Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.

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24 Aug 2007 07:15 #166056 by RonKZ650
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.

321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.

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24 Aug 2007 09:00 #166071 by 650ed
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

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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24 Aug 2007 15:40 #166136 by tjettim
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.

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24 Aug 2007 17:00 #166148 by CruisingRam
Replied by CruisingRam on topic Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.
It is here by popular demand- I predict it will sell well at that price.

1975 Z1 B 900- soon to be heavily modded
Pahoa, Hawaii is my new hom
I am working hard to save up the shipping money to get my shop opened here in Hawaii
I hate electrical stuff.

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01 Nov 2007 23:02 #179235 by inline79
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?

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02 Nov 2007 06:11 #179256 by rstnick
Be sure to update us on your test ride and purchase if it goes through Conway.

I'd be interested in trying one.

Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, Progressive Suspension, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s

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02 Nov 2007 15:14 - 28 Aug 2009 23:53 #179347 by KZ250LTD

79 KZ1000ST
Past:
Many.
Last edit: 28 Aug 2009 23:53 by KZ250LTD.

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02 Nov 2007 19:04 #179377 by ibsen22000
Replied by ibsen22000 on topic Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.
Welcome to the European reality.
Maybe you guys should take the Versys out for a spin? Some of you might be surprised.B)

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

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02 Nov 2007 21:57 #179395 by Wildh2oskier
Replied by Wildh2oskier on topic Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.
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.

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02 Nov 2007 22:27 #179396 by Makarth
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:


1977 kz1000 - Megasquirt project @ 40% wiring, plenum, and exhaust<--(done!)

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03 Nov 2007 08:52 #179427 by Wildh2oskier
Replied by Wildh2oskier on topic Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.
Actually I have.

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03 Nov 2007 08:55 #179428 by Wildh2oskier
Replied by Wildh2oskier on topic Kawasaki brings its versatile Versys to the U.S.
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.

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