2017 Versys 650 Grand Tourer - ongoing review

[Kwacky]

New bike, new thread.

I should be picking it up on Wednesday, all being well.

No plans as yet to change what's on there, I'm sure I'll think of stuff when I start using it.

Paint protection at the front to deal with stone chips, maybe a rad guard is it's exposed more than on the SX and a front mudguard extender.

It will need some corrosion protection coating done to it. There's a lot of exposed metalwork on the bike.

Possibly a satnav. I've got a satnav cradle for the SX I never fitted. I'll see if it fits the Versys. There's a 12v socket which could be useful for the sat nav or heated clothing.

The silver levers need to go.

Possibly an end can.

So yeah, nothing much for now...

[C00kiemonster]

Sat Nav?

You've changed

I get lost a mile away from home so I think it's a good move Great touring bike this one i reckon!

[TonyB]

I'm selling a Tomtom Rider 410 if you're interested? 12 months old, excellent condition. Reason why in a soon to be started thread...

[duke63]

You going to get a tank bag?

Phone, wallet and keys where you can see them all the time. And you don't even notice it's there.

[Kwacky]

Tony, not sure yet.

Duke, I've got a Kriega 10 . I do have a tank bag but it's a large Oxford one.

[TonyB]

Get a bumbag for those bits. Handy and bang on trend...

[Kwacky]

Got the bike. I've only ridden it home in rush hour so I was well aware that it's brand new, with new tyres and new brake pads and discs. Plus I'm running it in.

[D41]

Congrats.

There's nowt like rhat new-bike feeling.

[duke63]

We need photos tomorrow. New bike days have to be remembered in photos.

[Kwacky]

It's not complete yet. They'll finish it off next week. There's a load of accessories you get with the GT version.

[duke63]

Run in before France? What tyres does it come with?

Need to make my mind up about tyres this week. Best value are the Z8s

[Kwacky]

No idea on the tyres. I've not looked.

Run in and serviced by the end of next week.

[rocket]

Happy new bike day

[Kwacky]

Easy commute into work. I need to get used to the change in dimensions but filtering seemed to be ok. Filled up and tank range was 228miles but I'm not paying too much attention to that while I'm running the bike in.

[C00kiemonster]

Have you taken the side panniers off? How neat is it underneath.

[Kwacky]

The panniers came off as soon as I got home. They're a decent size and come with some really nice Kawasaki bags.

The panniers slot into the pillion grab handles, so it's all neat and tidy

[Kwacky]

Dunlop D222 come as standard. They're fine so far, warming up nicely

[Rossgo]

Superb Kwacky. Always love your live in reviews

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Kwacky]

The delivery of power from the 650 parallel twin is different to my usual engine choice. It's pretty smooth but I need to get used to the fact I don't have to wind it on an wait for the bike to respond, which means I do at time get a little bit pogo.

It's very comfortable. I must be getting old.

The front is a bit light. No wheelies yet but it I doubt it'll be difficult if I wanted to hoist the front.

[duke63]

I spent a bit of time making my Multi sit on its nose a little bit. Worth trying to add a little rear preload if the bike squats under acceleration.

By nature these bikes tend to sit more flat.