Joined
·
70 Posts
Thought you guys may like to know about the initial bike experience from a Versys Newb.
Left Palmer Rapids early on my 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 for the final time and drove the 200 kms to the Goodtime Center in Ottawa. Everything went smoothly at the dealership and the entire process took about an hour. They installed a couple of spools at no cost on the rear axle so I could use a stand.
I took a 300 km route home along scenic backroads, villages and small towns.
I am coming off an FJ-09 and KLR for the last 25,000 kms so the Versys had it's hands full to keep up that high standard, and it did not disappoint. In fact it was almost identical and handles a touch better than the Yamaha, but only by a tiny margin. I love the way you can turn these bikes on a dime right from a dead start. Very flickable. The seating position is also similar to the FJ but I think it has a seat height one inch lower. I am 6'1" so no issues with that. The seat is more comfortable than the FJ-09 which feels like a board after the 1st 100 kms. Not really an issue with these bikes though cause we can stand up and stretch hindquaters and legs to get blood flowing as often as required. I found I was doing that less on the Versys.
I won't compare the power between the two because the FJ-09 is in a class by itself, but I can tell you I love the power of the Versys. It is just right. The techs gave me a briefing during the walk around and told me to ignore the manual and run it between 5000 - 6000 RPM for Break In. I did that all the way home with plenty of rev matching on downshifts and varying engine speeds. I was on mainly twisty roads with rolling hills so it was easy to keep the speeds changing. Only thing I noticed was that it has a real twitchy throttle response in 1st and 2nd. I don't think that is a fault of the bike it is just a matter of me getting use to it.
Fuel economy seemed excellent. Still had about 1/3 tank left after 300 kms. I will monitor that closely on each fill up.
The general ergonomics of the bike are a perfect fit for me. The instruments are clear and easy to read. Not quite as elaborate as the FJ-09 but who needs to have a reminder about time to do an Oil Change anyway. I do wish it had a Outside Temp Gage though.
Really like this bike and plan on doing some great trips with it. Heading east to New Brunswick next month going through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Then along the coast to the Miramachi.
Got two compliments from seperate strangers at a Gas Station.
She's home in Palmer Rapids where she belongs now.
Left Palmer Rapids early on my 2016 Yamaha FJ-09 for the final time and drove the 200 kms to the Goodtime Center in Ottawa. Everything went smoothly at the dealership and the entire process took about an hour. They installed a couple of spools at no cost on the rear axle so I could use a stand.
I took a 300 km route home along scenic backroads, villages and small towns.
I am coming off an FJ-09 and KLR for the last 25,000 kms so the Versys had it's hands full to keep up that high standard, and it did not disappoint. In fact it was almost identical and handles a touch better than the Yamaha, but only by a tiny margin. I love the way you can turn these bikes on a dime right from a dead start. Very flickable. The seating position is also similar to the FJ but I think it has a seat height one inch lower. I am 6'1" so no issues with that. The seat is more comfortable than the FJ-09 which feels like a board after the 1st 100 kms. Not really an issue with these bikes though cause we can stand up and stretch hindquaters and legs to get blood flowing as often as required. I found I was doing that less on the Versys.
I won't compare the power between the two because the FJ-09 is in a class by itself, but I can tell you I love the power of the Versys. It is just right. The techs gave me a briefing during the walk around and told me to ignore the manual and run it between 5000 - 6000 RPM for Break In. I did that all the way home with plenty of rev matching on downshifts and varying engine speeds. I was on mainly twisty roads with rolling hills so it was easy to keep the speeds changing. Only thing I noticed was that it has a real twitchy throttle response in 1st and 2nd. I don't think that is a fault of the bike it is just a matter of me getting use to it.
Fuel economy seemed excellent. Still had about 1/3 tank left after 300 kms. I will monitor that closely on each fill up.
The general ergonomics of the bike are a perfect fit for me. The instruments are clear and easy to read. Not quite as elaborate as the FJ-09 but who needs to have a reminder about time to do an Oil Change anyway. I do wish it had a Outside Temp Gage though.
Really like this bike and plan on doing some great trips with it. Heading east to New Brunswick next month going through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Then along the coast to the Miramachi.
Got two compliments from seperate strangers at a Gas Station.
She's home in Palmer Rapids where she belongs now.
