Versys dual from Kawasaki?

alekkas · #1 11-10-2012, 10:24 PM

What would it take besides the 650 motor, trans and brakes in a klr body and suspension? I am a pretty simple guy. This seems to me like a relatively simple parts bin bike.

Maybe even more tuned down motor ... Less hp, more torque. A poor man's tenere. Of course, all about sales. Is there a market for this?

Way more off road than a vstrom, way cheaper than a BMW. Thoughts?

genehil · #2 11-10-2012, 10:33 PM

http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums...ad.php?t=19770

alekkas · #3 11-10-2012, 11:03 PM

Exactly!

There must be a market for that. Surprised zook hasn't already done it with the dr and sv650 motor.

Can see a fairly street version super moto with 17 in rims and a more off road sized rims.

Sprocket · #4 11-11-2012, 03:42 PM

My impression is that not many people ride their adventure bikes off pavement. Unless you live in a remote rural area there are just not that many dirt roads around anymore, at least ones that go anywhere and are longer than a 1/2 mile.

alekkas · #5 11-11-2012, 04:01 PM

I agree with your statement about almost all the dual bikes out there.

At the same time, it seems there are plenty of BMW 800 and Triumph 800 adventure bikes being sold.

Maybe yami will be first by mini sizing their Tenere, but I think that price point will still be higher.... plus they don't already have a mid sized twin that is a great motor like Kaw and Suzuki.

A lot of what I am talking about (not all) would be parts bin.

Bones · #6 11-11-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alekkas

Maybe yami will be first by mini sizing their Tenere, but I think that price point will still be higher....

Yamaha had made a middle weight Tenere for years...just need them to bring it to the US.

invader · #7 11-11-2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alekkas

I agree with your statement about almost all the dual bikes out there.

At the same time, it seems there are plenty of BMW 800 and Triumph 800 adventure bikes being sold.

Maybe yami will be first by mini sizing their Tenere, but I think that price point will still be higher.... plus they don't already have a mid sized twin that is a great motor like Kaw and Suzuki.

A lot of what I am talking about (not all) would be parts bin.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/649/14...e-Concept.aspx

jdrocks · #8 11-11-2012, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alekkas

What would it take besides the 650 motor, trans and brakes in a klr body and suspension? I am a pretty simple guy. This seems to me like a relatively simple parts bin bike.

Maybe even more tuned down motor ... Less hp, more torque. A poor man's tenere. Of course, all about sales. Is there a market for this?

Way more off road than a vstrom, way cheaper than a BMW. Thoughts?

plenty of these around...

a growing number of these with the bigger suspension...

and a few of these Versys too...

with some changes to suit where you intend to ride, you already have a bike that will run right along with the S/10, probably go some places where you wouldn't want the S/10.

alekkas · #9 11-12-2012, 11:42 AM

Well JD, you don't count! I am sure even if they did build it, it would not be as cool as yours (I especially liked the red on that wrecked in MT...)

**kojack** · #10 11-12-2012, 04:14 PM

JD's red one was amazing...I want at er6 built like jd's red one....and the white one is full on bmw...ha ha!...

What is the front end on the silver v?

Boricua · #11 11-13-2012, 06:32 PM

A poor man's Tenere? After all the mods it probably will cost as much if not more than an S 10 and you will still be missing the throttle by wire, the abs, the traction control, the throttle electornic controls, comfortable seat, and most important the rear shaft. If you long for an S 10 buy one if not be happy with one of the most versatile mid weight (or light tourer) motorcycles in the market.

Should I say that a stock Versys with a decent set of tires can cover 90% of the terrain that the S10 do.

Non sense

jdrocks · #12 11-13-2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boricua

A poor man's Tenere? After all the mods it probably will cost as much if not more than an S 10...

your conclusion is based on...what, exactly?

alekkas · #13 11-13-2012, 10:01 PM

New 2012 super tenere's are going for a little over 12K. New Versys are going for over 6K. (These are buy it now ebay prices from dealers - real world prices) Both no bags.

SO if Kaw added 2K their cost to upgrade both suspensions, rims, add a few other "adventure" things, a "poor man's tenere" would go for just over 8K real world price - still 4K less. Near a vstrom price but should be more dual roadlike. A lot like that silver bike pictured above.

With the Er6 dead in the US and X bikes all the rage, that 650 motor could be used for the ninja, versys standard (both on 17in rims), and a versys X with beefier suspension and appropriate rims. Different front suspensions on all three, different rear suspension and rims for the X bike. Most won't get past the Starbucks anyway ...

There's my prediction for next year.

mcmann · #14 12-09-2012, 09:57 PM

Woody's makes a set of spoked wheels for the Versys . . . This is what mine will look like in three to four weeks . . . from another Versys forum:

http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/KawaVersys.html

Fastoman · #15 12-09-2012, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmann

Woody's makes a set of spoked wheels for the Versys . . . This is what mine will look like in three to four weeks . . . from another Versys forum:

http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/KawaVersys.html

Are they tubeless tire or with tube..

invader · #16 12-10-2012, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastoman

Are they tubeless tire or with tube..

"Custom Radd Cush Hub superlaced tubeless sealed excel rim:

Woodys Wheels ( the stock hubs packed with mud and would be badly out of balance once you hit the pavement):
Custom Radd Cush Hub superlaced tubeless sealed excel rim:"

http://advrider.com/forums/showpost....postcount=3310

mcmann · #17 12-10-2012, 06:17 AM

You can have Woodys seal the Excel rims for tubeless tires . . . Or, buy the more expensive tubeless rims. I am having them sealed for tubeless tires.

twowheeladdict · #18 12-10-2012, 08:11 AM

The KLR suspension ain't much. My '08 KLR had racetech springs and GVEs in the front end and a Cogent Moab shock out back. Switched bikes with a friend and he was amazed at the improvement.

My replacement for the Versys will have a driveshaft. A lot easier to change the differential fluid when you change the oil than to have to lube and inspect the chain ever 500 miles or sooner if you ride in the rain or off road.

With the growing popularity of Adventure bikes I am amazed Kawasaki has not entered that arena. All the magazines say that Adventure bikes is the fastest growing area.

I haven't test ridden a Super Tenere, but the bike fits me well from showroom test fits. I like the Tiger Explorer, but it feel a little large for me.

Sprocket · #19 12-10-2012, 12:31 PM

KTM are now making a middle weight off road bike as are BMW.

mcmann · #20 12-10-2012, 09:11 PM

I like the power and suspension of the Versys. You can not compare it to a thumper. It is over 100lbs. Lighter than the Super Tenere . . . And less than half the price. Used Versys are bargains . . . Which make having a $2K set of spoked 19" X 17" wheels possible. They are much more forgiving over the bumps etc.