Re: Planning to buy versys 650

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Planning to buy versys 650

Few days back I took a back to back test drive versys 650 and z900. So I am going to compare these two for now.

1. 650 is way too comfortable than z900
2. I am 6”2’ and I found myself tiptoeing versys around the corners
3. Engine doesn’t have punch but it more than enough for our roads.
4. You cannot use this bike for daily commute. IMO
5. Exhaust note is not something to brag about.
6. It soaks up bumps and uneven roads anything.

So when are you getting one [emoji5][emoji5]?

Re: Planning to buy versys 650

[QUOTE=drive_angry;1339978]Few days back I took a back to back test drive versys 650 and z900. So I am going to compare these two for now.

1. 650 is way too comfortable than z900
2. I am 6”2’ and I found myself tiptoeing versys around the corners
3. Engine doesn’t have punch but it more than enough for our roads.
4. You cannot use this bike for daily commute. IMO
5. Exhaust note is not something to brag about.
6. It soaks up bumps and uneven roads anything.

So when are you getting one [emoji5][emoji5]?[/QUOTE

Thanks for the reply, this is my first question here.

1. I don’t drive speed, I’m more comfortable around 100, 110. I want proper sitting posture.
2. For commuting, I’ll use thunderbird, it’s most comfortable bike I have rode.
3. My only concern is after sale service and spares costing. I go for tour every 3 months. Rest of the time, bike will sit idle. My job doesn’t permit me much “me” time.
4. Want a test ride. Presently I’m in Assam, no showroom in Guwahati, nearest showroom in Kolkata. Originally I’m from Bihar, there is a showroom but they don’t have the bike. I’m just a test ride away from booking.

Hope everything will be all right as spending this money is not simple decision. Don’t want to be in uncomfortable situation after buying.

Also waiting for interceptor and Himalayan ABS. If they are launched before my booking, I would surely like to check them once.

For now, waiting for the right time..

Re: Planning to buy versys 650

[QUOTE=gauravtheknight;1339980]

Hi Gaurav,

Present owner of versys650 here, and from Tamil Nadu.

First of all, you made a rational decision keeping in mind purchase costs and use.

The Himalayan, unless you want to wait for a year or so for the niggles on the 2018 version to be ironed out, is a non-option as of now although a current versys owner in our group has a 2018 Himalayan as his second bike and swears by it.

The versys is a sports tourer, and not an adventure tourer. it is a top heavy bike, so you can't really trail ride with it with aplomb. You need to be able to muscle it around at slow speeds to control that 220kg weight from getting away from you.

THIS is the only drawback. It is top heavy, and you need to have the strength to control it albeit at only low speeds. Post 20kph, it handles as well as any regular bike.

I am 5'11" and have no issues almost flat footing it, so that's not a concern.

It is definitely true that the Kawasaki service (in particular, the labor) was way expensive during the intial part of the ktm-kawa split up (I got the v650 for the sole reason that ktm will service it and not kawa), but my latest service (at 24000km) cost me 5,500 including spares cost of approx. 2.5k. So I am happy the way things are going, as this is a very reasonable amount that I will spend maybe twice a year for the up-keep. For the spare, you can always find people willing to carry it down from abroad or alternatives from third party suppliers. There are v650 riders who manufacture a lot of the add-ons such as aux light mounts, crash bars and frame sliders and whatnot which are much much cheaper than the OEM parts and are as good or often better at what they do, so you don't need to worry about that.

So only be mindful of the weight. Otherwise, buy the bike, put on a crash guard to save that expensive fairing on slow speed drops, and enjoy effortless biking.

Or, if you don't do any adventure trails, look at the recently launched Vulcan S from Kawasaki. Much cheaper to maintain because there is no fairing, and better posture than the versys as your bum gets a much better cushioning for all day rides.