WANTED: CENTRAL TEXAS ADVers - Page 506

Mr2mch · 11-08-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dahveed

While the 650 Versys is a nice, fun, and versatile bike, I really don't put it in the Advtour class.

Its nice that all these companies are popping out Advtouring models now. Choice is almost always good for the consumer.

The Versys has it's place....I've seen some bikes set up to run down gravel roads just about as well as a V Strom (both with semi knobbies)....& they're light too. There's a longtime dirt rider here in Waco who has his DS bikes set up with semi knobby 17" front wheels & loves em. If you're not doin any really technical stuff ...they prob work just fine. I haven't sampled a bike set up like that...but I'd like to.....

Dahveed · 11-08-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr2mch

The Versys has it's place....I've seen some bikes set up to run down gravel roads just about as well as a V Strom (both with semi knobbies)....& they're light too. There's a longtime dirt rider here in Waco who has his DS bikes set up with semi knobby 17" front wheels & loves em. If you're not doin any really technical stuff ...they prob work just fine. I haven't sampled a bike set up like that...but I'd like to.....

Well, sure you can use just about any bike on the graded gravel roads we run. I've heard legend of a man that rides an FJR on gravel roads too.

But the true measure of an advtouring bike is can it handle some not so graded gravel or mud roads. Would you take that bike up the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay? I don't think the Versys is the platform that will excel at that sort of adventure. I know I wouldn't seriously consider doing it.

Don't get me wrong, I've heard great things about the Versys 650. I'd like to own one. But if the 1000 is anything like the 650, I do not consider it a ADVtouring bike.

AndrewT · 11-09-2011, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dahveed

That only leaves Kawa as the major bike producer that doesn't have a big advtour bike. KLR1400 perhaps...

Versys 1000:

Dahveed · 11-09-2011, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewT

Versys 1000:

Kawasaki doesn't consider the Versys 650 a "dual purpose" bike. They list it with their sport models.

From the Kawa website:

"Q. What is an excellent bike for commuting on the superslab, weekend jaunts over canyon roads or just overall riding fun? A: The Kawasaki Versys®. Introduced to acclaim from both the motorcycling press and the public a few years ago, the Versys was named "Motorcycle of the Year" by Motorcyclist magazine and placed on numerous top 10 lists in enthusiast publications. This solidly built multi-purpose tool will have you searching for more reasons to ride and more roads to explore."

Mudclod · 11-09-2011, 06:10 AM

Clark has taken his places where goats fear to tread! Ha!

SchizzMan · 11-09-2011, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewT

Versys 1000:

Begs for a bash plate.

Dahveed · 11-09-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchizzMan

Begs for a bash plate.

And a radiator guard, and spoke wheels, and a larger front wheel...

TxRoadWhore · 11-09-2011, 06:24 AM

WOW!!! The Honda Cross Tour looks sweet!! Maybe I need to up grade when they come out. It looks worth looking into. I just put over-sized pistons in my wee strom, but now that I have the ST1300, when I get on the 650 it feels like a mini-bike. I have been very impressed with the way the wee-strom handles off road, I really want to test out the Honda Cross Tour now. I have always liked an wanted a GS, I just don't like the overall cost of the bike and parts.

Dahveed · 11-09-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxRoadWhore

WOW!!! The Honda Cross Tour looks sweet!! Maybe I need to up grade when they come out. It looks worth looking into. I just put over-sized pistons in my wee strom, but now that I have the ST1300, when I get on the 650 it feels like a mini-bike. I have been very impressed with the way the wee-strom handles off road, I really want to test out the Honda Cross Tour now. I have always liked an wanted a GS, I just don't like the overall cost of the bike and parts.

Honda makes a good product. It should be interesting to see it when it comes out. Start saving your pennies now...

bigdave-gs · 11-09-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dahveed

And a radiator guard, and spoke wheels, and a larger front wheel...

I don't mind cast wheels, but it does need to be larger up front.

ghostrider1964 · 11-09-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxRoadWhore

WOW!!! The Honda Cross Tour looks sweet!! Maybe I need to up grade when they come out. It looks worth looking into. I just put over-sized pistons in my wee strom, but now that I have the ST1300, when I get on the 650 it feels like a mini-bike. I have been very impressed with the way the wee-strom handles off road, I really want to test out the Honda Cross Tour now. I have always liked an wanted a GS, I just don't like the overall cost of the bike and parts.

My God! You live...Never see ya anymore. We need to get together and drink a beer...got a proposition for ya

bigdave-gs · 11-09-2011, 08:10 AM

New 2012 650 V-Strom Adventure with ABS. Nice to see Suzuki building a complete bike, well it does need a skid plate. Still a good entry level bike for the beginner to intermediate Adventure Tour rider, hell it would work for some seasoned riders.

Dahveed · 11-09-2011, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdave-gs

New 2012 650 V-Strom Adventure with ABS. Nice to see Suzuki building a complete bike, well it does need a skid plate. Still a good entry level bike for the beginner to intermediate Adventure Tour rider, hell it would work for some seasoned riders.

It looks like the gas tank extends beyond the crash guard. If so, its not a good design...

bigdave-gs · 11-09-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dahveed

It looks like the gas tank extends beyond the crash guard. If so, its not a good design...

Most likely just the angle of the picture.

slowoldguy · 11-09-2011, 08:37 AM

I gotta tell y'all. That Wee looks great.

Couple of mod's and some needed guards and it is there. Looks to me like they were using Mud's big Vee as inspiration.

11-09-2011, 06:10 AM	#7580
Mudclod Mojo Moto Joined: Jun 2010 Location: Killeen, TX. Oddometer: 1,046	Clark has taken his places where goats fear to tread! Ha! __________________ 74 TY250 89 GB500 03 KDX220 06 DRZ400 08 DL1000 09 XR1200 Abandon all hope, it will help you focus.

11-09-2011, 08:10 AM	#7587
bigdave-gs Explorer Joined: Oct 2009 Location: Central Texas Oddometer: 1,900	New 2012 650 V-Strom Adventure with ABS. Nice to see Suzuki building a complete bike, well it does need a skid plate. Still a good entry level bike for the beginner to intermediate Adventure Tour rider, hell it would work for some seasoned riders. Attached Images __________________ It is said, some lives are linked across time, connected by an ancient calling that echoes through the ages. Currently riding a 2004 R1150GS Adv. but a very long list of others over the 30 + + years of riding

11-09-2011, 08:37 AM	#7590
slowoldguy Tire Tester Joined: Jun 2004 Location: West of Waco, Texas Oddometer: 6,205	I gotta tell y'all. That Wee looks great. Couple of mod's and some needed guards and it is there. Looks to me like they were using Mud's big Vee as inspiration. __________________ Roll The Bones IV- What's coming next? http://www.rollthebonesrally.com/ "If you can't fix it with a hammer you can damn sure teach it a lesson".

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11-09-2011, 06:24 AM	#7583
TxRoadWhore ADVstrom Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Crawford,Texas,U.S.A Oddometer: 48	WOW!!! The Honda Cross Tour looks sweet!! Maybe I need to up grade when they come out. It looks worth looking into. I just put over-sized pistons in my wee strom, but now that I have the ST1300, when I get on the 650 it feels like a mini-bike. I have been very impressed with the way the wee-strom handles off road, I really want to test out the Honda Cross Tour now. I have always liked an wanted a GS, I just don't like the overall cost of the bike and parts.