Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.

It's a little too wild looking for me. I wish they would bring the Zephyr back. BMW still sells air cooled motorcycles 100hp boxer twins, so it can be done to pass emissions. I think if I was going to buy a new motorcycle I'd spend the $16,000 and get the BMW R1200GS adventure, but my wife would shoot me as she wants a new Ford Mustang, which is probably a better use of the money. I'll just keep on riding the KZs I think.

reborn650 says: "I still have some apprehension bouncing around on a 400 pounder when the road gets bumpy"

You're right! and 400 pounds is "dry" weight. Add to that 30 pounds of fuel up above the center of gravity and another 15 pounds of oil and coolant, and put it all on those street tires - better stay on very clean, dry, smooth "off" roads. For ugly offroads I'll just take my other Z - a GMC Z71 truck ! Ed

As a owner of mostly Kawasakis and KTMs
over the years,I believe that bike will
be another dud.There are already more bikes
of that type in the US than there are buyers.
When the comparison testing begins in the
magazines,it will probably get roasted.Wait
a couple of years,you will probably be able to
buy a leftover cheap.

It is here by popular demand- I predict it will sell well at that price.

Hey guys, sorry to revive this old thread but I've had a chance to sit on one at the dealer and was offered a test ride (when the rain goes away). I just want to talk to some KZ nuts like myself about it. The Versys came to Canada in '07 so the local dealers are trying to get rid of what's left.

It is miles better looking than the V-Strom, which has a Scooter-like front fairing and this top-heavy look to it. In my opinion, the Versys is closer to a modern KZ than the Z750 and Z1000 are.

The Z1000 is just a naked, edgy-ninja/Transformer like thing - big deal. The Versys is as the KZ was - Versatile. It can be sporty on the open road, it can be a bit of a cruiser/poser around town and, in the Versys' case, it can also be a great tourer. I'm sold.

I'm looking at one closely as a "June-July" bike for those summer trips. I just have some concerns about its performance on the logging roads around here. The thing needs some knobbier tires IMHO, but you can get the hard cases, frame crash guards, hand guards, taller windshield. It's just missing a freaking centerstand.

So, what do you guys think? Is it as close as we've come in North America to the modern KZ? Anyone ever ride a Zephyr here?

Be sure to update us on your test ride and purchase if it goes through Conway.

I'd be interested in trying one.

Welcome to the European reality.
Maybe you guys should take the Versys out for a spin? Some of you might be surprised.

www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=5231

Anyone who has ever ridden any dual purpose motorcycle will tell you that they are engineered to do any and everything... poorly. They take the worst of streetbike traits and mate them to slow heavy badly sprung dirtbike traits to achieve the perfect screwed up motorcycle.

Wildh2oskier wrote:

Anyone who has ever ridden any dual purpose motorcycle will tell you that they are engineered to do any and everything... poorly. They take the worst of streetbike traits and mate them to slow heavy badly sprung dirtbike traits to achieve the perfect screwed up motorcycle.

somebody hasn't ridden a DRZ400SM :pinch:

Actually I have.

But if you like it more power to you. But a DP bike just doesn't satisfy me in either area. If al you d is around the town hops they would be fine but for serious roading or trail work then they are a great idea that comes up woefully short.