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Finally on a Versys!
After more than a year of umming and aaring (you might remember my post from January last year), I'm finally the owner of an almost new Versys. It is a 2008 demo model, with just under 9000k's on the clock. Built date in 2007...
Have only ridden it from the shop to work, and then back home, so far am quite impressed. I had an SV650 before this, and seat of pants the Versys seems quicker and happier to tip into corners. I'm rather vertically challenged (167cm) and don't weigh much (55kg) so I've got the suspension set on softest all round, and the front triple clamps dropped as far as they will go. Not ideal, but it'll have to do till I either find an OEM lowered seat (anyone have one to sell???) or I get my seat butchered lower. As it stands I can barely tiptoe both feet on perfectly flat ground, almost dropped the bike on the way home at the traffic lights! Another option is to lower the bike using Speedy's lowering kit, but I'd rather not if I can help it.
I've ordered a set of Hebco & Becker engine bars. Other plans for the bike right now are a tank pad so I don't scratch the tank, a lowered seat of some description, and some form of top box and panniers, have not really decided what brand to buy yet. At the moment I'm thinking the OEM (SW-Motech) top box rack with a Givi V46 top box, and a set of Givi pannier racks.
Also on the todo list are to install a 12v socket somewhere so I can power my GPS. And permanently mount my Autocom unit. Oh, and fix that annoying buzzing sound from the front fairing!!!
Motorcycles can be a pain when they need regular repair and servicing. I have an awesome kawasaki motorbike but im constantly fixing it, lucky for me i have the right kawasaki workshop manuals to get the work done. Your kawasaki Versys looks mint! Happy Motorbiking :)
"Here’s a bike that anyone can hop on and go anywhere. It’s as much at home running to 7-11 for a gallon of milk as it is slicing up a twisty backroad. It easily runs ahead of 80-mph freeway traffic with a plush ride that encourages loading up the saddlebags for a sport-touring interstate romp. It’s not a sportbike and it’s not a cruiser - it’s a motorcycle, a machine that amazingly doesn’t seem out of its element anywhere."
2008 Kawasaki Versys Road Test, Motorcycle Magazine
Hi Fooky!
Came across the BMV accessories plug and socket. These are so much better as they mate firmly. Intend to install one soon. Your comments.
Hi Dad,
Installed one of these BMW-style (they call them Merit plugs here) on my Versys - it's great apart from the fact that all my accessories use a cigarette lighter attachment. However it's smaller, and like you said, the bits lock together so they don't vibrate out. I didn't have this problem with the cigarette lighter socket on my SV, but I'm told it does happen... I thought about changing the plugs over to Merit plugs but all the electronics to drop the voltage down to 5v are in the plug, and they don't fit into the replacement plug. I made a converter which works, but adds to the bulk of wires...
I've also permanently mounted my Autocom intercom, have not had a chance to test it yet though. I've also mounted a set of Hepco & Becker crash bars to minimise damage if (when) I drop the bike. Getting my seat redone this weekend, hopefully a bit more rideable after that. Next on the list is a set of hard luggage, I've decided to go with the Hepco & Becker stuff...
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