Kawasaki Versys
 

I am looking to get back into doing some motorcycle riding. I would like to get a "dual purpose" type sportbike which can do some very limited off road riding (basically dirt roads, fire roads, etc., nothing too substantial). Not many bikes in this category. Of course, the BMW GS series is the leader in the category, but expensive. There is also the Suzuki V Strom series and some others, but I seem to like the Kawasaki Versys 650 about the most. Anyone have or know anyone who has one of these? I am looking at a 2009 with only 900 miles which is nicely loaded with touring bags and a bunch of other "farkles" (accessories) for just $5,500.

At first I looked at the 1000cc + bikes in this category, but they are just a bit too tall and heavy for me right now until I get my riding skills back. Any comments welcome!

I just went on a long dirt road last weekend on my road king...thought they had paved it. I think it's actually the road MJ lives on, came from plymouth trying to get back through warehem...

back to subject: I think you should consider getting another V.

well, the suzuki V-storm that is. Don't have any direct experience of riding one, but knew someone who did. Also just caught a review who said that the kawi vibrated a lot. Take your time researching and test riding. Go to the dealers and see about test riding the new ones for comparison.

rkc

here was that link:

http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=22366

Thanks, RKC. I have ridden both the Vstrom and the Versys and it was a bit of a toss up for me. I was leaning toward the Versys just a bit because price is a little lower for both the new and the used models, seat is a little lower (but I think I need to get a lowering kit for either the Vstrom or the Versys as I am only 5'8" and these are both pretty tall bikes), and I just liked the Versys style a little better. Good article to which you directed me. I had been on the stromtrooper site, but had not caught that particular review. I did follow a guy's journal on kawasakiversys.com for a while. He is a photographer/writer who is riding a Versys through each country in Central and South America. Quite an adventure!

I have never really considered those type bikes "dual purpose". Just like the big BMW's. I cant imagine they would really handle well in the dirt any better than a sport bike like I drive with the exception of taller suspension.

Dual purpose would be more of a DR series from Zuki or the like.


not passing judgment, they look nice but has anyone really offroaded one? Id like to know how they handle.

You are right, I believe. I have never off roaded one, but I have read lots of reviews and the off road capabilities are quite light. You can basically go on unpaved roads which are flat. These bikes are not good in mud, for climbing hills, etc. These bikes are basically sport bikes, not unlike yours, with the taller suspension, much more of an upright riding position, and different gearing. I have read that with more knobby like tires they will handle fairly well off road, but not like a Kawasaki KLX or similar.

Guy I work with rides a KTM Dual Purpose. He likes it for riding around the city on. I don't think he's ever really taken off road. The big thing he doesn't like is that it's so light on the highway. Being light and a tall ride isn't especially good for highway riding. He told me he's getting rid of it soon and getting a real street bike.

I have a 2001 F650GS and love her, she was too tall for me, so i got the special seat that lowered it by 1" and is just perfect. What i love the most on this bike is the handling, just amazing, i don't know anything about the Versys though. I also have a 2007 Harley sportster 1200, but is totally a different class bike. Good luck.