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 ?
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 :shocked:
I can honestly say that its the best bike I've ever had :yes:
I have an opinion on this, but It must be remembered that I never go near motorways :sleep1: :sleep1: 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) :mfr_lol: 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. :smiley:
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 ??
White is an 012 colour, but the 013/ 014 models only had colour changes, (and white is the best colour anyway :whistling: )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.
Quote from: viper on February 10, 2014, 08:34:30 PM
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 :yes:
Without banging a drum on behalf of the big Versys it treally is an exceptional machine and definitely worth taking out for a Demo
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!
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 :smiley:
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!!
what has the GTR got that the Versys has not , anything you versys guys miss from your Gtr days
Quote from: viper on February 11, 2014, 11:36:10 PM
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 :no:
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 :yes:
Quote from: viper on February 11, 2014, 11:36:10 PM
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 :ohplease: there is nothing that the GTR will do that the big Versys cant match.
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.
.
Quote from: pistole on February 12, 2014, 10:57:58 AM
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.
.
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. :yes:
Quote from: pistole on February 12, 2014, 10:57:58 AM
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.
.
+ 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 :yes:
Quote from: Ant on February 12, 2014, 11:58:31 AM
+ 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 :yes:
Ant, I haven't read any negative comments about the GTR, quite the contrary in fact, and as 100milesaway has stated this is a bikers forum and we should all enjoy the frank and honest exchange of opinions regarding different types and marques of motorcycles, I know that I certainly do. I'm an active member on several bike forums and without exception they all participate in honest and informative information about all matters relating to motorcycles (and even some subjects that aren't biking related ) :mfr_lol:
I've highlighted part of your post above, in order to emphasise the fact that with the exception of Shaft Drive the Versys 1000 has all those "gadgets" plus others, and its definitely more comfortable than the excellent GTR, for long distance touring or an days ride out, I can confirm this as I've had both machines :yes:
Point taken, but no adjustable screen while on the move and digital speedo, ----- just picking now :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :whistling:
I guess its just how posts are read, personally i don't like them or need those yet, but time will tell on their durability to thump out big mileages .
Whatever you do, don't mention the new BMW GS. :whistling:
Quote from: The Wolf on February 12, 2014, 06:05:22 PM
Whatever you do, don't mention the new BMW GS. :whistling:
what's one of them :popcorn:
Quote from: O.C. on February 12, 2014, 09:56:02 PM
what's one of them :popcorn:
Probably the best selling adventure bike in the world. :yes:
yup. You guys do love your GSs over there yonder !!
.
BMW R 1200 GS 2013 sales highlights:
The 2013 liquid-cooled BMW R 1200 GS was the UK's best-selling motorcycle over 125cc, with 1,737 registered.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the R 1200 GS has been the UK's best-selling motorcycle over 125cc.
The R 1200 GS outsold the second best-selling motorcycle in the UK by a ratio of 2.3 to 1 (1,737 to 743).
Over 25,000 of the new R 1200 GS have been sold worldwide, the most for any new model in the 90-year history of BMW Motorrad.
.
http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/bmw-r-1200-gs-top-selling-uk-motorcycle-125cc/
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its more than just shaft drive :
no TPMS (not smart to leave this one out)
looks like a cheap bike (caution : personal opinion here).
looks like the smaller 650 version.
very top heavy with the big 4 cylinder there.
ADV bike platform with 4 cylinders ? Who's idea was that ?
ADV bike platform with 17 inch wheels fr and rr ? Who sat around a table and decided that one ?
.
Quote from: pistole on February 12, 2014, 10:41:13 PM
its more than just shaft drive :
no TPMS (not smart to leave this one out) I really wont miss this and its potential problems
looks like a cheap bike (caution : personal opinion here). Maybe , but less is lighter !
looks like the smaller 650 version. dont like the 650 but love the 1000
very top heavy with the big 4 cylinder there. Yes it prob is, but overall lighter !
ADV bike platform with 4 cylinders ? Who's idea was that ? the best thing about this bike IMO, i hate any other engine config, nearly went for a varedero until I found out it was a twin
ADV bike platform with 17 inch wheels fr and rr ? Who sat around a table and decided that one ?
er, not bothered
.
Quote from: pistole on February 12, 2014, 10:41:13 PM
its more than just shaft drive :
no TPMS (not smart to leave this one out)
looks like a cheap bike (caution : personal opinion here).
looks like the smaller 650 version.
very top heavy with the big 4 cylinder there.
ADV bike platform with 4 cylinders ? Who's idea was that ?
ADV bike platform with 17 inch wheels fr and rr ? Who sat around a table and decided that one ?
.
Where have you seen it marketed as an "adventure bike" :wacko:
I quite like the Versys as an 'adventure type bike' or should that be a Super -- Super Moto ( being 17" wheels F+R ) :mfr_lol: i am on my fourth GTR and believe me i will NOT be purchasing a 5th, unless they make some serious upgrades and the price does not go silly. Having said that i would not buy a Versys - not my style of bike although i have never ridden one so it would be unfair to comment on the pro's and con's, but everyone to their own. I do like the new z1000sx though
Quote from: zedmeister on February 14, 2014, 03:51:17 PM
I quite like the Versys as an 'adventure type bike' or should that be a Super -- Super Moto ( being 17" wheels F+R ) :mfr_lol: i am on my fourth GTR and believe me i will NOT be purchasing a 5th, unless they make some serious upgrades and the price does not go silly. Having said that i would not buy a Versys - not my style of bike although i have never ridden one so it would be unfair to comment on the pro's and con's, but everyone to their own. I do like the new z1000sx though
Yes the z1000 gets very good press, but of course lots of it is the same as the big Versys, ie engine ( in a different state of tune) frame, traction control, 2 power modes, wheels and lots of other bits and bats, It also looks great, and is a fantastic seller for the big K, I fancy one myself, but have been spoiled by the utter comfort of the Versys, and if I asked my good lady if she fancied riding pillion on the SX I would be put firmly in my place.
This discussion interests me because I have moved the other way, ie from the Versys to the GTR and I wouldn't swap back. I find the GTR a much more stable platform than the Versys and have ridden it throughout this awful weather with no problems. Protection from the elements is much better. The electric screen is superb, not having to worry about the effect the weather is having on the chain is great too. Yes its a much larger bike but I don't notice this at all once underway. I have a Z1000sx too and that's great for weekend fun, but I am finding that the GTR is now creeping into weekend use now too, as well as being my workday travel tool.
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Good points Mark, and its interesting to see how different machines suit different riders requirements. I always loved my GTRs but now my motorcycling requirements etc have changed I'm better off with the Versys
Over the years I've had all sorts of bikes, I even tried a couple of Brit Irons not too long ago in an attempt to re-live my youth :embarrassed: it was a mistake :mfr_lol: but as they say "don't knock it till you've tried it"
I love my GTR and having just popped the 100 + miles down to Watford to have my Pheasant damage repaired in heavy rain spray and 2 Degree C temp I know I've got the right bike for me. But if you are thinking about a change
New 2012 bike with £1600 + of pipe and 3 box set free of charge + 0% finance. Only £8699 OTR. At that price you can spray it any colour you like.
There's still a few 2012 models around, that's an attractive offer :yes:
The Versys, as you chaps are saying here is doing very well ... Gs's are not for everyone :no: but ... ( and Steve knows him ) a friend of mine at work has been saving up for a new Rukka Jacket .. until he got a call from his local BM dealership asking if his 18 month old Gs was ok and did he fancy a test ride on the new liquid cooled ? The Rukka is on hold ! :eek: I shall update !
The GS LC will win...just saying!
Saving up....have you heard yourself, you mean just waiting for next payday, the amount of OT you guys get is criminal. :popcorn:
Saving up? what the fuck is that...... oh hang on , its something the super rich do ,
More likely to be something the super rich don't have to do, allegedly :mfr_lol:
2kwaks, have you anything to say on this matter :whistling:
He's another one, I want a ZZR 1441, so he buys one, I want a Ford Focus RS, so he buys one, I'm definitely in the wrong job. :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Winston Smith on February 28, 2014, 10:53:48 PM
The GS LC will win...just saying!
yeah. Two riders have tested mine and they're buying theirs already
the GSLC is an absolutely amazing machine.
thanks for recommending it Winston.
.
Whinny .... He collects in 2 weeks .... :yes:
Quote from: Rusty on March 03, 2014, 03:55:16 AM
Whinny .... He collects in 2 weeks .... :yes:
No surprises there then!
Just to pour some petrol on the barbeque...
I know where Kawasaki got their inspiration when they designed the Versys :mfr_lol:
Versys, the Edsel of motorcycles.
(http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/images/Christmas2013.jpg)
My alter ego :wink: had a ride on a Versys at the end of last year and was very impressed. It's a mental engine to have in an Adventure (styling wise) bike. I also test rode the Crosstourer (my review here (http://issuu.com/suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists/docs/sam_observer_march_2014) - page 16) but came to the conclusion that Adventure bikes are not for me.
Quote from: bacaruda on March 12, 2014, 08:31:50 AM
Just to pour some petrol on the barbeque...
I know where Kawasaki got their inspiration when they designed the Versys :mfr_lol:
Versys, the Edsel of motorcycles.
thats an excellent observation! the edsel was infamous for its Vagina front grill, haha
Are you implyiing that Versys riders are :censored: ? <rotflmao>
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Quote from: Boomer on March 14, 2014, 06:59:33 PM
Are you implyiing that Versys riders are :censored: ? <rotflmao>
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As they said about Edsel: "Put some hair around the beams, and it will look like a :censored:"
Writen on my laptop after a considerable amout of beer... :banana: :banana:
I think it is time to return this thread to its original question, in so doing perhaps any further vulgar personally directed remarks can be avoided, which are generally the stuff of tiny minds anyway.
I'm on record as saying what a stunning machine the GTR is, I have owned three since May 2008, my opinion in this respect hasn't changed, what has changed, however is my biking needs/requirements and after suffering serious effects of Diabetes, followed by Cancer I find that a lighter more manageable machine is now more suitable for my biking requirements, as a result I/we no longer use a motorcycle to take holidays and to 'Tour' on, so a more practical and ultimately versatile machine makes sense, I/we have covered many thousands of miles/kilometres in the past on a bike and enjoying our holidays and the company of friends. I'm still able to cover many miles on my current bike, in fact approaching 7000 of them since July 2013.
I hope that I have always been polite to other members on here, and indeed on the previous GTR forum, which many 'newer' members on here may not even be aware of, and have, I hope, never resorted to personally related comments, made from behind the safety of a keyboard.
In short every ones tastes are different, that's what makes biking and life so pleasurable ~ you know, meeting others and exchanging/sharing views in a friendly and 'brotherly' manner.
Biking forums are just an extension of that 'brotherhood' and naturally from time to time can descend into depths where reality, reason and good manners are forgotten. I hope that I have never been guilty of this failure.
This post isn't a rant nor is is it one designed to preach from a lofty platform, it is one which hopefully will rationally explain my opinion, which is that the GTR is an absolutely stunning machine which I (personally) prefer to the other marques offered as options, however the GTR is no longer a machine that suits my requirements, needs and abilities.
I'm guilty of trying all sorts of other manufacturers offerings, but as yet I cannot find one that offers what the Kawasaki Versys 1000 does for the money, I suppose I'm also guilty of being a Kawasaki protagonist having owned many models from 1970 onwards ~ I still have a 1970s Kawasaki Triple.
There ya go .......I've said my piece, which I hope will be read and understood in the manner in which it has been composed :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on March 15, 2014, 08:37:42 AM
I think it is time to return this thread to its original question, in so doing perhaps any further vulgar personally directed remarks can be avoided, which are generally the stuff of tiny minds anyway.
I'm on record as saying what a stunning machine the GTR is, I have owned three since May 2008, my opinion in this respect hasn't changed, what has changed, however is my biking needs/requirements and after suffering serious effects of Diabetes, followed by Cancer I find that a lighter more manageable machine is now more suitable for my biking requirements, as a result I/we no longer use a motorcycle to take holidays and to 'Tour' on, so a more practical and ultimately versatile machine makes sense, I/we have covered many thousands of miles/kilometres in the past on a bike and enjoying our holidays and the company of friends. I'm still able to cover many miles on my current bike, in fact approaching 7000 of them since July 2013.
I hope that I have always been polite to other members on here, and indeed on the previous GTR forum, which many 'newer' members on here may not even be aware of, and have, I hope, never resorted to personally related comments, made from behind the safety of a keyboard.
In short every ones tastes are different, that's what makes biking and life so pleasurable ~ you know, meeting others and exchanging/sharing views in a friendly and 'brotherly' manner.
Biking forums are just an extension of that 'brotherhood' and naturally from time to time can descend into depths where reality, reason and good manners are forgotten. I hope that I have never been guilty of this failure.
This post isn't a rant nor is is it one designed to preach from a lofty platform, it is one which hopefully will rationally explain my opinion, which is that the GTR is an absolutely stunning machine which I (personally) prefer to the other marques offered as options, however the GTR is no longer a machine that suits my requirements, needs and abilities.
I'm guilty of trying all sorts of other manufacturers offerings, but as yet I cannot find one that offers what the Kawasaki Versys 1000 does for the money, I suppose I'm also guilty of being a Kawasaki protagonist having owned many models from 1970 onwards ~ I still have a 1970s Kawasaki Triple.
There ya go .......I've said my piece, which I hope will be read and understood in the manner in which it has been composed :yes:
a well crafted and balanced view and now back on topic.
I love my GTR but the Versys caught my eye whilst we were in J and S the other week. My question in a nutshell was trying to understand what the Versys doesnt give you , its price is about 5k cheaper than a GTR , what are you sacraficing for this financial gain.
The questions have been answered really and the Versys is on my future hit list. I dont find the Versys very pretty but i also dont consider the GTR much of a looker either. The GTR is the most
capable bike ive ever owned and shall remain for a few years longer, just maybe in a different colour!
OC, I only ever read the comments towards the bottom of page three as light hearted banter, and never for one moment thought they might be aimed at you or anyone else on the forum as a personal attack. I am sure if you are genuinely upset by them, then the posters will do their best to put your mind at rest.
However..............
as a rider who loved the Versys 650 when it first came out, and only never bought one because I had a Vstrom 1000 [ which is not the most photogenic of motorcycles ] I did look at the Versys 1000, but was swayed by the GTR in it's own right, and the odd look of an in-line four on the Versys.
Now lets all kiss and make up and remember, my safe word is 'banana'
Most definately not aimed at anyone except those who put down the GTR. I have never ever put down someones choice of motorcycle except for those who have a go at my choice first. As ye sow, so shall ye reap. I even understand the attraction of Harleys but they are not for me.
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Nice one Boom ... I too am attracted to strange things ... The Gs being one of them but I can, like you and maybe not so many others find other bikes likeable .. For example the huge HD Road king and at the other end of the spectrum the Gsxr 1000 .. To me both look brilliant but utterly useless for what I need and want so it never goes any further than that. Does that make sense ? :innocent:
OC. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and i'm sorry if you and others where offended by my postings. The last one was way below the belt and uneccesary. Blames that one on beer (realy have to get a alco-lock on my computer....) I find the versys to be more odd than nice looking and can't get myself to like this "new" trend to put two beams on top of each other. But thats just me. Kawasaki is not alone and there will probably be more of those as the adventure-type bikes are getting even more popular.
I made my Edsel-observation when I got the opportunity to borrow a 1000 Versys for a couple of days. At Kawasaki, they need help with doing miles on their demo-bikes before they get driven like hooligans by journalists and others, so once in a while I help my friend at Kawasaki with that (Versys comes in green this year).
Do I like the bike aside from it looks? Well yes. Its very comfy, nice riding position. I love the engines in the Z1000 family and in the versys it leaves even more low/mid-range grunt than the Z1000sx. As a commuter, I would be great, maybe a little bit to high for me to have full control while standing still, As a long-range bike, It's the second best Kawasaki has to offer if you want to sit upriight. (after the GTR..)
Would I want to own one? Not as my need for transportation looks right now. And that goes with all adventure style bikes. They'r not good enough as pure tourers, to heavy to be serious on gravel roads and they dont put a big enough smile on my face, parked or rolling. But again, thats just me. maybe I'm not adventurous enough.
Again, sorry if I offended you. No hard feelings hey?
I just tried to be funny, and sometimes that kicks back at you like a mule on crack.