Versys V Gtr

[viper]

Managed to cop a leg over the Versys today and got the wingman into her seat as well, she gave it 2 big thumbs up ( that does not happen often) in terms of space and comfort  and visability although we didnt ride it.

How does it compare to the GTR in terms of wind protection with the reduced screen and fairing ?

[O.C.]

Its almost as good as the GTR for wind protection, and doesn't react as much to cross winds, it has an absolutely stonking, torquey engine and is much, much more comfy than the GTR...another benefit for me and my wonky foot is that it is about 10 stones lighter than the GTR   

I can honestly say that its the best bike I've ever had     

[100milesaway]

I have an opinion on this,   but   It must be remembered that I never go near motorways   I only do A/B roads, and on these roads and at the kind of speeds that I do the big Versys is fine, the side pod fairings keep all the wind off the legs. Regarding the screen most owners change it, I have a Vario MRA on mine, and it is better than standard , but the general opinion is that the Airflow screen is the best, ( I have ridden Rogers bike which is fitted with an Airflow, and his screen is better than my MRA), and the Versys does have a fair bit of adjustment in the screen department. And yes the engine is an utter peach, a lot less fussy about what gear it is in than the GTR, and is more like an automatic in use, it is just not bothered as to what gear you use, just turn the throttle and it will go. But the jewel in the big Vs crown is it's comfort, It's just built for comfort for both rider and pillion, indeed lots of pillion passengers (including mine) have stated that it is THE most comfy bike that they have ever sat on. For me though, as the years roll on weight and bulk are a big issue, (for me and my bikes) and the Versys feels about half the size and weight of the GTR. Also with a new one selling for about about 5 grand less (complete with full luggage) than a GTR, an absolute bargain. Try one and see.   

[viper]

J and S are selling a new ( unregistered) versys , in white with full luggage for £8500 , im quessing that is a kawasaki fueled promo on last years colours, is this a good deal ??

[100milesaway]

White is an 012 colour, but the 013/ 014 models only had colour changes, (and white is the best colour anyway  )so effectively are the same bike. At £8500 I think you get a lot of bike for your money. However, are J&S a Kawasaki official dealer?,   I think not!!!.  Most Kawasaki official dealers would do you the same deal, and have demo bikes so prospective customers can have a  l o n g  test ride.

[O.C.]

J and S are selling a new ( unregistered) versys , in white with full luggage for £8500 , im quessing that is a kawasaki fueled promo on last years colours, is this a good deal ??

Yep it's a good deal, there are still some 2012 models with luggage available but my guess is that they are now getting thin on the ground. J & S being a larger dealer will no doubt have some clout and higher stock levels so may still have a few tucked away   

Without banging a drum on behalf of the big Versys it treally is an exceptional machine and definitely worth taking out for a Demo

[Winston Smith]

The biggest thing that would put me off is the chain drive. 

I don't understand why they didn't develop it with a shaft transmission (well I do - cost!)

Must say I took years to get away from C&S and won't go back!

[O.C.]

Dya know what Chris, my previous Five bikes all had shaft drive, and I can truthfully say I don't miss it, I clean the chain with a proprietory cleaner once a month and give it a squirt of lub every 300 or so miles and its just fine, granted there is some muck to clean off the rear of the number plate and every 6 months I clean out the front sprocket cover, otherwise there's no problem with it at all      

[Winston Smith]

Don't get me wrong Roger, always had C&S bikes and had no problem doing the maintenance  but I just enjoy more not having to do the maintenance!!

[viper]

what has the GTR got that the Versys has not , anything you versys guys miss from your Gtr days

[O.C.]

what has the GTR got that the Versys has not , anything you versys guys miss from your Gtr days

My honest answer to that question is ............................I don't miss anything of the GTR at all   

Don't get me wrong,I still think the GTR is a stonking machine, and I covered many thousands of very happy miles on the Three that I have owned, BUT for my needs the Versys 1000 is literally streets ahead  of the GTR............would I buy another Versys 1000 ?..........  YES I WOULD .........quicker than you can say Kawasaki   

[100milesaway]

what has the GTR got that the Versys has not , anything you versys guys miss from your Gtr days

Mmmm, what has the GTR got that the Versys has not?, well it has,            too much weight/bulk,  slow dull feeling steering, an engine that until you rev the nuts off it feels flat, and objects to pulling high gears at low speeds. In all honesty apart from cruise at 130 mph  there is nothing that the GTR will do that the big Versys cant match.

[pistole]

perhaps like I got told off in that GTR -vs- new GS thread : its no use comparing a 1000cc upright riding adv bike platform with a 1400cc super sports tourer platform.

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[100milesaway]

perhaps like I got told off in that GTR -vs- new GS thread : its no use comparing a 1000cc upright riding adv bike platform with a 1400cc super sports tourer platform.

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It matters not what bikes we talk about, if someone asks a question and you know the answer, or have an opinion, speak up.  It's what forums are for.

[Ant]

perhaps like I got told off in that GTR -vs- new GS thread : its no use comparing a 1000cc upright riding adv bike platform with a 1400cc super sports tourer platform.

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+ 1,
I think what the original post was really asking is, 'is there a big difference between the 2' yes there is, but how you see that difference is entirely up to the person riding the bike.

Me personally, I wouldn't change the GTR for anything, don't need to...yes its heavy, but so is the FJR and I won't change that while i can still handle them.  I like gadgets, traction control, shaft drive, weather protection, wind on my helmet if i want, large dash and the old school clocks etc. With the Mrs on the back we can be on the bike for over 8 hours, with a decent seat, and even longer to hit the south of france in one day, with no complaints or sore bums.....

If you like the verseys  then that is the bike for you and I'm sure it will be fine, we are not getting any younger, or stronger and technology is changing far too fast...... its an individual thing.
Lets not forget that this is a 1400GTR forum......the last thing people want to read is negative comments about them when in reality its a lovely bike that is admired wherever you go