New Kawasaki Versys 1000 in 2012

[996DL]

Originally Posted by Twilight

Kevin Ash is going to have the first review up tomorrow. I can't wait to see what he thinks of it.
http://ashonbikes.com/

It'll be interesting to hear his take, on vibration levels...

996DL

[Twilight]

Review is up!

[danketchpel]

Originally Posted by mminob

...... However...on my Ninja 1000 demo ride...same motor as Versys 1000...the 4 cylinder buzz was very noticeable at highway cruising speeds...so if you keep the revs above 5,000 or 6,000 rpms it's pretty smooth...here is the problem I have with this much power that the 1000 has...almost too much torque and horsepower...this motor has speeding ticket potential thrust...down low, about 3000 rpms...the party starts...and just pulls like crazy right to 10,000 rpms...scary fast adventure bike...

I rode a Ninja 1000 also and came away with the same feeling. I thought the Ninja was geared really short and could easily use another tooth on the front sprocket which I "think" would have improved the vibes on the freeway. I got back on my Vstrom 1000 after and it felt silky smooth in comparison.

I agree about it being a ticket generator, same reason I sold my last 4cyl bike (KZ650) back in the early '80s.

[996DL]

Nice to see Kevin Ash doesn't seem to pull any punches, with this big bore Versys review.

High speed stability issues surfacing (with the luggage, if fitted, likely near empty), noticeable (annoying) vibration levels above 6000 rpm, front fork compliance concerns...

Far from a home run, at least with this early preview.

996DL

[danketchpel]

I thought Kevin's review was pretty honest.

With all that grunt maybe a gearing change will solve the vibe problem on the freeway? It sounds like the forks need some serious tuning though, maybe not so hard, don't know.

It sounds like the rest is pretty good overall. It sounds like they paid good attention to both rider and pillion ergos and comfort, excellent. I'm glad to read the weight isn't too bad, that's what I was afraid of. Too many bikes need to be put on a diet these days.

[RaY YreKa]

Originally Posted by 996DL

Nice to see Kevin Ash doesn't seem to pull any punches, with this big bore Versys review.

High speed stability issues surfacing (with the luggage, if fitted, likely near empty), noticeable (annoying) vibration levels above 6000 rpm, front fork compliance concerns...

Far from a home run, at least with this early preview.

996DL

To be fair, he still concludes that it is 'outstandingly good' overall.

[996DL]

Originally Posted by ray_rev

To be fair, he still concludes that it is 'outstandingly good' overall.

"The fact the bike is otherwise so outstandingly good makes this more of a shame
than it might otherwise be."

While he's mostly summing up his disappointment with the front forks, in the above statement, his other insights into possible high speed stability issues and vibration levels are for myself, caution flags not to be brushed aside. The majority of more mainstream mc press releases, have the nasty and self serving tendency, to praise the plus and not publish the negative.

It almost seems forgiveable nowadays, to white wash a bike's flaws / faults at elevated speeds, because of the "what were you doing, going that fast anyways", societal mentality of late. I still like to hear of what a bike behaves like, while doing the "ton", with or without luggage / loads, passengers and the like.

So, as for you Kevin Ash, thanks for at times jeopardizing your relationship with the mc industry,
by reporting honestly, what you experience first hand, in your test reports.

996DL

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by 996DL

While he's mostly summing up his disappointment with the front forks, in the above statement, his other insights into possible high speed stability issues and vibration levels are for myself, caution flags not to be brushed aside. The majority of more mainstream mc press releases, have the nasty and self serving tendency, to praise the plus and not publish the negative.

996DL

I see some cross brace manufacturers rubbing there hands at the moment

So you have 1500-6000 to play with.
Oh dear that is just so terrible [/sarcasm]

Anyway better read the article I suppose.

Well after reading all that, it seems like a Stromasaki. Same high speed weaving issues, but the big Strom doesn't have what he describes in the rough. On the other hand he may have just jumped of a very well sorted bike.

Anyway fork braces and some suspension work may be needed with the spare cash you saved, over the competition.

And that would be one hell of a suspension job..
(where I live anyway)

[olie]

Originally Posted by 996DL

"The fact the bike is otherwise so outstandingly good makes this more of a shame
than it might otherwise be."

While he's mostly summing up his disappointment with the front forks, in the above statement, his other insights into possible high speed stability issues and vibration levels are for myself, caution flags not to be brushed aside. The majority of more mainstream mc press releases, have the nasty and self serving tendency, to praise the plus and not publish the negative.

It almost seems forgiveable nowadays, to white wash a bike's flaws / faults at elevated speeds, because of the "what were you doing, going that fast anyways", societal mentality of late. I still like to hear of what a bike behaves like, while doing the "ton", with or without luggage / loads, passengers and the like.

So, as for you Kevin Ash, thanks for at times jeopardizing your relationship with the mc industry,
by reporting honestly, what you experience first hand, in your test reports.

996DL

If big IF, the front forks were set up the way my C14 was set, it is a great review by Kevin. When I drove my C14 first from the dealership, I almost prayed to get home in one piece. It was a long 26 mile ride that put me almost in tears, regrets and buyers remorse... After adjustment and almost 40k miles later I love my C14, so much that if I were on the market to buy a touring bike, I would buy the same bike again regardless of the price.

[lukasteam]

Not even a hint about off road...

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by lukasteam

Not even a hint about off road...

The English Don't do off road. You have to wait for the Southern Hemisphere reviews for that.

When the South Africans get it you will know pretty quickly how far it will go and what will break off the tarmac.

Then us Aussies will just confirm it.

[Twilight]

If you are so interested in off road. Why are you looking at this bike at all???

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by Twilight

If you are so interested in off road. Why are you looking at this bike at all???

Seen any Stroms go off road?

[Twilight]

Originally Posted by GrahamD

Seen any Stroms go off road?

Not where I live. Any motorized driving off road is strictly forbidden and can result in heavy fines and/or seizure of used vehicle. And I guess most of vestern Europe is the same.


But I recon the Strom have some limited off road use buildt into it. Can't see that in this bike.

[lukasteam]

Originally Posted by Twilight

If you are so interested in off road. Why are you looking at this bike at all???

Well, it's advertised as an ADVENTURE bike and it's in the "Beasts" category on Adventure Rider forum or is it a computer glitch and I'm in "Road Warriors" which actually also has Versys 1000 thread and I think it's the right place for it. I think to call big bike like that an adventure , it has to be 60/40 , on road/off road , but it's just me...let the attacks begin .