Kawasaki Versys Forum

appliance'question

tommyt37 — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:11:10 GMT

I know I know but this forum is awesome for feed back. So this guy is offering me all these appliances for 3 k? What do you think. Anyone own lg?
http://spokane.craigslist.org/app/3008706475.html

Feedback: SpartanPilot

Mark Jags — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:26:58 GMT

Very smooth and positive transaction buying the Speedy's Lowering Kit and Flat Foot.

Great price, as described and fast shipping. Doesn't get any better.

Thanks Pat!

You Know... Hard Drives do fail...

AzItLies — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:04:26 GMT

The one that failed on me, quite a few years ago, really presented problems.

You learn how much it costs to get that data back, and to try to remember to back up important files, to try and keep track of all your software... but

Let's face it, if a hard drive fails, and you don't have a Raid system (who does?), it's gonna be a pain in the arse, some might say a royal pain!

Since my box is kind of a cheap-o (E-Machine from Wally World), decided to see what I could do to alleviate the concerns.

First, google searched on 'ghosting' software and found this Free Cloning Software.

Downloaded the free version and made a bootable DVD from it. Then did a search on my specific hard drive and had to get a slightly bigger one from TigerDirect. Note that the mentioned free cloning software doesn't do HD's bigger than a TeraByte, at least I read that in the Doc somewhere.

So I get the hard drive today, and after getting a cable from the local puter place, get it installed and hooked up. Fortunately, the BIOS recognizes the drive, tell ya I was grinnin so big it was pathetic ;)

Immediately pop in the cloning DVD and see what it thinks. No Issues. It's a great interface, very simple. It either clones the Drive sector for sector, or it can do an exact copy of a partition, your call.

Well, 3.5 hours later and I copied a 750 Gig drive (4 partitions, bootable Win7) onto a 1 Terabyte drive and I now have an additional 300 Gig or so.

And that's what I'm using right now, the newly cloned drive. The old one is still sitting inside the computer, just unplugged of course (u don't want 2 bootable drives hooked up at the same time). So if my new drive ever fails, no problem, just unplug it and plug in the old one.

So the Cloning software was free and my Seagate drive will be 80 bucks if my 20 rebate comes through :)

I'm really diggin it, seems to me to be a very good price to not have to worry about spending hours and hours getting your system back!

What do you guys think?

AFX FX140 initial thoughts

ray h — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:38:30 GMT

I just received my new AFX FX140 in Hi-Vis yellow from Revzilla.
I havent had a chance to ride with it yet so I'll give you guys my first impression and we will see if I am right as I use the helmet more.
Taking it out of the box Im impressed with the quality of the fit and finish. The finish is very good and it all fits together and works as it should. While the finish is good, and the controls and everything work well its obvious this is a value pointed helmet simply because of the feel of things (if that makes any sense). The padding leaves alot to be desired. The material feels thin, as does the padding itself. Im glad the foam lining fits my head fairly well because if it didnt, the padding sure wouldnt help. The cheek foam and padding is really tight, I must spread the helmet apart to get it on or off and it squeezes my cheeks together (hope no one takes that out of context) I think over time this will widen out on its own (it has in other helmets Ive had). The operation of the shield and chin bar are very good and dont reflect the cheap price of the helmet, especially the shield. This is possibly the smoothest shield Ive ever operated. Every time I move the shield up and down through its detents I smile. I had read bad reviews about distortion in the shield. I havent noticed it just walking around the house, maybe I will once I get on the road (Im watching for it). The field of vision from this helmet is great. Its noticably and functionally better than the vision from my Bell Revolver that this helmet replaced. The sun shield works well but doesnt quite go down far enough for my liking. I havent even riden with this thing and Im already in love with the ratcheting chin strap. Its a little spooky to think about how well the ratchet may or may not stay locked while tumbling down the road at 50MPH. I have to trust the manufacturer and testers on that one, because to me, while very convenient, this ratchet system doesnt seem very secure, hope I never find out.
That's all Ive got until I can get some miles in under it.

Now i've seen everything

Stickyteflon — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:47:06 GMT

You Tube

try stopping that rig in a hurry...

Kid's first ride

5 Wheel Drive — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:19:12 GMT

This is something I've been looking forward to doing for a while, taking my son for his first ride on my motorcycle. He's almost 8, and he's already 4'8", so he's big enough. He decided he was ready. So to start I just bought him a helmet and gloves. (looks like I'm buying a jacket soon now too!)

Monday was his first ride. We started out just going for a slow ride for about 15 minutes around the neighborhood. He got used to it pretty quick, he didn't want to get off. Yesterday he asked if we could take the bike to his swimming lesson. I'm not taking him on any major roads anytime soon. But, we could easily get to the pool without going on any busy, fast roads. So off we went again. After his swimming we stopped by Timmie's for a treat, then back home again. Again, easily avoiding major roads. He was so excited to go to Timmie's just to be able to be on the bike for a few minutes longer. I've created a monster...he loves it!!!

I think I might have to be a little late for work a couple of mornings before school is out. It's so much cooler showing up at school on Dad's motorcycle than the school bus! ;D

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FOR SALE: Blue & Silver Bits On Ebay

weljo2001 — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:18:42 GMT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-VER...#ht_500wt_1413

ANNOUNCEMENT: Looking to exchange bikes to tour Europe

olegeezer — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:28:01 GMT

I iive in Beckley, West Virginia USA. I am seeking a bike swap to tour Europe in 2013. My dates are very flexible. If you (or someone you know) would be interested in touring the US on one of my bikes in exchange for my use of a bike in Europe please let me know. I have done this twice, once in Europe and once in New Zealand. It worked well for both parties and is a considerable savings over bike rentals.
I have a 2008 Kawasaki Versys and a Honda ST1300 (2003). Both bikes are well maintained and have all the luggage one needs for long range touring. Any swap would be well planned, agreeable with both parties and properly insured. Most any bike that is capable of touring long distance would be acceptable for me.
Thanks for any help or referrals any member here can provide for this search.
Ride safe, ride far.......
Olegeezer

Fender extender - carbon fiber

naples_kev — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:51:35 GMT

Doea anyone have experience with Bluebird engineering? They offer a carbon fiber fender extender. This is real carbon fiber. Shipped it is under $40.

http://www.bluebirdengineering.com/s...a-extenda.html

Would like to know any details before I order. I did a search on the forum but came up empty.

G'day from Oz

simvanda — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:45:37 GMT

Can't wait till the 48 hours is up so I can ask questions of like minded awesome people. When I DO get clearance to ask something, it may well feature tag words like Candy Lime Green Lower Spoilers Belly Pan As Seen In Awesome Photo On Google Images Where Buy?

Cheers

A good place to have a motorcycle accident.

bigaussie — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:15:44 GMT

Hi All

Here is a write up of an incident I was involved in last week end. I intend submitting it to Canadian Biker so it is not my usual posting style.
===============================

The Sea-to-Sky Highway that stretches from West Vancouver to the ski slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb offers some of the loveliest scenery in BC. The wide sweeping road hugs the mountains and on a warm spring day, this route is a magnet for day trippers. If you�re going to dump your bike help will arrive quickly but no matter how fast people rush to the scene, no one can undo the damage if you are improperly prepared or experienced.

Headed south on a sunny Sunday evening I had just cleared one of the few pinch points on the route where the road narrows to one lane each direction when a bike passed me. He lost his front end and low-sided, skidding along the pavement on his back. By the time I caught up with him, he was standing but his bike was still heading toward Vancouver without him.

All the following vehicles stopped and a nurse got out of one and offered to help. Even though I have first aid training, I was happy to turn the situation over to her. Another motorcyclist and I moved the bike off the road. With a cracked crankshaft, oil and/or transmission fluid was hemorrhaging everywhere.

In the meantime the motorcyclist had taken a seat on the concrete barrier at the side of the road, in shock, with bloodied hands. Although he had been wearing full ATGATT, his gloves were not up to the test of a real spill.

Within minutes, an off-duty fireman offered his help and the nurse and I deferred to his expertise. Someone assured us that 911 had been called. The fireman did a quick physical check and had us help him lie down. Following a more detailed exam, the only damage determined was the severely bleeding hands so the helmet was removed. After we had the motorcyclist settled, an ER physician appeared and did a cursory exam as well.

I took the head support position which I held for forty-five minutes until the ambulance arrived. Unfortunately the person who had called 911 gave our location as being 10-15 kms north of where we actually were. The police, having spent time searching in the wrong area, arrived later still.

Before the ambulance arrived the rider had been offered assistance by: a first aider, a nurse, a fireman and an emergency doctor, a general sampling of the people who flock to this scenic route in fair weather. However no one could help the man�s bleeding hands � an injury that might have been prevented or minimized by better quality gloves.

Lessons learned:
1. If somebody says they have called 911 ask EXACTLY what was said � the wrong location could be the difference between life and death.

2. ATGATT is essential. If he had been wearing chaps he wouldn't have been sitting down when I got back to him and summer gloves offer minimal protection.

3. Carry some hand sanitizer gel.

4. Have a small first aid kit including a triangular bandage or two on your bike.

5. Learn basic first aid so you can offer meaningful help if you�re the only person there.

6. Carry a Spot Satellite GPS Messenger � many of the best riding roads don�t have cell phone coverage.
====================

I have emailed him since and his leathers wore through at several points, so just imagine what would have happened to denim or shorts.

What moose?

invader — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:52 GMT

Woman driving her car to work last week (Gander, Newfoundland, Canada) hit a moose that was killed ripping half of her windshield and roof off... She got to work on time, unaware of her car's condition and her own serious injuries. With blood streaming down her head to the shock of her workmates, she replied: "What accident?", then she saw her car. :eek:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfou...ories-511.html

Howdy

dirtdogger — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:13:29 GMT

Hey folks! New (well, '09) Versys owner here from Nashville, TN :D Have enjoyed this forum immensely already!

My Seahorse install.... Not too shaby!!

symbiotix — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:49:57 GMT

Givi Rack with Adapter - $194 (shipped)
Two Seahorse SE-720 w/ plastic locks and shipping - $120
Happy Trail Mounting Puck Kit w/ shipping - $63
Grand total = $377 for a very upgradable luggage solution

I plan to go with Givi Trekkers eventually so that is why I went with the Givi racks as my base. I did not find the turn signal relocation to be difficult at all, but that is only because I was forewarned on this site. Otherwise the Givi instructions are useless!!

As for the Seahorse, they are good value for the money. The plastic is definitely less dense the Pelican (as well as less scratch resistant). Also the plastic keys are pretty much a joke... they are functional, but feel like they could snap easily. The metal keys are not stainless, so they recommend against using them.

I am very happy with the end result. I did mount them slightly more foreward then most, but my tiny G/F still fits on the pillion with no problem.

Enjoy some pics:

-Pat W

Trailing arm 'click'

WallCrawl — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:24:54 GMT

Im noticing that what sounds to be the trailing arm making a 'click' when I rock the bike and during riding, I held onto the trailing arm and had a friend rock the bike and could actually feel the 'click'. Im thinking it needs grease but just wondering if anyone else has had it happen :feedback:

looking for over pants - Olympia

twowheels — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:39:30 GMT

I'm looking for a pair of general purpose over pants to wear over top of street pants for primarily commuting. The temps they will be used in will vary from 90F to 32F.

Currently considering the Olympia Ranger and XMoto pant. Does anyone have these? Will the Ranger (unvented, built in water proof liner) be too hot? Any other suggestions? I want to avoid polyester or lightweight nylon.

North Georgia ride this summer?

GeorgiaMultiKawa — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:08:59 GMT

Hey Southern boys, anybody up for a ride sometime this summer around the North GA mountains and surrounding area? Probably just an all day Saturday or Sunday run. I was thinking something like an East to West zig-zag of some of the North to South roads, like up from Dahlonega through Suches on 60, over to Blairsville, down 129, back up Alt 75 to 348, across 180, and then 17 down to Helen, more or less.

Those are pretty much the roads I've been on in the area a few times, so if anybody has some suggestions for alternate or additional routes put em on here and maybe we can piece together a fun, and scenic run!

No specific date in mind yet, either, so pretty flexible on that. We can settle on that later depending on interest. Just trying to plan ahead enough to get a good crowd! And I say all bikes welcome. We probably won't run too hard, and we'll make a few scenic stops for people to catch up if needed.

Let me know what you think!

Introducing the FREE Motorcycle.com app

KawiMan — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:24:09 GMT

Motorcycle.com for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store

The Motorcycle App empowers the members of the Motorcycle.Com Network to access content and Forums on-the-go.

May Column: Ridermagazine.com Blog

Bones — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:53:20 GMT

So...Who's Going for a Ride?

WANTED: Side racks for Versys 2k8

zielony — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:52:34 GMT

I will accept any side racks (not damaged) with monokey system-if you dont need them let me know;)

V 2k8 Side rack

zielony — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:50:36 GMT

Hey, I need some rack for side cases (I'm thinking bout Givi e21 - bcoz of price) and idk what to buy- original GIVI/KAPPA are a little bit too expensive- anybody knows sth cheaper? Or maybe some home made tricks to mount cases?;p

I Made The V35's Look Good!

Choppastyle — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:27:15 GMT

So I bought a bike with a set of V35s. The prior owner had dropped it and scratched the right side trim horribly. I decided to try to fix it myself before coughing up the $130 (shipped) for the Trim Sets. It was also a great opportunity to get rid of the shiny Trim (which I hated). I decided to give it some texture while I was at it. I pulled the trim covers off (Top and Bottom) and added texture with a spray can of Rustoleum Multi-Color textured paint. Then I covered the trim with a bottle of Rustoleum Satin (Matte)Black. Looks perfect now!

Here is my project from start to finish:

Before I Pulled Them Off The Bike:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1163063...77155697577282
:eek:

After I JB Welded (Epoxy) Them and Sanded Them Down To A Smooth Finish:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1163063...76705504618226
:)

After I Painted Them With Texture and Then With Satin Black: $15
https://picasaweb.google.com/1163063...77044631938450
https://picasaweb.google.com/1163063...76908231589922
https://picasaweb.google.com/1163063...76804947776690
:D:D:D:D

Now the Tops and Bottoms Match!!!! You won't get that with the OEM Matte Black Trim Sets. I am one happy camper! On top of that....it was fun. I did both sides. Cost me less than $15.

Thank you,

Choppastyle

FOR SALE: SW-MOTECH QUICK-LOCK Side Rack 07-09 "Contour"

Thewhistler63 — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:16:53 GMT

Part: KFT.07.600.20000.B

These are the quick release CONTOUR racks. The are specifically made for the v35 Givi hardcases. I just bought these off Craigslist. I did not ask if they were the "contour". Totally lost my head.

The racks are essentially Brand New. The are spotless and scratch free. I paid 200 last week and only want to not lose much for my mistake. I have the instructions. You won't need them. They install in 20 minutes.

$200 delivered or trade for EVO style of same.

This is a link to the racks.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5555/

Introduction

lfd23 — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:43:28 GMT

Hey Guys,

Although I've followed the forum for a while; I've never introduced myself. I'm an new rider living in east TN (never owned a motorcycle) and lucked into a good deal on an 09 versys after taking the basic rider safety course. From info gleaned from this forum I have made some modifications: lowering kit with big foot for the kickstand, handle bar riser with anti vibe, mirror extenders and engine guard. I have also changed the oil and cleaned lubed the chain with forum guidance. So a BIG thank you for a great group of teachers on this forum. My only gripe with the Versys is the seat which is terribly uncomfortable to me after 30min of riding; otherwise, I love the bike. Once again I want to thank everyone for all the great info.! :thanx:

FOR SALE: OEM low gel seat

edcurtis — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:16:34 GMT

This seat was bought but never used. The bike was lowered instead.

$375 shipped

Or $350 picked up near Memphis

I know I have a very low post count here, but I've been on many other messages boards and ebay with lots of positive feedback and can provide links and references.

Please help!

sonofnothing — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:52:11 GMT

nevermind. "after" video of the arrow install coming soon. i have a lot on my plate right now, because i just bought a house and have to do a lot by june 1st.

Staying cool!

Blue&White — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:22:30 GMT

Hi guys: I am sure there have been threads about this, but I'll ask again: how do you stay cool when riding in the summer months where it is hot AND relatively humid (Mid-west, East)?

ANNOUNCEMENT: sporttour.com tried to blackmail me today!!!

ec90t — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:51:26 GMT

Today I set about finding out what was going on with the availability of the Givi 451FX trunk mounts and the PLR450 side bag mounts. I quickly found out they are on national back-order until the the first week of June.

I have been waiting on a set so I can mount bags on my V as it was part of the deal when I bought it. I called the sales manager (personal friend) and asked him if I buy some mounts, from another place other than where he gets them from, will he just refund me the difference. Sure no problem. Great, I'll get on the phone and see if I can find some in stock somewhere.

I called sporttour and asked if they had some in stock. Ray said yes, but he was unsure of the status could I please call him back later and he would find out. I call back about 2 hours later and ask to speak to Ray. Ray tells me that they are available what bags do I need? I replied by saying, "I don't need the bags, I just need the mounts". Ray replied by telling me, "no bags, no mounts". I replied "what"? He said that if I didn't buy any bags he wasn't going to sell me the mounts they had in stock and hung up on me.

I called back and talked to his boss, who wouldn't identify himself, to explain what just transpired. He tried to make every excuse under the sun for this Ray character and I simply asked him if that was company policy? He said no. I asked him to sell me the parts, and he replied that there was an order against them. I asked how there could be an order against them when Ray said he would sell them to me if I bought some bags? The supervisor stamered around for a bit making more excuses. I asked him again if that was company policy to deny a sale because I wasn't buying bags too. He again said no. I told him the way that Ray said it, it wasn't the first time he's used that phrase and why would he say such a thing? No reply. I told the supervisor thanks for his time and left it at that.

I get on the phone and talked to customer service over at Givi USA. I told them what had transpired at sporttour and asked him if this was condoned behavior by their dealers. He told me that once the items are paid for they could do with them what they please as long as it didn't violate their internet sales policy. So I said, "you don't see a problem here"? He told me he had no rules of conduct for such a circumstance. I simply replied, "you've told me all I needed to know".

So now I'm going to rethink my luggage needs and find something other than Givi products to put on my motorcycles from here on out. If they condone (by not doing anything about it) this kind of behavior by their dealers, then I want no part of their product.

I hope everyone else here has a better experience.

Croydon Airport

zedseven50 — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:14:21 GMT

A couple of pics of my V outside the old Croydon Airport terminal last Saturday. The airport was the original airport for London, before the days of Heathrow and Gatwick and guided history tours are run once a month. Wiki it to learn more. It was where the predecessor to today's British Airways started their first services- to Paris I believe. It was also used during WWII.

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Would ABS save the situation?

stallhorn — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:06:01 GMT

Hi all,

I got out this morning and it was barely drizzling and the ground wasn't even wet when I left the house. Then started riding and the rain got a bit more, which was not a big deal. I know the roads were going to be slick, but took the normal precaution that I do when it rains - stay far from cars and anticipate traffic lights better.
So I am looking at a traffic light infront of me and thought I could make it, but then thought against it given the wet and slippery situation. I got on the brakes lightly and then squeezed a bit more so that I am stopped comfortably when I got to the light.

Next thing I know, bike is on its side sliding down the street and I am following it and we both stopped past the traffic light.

I didn't get hurt (I was ATGATT - except for the thick khaki pants that held up) except a small bruise that came through the pants. Everything happened exteremely fast, so no time to react to any of this.

Motorcycle ended up with a bent brake handle, scratch to the fairing, scratch to the engine guard, and the Givi V35's. Mirrors were both loose - that is about it.

So I was watching ABS equipped bike performance on youtube this past weekend and I am thinking it would have saved the situation. I mean the road was so slick that I would not have the reaction time to correct what was going on. I didn't even feel the wheels sliding, just heard and saw the bike sliding down the road.

What do you all think?