Yeah, my local Suzie/Kawq dealer has a brand new KLR in stock and I was looking at it. I was amazed as the terrible fit and finish. The frame welds were the worst I've ever seen on a motorcycle. I was surprised it ever left the factory that way. I can weld better than that, and I don't even know what I'm doing.
I've gotta tell you, it's looking like a nice bike; not enough to make me sell my beloved WeeStrom, but nice. I can't wait to see a few in-depth reviews and maybe a comparison test or two. Competition is good for all of us...
It's really the best thing that could happen for Suzuki... until another manufacturer openly validates a product, the product is all alone in the market... a perception that's often too big a hurdle for new buyers to cross.
The Versys validates the concept of the generalist's motorcycle: all round capability and comfort in an inexpensive package -- a product that flies in the face of the 'more is better' vortex that sucks in so many buyers.
Sat on a Versys at the dealer last week, I own a Vee. Looked a bit more high strung just sitting there, and has 17" wheels front and back. BIKE magazine from the UK did a review of it, and it puts out real real world dyno numbers similar to the Wee.
The seating seemed a bit more cramped, but I'm tall and have set my Vee up to handle my 6'11" frame. I keep telling myself that a Wee would be the best compliment to the Vee if I got a second bike since it is the best fitting bike out there for me.
Anyway, I am awaiting a test of the Versys vs. Wee and I am sure that is coming soon from all of the magazines.
A lot of people say the Strom is ugly. I don't think it's beautiful, but to each his own. I bought my at a dealership that also sells KTM. The KTM Adventure fell out of the ugly tree and hit every ugly branch on the way down.
Doug's a pretty mellow rider, so I doubt I'll ever find out if the Versys can take my DL650 in a stoplight drag. But they seem pretty evenly matched, on paper.
The Versys is a much smaller feeling bike when you sit on it. It has a shorter wheelbase, and it has a lot less in the way of an upper faring. The seat is considerably higher than the DL650, however. I have a 34 inch inseem, and I can just barely flat-foot the bike.
I like the look of the Versys better than the DL650, from ever angle but from the front. If the Versys had my Strom's upper quarter-faring and headlights, with the Euro-sport screen, it would be a truly great looking bike all round in my opinion. But as it is, the DL650 looks much better from the front.
The other thing I don't like about the Versys, looks-wise, is the cheezy silver plastic trim on the frame tubes, on either side.
I'll follow with another update, after Doug and I swap bikes for awhile.
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