New Kawasaki Versys 1000 in 2012 - Page 27

skysailor · 06-17-2012, 07:38 PM

Stopped by a Kawasaki store in Thunder Bay this morning. Guy was washing his truck, but of course being Sunday, he didn't want to open up the showroom and show it to me. To bad. I know the store owner and the bike is pretty much on my short list to replace my 650. But being a 6 hour ride, I'll probably have to head to Winnipeg to see one. Are they much taller than the 650?
Lyle

skysailor · 06-18-2012, 06:24 PM

These are NOT dual sport bikes. Kawasaki is marketing both Versys for the pavement. Why are they in "Beasts"? Kawasaki has a dual sport. It's called a KLR. The Versys is a roomy upright motorcycle.

Despite its rugged looks, Kawasaki's new Versys 1000 is not a competitor for BMW's R1200GS, the model that created the adventure bike class.
Where the GS has sufficient off-road ability to make it the default choice for round-the-world adventurers with deserts and rivers to cross, the Versys 1000 shares the same basic engine and frame, as well as many minor components, as Kawasaki's Z1000 road bike. Off-road, it wouldn't see which way the BMW went.

Kawasaki has a bike that'll go everywhere a BMW R1200GS will go. For about a quarter of the price. The KLR.

Hell's bells, even a Ducati Monster can make down the odd gravel road.

GrahamD · 06-18-2012, 10:10 PM

If a DL1000 V-Strom is called an Adventure bike, I am sure the Kawasaki can be called one too.

Cruz · 06-19-2012, 12:42 AM

And the Crosstourer, Stelvio, , Amazonis etc etc etc.

coast range rider · 06-19-2012, 07:52 AM

17 inch front wheel = Road Warrior

GrahamD · 06-19-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coast range rider

17 inch front wheel = Road Warrior

Better get the multi out of here as well

pilot · 06-20-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrahamD

Better get the multi out of here as well

Tiger 1050s, too.

Dust_ · 06-22-2012, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skysailor

These are NOT dual sport bikes. Kawasaki is marketing both Versys for the pavement. Why are they in "Beasts"? Kawasaki has a dual sport. It's called a KLR. The Versys is a roomy upright motorcycle.

Despite its rugged looks, Kawasaki's new Versys 1000 is not a competitor for BMW's R1200GS, the model that created the adventure bike class.
Where the GS has sufficient off-road ability to make it the default choice for round-the-world adventurers with deserts and rivers to cross, the Versys 1000 shares the same basic engine and frame, as well as many minor components, as Kawasaki's Z1000 road bike. Off-road, it wouldn't see which way the BMW went.

Kawasaki has a bike that'll go everywhere a BMW R1200GS will go. For about a quarter of the price. The KLR.

Hell's bells, even a Ducati Monster can make down the odd gravel road.

It's just because of sitting position. Versys's smaller brother also here in beasts, aswell as v-strom and such.

For the record, went to change tyres yesterday and completed the look-around on the V1000 (they don't have one for test-drives)... this thing is GOURGEOUS!!!! I guess I'm used to the look by now, but I even find it a beautifull bike

burgerking · 06-22-2012, 09:08 AM

Today I took my Tiger 800 to the dealer for the recall on the gear return spring and center stand.
While waiting I took a short testride on the Versys 1000. Can only say

handling is brilliant compared to the T800. Brakes and suspension also better as is the wind protection. The seat is also great, I felt at home right away. If the thing wasn't so ugly (I know that is subjective, but it is my money) I would trade in my 800 right away. As it is the T800 lives on the see another day, but for how long

Stridercal · 06-28-2012, 01:58 PM

Has BIKE reviewed the Versys 1000 yet?

If so, what did they have to say?

Azmo · 06-29-2012, 12:48 PM

The bike is pretty heavy (239 kg), but i feel i handle it easier then my previous bike (bmw dakar f650gs).
It IS powerful - oh gosh - my dakar was so lame comparing to this z1000 motor (though it is 'downgraded' a bit). The torque is good, the acceleration is great and i drive within the city on '75% power' mode, switching to 100% only outside the city.
Traction control is a great add-on
ABS is nice
my wife is so grateful - she can drive now with me to any distance and feels great even after long distances - the seat is soooo great and comfortable. and a happy wife makes a happy husband

already have 2500km from 14th of June. Bike is great

Bollocks · 06-29-2012, 01:09 PM

I have not read all the posts but does it not look like a Kawasaki TDM850 from the early 90's.

tremor38 · 06-30-2012, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bollocks

I have not read all the posts but does it not look like a Kawasaki TDM850 from the early 90's.

YAMAHA made the TDM850.

eddie bolted · 06-30-2012, 06:20 AM

Kawasaki has a bike that'll go everywhere a BMW R1200GS will go. For about a quarter of the price. The KLR.

QUOTE]
Personally i think the KLR will go MORE places than the BMW and everywhere the BMW will go!

RaY YreKa · 06-30-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stridercal

Has BIKE reviewed the Versys 1000 yet?

If so, what did they have to say?

They loved it 2up, and tested it as the fatest and best-braked of the big ADV tourers.

But, like most, they found the I4 engine in an ADV chassis a bit, well, odd.

06-18-2012, 10:10 PM	#393
GrahamD Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2009 Location: Blue Mnts Ozstralia Oddometer: 3,816	If a DL1000 V-Strom is called an Adventure bike, I am sure the Kawasaki can be called one too. __________________ "It's better to ride a boring bike than push an interesting one" ... Canuman The 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere is a hungry bike. Touring? Eats it up. Twisties? Eats it up. Back country camping with a heavy load. Eats it up." - Tumu Rock AMA.

06-19-2012, 12:42 AM	#394
Cruz Lost but laughing. Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Northside Brisbane, Qld Australia Oddometer: 4,576	And the Crosstourer, Stelvio, , Amazonis etc etc etc. __________________ The very existence of flamethrowers proves that sometime, somewhere, someone said to themselves, “You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I’m just not close enough to get the job done.” George Carlin

06-28-2012, 01:58 PM	#400
Stridercal Adventurer Joined: Sep 2010 Oddometer: 20	Bike Magazine (UK) Has BIKE reviewed the Versys 1000 yet? If so, what did they have to say?

06-29-2012, 12:48 PM	#401
Azmo beginner Joined: Jan 2012 Location: Overcrowded Moscow Oddometer: 32	so a bit of personal review The bike is pretty heavy (239 kg), but i feel i handle it easier then my previous bike (bmw dakar f650gs). It IS powerful - oh gosh - my dakar was so lame comparing to this z1000 motor (though it is 'downgraded' a bit). The torque is good, the acceleration is great and i drive within the city on '75% power' mode, switching to 100% only outside the city. Traction control is a great add-on ABS is nice my wife is so grateful - she can drive now with me to any distance and feels great even after long distances - the seat is soooo great and comfortable. and a happy wife makes a happy husband already have 2500km from 14th of June. Bike is great __________________ Kasoo

06-29-2012, 01:09 PM	#402
Bollocks Farts with an Accent™ Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Watauga lake, TN Oddometer: 4,178	I have not read all the posts but does it not look like a Kawasaki TDM850 from the early 90's. __________________ Paul The Self-Preservation Society 08 Triumph 1050 Toight like a Toiger Remember the time when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous.

06-17-2012, 07:38 PM	#391
skysailor Rat Rider Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Kenora, Canada Oddometer: 2,797	Stopped by a Kawasaki store in Thunder Bay this morning. Guy was washing his truck, but of course being Sunday, he didn't want to open up the showroom and show it to me. To bad. I know the store owner and the bike is pretty much on my short list to replace my 650. But being a 6 hour ride, I'll probably have to head to Winnipeg to see one. Are they much taller than the 650? Lyle

06-18-2012, 06:24 PM	#392
skysailor Rat Rider Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Kenora, Canada Oddometer: 2,797	These are NOT dual sport bikes. Kawasaki is marketing both Versys for the pavement. Why are they in "Beasts"? Kawasaki has a dual sport. It's called a KLR. The Versys is a roomy upright motorcycle. Despite its rugged looks, Kawasaki's new Versys 1000 is not a competitor for BMW's R1200GS, the model that created the adventure bike class. Where the GS has sufficient off-road ability to make it the default choice for round-the-world adventurers with deserts and rivers to cross, the Versys 1000 shares the same basic engine and frame, as well as many minor components, as Kawasaki's Z1000 road bike. Off-road, it wouldn't see which way the BMW went. Kawasaki has a bike that'll go everywhere a BMW R1200GS will go. For about a quarter of the price. The KLR. Hell's bells, even a Ducati Monster can make down the odd gravel road.

06-19-2012, 07:52 AM	#395
coast range rider Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2009 Location: 20 MINUTES FROM ANYWHERE Oddometer: 103	17 inch front wheel = Road Warrior

06-22-2012, 09:08 AM	#399
burgerking echt bezopen Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Holland Oddometer: 394	Today I took my Tiger 800 to the dealer for the recall on the gear return spring and center stand. While waiting I took a short testride on the Versys 1000. Can only say handling is brilliant compared to the T800. Brakes and suspension also better as is the wind protection. The seat is also great, I felt at home right away. If the thing wasn't so ugly (I know that is subjective, but it is my money) I would trade in my 800 right away. As it is the T800 lives on the see another day, but for how long

06-30-2012, 06:20 AM	#404
eddie bolted Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: st. clair pa. Oddometer: 1,763	Kawasaki has a bike that'll go everywhere a BMW R1200GS will go. For about a quarter of the price. The KLR. QUOTE] Personally i think the KLR will go MORE places than the BMW and everywhere the BMW will go! __________________ If it stops raining now, i,ll be pissed!(BEANTOP)

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