Anyone on here have a Kawasaki Versys

[Campbell92]

Just bought a 2008 Kawasaki Versys 650. Very impressed to say the least. Looking to do some upgrades, farkle, etc. I currently have heated grips and a lowering link as well as a new windshield. I am looking for engine guards and possibly bags or some sort of pannier kit, but I am stuck on what to get. There is a ton of accessories on the market but I am indebted to the fine college establishment in Florence for the next 10 years.....In other words I'm fresh out of college and working on a budget.

Any pointers on different accessories that wont cost an arm and a leg? We are talking good and affordable, not pot metal from Indochina. (I am on a budget, not broke) I have seen a few things on ADV but I like to keep it local if at all possible.

Also, is there anything I need to look for or be worried about? I just hit 11,000 miles. Just changed the oil, adjusted the chain, and checked some other odds and ends. Just curious if any other owners have found any quirks or issues. By what I have found these bikes are tough as nails.

Thanks for any pointers, tips, and advice you can offer.

[Brian A]

I have one. And LOVE it!

here's a quick summary of what I have done to mine:

* Lowered the pegs. Great improvement. The kit got them about 1/2 - 3/4 inch lower.  Quality is top-shelf. https://motowerk.com/products/lowering-foot-peg-blocks-for-kawasaki

* Beaded seat cover. Some people prefer other options. I like the beads. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW7PURZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

* Changed sprockets (gearing). I made a pretty big change to drop the rpm by about 500. Didn't just reduce the buzzing I felt in the bars at about 70 mph. Pretty much eliminated it. It is very smooth now and performance suffered no big problems (I prefer the new gearing. It just suits me better.)  Also bought a new chain.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AVU40E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AVVZC0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006O85Q74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

* Tank bag. Worth every penny. At least in my book. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/sw-motech-bags-connection-non-electric-quick-lock-evo-micro-motorcycle-tank-bag

* Upgraded headlight bulbs. Did a lot of research. Settled on these. There are other very good choices. These are very noticeably better than stock. I am happy with them. No regrets.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMEEV9W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

* Do the front seat bracket mod. Stock seat slopes a bit too far forward and tends to make the boys get a bit numb. No cost. Just some time in the garage. Google it or reply here if you need more info.

* Hard cases: I opted for the smaller GIVI cases. I tend to pack light and didn't want anything bulky anyways. If you don't do long trips you don't need them but if you do......
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-e22n-monokey-22l-cruiser-side-cases
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-pl447-side-case-racks-kawasaki-versys-650-2006-2009
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-plx447kit-side-case-kit-kawasaki-versys-650-2006-2009

* I have a nice GIVI larger windscreen. I kinda prefer the stock one to be honest. On the highest set of holes on the bracket, it (stock) does a good job and I have virtually no problem with buffeting.

* Oil and filter... no mod but I use Shell Totella T3 and a Purolator L14610 or PL14160. Easy to find. Good quality stuff and good price.

Other than that its minor stuff.... 2 RAM mounts for phone, GPS, etc. and an aux 12V accessory plug mounted on the handlebar.

Won't be long now before I straddle it for a ride to New Brunswick, Canada. It will roll out looking just like this.

[Brian A]

I had my valves checked at about 17K. As I recall there were a few minor adjustments required. Nothing extreme at all.

As you know, these motors have been around a long time and are, as you said, tough as nails. I take very good care of my bike but I enjoy ringing its neck. I don't think you can ride one hard enough on the road to cause any ill effect.

Mulley recently bought a 2015. Same bike but different bike. He'll probably be along some time to throw his $.02 out for consideration.

Klaviator also rides a 650 V. I think his is a Gen 2.

[jrobinson]

I have it on good authority that Brian's green machine will do a wheelie and the po-po will watch in awe.

[Brian A]

I have it on good authority that Brian's green machine will do a wheelie and the po-po will watch in awe.

Oh JR!  You have me laughing out loud right now. That was a funny thing on an awesome trip.

[klaviator]

I have a 2012 with 17K miles on it.  No problems with it except a pinched vent hose which I caused.  I had the 15K service done at Allsport and the valves were all in spec but the throttle bodies were out of sync.  I would recommend checking the air filter.  You have to remove the tank to get to it.  It can be cleaned or check with Ben, he got me an aftermarket filter for around 10 bucks.

Accessories?  I spent around 1000 bucks for luggage and an airhawk seat pad.

[Campbell92]

I have a 2012 with 17K miles on it.  No problems with it except a pinched vent hose which I caused.  I had the 15K service done at Allsport and the valves were all in spec but the throttle bodies were out of sync.  I would recommend checking the air filter.  You have to remove the tank to get to it.  It can be cleaned or check with Ben, he got me an aftermarket filter for around 10 bucks.

Accessories?  I spent around 1000 bucks for luggage and an airhawk seat pad.

You were part of my inspiration. After riding your bike to the front lot as well as riding the used one we have at the shop, I finally bit the bullet. I have wanted one of these since I started at Allsport in 2008. Good things come to those who wait.....I guess my good thing(s) was/were a job in motorcycle sales and a little bit of extra spending money.

[Campbell92]

I have one. And LOVE it!

here's a quick summary of what I have done to mine:

* Lowered the pegs. Great improvement. The kit got them about 1/2 - 3/4 inch lower.  Quality is top-shelf. https://motowerk.com/products/lowering-foot-peg-blocks-for-kawasaki

* Beaded seat cover. Some people prefer other options. I like the beads. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW7PURZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

* Changed sprockets (gearing). I made a pretty big change to drop the rpm by about 500. Didn't just reduce the buzzing I felt in the bars at about 70 mph. Pretty much eliminated it. It is very smooth now and performance suffered no big problems (I prefer the new gearing. It just suits me better.)  Also bought a new chain.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AVU40E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AVVZC0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006O85Q74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

* Tank bag. Worth every penny. At least in my book. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/sw-motech-bags-connection-non-electric-quick-lock-evo-micro-motorcycle-tank-bag

* Upgraded headlight bulbs. Did a lot of research. Settled on these. There are other very good choices. These are very noticeably better than stock. I am happy with them. No regrets.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMEEV9W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

* Do the front seat bracket mod. Stock seat slopes a bit too far forward and tends to make the boys get a bit numb. No cost. Just some time in the garage. Google it or reply here if you need more info.

* Hard cases: I opted for the smaller GIVI cases. I tend to pack light and didn't want anything bulky anyways. If you don't do long trips you don't need them but if you do......
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-e22n-monokey-22l-cruiser-side-cases
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-pl447-side-case-racks-kawasaki-versys-650-2006-2009
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-plx447kit-side-case-kit-kawasaki-versys-650-2006-2009

* I have a nice GIVI larger windscreen. I kinda prefer the stock one to be honest. On the highest set of holes on the bracket, it (stock) does a good job and I have virtually no problem with buffeting.

* Oil and filter... no mod but I use Shell Totella T3 and a Purolator L14610 or PL14160. Easy to find. Good quality stuff and good price.

Other than that its minor stuff.... 2 RAM mounts for phone, GPS, etc. and an aux 12V accessory plug mounted on the handlebar.

Won't be long now before I straddle it for a ride to New Brunswick, Canada. It will roll out looking just like this.

You are gonna get me in trouble. I am gonna be looking at these parts all day at work today  ;D ;D  This helps out a ton! I have a tall windscreen on mine and the lowering link. I have looked at pegs and those might do the trick. Thanks a million! lets hit the road some time, Id love to see how that gearing handles with the new sprocket.

[Mulley]

I bought a 2015 Versys 650 LT back on March. So far it's great.

I tried the seat mod and it helped but I'm 260 lbs and needed a firmer seat. I installed a Seat Concepts with the firm foam option. It's fantastic. I should still have a 3D printed piece you can have for raising the front of the seat.

I installed a Madstad windscreen. Which is awesome for winter use but it works way too good for summer. I don't get any air on my torso or even in my chin vents. I cut down the stock screen 3 inches for summer use.



I upgraded the headlamps to Cyclops LED and installed Cyclops LED Long Range Optimus 10deg and 20 deg. With the Skene dimmer and nadlebar switch. It's a really neat system. I just finished that install this weekend so no night ride yet. I hope to try it out tomorrow night.

https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/4000-Lumen-H7-LED-Headlight-Bulb_p_86.html

https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/-Long-Range-Optimus-LED-Auxiliary-light-Round_p_10.html

I changed the rear sprocket from 46 to 43 teeth. Stock 15 tooth front sprocket.

Hardwired my GPS with ram mounts. Not switched.

Installed 12V outlet on a relay, switched with key because USB charger have parasitic draw when no phone is plugged up.


SW-MOTECH QUICK-LOCK EVO DAYPACK TANK BAG
This is a sweet option. I like that it attached a to the tank with a ring on the fuels cap no contact is made with paint and it removes easily at the gas station or hotel.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sw-motech-quick-lock-evo-daypack-tank-bag?gclid=CjwKCAjw47bLBRBkEiwABh-PkQKj-QGQIIz0lBMZLGCC58rJ4EuLdwKQl78OGB8cxhknKLjJdpTncBoCD3kQAvD_BwE

I hope all of this helps.

[Bamagator]

Good thread, did not see it until Brian flagged me on the Canada trip thread.  I had a gen 1 Ninja 650 which shares the same motor, etc.  It was a great bike, smooth predictable power just buzzy.  Sold it a few years ago.  As a taller guy, I suspect this bike would fit me better and also meet my riding style which is not too aggressive.  I am definitely going to toss a leg over one this fall and give it consideration. 

I really dig Mully's light mod on his bike.

[Campbell92]

Good thread, did not see it until Brian flagged me on the Canada trip thread.  I had a gen 1 Ninja 650 which shares the same motor, etc.  It was a great bike, smooth predictable power just buzzy.  Sold it a few years ago.  As a taller guy, I suspect this bike would fit me better and also meet my riding style which is not too aggressive.  I am definitely going to toss a leg over one this fall and give it consideration. 

I really dig Mully's light mod on his bike.

We have several of the new 2016 and 2017 at Allsport if you want to check them out and see if you like the height etc. I currently have a first gen model. We have a 2nd Gen like Klaviator's currently on consignment and I like it more than my 08 when it comes to appearance. I will have to say the current models have my vote though since you can get hard bags without having to buy a mounting kit (The LT models actually come stock with them), not to mention the new headlights look more modern instead of futuristic/Cyclops. Too bad I am on a college budget, otherwise I would have one of the new ones in the garage as well  ;D. Its been a couple months and I can tell you, this is one of the best buys and bikes I have ever owned.

[Campbell92]

I rode one of the 2016 models today  :D :D :D :D :D I am pretty sure this updated version will be in my bike arsenal in the future. The power was so much more exciting than what my 2008 has to offer. 

[Lee R]

I also have a Versys, a 17 model 650. 

It's my sixth motorcycle following a KLR650/Vstrom 650/Tiger 1050/MG Stelvio NTX. 

I decided to downsize after the Stelvio as I got sick of pushing near 600lbs around in the garage and being on eggshells at low speeds Incase it tipped, because that sucker was going over if it tipped.

The v650 is most like the Tiger1050 I previously owned and put just under 50k on. It's like a lower powered slightly lighter version of that bike with far better fuel range, better luggage, better suspension and it uses 87 Octane while being cheaper to operate on chains and sprockets plus tires.

I'm quite happy with it, power is enough to do anything you really want and wanes off above 80mph which most of the time your under.  Handling is very good, like a sport bike, actually probably the best of any of my previous bikes including the Tiger.  Comfort is pretty good. It's a bit cramped in the knees but otherwise greats. Some 50 dollar lowering blocks for the pegs would probably cure that or some highway pegs.

I've put 18,000 miles on mine in the first year of ownership included a 27 day trip to Alaska covering about 500 miles per day.

I would highly recommend the bike to anyone who wants a light comfortable sport tourer that's very reliable and costs less overall to operate in consumables and insurance.  I only miss the 1000cc power of the Tiger at high speeds (>75mph) passing people like what happens out west occasionally. Otherwise it's more fun to rev the 650 through the RPM range than be at half the RPM or criminal speed like the larger engine bikes.

It's less comfortable then the large ADV's like the Stelvio but better handling and much lighter.