The V-Strom versus the Versys.....

[shelbyclay]

There is a new bike on the Market that is going to be real competetion for the Strom. It is the Kawasaki Versys, a 650 vertical twin that has the same engine as the Ninja 650R and the KLR.
I got a chance to ride the first one to get into Austin last weekend. It seems to have much more low end torque, (takes off like a scalded cat) and is more nimble in the curves than anything I have ridden before. This may not be an accurate comparison for all Wee Stroms since I lowered the rear on mine 2 inches and the front mabey 1 1/2 inches so I may have messed up the fine handling on mine.
I have been riding my sons 1000 a lot lately. I didn't get a chance to compare it head to head with the 1000 Strom but It would be a very close finish. I have a long trip to Big Bend National Park this fall on my Wee and 3 more bikes to get sold to get down just owning one bike, then I am considering swapping to a Versys myself. If they are available yet that is, still kind of hard to find.
I will get a chance to ride it again when I return to Austin. My brother owns it now. He was considering getting a Wee when we were in the Cycle shop but they didn't have one in stock. It didn't take long for us to sit on the Versys, talk to the salesman and think about it for an afternoon. He is real happy with it, says it rides like his Multistrada for half as much dough. I am too, can't wait to return and ride it again.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-versys/

[HeadCheese]

Like Triumph's new version of the Tiger, the Versys makes no pretensions of having any off-road capability. For many 'Strom owners, this is a moot point, as they never take their bikes anywhere other than the pavement. But for some, the mild off-road capability of the 'Strom was the original selling point.

I remember reading an early review of the Versys that included some numbers regarding the HP/Torque values, and they were somewhat less than the Wee-Strom's, in the same way the Ninja 650R doesn't quite match up with the SV650's numbers. I suspect the zippiness of the Versys you noticed was due to the geometry and sportbike wheels on the bike.

It's definitely an interesting bike and will likely take a bite out of Suzuki's market.

Perhaps it will push Suzuki to make an update to the V-Strom's design.

[bjw741]

I've been reading about the new Kaw and my biggest question is how do you pronounce the damn thing?

Is it Ver - sis (as in short for sister)?

Or is it Ver - si (with a long i pronounced "eye")?

Who knows for sure?

[MZBuckeye]

I've been reading about the new Kaw and my biggest question is how do you pronounce the damn thing?

Is it Ver - sis (as in short for sister)?

Or is it Ver - si (with a long i pronounced "eye")?

Who knows for sure?

I thought it was Ver - sees. It's a derivative of Versatile Systems or something like that. I think it's ugly as sin, and I love Kawasakis. Then again, I think the V-Strom looks cool (Vee that is :cool:) so what do I know. Should be interesting to see how well it sells, I found it strange that it's only 49 state compliant. No Cali for the Versys.

[bill l]

"It is the Kawasaki Versys, a 650 vertical twin that has the same engine as the Ninja 650R and the KLR."

I'm getting one of those KLR vertical twins . . .

I forget what recent mag I read showing that the Versys hp is down from the DL650 (60 rwhp, 42 ft/lbs) so it makes sense that the bottom feels stronger. Kawasaki can make a motor as good as anyone.

[raypope]

Been waiting for them to arrive.

Will have to put the Wee up for $$$ if it rides like it looks??

Wonder if I can call it a Vee

[chris swann]

"It is the Kawasaki Versys, a 650 vertical twin that has the same engine as the Ninja 650R and the KLR."

I'm getting one of those KLR vertical twins . . .

I forget what recent mag I read showing that the Versys hp is down from the DL650 (60 rwhp, 42 ft/lbs) so it makes sense that the bottom feels stronger. Kawasaki can make a motor as good as anyone.

klr is a single 650

[bill l]

klr is a single 650

I'm getting the new twin model.


"I say! I say! It was a JOKE son!" - Foghorn Leghorn

[Tommy]

I found a local test review of V-Strom 650 vs Kawa Versys, 0-100kph and in quarter mile it's 0.5 seconds slower than V-Strom. Testers say that engine pulls little bit better from low revs than Strom, but dies right after 8000rpm.