: ....not recommeded on snowy roads :grin: .....

 

[Airborne06]

Things that make you say, 'Hmmmmmm'.

This looks like a good all-around bike, and will compete well with the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Looks like the seating is fairly upright, and with some bags will be a great all arounder for commuting, touring, and just riding around on varying types of terrain. It's almost "dual-sport"ish....and may be a good competition for BMW's anticipated 800GS as well. I like it!

 

[xcsp]

As I look to replace my Suzuki DR 650, the Versys is a possibility. Not too sure how it would be on some un-paved roads, with a change of tires.

Headlight design is diffferent. Better looking than the Ducati Multistrada front end in my opinion, but could be better.

Curious, too, if Triumph would be working on a 675 version of the Tiger 1050??

As the Versys are said to be arriving at U.S. dealers, I plan to see if the local shops have one to look at and maybe get a demo ride.

 

[Hawk1]

Very popular bike here in Europe. Many of my friends have one.

Great bike.

Hawk1