I have been enjoying my 2008 Versys 650 immensely compared to the Bonneville I had. I am happy I purchased the bike used because I already had two silly spills with it. I thought I had the kickstand down and I didn't. So I ended up going down on my side. Luckily, I did not hurt myself but felt pretty stupid as the security guard and janitor saw the whole thing happen. There were nice enough to help. A little scratch on the bike and small amount of coolant spilled ...but otherwise all is good.
So far, I have put the mirror extenders on which has given me an extra level of safety due to increased visibility.
I am interesting in lowering the foot peg blocks. Is that an option? What can you get/recommend? I would like to reduce the angling of my knees on the tank as well as have more room for clearance when shifting with my boots.
Also, what seat options do people recommend for better ergonomics and long riding comfort for touring?
A little DIY kit from Seat Concepts would help with comfort during those long rides. I have not made the switch from stock yet but from what I've heard from other forum members is you can't go wrong with it. Many other options out there too I'm sure.
The lowering blocks work well and are an easy install.
I went with the BMW 1150RT seat mod (thanks to some good threads with photos on this forum) and am very pleased. It does require some tools and the ability to use them, but it's inexpensive (a used seat in like-new shape ran me $50 plus $25 shipping) and the comfort level increased dramatically over the stock torture device.
You can also raise the front of your seat, which helps a LOT! Mine are up 9/16" (w/ OVER 100,000 miles among three Vs), at a cost of about $1 per bike....
Make a 'bridge' piece out of something lying around your shop, then add some washers as well as longer bolts....
I did this to my '08, '09 (the one in the pics), and my '15.
I have been enjoying my 2008 Versys 650 immensely compared to the Bonneville I had. I am happy I purchased the bike used because I already had two silly spills with it. I thought I had the kickstand down and I didn't. So I ended up going down on my side. Luckily, I did not hurt myself but felt pretty stupid as the security guard and janitor saw the whole thing happen. There were nice enough to help. A little scratch on the bike and small amount of coolant spilled ...but otherwise all is good.
So far, I have put the mirror extenders on which has given me an extra level of safety due to increased visibility.
I am interesting in lowering the foot peg blocks. Is that an option? What can you get/recommend? I would like to reduce the angling of my knees on the tank as well as have more room for clearance when shifting with my boots.
I went with the Motowerks peg lowering blocks also the Motowerks Highway Peg Mounts and at first had a Baldwin Tall Seat (Pricey) then 6 seats later wound up with the Seat Concepts and liked it the best.
Motowerks Highway Peg Mounts with Ricco Highway Pegs.. IMG_1497 by weljo2001, on Flickr
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I am going with the Motowerk lowering foot peg blocks and will install during my 4,000 servicing.
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