Kawasaki Versys 300 XC 2017 mods Log and rides feedback

[zagser]

Excellent bikes. Go to the Kawa dealer in Fourways, near Monte Casino. They should let you take one for a test ride.

It was a close toss up between this bike and the Rally for me, and I sometimes wonder if I should not have gone for the 300.

I believe one of the biggest mistakes the bike shops make is to give customers these demo bikes without the motor being run in properly, in other words still fresh and stiff.
My first test ride was quite underwhelming, but if you get to ride one that has been loosened up it is a completely different experience.

[IceCreamMan]

Excellent bikes. Go to the Kawa dealer in Fourways, near Monte Casino. They should let you take one for a test ride.

It was a close toss up between this bike and the Rally for me, and I sometimes wonder if I should not have gone for the 300.

I had the same dilemma.... toss up between the CRF250L/Rally and the Versys 300.

I went Versys as I do some motorway riding and the higher topend is appreciated.

However, if Honda would just put that 286cc motor into the rally I would of gone the other way.

They both excellent bikes and have a totally different bias but both are excellent.

[Challa]

That is a good looking bike !!!

Where did you get the bash plate? It's perfect for those very prominent header pipes.

 

Got the bashplate from Dual Sport Designs in Wellington.
It is made from 6mm allu with all other mounting hardware in stainless steel.
I had another bashplate before this, but that one failed and almost had me go down in traffic.
It does have a fairly high price, but after seeing the other  options out there I bit the bullet and am very happy so far.

Their website:
http://beveratech.co.za/dual-sport-designs/

Thanks for the info.

I have other questions as well, as I would rather hear opinion of an owner with miles in the seat more than some internet reviewer...

Do you have the ABS or NON-ABS variant? Is the ABS a pain in the backside on gravel?

[zagser]

Thanks for the info.

I have other questions as well, as I would rather hear opinion of an owner with miles in the seat more than some internet reviewer...

Do you have the ABS or NON-ABS variant? Is the ABS a pain in the backside on gravel?

I have the ABS model, as I find it to be useful in traffic.
I have however fitted an override switch which enables me to disable the ABS while riding.
I found that 95% of the time the ABS would not be much of a problem on gravel, but I had a close call in the Cederberg in a turn on a recently graded dirt road with a negative camber when I had to reduce speed quickly, so fitted the switch thereafter.

[desertfox]

Fourways Kawasaki closed down Fire it up is the new dealer there.

[jangys]

Thanks for the info.

I have other questions as well, as I would rather hear opinion of an owner with miles in the seat more than some internet reviewer...

Do you have the ABS or NON-ABS variant? Is the ABS a pain in the backside on gravel?

I have the ABS model, as I find it to be useful in traffic.
I have however fitted an override switch which enables me to disable the ABS while riding.
I found that 95% of the time the ABS would not be much of a problem on gravel, but I had a close call in the Cederberg in a turn on a recently graded dirt road with a negative camber when I had to reduce speed quickly, so fitted the switch thereafter.

How did you wire the switch?

[jangys]

Took the Versys up Mullerspas, Normandien and around Memel, what an awesome little bike.

[zagser]

How did you wire the switch?

I inserted a switch in one of the front ABS sensor wires, which essentially breaks the connection between the ABS pump/controller and the front wheel sensor.
To enable the ABS again I just flip the switch and have to cycle the ignition.

[Tommy Transalp]

How did you wire the switch?

I inserted a switch in one of the front ABS sensor wires, which essentially breaks the connection between the ABS pump/controller and the front wheel sensor.
To enable the ABS again I just flip the switch and have to cycle the ignition.

Clever and simple! 

[IceCreamMan]

I also have one.
It has about 18000km on the ODO at the moment.
Use it 80% commuting, the rest dirt roads.

Have a look at this video, it is a stock standard versys on the old postal route.
https://youtu.be/bmXG1h1uUeE

As per the other owners, this bike is a hoot to ride.
Lightweight, with ample wind protection.
Light on juice if you ride at a relaxed pace.
Very simple in that there is very little electronics etc.

Picture of mine below, few mods done, with the best one being the 15 tooth front sprocket.
Going on a week long trip to Richtersveld next week with it.

Have to ask though, that little lip on top of the screen, is it effective?

I get a lot of wind noise n the cockpit, even with ear plugs and I use an AGV full face (K5) . Was wondering of that lil lip thingy would make a difference.

Thanks

[zagser]

Have to ask though, that little lip on top of the screen, is it effective?

I get a lot of wind noise n the cockpit, even with ear plugs and I use an AGV full face (K5) . Was wondering of that lil lip thingy would make a difference.

Thanks

It is not 100% effective, but for me it helps a lot.
I am 1,81m tall to give you an idea.
I looked around at bigger/higher screens, and at that time only found one or two, and they were not compatible with the barkbuster handguards.
It does put some weight on top of the screen because the bracket is stainless, so there is some flex on the screen in a headwind.
You do however get used to it.

Something like the aerotrim which is nice and lightweight might work even better.

And at north of R2k for any screen option it made for a reasonable return on investment.

[IceCreamMan]

Have to ask though, that little lip on top of the screen, is it effective?

I get a lot of wind noise n the cockpit, even with ear plugs and I use an AGV full face (K5) . Was wondering of that lil lip thingy would make a difference.

Thanks

It is not 100% effective, but for me it helps a lot.
I am 1,81m tall to give you an idea.
I looked around at bigger/higher screens, and at that time only found one or two, and they were not compatible with the barkbuster handguards.
It does put some weight on top of the screen because the bracket is stainless, so there is some flex on the screen in a headwind.
You do however get used to it.

Something like the aerotrim which is nice and lightweight might work even better.

And at north of R2k for any screen option it made for a reasonable return on investment.

Thanks , I am 1.9 metres ad this is the cause of my issue I suspect. My mate rode my bike and had no issues but he is 1.72 or thereabouts.

I will investigate this lil lip option. I have bought industrial strength motorcycle earplugs which should be delivered today, might solve the immediate problem.