Kawasaki Versys

Message
Author
Scott Paeth
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:50 pm

Kawasaki Versys

#1 Unread post by Scott Paeth »

Hey, all, I was looking at the Kawasaki Versys and was wondering how much of a beginner bike it could be considered.

All I really know to guess at a bike's capabilities is the horsepower; it has 64HP, compared to the ~50 of the Suzuki GS500F and the Kawasaki 500R, and compared to the ~70HP of the SV650 and V-Strom.
That seems like a bit more than most people here would recommend, but not to the level of a GSX-R?
Has anyone here ridden them?
Does anyone have opinions on using this as a beginner bike?
And before I'm asked, I am saving up to get training before riding.
Bachstrad37
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 427
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:40 am
Sex: Male
Location: Duluth, MN

#2 Unread post by Bachstrad37 »

This bike sure looks like the Canadian version of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. Unless I missed something, the Versys has the same identical engine specs as the Ninja 650R.

If so, it falls into the grey area of great beginner bike. Inline twins are nothing like the inline-4. Seating position seem standard rather than sport.

Personally, I think it'd be a great beginner street bike if you had previous experience with dirt bikes. Than again, I started on a 1500cc V-twin. Take my advice with a grain of salt.
2003 VN1500P Kawasaki Mean Streak
2009 Yamaha Nytro FX
Scott Paeth
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:50 pm

#3 Unread post by Scott Paeth »

Canada's got its own Ninja 650R; this is some new Euro/Canada only mini adventure sport thing. It's reviewing pretty well in British magazines.

Thanks for the advice, too. I figured as much; I might end up buying a beat-up old offroader and toodle around until I feel confident, and then move to something like this (or more ;))
User avatar
Gadjet
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 1195
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:01 pm
Real Name: Owen Clark
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 19
My Motorcycle: 2020 KTM 200 Duke
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Contact:

#4 Unread post by Gadjet »

Rode a Versys a couple of weeks ago. Very comfortable bike with the upright seating position and relatively wide bars. Very smooth with almost no vibration to numb the hands (although I only got to ride the bike for about a half hour - time will tell if it's noticeable on longer rides) and very responsive. Steering is very neutral and it takes almost no effort to keep the bike going where you want it to once it's tipped in. Seat is nice and comfy, and nowhere near as high as the spec sheet says - if the rider seat is 37" above the ground (2" more than the KLR650) I'll eat my hat (I can flat foot the Versys - I can't flat foot my KLR)

Beginner bike?

No.

As Bachstrad says, it has the same drivetrain as the Ninja 650R, and it shows. it is very powerful and has a responsive throttle (it's not twitchy, just responsive).

Would be a good second or third bike though, and it's one that I am looking at adding to my garage.

Owen
1983 Suzuki GS650GL (sold)
2005 Kawasaki KLR 650 (sold)
2020 KTM 200 Duke
IBA#20953
IG: @greenmanwc
User avatar
Sev
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 7352
Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 7:52 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta

#5 Unread post by Sev »

I wouldn't really have a problem recomending it as a first bike to a tall rider. If you're shorter steer clear.

And it seems bloody top heavy when you first get going on it.


And what the heck do you mean "Canadian Version" of the ninja???
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.

[url=http://sirac-sev.blogspot.com/][img]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/Sevulturus/sig.jpg[/img][/url]
User avatar
tortus
Elite
Elite
Posts: 233
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:29 am
Sex: Male
Location: Morgantown, WV

#6 Unread post by tortus »

It looks like ever since Kawasaki developed the 650R they've decided to get their money's worth and have pushed its tech into several bikes now, this being one of them.

If it rides like the 650R, then it's probably a great bike, but yeah grey area beginner bike. IMO, not a bike for a 100% completely new to bikes beginner.
Post Reply