Kawasaki Versys 1000 GT

Hi folks, sorry not been on the forum much since I chopped the Tiger 800 XC in for this, so I would just say hello and give you a brief idea of how things are going.

I'm at 1700 miles and had it just over a month and so far so good; nothing has broken or dropped off! Now the engine is run in I can give it some stick and it feels proper quick, low down torque has surprised me pulling hard from just over 2K and just a bit of extra excitement at the top of the rev range. Would say the closest Triumph equivalent would be the Tiger 1050 Sport which was more cramped for me and less comfortable.

If you are daft enough to turn the traction control off the Kawasaki is a bit of a power wheelie monster and certainly ticks the 'fun' box if out for a blast. I bought the bike mainly for touring and its here the bike comes into it's own, great handling for a 250KG bike, 230 ish mile fuel range, easy top gear overtakes, comfort and decent wind protection with the taller aftermarket screen.

The thing I like the most is the integrated luggage, it is made by Givi and branded Kawasaki, empty they are about 1/2 the weight of the ridiculously heavy Tiger boxes and fit to the bike Multistrada like with no frames (or swinging Triumph arms) I do not notice any difference in the handling of the bike with the luggage on it is super stable.

Minor niggles: Still awaiting Kawasaki UK to supply the dealer with the remaining items of the GT kit which are the colour coded finish panels for the panniers, power socket, gear indicator, engine crash protection and driving lights but I'm told next Tuesday they should be in just before I take the bike touring Scotland (should be a test how it copes with rain) The seat which initially feels comfortable is giving me a little back ache on longer runs so a modification may be on the cards.

Hopefully this bike is a keeper especially as I can still take my other half's amazing Street Triple out now and again.

 

Hi guys just thought I would check in at the old Triumph forum, nice to see Triumph coming out with some new stuff and looking forward to checking them out at the NEC bike show.

Just a quick update on the big Kwak; now have 8500 miles on it since April and still love it. Its been perfectly reliable and I've had a great time touring on it, getting back from a blast around northern Spain this weekend.

I will be interested in what the updated Speed Triple is like as the old one I thought was great.

For anyone interested in seeing a fat bloke trying to keep up with a BMW R1200 GS in Spain then the vid is here. Cheers

 

Hi guys as an update I've still got the Versys, and after a weeks riding in Scotland the mrs has jelled with a Street Triple. She is almost back to where she was pre accident and her confidence is right back.
While the mrs was in a good mood I asked what she thought about me having a second bike, well she didn't say no so a Yamaha has arrived. Only had it a week but this thing is ballistic! Mrs says I must be colour blind picking this colour!