I really like the Kawasaki Versys, and will probably be a purchaser in the near future.

But I was wondering if it will still be around when I am ready to buy. As we all know, the USA is about cruisers and sportbikes. So, does anyone know if the dealers (or Kawasaki for that matter) are satisfied with the sales so far?

What I am hearing from my dealer is you may not be able to find one when you decide to purchase. They can't keep them on the floor. Now some places are different and I think it has to do with geography. If there are any curves within 100 miles the V is selling quickly. My dealer has gone through his allottment and is trading with other dealers to get them back in. The longest one has sat on his floor is 2 months when it first hit the showroom. I do not know what the mothership is seeing, but I don't see it being pulled anytime soon and if it does I now have a collectors bike but it will be high mileage. :D

I think once they catch on they will be hard to get, I wouldn't wait to long. I just picked one up, nice bike can't wait to get it broken in and see what it really does. Baddone is right, geography has something to do with it, most people around here go for sport bikes, cruisers or total off road. I am not sure but I think mine sat on the floor for awhile.

Hi all!
In Vegas I sat on my first VerSys on Thursday. The dealer had three. I went back on Saturday. They had two. Went back Sunday and they had one. I called another dealer here in Vegas and they sold their last one late last week.

At least here in Las Vegas, they seem to be selling rather well.

New jersey reporting, the dealer i went to had only one and i bought it. as of about 3 weeks ago he didnt not have another. there is another local dealer that i go into once in a while and a few weeks ago he did not have one and just the other day he did so im sure he had one and sold it already.

a freind of mine said he saw one on the road about a month ago. i have yet to see one on the road and i kind of like it that way.

I live in the Houston, TX area, and know for a fact that the Versys isn't selling well down here. One dealership I went to still has the original Versys from last August still on the showroom floor. They parked it in the back corner next to a new-old-stock Honda 599, and a last generation KLR 650. In the Hill-Country area (San Antonio and Austin) there are many V-Strom 650's and a few Multistrada's. Perhaps the Versys is selling well over there due to the fact that the terrain is more hilly.


-Skeezix

The dealer I went to said they were required to buy at least one of everything that Kawasaki makes. They were selling the V at $5995 to get it out the door and "make room for stuff that they could really sell"

But this is relatively flat, open country, so I suspect big cruisers may sell better than some of the more sporty bikes or "urban assault" bikes.

Had two different people tell me in the last week that their dealers couldn't sell the V. Question of location and what the sales folks want to sell. Heard a guy tell a sales guy he was getting back into Motorcycling after many years out and wanted a mid sized bike without being a crotch rocket or cruiser. Standing next to the V when he said this and the sales guy walked him all the way across the dealership to the SV 650's.
This in Alpharetta where we are close to winding roads.

Well, I'm moving to Asheville, NC on Saturday and I was planning to buy one when I got there. As of today, no dealerships within 60 miles have any.

I think the high cost of gas is helping these sell now.

I may have to wait for an 09.

Don

If I could not afford two bikes, I would not have the versys, I need a nice 2up tour type for awhile. Wife doesn't like to go long distances on the Versys, but it works great when she rides her Ninja, we both are red!

Dealers are not able to keep them on tke floor in colorado.Must be them damm mountain roads

I don't think the Versys is selling very well here in San Antonio. Bear on a Bicycle is the only other poster active on this site from the area, and I've not seen another one on the road. The hill country is swarming with cruziers on the weekends, but I've not gotten there on the V yet.
My dealer has another bike on the showroom floor, but I think the sales people tend to steer customers away from it to other bikes.

There are a few. There's another guy from SA posting on the twtex web site & advrider with a Versys. The dealership in UC sold at least one more after I bought mine from them. They told me they're selling them on a regular basis. I also know that Alamo Cycleplex has sold a few. They're here, maybe their owners are just shy... :D

I have not been a bike in a few years and think this is the perfect bike to get back into it. I think Kawasaki needs to change how they are marketing this thing.

I have yet to see a commercial on TV for them...

The dealership in UC sold at least one more after I bought mine from them. They told me they're selling them on a regular basis.

Bear, I got mine in UC on Tax Day 15 April, I might be the one who bought after you! I think this is a great bike for the coin and am really surprised that I haven't seen more out on the road.:confused:

The dealer in Wake forest NC has sold 4 bikes so far....but I've yet to see another one on the road here in and around the Raleigh area. He says he's sold every one he's gotten so far....

The dealer here in Lexington NC sold one today to me:D Thats the only one in this area I could find.

I don't see many here in Vegas but I know when I bought mine, the dealer told me I got the 3rd of the 5 they were getting for '08. They may have ordered more in the time I bought mine, but that's what they told me at the time.

Enemy, where did you get yours? I could only find two in town, both of them at Ride Now. Carter may be getting one later this week, but they are not sure. I called a few dealers in Kingman... nothing expected there until the 09's come out.

Bear, I got mine in UC on Tax Day 15 April, I might be the one who bought after you! I think this is a great bike for the coin and am really surprised that I haven't seen more out on the road.:confused:

I haven't seen one on the road here, either. The guys at UC must have a pretty good sales strategy, they gave me the impression that the Versys is selling fairly good for them... :thumb:

I went to a local dealer today and luckily they had one on the floor I was able to sit on and check out. It was the only one they have received, and they had it marked down some off of retail. The saleman said most people who were interested in it weren't comfortable because it was too tall. I have am 5'10.5" with a 30" inseam and am able to firmly get the balls of both feet down on the ground but I can't flat foot it. Hopefully I am going to ride it home this week. :D

I bought mine a 4 weeks ago in Abany NY. The saleman there said they had it since october. I got a great deal on it because of it though 5800 and no set-up fee.

Enemy, where did you get yours? I could only find two in town, both of them at Ride Now. Carter may be getting one later this week, but they are not sure. I called a few dealers in Kingman... nothing expected there until the 09's come out.

I got mine at Carter back in March. If you can do it at Carter, I highly recommend them over the people at any of the Ride Now dealers.

Much better sales and service staff.

I talked with a sales person at Carter who told me they probably won't get any more '08s in. I went to the Ride Now on Boulder Hwy today. They had two early last week. Guess what... They are both gone.

Actually I came in to give them some $$$ to hold one of them until later in the week when I can actually do the paperwork.

They say there will be more coming in soon. We shall see... :blah:

I talked with a sales person at Carter who told me they probably won't get any more '08s in. I went to the Ride Now on Boulder Hwy today. They had two early last week. Guess what... They are both gone.

Actually I came in to give them some $$$ to hold one of them until later in the week when I can actually do the paperwork.

They say there will be more coming in soon. We shall see... :blah:

Hopefully they get one in for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

I'd say check the local areas around here too. I know that there's a Kawi dealer in Bullhead that sells more watercraft than anything and they may have one in stock. also, Walts in Havasu has one on the floor if I remember correctly.

I know you probably would rather get one in town but at least these are a few options.

Luckily I made it in right when the local dealership opened today and put a deposit down on the only one they had. A guy had gotten a buyers order Friday to take to his credit union to get financed but hadn't put any money down. I'm picking it up Tuesday barring any bad weather. :)

Luckily I made it in right when the local dealership opened today and put a deposit down on the only one they had. A guy had gotten a buyers order Friday to take to his credit union to get financed but hadn't put any money down. I'm picking it up Tuesday barring any bad weather. :)

Happy for you! You will really enjoy this bike. :thumb:

They are hard to find where I live. Everyone is sold out. My local dealer found mine about 2 hrs away at another Kawa dealership.

They are hard to find where I live. Everyone is sold out. My local dealer found mine about 2 hrs away at another Kawa dealership.

And where is it, the place you live?? :D

I just got my Versys last Friday. The dealer had to go to Seneca, NY to find one (I'm in central PA). It was the first one he had ever seen, let alone sold. He said he didn't order any because locally, if it ain't the biggest, badest sport bike/cruiser/MX bike, it doesn't sell. Oh well, at least I've got the only one for a while. :D

Back in April I was trying to find a dealer in the metro Atlanta area who had one in stock so I could actually see one in person. I found one dealer on the south side who had one on the floor and 4 more in the back still in crates. He said he couldn't give the things away. The dealers that I called that were located on the north side told me that they pretty much sold their allotment as soon as they came in and wished they could get more. So yesterday, I call the same dealer up and tell him that I'm ready to buy and ask him if he has any and he tells me sure to stop in. I show up and there is none on the floor and he tells me that he sold one Saturday, is putting another one together in the back that is already purchased and he has one left that I can have. I ask him to give me his best out the door price and he basically quotes me the MSRP plus tacks on another $1,000 worth of extra fees and taxes so I tell him thanx but no thanx.

-Skip

there are about 650 memebers of this forum. lets say half actualy own a V. 325

lets asume there are V owners out there who dont know about this site or just dont care about the internet.
500?

so i would guess maybe 1000 sold. but i think there might be 2 or 3 times that sold by the end of the year.

3k Versys sold by 09?

I live in western ny and purchased my versys here.. The dealer had it since last fall and it had 80 miles on the clock.. I traded my 88 v max in, and he gave me good money for it, and he sold it within a week.. I love the bike but every time I go to the dealer the 20 something neanderthals are drooling all over the crotch rockets.. My insurance is very cheap, but I am 47..

The Versys is not a bike for everyone and frankly I like it that way. The Versys is my sixth motorcycle and by far the best. Its a great handling bike that has excellent road manners.

The dealer(Eddie Hill's Fun Cycles, Wichita Falls TX), I bought mine from has sold two that I am aware of and I have yet to see another on the road but that's fine with me.

There was another standard bike that Kawasaki came out with in about 2005. I think it was a 750, I don't remember the model name. Alot like a first generation Yamaha FZ1. It had fuel injection, good ergos (alot like the Versys) and about the same weight (price was a tad higher I think). Everyone was raving about it for awhile, then it was gone.

Ntxtrooper,

I'm up in Lawton, Ok and have made the trip down to Eddie Hill's twice to look at the Versys. They qouted me $7100 out the door. I have not been on a bike since 1982 and I'm taking the Motorcycle Safety Course this weekend. Not sure when I'll be able to get a Versys but I've enjoyed this forum.

There was another standard bike that Kawasaki came out with in about 2005. I think it was a 750, I don't remember the model name. Alot like a first generation Yamaha FZ1. It had fuel injection, good ergos (alot like the Versys) and about the same weight (price was a tad higher I think). Everyone was raving about it for awhile, then it was gone.

You talking about the Z750 S?
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/images/street/z750s.jpg
http://blog.roodo.com/tookouw/e765c431.jpg

I had a friend with one a while back and he liked it but traded it in for an R1. He had the Z750 as a learner bike and it was nice. It was a damn good bike, he just wanted an R1.

Still one on the floor in Eugene as of today! I saw a "sale" tag on it too!

I've never seen another on around here.......that's hard to believe in the Columbus, Ohio area. There must not have been many sold around here anyway.

I can't believe it......one of my favorite bikes ever

Hey Enemy Zero........good memory.

Yup, the Z750S was the one. Made a special trip to a Delaware dealer to see the first one uncrated/assembled in my area. Very appealing. Came close to buying till I came up with a one-owner 2004 FZ1.... 475 miles, with warranty, for less money.

That Z750S looked like a great package. I still don't understand why it was pulled out of the Kawasaki lineup so fast. I wonder what the trade-in value would be on it today?

Here in Colorado, the dealer I bought mine from, Fay Myers in Denver, said they had sold several of them so far, and when I bought mine, they had about 7 in back, one of which I purchased. I have seen 2 of them on the road around here...One in my town, and one about 40 miles north of me. Now I am very curious to see how these awesome bikes are doing across the country. Spread the word kids!!! This bike is my fourth, and I like it more than any other bike I've had, 92 CBR600, 88 Yamaha Radian, 95 YZF600. All great bikes, but this one is just fun. I imagine I could keep up with any fairly proficient sportbike rider in the twisties on this thing. Rode strong with my buddy on his R1, and we were dead even, mostly-he's been riding longer...;p
Fukken cheers,
Erik!!!
Long live Versys!!!

09 versys suppose to come to california. I am pretty sure it is going to sell pretty good... But you never know for sure.

I was waiting for Kawasaki Concours 14 at one time. When it finally was out, dealer were marking it way higher than MSRP because it was selling pretty good... A few months later... Most dealer are lowering the price to MSRP OTD. Now, most dealer have at least a couple in the show room now.

I got my V last week as a the outcome of the following events.
I learned to ride on a Suzuki GS500 in the Streets of Austin TX during the 90s.
I sold my bike in 93 thinking that I got the bug out of my system but feeling trapped in my shiny metal box for 15 years I realized that it was not the case.
I walked into a dealership in Belleville NJ last week actually looking for a silver V-Strom.
No can do.
All V-Stroms were gone. I glance across the room and I saw 1 Versys sticking the neck out of the assortment of rocket-bikes. I asked if they had it on other than red.
No can do.
The salesperson told me they had two. The one on the floor and another one still in in the warehouse. Like most dealerships in large urban areas, this one specialized in rocket-bikes, roadsters, cruisers.
The Versys looked a lot less flashy than the V-Strom (a good quality in my book). It was just as cheap (7K). But it was red.
Buying a red bike? No way! I'm black/silver industrial-metal-utilitarian-Japanese-line-assembly kind of guy and a red bike was not going to cut it.
I walked away thinking: I can still get the V-Strom somewhere.
I went home and start calling every suzuki-kawasaki dealership in the central NJ area.
Nothing!
No V-Strom
No Versys,
nada!
Forget it!
Are you kidding?
I can order but no promises.
I literally freak-out and drove back to Belleville to put my deposit for the Versys. I was then concerned of the haste behind the purchase (bad karma). But boy I was mistaken. I know the V-Strom would have been a fine bike too but the Versys won me after riding it for 2 days. It is my industrial utilitarian function-precedes-form kind of bike. So from my short 1 week experience I would say: If you see one, get it! :thumb:

Well, I'm moving to Asheville, NC on Saturday and I was planning to buy one when I got there. As of today, no dealerships within 60 miles have any.

I think the high cost of gas is helping these sell now.

I may have to wait for an 09.

Don

Call Powersports in Greenville, SC. It is about 1.5 hours away from Asheville. They have one that has been on the floor for a long time. Kind of pushed to the back out of the way.

Thanks for the heads-up. However, I just picked mine up at 5:30p today. I had to trailer it home, but then I went for a nice little ride. I have 88 miles and I'm very impressed.

The trunk and attachment frame are on back-order from Kawasaki, so I'll have to wait on those. My only gripe so far is a poorly aligned headlight. I took a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway at night and it was a little scary. I'll have to raise it up a bit.

I'm very impressed by this motorcycle. Kawasaki has a great bike. I just hope customers give the bike a chance.

Cheers!

Don

i looked at the member count for this site about a week or twoago and it was about 550....today its almost 750. id say there is a growing interest in the versys.

I just snagged the last Versys from my dealer up here in Victoria. He says there are none left in the distributors warehouse. This is impressive since the weather has been so crappy and this is not a new model for Canada.

I think Kawasaki has a hit.

I got my V last week as a the outcome of the following events.
I learned to ride on a Suzuki GS500 in the Streets of Austin TX during the 90s.
I sold my bike in 93 thinking that I got the bug out of my system but feeling trapped in my shiny metal box for 15 years I realized that it was not the case.
I walked into a dealership in Belleville NJ last week actually looking for a silver V-Strom.
No can do.
All V-Stroms were gone. I glance across the room and I saw 1 Versys sticking the neck out of the assortment of rocket-bikes. I asked if they had it on other than red.
No can do.
The salesperson told me they had two. The one on the floor and another one still in in the warehouse. Like most dealerships in large urban areas, this one specialized in rocket-bikes, roadsters, cruisers.
The Versys looked a lot less flashy than the V-Strom (a good quality in my book). It was just as cheap (7K). But it was red.
Buying a red bike? No way! I'm black/silver industrial-metal-utilitarian-Japanese-line-assembly kind of guy and a red bike was not going to cut it.
I walked away thinking: I can still get the V-Strom somewhere.
I went home and start calling every suzuki-kawasaki dealership in the central NJ area.
Nothing!
No V-Strom
No Versys,
nada!
Forget it!
Are you kidding?
I can order but no promises.
I literally freak-out and drove back to Belleville to put my deposit for the Versys. I was then concerned of the haste behind the purchase (bad karma). But boy I was mistaken. I know the V-Strom would have been a fine bike too but the Versys won me after riding it for 2 days. It is my industrial utilitarian function-precedes-form kind of bike. So from my short 1 week experience I would say: If you see one, get it! :thumb:

I found mine at Ledgewood Powersports - he had two, one crated, one scratched up from being dropped. I bought the crated one (or so I'm told). I had also previously looked at Andretti Powersports in Phillipsburg and his general advise was that I wasn't going to find one.

Cheers!

dont listen to the dealer in Victoria he told me that there was only 3 2008KLR's left and that if I dont buy now there going to be sold out... but I did get there last brand new 2007 Versys (What no black or green for Canada for 2008 I really wanted a green one)

I bought from the other Kawi dealer....Kenco.

Good People, well worth the drive.;)

with this bike I' m finding any excuse to go to Sooke

Had mine here in san antonio for a little over a year. I've seen one other one on the road. Here like most of the USA it's cruisers and sport bikes. I don't think Kaw was even going to bring them to the USA. I really like mine and wish there was a group in SA.

As Kawasaki don't do any advertising on the V, well none I've seen its a word of mouth bike.

BUT, WOM, is getting around and the word is good, very good. Check out the reviews that have been done in the past. Most bike mags rave about handling, value, comfort, mpg, performance etc.

V's sell very well in Europe and that will hopefully keep them coming to the US and once we get out of this recession (we will get out won't we?), its a bike that has a lot of appeal to beginners and experienced riders alike.

Machog

I see many Versy in the Colorado Springs area. All different colors represented. My local dealer has moved three in the past few weeks. I agree with the fact that area geography seems to have a lot to do with its sales potential following this thread. I don't think you could find a a better all 'rounder for this area. It sounds like the flatlands might be a good place to find a good deal on one.
rik
08 versys
purchased in June of 08 and still a kick to ride! :thumb:

I'm glad the original poster asked this question as I was wondering the same thing. As I am about 8-10 months realistically from purchasing a V I hope the dealers are still stocking them.

We've made it 3 model years, so that is saying something. I think this forum has been the best thing because the bike is so rare; it is great to have online fellow riders.:thumb:

We have 3 in our group that ride the Versys...2 Red's and a Blue...

Had mine here in san antonio for a little over a year. I've seen one other one on the road. Here like most of the USA it's cruisers and sport bikes. I don't think Kaw was even going to bring them to the USA. I really like mine and wish there was a group in SA.

Just bought a V about a month ago and am in San Antonio. Actually a little north in Bulverde. I do know of two others in the area, usually ride the Hill Country most weekends. Look for the GREEN V, it'll probably be me. So far it's been GREAT fun! Maybe we can get a mini group together sometime for a weekend ride.

Had mine here in san antonio for a little over a year. I've seen one other one on the road. Here like most of the USA it's cruisers and sport bikes. I don't think Kaw was even going to bring them to the USA. I really like mine and wish there was a group in SA.

Just bought a V about a month ago and am in San Antonio. Actually a little north in Bulverde. I do know of two others in the area, usually ride the Hill Country most weekends. Look for the GREEN V, it'll probably be me. So far it's been GREAT fun! Maybe we can get a mini group together sometime for a weekend ride.


We should get together & ride. I had a great ride Saturday morning out to Camp Wood & back. Had breakfast at BJ's Cafe. Nothing like good BJ's in the morning, right fellas?? I'm talking breakfast!!

Anyway, I try to head out that way every weekend or so. Gimme a yell, I'd love some company!!

:thumb:

I live on Houston's West side and have seen three different Versys in my area. I know there are three because one is a 2010 black, and one is the 2009 Blue and the last a 2008 Red. I was able to talk to the owner of the 2008 and he was kind of a loner - never rode with anyone and didn't know about this forum.

I would say YES, they are selling, but it's not an overnight type of sucess. I think sales have been steadily building since the Versys introduction in July 2007 (has it really been that long?!?)

Had breakfast at BJ's Cafe. Nothing like good BJ's in the morning, right fellas?? I'm talking breakfast!!


:thumb:

Glad you qualified your statment Bear or it was all going downhill from there:D

I have had mine for a few months (2008) It sat in the dealers back room for 2 years because this is cruiser/rocket country roads here. There were 2 dealers within 1 hour from me and both had 08's sitting somewhere. One dealer had made some changes and was riding it himself. Last week when I was there he still had the bike on the floor. ( Harrison, Arkansas)
I think the closes person on this site to me is about 150 miles and a 3 1/3 hour ride away.
BUT... a lot of people on this site do come to my area to ride. I have over 20,000 miles ( 4 different bikes) of riding here and I have only been here 5 years.

Cb

They sell well around here according to the two dealerships I deal with. One of them loaded up on some remaining 09's after they sold their 10's and now their on their last 09. I went with a friend on a 170 mile cruise last Friday and at every stop that had people at it, I was asked about the bike. We stopped at a Kawasaki dealer and a guy on a KLR650 wanted the 411 on the bike because he wants to make a change. He said the V makes way more sense to his riding style. Mine too!

What we have to keep in mind is that the Versys was sold in the European and other foreign markets several years before it reached the states. Those folks are absolutely in love with it and there is a very strong market worldwide for this bike. We Americans live in our own little bubble and it takes us a while to understand the qualities of a bike like the Versys. The overseas folks ride bikes like we drive cars and it's a way of life so they have a pretty good handle on which bikes are good and which aren't. All the reports show the Versys to be exactly what it is. A great running bike that is actually good looking, fun to own, easy to work on, dependable as the sun rising, and relatively inexpensive to purchase. I think the demand overseas alone will keep the Versys viable and as it catches on here in the US, it will become a legend.

I don't think the Versys is a great seller anywhere, it may well be selling more in the EU than the US, but its not a superstar. its not an everyday sight on the road, its not a common sight.

in part I think the bike is in a niche that no one understands, its tricky for most sales people to identify.
the bike does sell but not in big numbers. however it may be selling well enough for Kawasaki to keep it going given that it shares a lot of parts with other Kawasaki bikes

I think the first examples, came out in late 2006, certainly my Versys was first registered in Jan 2007.

I think demand is starting to outstrip supply (but that may reflect more the amount of Versys's that were built, and the changeover in model. I don't think its outstripping Kawasaki's ability to make it. )

Kawasaki in the EU have manipulated the price upwards (or at least tried to), for a while the bike was on 0% finance, then not, then back on 0% finance. the fact that soem dealers are giving deep discounts suggests to me that either the whole bike market is in deep trouble or they are just shifting stock

18 month's to 2 years ago they cranked the price of a versys in NZ up from $11,995 to $15,595 NZ. The local dealer was not that happy with Kawasaki, $3500 increase from end of 08 to beginning of 09, do not think that would of helped sales here.

They sell well around here according to the two dealerships I deal with. One of them loaded up on some remaining 09's after they sold their 10's and now their on their last 09. I went with a friend on a 170 mile cruise last Friday and at every stop that had people at it, I was asked about the bike. We stopped at a Kawasaki dealer and a guy on a KLR650 wanted the 411 on the bike because he wants to make a change. He said the V makes way more sense to his riding style. Mine too!

They must be selling well. It seems like the two dealerships I've been to have been less than enthusiastic. I walked into one, went back and forth between a er6-n and a 2009 Versys and NOBODY approached me to ask if they could answer questions, or even if I was interested. Are they selling that well? One dealership was Portland Motorcycle, the other one Beaverton Kawasaki (I think it's called Bob Lamphere's now). :huh:

I'm thinking of buying within the next few months, but I wonder if waiting until after summer, might be worth it...

I speculate that if they were not selling Kawi would have not raise MSRP after the updates in the 2010 model. They would have offered the 2010 at the same price point as the 09. However, based on the used market listings here in CO they could be moving a little faster.

Not sure why are dealers are less than enthusiastic about the Versys. I know sales people sell what is easy to sell or what put the most in their pockets. It is easier to sell something tha's been around for a while and have a well known name than something new. I think the issue is not only with the Versys. I have not seem a dealer offering a Gladius or an ER-6n to anyone either.

Trying to get in the sales guys shoes I think I would spend my time with the guy and his wife looking at the Goldwing (good margin), the kid with the DG shirt and hat and the skullcandy headphones oogling at the GXSR (easy sale), or the guy with the bandana and the jeans sitting in the Cruiser admiring his own tatoos (another easy sale).

Talk about sales and price. My bike cost me RM 49k or USD14,736.00. We here suffer form about 200 to 300 % tax on imported bike. Any bike that is term as Superbikes is expensive because of tax, but the Versys here has a fair share in the upper class market, Ern6 sell more here as it pick less tax, because its not fully imported.

As one said, its a nice bike and takes time to discover its ability.

doing your price fastoman the same bike would cost around 20,000NZ but costs us 16,500 NZ for 2010 ABS version, current exchange 73 cents kiwi to US doller

I speculate that if they were not selling Kawi would have not raise MSRP after the updates in the 2010 model. They would have offered the 2010 at the same price point as the 09. However, based on the used market listings here in CO they could be moving a little faster.

Not sure why are dealers are less than enthusiastic about the Versys. I know sales people sell what is easy to sell or what put the most in their pockets. It is easier to sell something tha's been around for a while and have a well known name than something new. I think the issue is not only with the Versys. I have not seem a dealer offering a Gladius or an ER-6n to anyone either.

Trying to get in the sales guys shoes I think I would spend my time with the guy and his wife looking at the Goldwing (good margin), the kid with the DG shirt and hat and the skullcandy headphones oogling at the GXSR (easy sale), or the guy with the bandana and the jeans sitting in the Cruiser admiring his own tatoos (another easy sale).

You're probably right. Though, I would think that in this economy they would be try to follow up on anybody coming into their showrooms.

BTW,

Otro Puertoriqueño aqui en Oregon... :cheers:

I talked to a couple of dealers about this. The one in Hayward CA where I bought my bike last year was less than enthusiastic but said they were selling. He called it a nithch bike and didn't have any out on the floor but said he had 2 2009's and 1 2010 in the warehouse. A very large dealership.

I talked to a dealer in San Francisco Ca and he said they sold lots of Versys. He was also enthusiastic about them.

Since I bought mine I've been looking and have seen several around. They aren't as plentifull as some of the sport bikes or Harleys though.

My versys is the only one that I or anyone else has seen around here, twin cities area.

I was on a trip from NY through VT, NH, ME and back I saw three on V's on that trip, two reds and 1 blue; I was shocked.

But does it REALLY matter how many you see on the road, that doesn't mean much about how many are being sold. Think about the number of riders, days in the week, hours in the day and miles on the roads, seeing another bike just like yours for a bike only out since 2008 would be rare enough.

Hell, most times I am on roads when I don't even see another BIKE!!! I also own a KLX250s, Kawi sold a bajillion of them and the off road twin KLX300, yet in the 4 years I have owned it, I have never seen another on the road or trail, that doesn't mean it isn't a popular bike. The thing about sport bikes and Harleys is, first they are hard to tell them apart from a distance unless you are really into that exact type of bike, to me a cruiser is a cruiser is a cruiser, I can't tell the difference between HD models, Star or Honda from any sort of distance. Same with 1000 or 600 sport bikes, sure I can tell if it is a ZX10 or R1, but I can't tell the year easily. Also, keep in mind, for every Versys sold, Harley/Honda/Star/Kawasaki probably sell 5000 cruisers, there is a huge market difference, same for sport bikes. This doesn't mean the Versys isn't successful.


Worry less about how many have been sold, how many you see on the road, etc and more about enjoying the one you own, no?

I see a lot more on the Island now, so I would say they are success here. More of the local 650 VStrom riders are looking at these as they suit their needs even better.

If Kawasaki keeps the Versys in their line-up, I see no reason why it wouldn't surge in popularity over time.....kind of like the KLR 650.

I was out 3 weeks ago on a ride from NYC to VT and saw 4 Versys in one afternoon.

You guys do realize someone resurected a year-old thread????

You guys do realize someone resurected a year-old thread????

Yes, I find this topic interesting.:thumb:

You guys do realize someone resurected a year-old thread????
Yep... I'm just curious in finding out why the dealers in my area seem so uninterested when I come in their showroom and show interest. :)

Yep... I'm just curious in finding out why the dealers in my area seem so uninterested when I come in their showroom and show interest. :)

That's what I don't understand either. Given the current state of the economy, and the fact there are 1000's of used bikes on Craigs List, if I was in sales, I would be telling everyone who came in all the merits of every bike they were interested in.

Even if it was not something I would want for myself, buyers are usually a lot more informed today than years gone past when they walk into a show room.

When I did the MSF course at Harley Davidson, I will give the dealership credit for one thing and that was the sales guys knew their product line.

When I first seen an '08 *V* in a show room back in May of 2008, the owner of the shop could not tell me anything about it. I had never seen or heard of it, but as soon as I sat on it, it had to be mine :)

The owner had a magazine that had done a test report on it. That was his sole knowledge of it and showed it to me. I went home and researched it on this site and the UK site, and it kept looking better every day.

That's why I have one in the driveway now.

David

Yep... I'm just curious in finding out why the dealers in my area seem so uninterested when I come in their showroom and show interest. :)

My recent purchase experience was the same with the exception of one very good sales person.

I stopped in the dealer on my lunch break to get a look at the bike, I poked around for about 30 minutes looking at it and others and noone acknowledged me. I even committed the "cardinal sin" of sitting on bikes in the showroom without assistance and noone talked to me.

I went back after work when I had more time because I really wanted the bike. Same 3 salesmen were there, first 2 still ignored me, the 3rd (who had been at his desk closing a sale earlier that day so no fault to him) was showing a customer a bike but after seeing me there for awhile excused himself from the customer and asked if he could help me. I said he could finish up with the other person first and he said if he couldn't juggle 2 customers at once he was no better than the other 2 salesmen who had been ignoring me for 20 minutes (his words so he saw the issue). Great guy, good service and he sold a bike that night, so much for the other 2.

I went in ready to buy with a sizeable down payment in my pocket and pre-approved financing for the rest, I was an easy sale and 2 salesmen missed out on a commission because they just didnt care. Thankfully there was at least one good guy left there.

JTHw8, it's nice to see that there are still some competent people who are willing to work. Though what you described is pretty much the world over. (Minus no one coming up to you for sitting on the bikes of course.)

Makes me wonder... Are we really in a recession? By those attitudes, you wouldn't think so.

I went thru the same thing about 3 years ago when I bought my ST1300. I went into the nearest Honda Dealer and you would think I had not taken a shower for a month or something. That was several different trips over a couple of weeks too.

Walked around for 30 minutes a couple of times, sitting on Goldwings and 919's as I was not sure what I was going to buy.

I ended up buying the ST1300 from a dealer up in Blairsville, GA as they were attenative and even when just browsing over a couple of months, they would stand around and BS about bikes when no one else was around. They always greeted folks as soon as the could when they walked in as I have also been back several times & bought some accessories.

Guess where I went back to a year later and bought the *V* :)

David

I went thru the same thing about 3 years ago when I bought my ST1300. I went into the nearest Honda Dealer and you would think I had not taken a shower for a month or something.

Same deal when I was looking for my Versys. Went to the dealership closest to my office three times and not once did a salesman even approach me. They were busy standing around talking to each other. After I decided I wanted one I called them and asked for a price. They wanted MSRP for an 09 in April of this year.:confused:

Called two other local shops asking if they had one in stock and how much. They were both going to get back to me but I haven't heard from them yet. Finally bought one across the country partly because of the good customer service.:thumb:

Same deal when I was looking for my Versys. Went to the dealership closest to my office three times and not once did a salesman even approach me. They were busy standing around talking to each other. After I decided I wanted one I called them and asked for a price. They wanted MSRP for an 09 in April of this year.:confused:

Called two other local shops asking if they had one in stock and how much. They were both going to get back to me but I haven't heard from them yet. Finally bought one across the country partly because of the good customer service.:thumb:

Wow, this does not bode well for me trying to get one anytime soon. I'm in your neck of the woods and have received essentially the same treatment. And this is from a dealer that has 3 2009s sitting in their showroom! I did get a response from a dealer in Lacy, WA. He did have a good price on a couple of 2009s an small discount on one 2010.

I may wait until after summer to get serious again. Maybe, they will be more hungry. Maybe it's just me, but I HATE being treated by a sales person like they are doing me a favor by dealing with me, a customer, just for wanting to give them my money.

Well, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Funny how going to a Victory dealership is such a different experience. It's like they want you to buy their bike! :p

If you are looking in PDX the Motosport in Hillsburrito is spamming CL. They have two new 09's for $4999. Not sure if that is OTD but they sound like they want to get rid of them.

They are not my favorite dealer but if you show up with cash you could have a bike and not have to deal with them again.

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/1882787026.html

If you are looking in PDX the Motosport in Hillsburrito is spamming CL. They have two new 09's for $4999. Not sure if that is OTD but they sound like they want to get rid of them.

They are not my favorite dealer but if you show up with cash you could have a bike and not have to deal with them again.

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/1882787026.html

Wow! That's pretty a good price... Hmmmm... :interesting:

In my experience sales people that work at motorcycle dealerships are not that bright or attentive. For one thing, it's not their store. And they must be paying them a salary these days because none seem to be very motivated to try to put a deal together for you.

I think most people will have better luck getting hold of the owner or sales manager before you visit, and set an appointment with them. I did that and got great service and a great price. I spoke to the owner and he hooked me up with his top sales guy and sales manager. It was a very good transaction.

At one location I did the same thing, visited several times and they were too busy screwing off to help me. So I was ready to buy on a Thursday and called them to verify the pricing they advertise, which they did, but said they couldn't sell me a bike that day because the bank was coming down to do an inventory. I said something like gee, that's funny, that would be like going down to the grocery store for some milk and they can't sell it to you because they're doing an inventory. BS!!! Anyway, I got paranoid about them maybe going under or some darn thing, and decided I didn't want to risk not getting my title or some stupid thing so I called the alternate dealer that I actually bought from. They were very professional but a little more $$. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things. Plus they saved me a few hundred on insurance, and gave me a discount on some gear. So it worked out really well.

I think they get so many tire kickers and looky-lou's that they just don't pay attention anymore. You have to ask them to sell you a motorcycle. It helps if you say "I'd like to buy one of these." I know, we've gotten used to sales people saying "What's it going to take to sell you one today?"

dj...i too am in the twin cities...just got my 2010 a few weeks ago and I love it! They seem to have a few 09's left at the hitching post in fridley...but I think that's all that are left in this area. I had to order my 2010 as none of the local dealers even ordered them...since they still had/have 08's and 09's left.

Maybe I'm just looking at it differently. Is it possible that the salespeople don't want to be perceived as jumping down your throat or being pushy? Maybe they know that the bikes often sell themselves and motorcycle buyers who come in are very knowledgeable about the bikes. I had the experience awhile back of having a pushy salesman come up to me and tell me that the Suzuki C90 I was looking at was liquid cooled. When I pointed out that he was pointing at oil radiators and that the bike was air/oil-cooled, he went away and did not return.

A wise person once said, Better to keep your mouth and have others think you foolish than to open your mouth and prove it. I think that's what happened to that salesperson.

Anyway, I'm thinking that they're walking a fine line: sometimes people complain that the salespeople won't leave them alone, so they don't approach unless asked, but when they do that, then people complain that they're being ignored. I'm not sure I'd know what to do...I think each salesperson has his or her own style. Pushy don't work for me...

Anyway, I'm thinking that they're walking a fine line: sometimes people complain that the salespeople won't leave them alone, so they don't approach unless asked, but when they do that, then people complain that they're being ignored. I'm not sure I'd know what to do...I think each salesperson has his or her own style. Pushy don't work for me...

Pushy doesn't work for most people, so many salespeople probably err on the side of caution in that regard. A good one can usually tell when to approach somebody. However, retail sales has an issue that many mediocre-paying jobs have: the people that are good at it are usually good enough that they can be making more money doing something else, or going somewhere where good salespeople can just plain make more.

I will agree, I dont like pushy, but I also shouldnt have to seek someone out and make them sell me a bike. I would have been very happy if the salesmen who were hanging out back by the parts counter would have just come and said hello and can I help you.
To be honest it wasn't immediately clear who was a salesman and who was a customer so I didnt want to just walk up to random folks and see if they wanted to sell me a bike.

I will agree, I dont like pushy, but I also shouldnt have to seek someone out and make them sell me a bike. I would have been very happy if the salesmen who were hanging out back by the parts counter would have just come and said hello and can I help you.

That's how I feel. I really don't mind a salesperson walking over and asking me if I need help, or if I have questions. Way different from walking up and saying "how can I make you walk out of this store with a bike". Anybody who calls themselves a salesperson, would know the difference. The other thing is that if they have 2009 models sitting in their showroom, it seems to me that it would be to the dealer's advantage to walk up to the customer actually sitting on that 2009 bike looking interested, to strike up a conversation.