manxie49

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE GT Been test riding bikes since last April, looking for a bike to replace the Tracer. I had a few boxes to tick, the main one being the ability to tour on two up. It also had to be a bike I could live with day to day. Everything from the commute to a ride out with my mates. I hadn’t even considered a Versys until speaking to a visiting biker who was over for the MGP. Anyway, I found one at a local dealership and took it for an extended test ride, and virtually, right from the off, I loved it. So basically, the bike is a tried and tested (been around for a while now), in line four-cylinder engine, which is basically a derivative of the Ninja engine with the torque curve flattened out somewhat to make is more suited for touring. It certainly isn’t a light weight bike, but its low centre of gravity make it feel a lot lighter than its book weight would suggest. The SE model comes with the electronic suspension, which I personally like, and makes life quicker and easier when switching from two up to solo continuously. The bike is marketed as an Adventure bike, but IMHO it isn’t, and I would argue that it’s closer to sports tourer than adventure, I certainly wouldn’t want to take it off road, and I speak as someone who actually does a bit of off roading. THE GOOD: I found the bike very easy to ride, right from the off. I’m 6’2”, able to easily flat foot when at a standstill, but have never felt cramped or uncomfortable, even with a pillion on board. The engine is smooth and responsive, as you’d expect, it’s also very agile and capable, especially when you get the revs above 6k. The electronic suspension works well, but I have tinkered with something called rider mode, basically making the bike mine, and setting everything up as I want it. It’s well worth the time and effort doing this, it can totally transform the riding experience. For touring the bike comes with full luggage with enough room for two people to have a comfortable week away, the O/E luggage is basically made for Kawasaki by GIVI. Inner bags for the panniers are useless and I personally don’t use them. I have found the panniers to be water tight though, with no leaks and wet clothes to date. The bike is also equipped with a manually adjustable screen, which, at 6’2” I find to be adequate when touring. It seems to be very good at keeping both the wind and rain off, with no noticeable helmet roar or buffeting, unlike my old Tracer. Fuel consumption is pretty good, I’ve never pushed it to the point of riding on fumes, but I’m getting 210 to 220 miles between fill ups, and that’s with some spirited riding thrown into the mix as well. Finally, the bike is fitted with an up and down gear quick shifter. I’ve always been a fan of these devices and use them a lot, especially when two up. The one on this bike, whilst a little clunky, does the job and I’ve had no issues with it. THE BAD: There isn’t much bad I can say about this bike, just a couple of little niggles really. · The OEM screen, whilst adequate, and actually doing a pretty good job, appears to be made of something akin to cream cheese. Even with careful cleaning I’ve been unable to stop it becoming covered in those annoying hairline scratches, I also wish Kawasaki had made one with a slight tint. · My next niggle is the at Nav mount, bolted onto the steering yoke. It’s personal choice but I’ve never liked my sat nav mounted in this position, which actually takes your eyes away from the road. · The rear brake also took a bit a getting used to, as most of us do, I use the rear brake during slow riding and especially when manoeuvring, I find I actually have to apply a lot of pressure to the rear brake pedal on this bike before it starts to engage, a minor niggle that I’m now starting to get used to. · Snatchy throttle, which is something I call modern bike syndrome due to leaning them right down to achieve virtue signalling emissions laws. Like other bikes I’ve owned, this is no different, and the throttle can be a little snatchy at times. This is something I may address at a later date with a remap. · Chain adjustment. They fit a centre stand to the bike, then, according to the owner manual, chain slack and adjustment should be carried out with the bike on its side stand! I mean really, who thought that one up. There are ways around this issue though. Unusually I’m unable to fit cotton reels to this bike, but have adapted my paddock stand with rubber cups, this allows me to lift the bike on the swing arm and check and adjust the chain with the rear wheel elevated off the ground. · Finally, not a deal breaker by any means, but compared to other bikes I’ve owned, there seems to be a disproportionate amount of gear lever travel between first and second gear, and, when time allows, I intend to have a look and see if there’s any adjustment in this area. THE UGLY: Only one thing, for me anyway, that fits into this category, and that has to be the seat. I’ve ridden and owned lots of different bikes over the years, and this has to be one of the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had to sit on. My wife seems to be very happy with the rear portion of the seat, but from a rider perspective, I find it painful ….. Literally! I start getting a numb backside after about forty miles, if I push things much further than that I’m actually in pain. So, I intend, after Christmas, to get the seat redone with some comfort inserts, ready for the longer journeys. MODS: Not a lot really, it doesn’t need much: · Changed the OEM oil filler plug, which is the thumb screw type to one where a star key is required to undo it. Why? Quite simply, some years ago I had someone remove my filler plug on a car park in Leicester and piss in my oil. Not going to make it that easy for some scum bag to do the same again. · End can. I picked up a nearly new Akra end can at a really good price. Not interested in trying to make it go faster or even sound better, but the Akra has given me over a 3kg weight saving, plus it looks better. · I intend to remount the Satnav on a bracket, behind the screen at eye level. · I also intend to get the seat refurbished after Christmas. Other than that, I can’t think of anything else I want to do to the bike. CONCLUSION: Great bike with very few negatives I can find. Most of the negatives highlighted are more minor niggles that can be easily sorted out, and let’s face it, not many people buy bikes and leave them totally, 100% stock anyway, we all find things we need to do to our rides. Having now used the bike in all weathers with the exception of snow, I can categorically say I’m happy with everything from speed and power delivery, through to handling and comfort, with the exception of the seat. It’s a great all-rounder, and one that I find ticks most of the boxes. I have no complaints. I think the bike would be suited, not just to experienced riders but also riders with a little less road time, it’s a very forgiving ride. Great for touring and commuting alike, but also good for the weekend blast with your mates. It is a fairly tall bike if you’re vertically challenged, but Kawasaki do a low seat option, and as for the weight, well I don’t really notice it, it very well proportioned and well balanced.

Yes, agreed, you do have to give the things a good old tug before they go off, I seen one being demonstrated two years ago, look on the guys face who was wearing it was classic!

I bought this one locally of a guy who was selling up, giving up biking, compared to the new price £250 was a snip. The only thing I did after I bought it was to send it back to Helite and have it serviced, they even give it a bit of clean. I don't know about the one on Amazon, however I'm always very careful about buying things like this from sites such as Amazon and E-bay. A good starting point is Sports bike Shop, have a look at the different products, read the reviews and do some hunting ...... In fairness to the tethered vests, I don't actually think they inflate that easily, I think you'd realise you were still tethered before they inflated, but yes, it is the sort of stupid thing I would do, probably parked at the Creg TT week with a thousand other bikers stood around pissing themselves laughing Oh, final thought, the vest is comfortable when riding the Tracer, however, on the Beamer, which is a sports bike, I don't wear it. The collar of the vest hits the back of the helmet and stops me comfortably being able to move my head, it sort of pushes my head forward due to the riding position, just something to think about.

I have a Helite Hi-Vis untethered. I didn't buy it new, bought it 2nd hand. A bit dirty from use but at £250 it was a bargain. Comfortable to wear, remembering to keep it charged is a pain, worn it a few times and it's started beeping at me to tell me the charge is low. It lasts about twenty odd hours on a full charge. I like the fact it can be repacked yourself if it inflates, it helps keep you warm and dry on the cold winter commutes, and, with the fork sensor, will also detect falls or rear end shunts when at a stand still. Personally I prefer to be untethered, I always worry about walking away from the bike and forgetting to disconnect.

Wise words, I never trust anyone when out riding, in my experience they always seem to do exactly the opposite of what you expect, even other bikers. I know that from the experience or riding round this rock during TT. I read a while ago something which I found amusing but true "treat all other roads users like paid assassins all out to try and kill you".

Every day is a learning day on a motorbike ..... I started in a field when I was 14, I remember my uncle telling me, if I can ride around the field without falling off then it'll make me better on the road when I'm old enough, and I believe that to be true, I've done a fair bit of off roading over the years, and I truly feel that it's made me better on the roads. Even now though, with all the experience I have on two wheels, I occasionally still have a crap day out on the road, where everything seems to be against me. I wouldn't worry too much about dropping the bike, we've all done it at some stage or another. Just learn from the bad days and move on, thats pretty much what I do, just remember that there no such thing as perfection ..... we all F--- up at some stage. Welcome to the forum

Have a good one

Excellent news ..... Nice one

Plug looks fine, but most definitely don't leave it there for long term use. The plugs are just a temporary fix to get you to the garage (at reduced speeds)

We don't actually want to waste our time and money going to find out, thats the reason I came on here to ask the question from bikers who may be living it in that area ..... helps in the decision making process. I don't trust MSM, and I don't trust social media horror stories, so would sooner get it from the horses mouth.

+1 For Easy Grip

This is the problem ...... The people who break the law, speed, cause and get involved in serious RTC's, aren't just going to change the way they drive because someone puts a 20mph sign up! All it does is penalise everyone and cause a lot of frustration.

I think the pass you're talking about was the Horseshoe pass, used to be a popular biker friendly cafe up there, can't remember what it's called? I think they reduced the limit to 40mph?

Thankfully I haven't, but good luck with your recovery

Yes, see that a lot here in the 20mph zones, big tailbacks behind someone who refuses to go faster than 10mph. If I had any hair it would have been ripped out by now

Just after some advice. Is there anyone here from Wales, or anyone who has recently been to Wales since the new speed limits were introduced?? A group of us have been planning a trip for next spring, Wales was to be our destination for a week. We all met last night for a couple of beers and now the consensus is to go elsewhere. We've all read the crap on the MSM, and heard all the horror stories about how draconian it's become, but the truth is, having not been recently, we don't know. I personally enjoy riding in Wales, but have no idea how much of an actual pain in the arse these new laws have become, I certainly don't want to be riding round everywhere in 1st and 2nd gear. Input from anyone who's there or who has recently been would be a help. Cheers.

No experience of it myself, but an absolute must is "read the small print" ...... My brother had an accident, injury and unemployment policy a few years ago, thought it was a good idea to have so if the worst happened he wouldn't be left struggling. Anyway, he was sadly made redundant. When he tried to claim on the policy he had there were so many obstacles put in his way it was laughable. He would openly say that it was the biggest waste of his money ever. That said, I'm sure there are some very good companies out there, just be safe and do your research. Cynically I would say that some companies seem very eager to take your money, but try every trick in the book to get out of paying if the worst happens.

Currently using Datatool on my bike with no issues, I'll go further to say that their customer service is also excellent. I've also used Monimoto and although not monitored, I found it to be reliable, and locationally accurate. Once you figure out where to hide it I'd say that it's money well spent.

MT10 is a brilliant bike, I used to have one and can safely say it's great as a commuter, and brilliant for fast / fun weekend runs with your mates, and a good performer on the winter roads. it just didn't really work for two up touring for me. S1000RR is also a good bike, but, IMHO isn't the best choice for commuting or for riding during the winter months, it also isn't the most comfortable of bikes, it's more of an expensive toy.

Happy Birthday

Have a good birthday