aThe Versys is one kind of Kawasaki's great do-all bikes. We snagged a 2011 model as being a last-minute fill-in to get a Pacific Coast Tour from Los angeles. Little did we understand the 650 Twin would learn to grow for us, so it was made a decision to maintain the Kawasaki street bike and discover some products to help accentuate its capability.
Videos Our SponsorClick to look at videoTake a look at the 2011 Kawasaki Versys since we've installed some touring and protective accessories.Since the name implies, versatility was high on the list when Kawasaki designed this motorcycle. A vertical, comfortable seating position allows the rider a good platform and excellent view of their surroundings. Immediately we decided this bike is usually an useful touring mount when it had some carrying capacity. Strapping a bag for the passenger seat wasn't quite might know about been in mind, so our first call went in to the Italian company, Givi. This accessory manufacturer produces luggage and protection using a 24-month warranty on all of its products.
The newest hard cases from Givi are the Trekker series. When compared with Givi's traditional streamlined, smooth edges, the Trekker bags tend to be more utilitarian looking. The square cases are black plastic with the aluminum finish on top and have a rugged appearance much like what you should find on the BMW GS or comparable adventure touring machine. The highest case will come in 33-liter or 46-liter capacities, both rated to carry 22 pounds. Ours came in the TRKPACK3, including the bigger top case and a pair of 33-liter side panniers for $925. We be conveniently carrried a full-face helmet and our jacket from the top case. The full luggage can do holding a considerable laptop case and they also all have internal straps to maintain items from bouncing around.
The most effective features of the Trekker bags will be the mounting hardware. The racks are sturdy as well as the connection is not hard. Givi equipped the Trekkers which consists of patented MONOKEY technology that permits one particular key to open the truth in addition to remove it from the racks. Each bag incorporates two keys, and six keys are matched, which means it'll only take you to definitely access all the bags. We've got lots of spares!
2011 Kawasaki Versys Project BikeThe Givi Trekker hard cases start being active . bulk to your rear individuals Versys, but they're extremely great for commuting and touring.While using latching mechanism is straightforward and secure. It will only take an individual use to discover the practice it high are no complicated or hard-to-see connecting points. The one complaint we have now could be that the bags are locked every time. It would be nice to offer the choice of leaving them unlocked. The important thing should be inserted every time the rider really wants to open a bag; however, we're very pleased with the protection it provides and are also willing to handle this kind of small gripe.
We have not ridden the bike in rain yet, which leaves the question of waterproofing, but the Trekker bags have a very recessed, waterproof foam seal which runs around the inner edge of the lid. It appears like it might be a secure seal, but we'll should lose time waiting for some inclement weather before knowing without a doubt.
After spending two to three weeks with all the latest crop of mega-adventure touring bikes inside 2011 Adventure Touring Shootout, we'd a lot of knowledge about different groups of luggage. Usually, there was clearly glaring errors in the majority of from the designs. This surprised us because OEMs built the cargo designed for their own machines. Thus far the Givi Trekker bags are outperforming all of the ones we recently sampled. Since they were all factory accessories and value from the neighborhood of $1000, we'd rather equip all of the bikes, except for the KTM, while using Givi Trekker bags.
Loading up for just a long-distance trip will likely be just a struggle if the rider must fight for any mile. We installed Givi's model-specific windscreen to make certain that isn't the way it is. The windscreen is 18.9 inches high and 14.6 inches wide; bigger as opposed to standard unit. When compared with Givi's 2006-09 Versys model, this screen is around three inches narrower, but is taller and has now less taper at the summit. Kawi's stock screen cannot funnel air over the rider, even so the Givi shield results in a turbulence-free cockpit for riders at the least 5'11." Straining to sit down up higher reveals the road of airflow, but we're in a position to like a quiet ride while seated comfortably without slouching. The thick plastic is slightly convex and will not have any wild contours. As a result it doesn't have distortion and doesn't refract light in the distracting way. For the volume of protection afforded through the stock windshield, this can be a bargain at $120.
2011 Kawasaki Versys Project BikeThe extra weight of the luggage has lightened leading end and we're not having enough shock preload settings.One product which we haven't gotten to fully test are definitely the crash bars. Givi makes model-specific tubular engine protection and that is created to save the bike's minimal but delicate bodywork, and engine cases. The $200 investment will seem like chump change when we finish up tossing this thing. We're doing good not to ever fully evaluate them, but you can say that are put extremely well. The many Givi components mounted without issue, such as the luggage racks and top plate. The directions rather than the hardware are incredibly sparse, but we managed without issue due to the high-quality fit.
The extra weight on the bags and brackets is noticeable alone and it affects the Versys' handling. The Kawasaki's preload-adjustable shock merely has a few more notches of adjustment and that we might need to upgrade the suspension in order to help include the added weight. The top end pushes through corners while offering less precision for your rider. Fully loading the luggage helps make the sensation more serious and adding a passenger further complicates the handling. We won't be riding with passengers greatly, but weekend supplies and also a tent are to be expected. A heavier spring rate appears like the first option.
Now that the Versys has the very first steps as a project bike, there are lots of more ideas we've for sprucing it down. First will be more aggressive tires. Funds a set of Pirelli MT 60-R dual sport tires which have been receiving star-studded reviews from Motorcycle-Superstore.com customers. We anticipate having enjoy these motorcycle tires also though wonder where did they will modify the suffering nose feel. Since our goal is always to choose this bike able to dirt roads, the Pirellis were a straightforward choice since they are on the list of only tires that match the Versys' stock sizes.
2011 Kawasaki Versys Project BikeWe'll be exploring more off-road potential which has a group of dual sport tires from Pirelli.Shifting may be the Kawi's biggest flaw. The transmission is clunky and takes serious effort about the lever. Rapid, multiple downshifts could possibly get hung up and refuse to engage. The Versys would rather be shifted deliberately, one gear at a time even though the bike was in motion. Stopping at the light hoping to tap down into first/neutral requires rocking back and forth and dabbing the clutch. Mostly we're competent to ride around these quirks, however the general hard shifting is unavoidable. An oil change and swapping into a high-spec lubrication will help try taking some of the edge off.
We'd love to do something about the skinny footpegs, but the wall mounts would be the real concern in accordance with some Kawi insiders. With the pegs slightly high, standing up is a little uncomfortable. Bar risers plus a motocross-style handlebar would help get us upright and also enable hand guards. Poor weather and off-road operating our future means full wrap-around bar protection would be a good plan. Another is finding some coverage to the Versys' unprotected belly. The exhaust headers and muffler are typically dangerously exposed.
For the time being the Kawasaki project has shown some great improvement. Besides has got the added storage managed to get better for too long hauls, but it's more realistic as a commuter also. We've been avoiding 45 miles per gallon when ridden primarily in the city, despite the presence of a passenger, all of which will continue to evaluate this entry-level street bike inside the coming weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment