New Kawi Versys in the wild

[Slug87]

This past Saturday 26th April, was a perfect day for riding. There was tons of bikes of all kind and sizes out on the S2S pretty early in the day.

After doing a quick ride up to Squamish with a couple of buddies I rode back on time for the 1120 langdale ferry.
There I met up with another couple. She on her beemer 650GS and him on his brand new and broken in Kawasaki Versys.

The idea was to see if that bike hype was going to materialize on the sunshine coast best twisty. I mean you see youtube video etc... But it is another thing to see it for real.

And boy did it ever. I will never get one for myself, but I can see a rather large crowd of biker interested in that bike. In the city and on tight roads, this is the ticket. It would not go to Alaska, but a northern cali ride with some oregon back roads in the middle could be really really fun on that bike. And as I think he said 8,500 Cad out of the door, that is not too bad.

A VStrom would be more comfortable I think but not as nimble.

Here is a couple of pictures :

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_boysmornride/britannia.jpg
Morning ride to Squamish under the best condition to enjoy Howe sound in all its glory.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/gardenbaypub.jpg

Lunch in Garden Bay pub. Somebody please buy this place. It would be a shame to loose it. It is so peaceful there. And the road leading to it, is a riot as many of you know.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versysnamekawi.jpg
That bike was pretty happy on the 101 tight corners.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/andrewriding.jpg
Even more happy on the even tighter roads to Egmont and garden bay.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/egmontmirror.jpg
In Egmont.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versyspierunder.jpg
On the Egmont pier.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versysprofile.jpg
Ready for touring with this set of Givi bags.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versysheadlight.jpg
Unusual headlight but not as disturbing as a BMW K1200R for eg.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versysonboard.jpg
Onboard the versys.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versysflag.jpg
All right curves, and smooth engine finish.

[Slug87]

Part 2

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versyswheelie.jpg
I tell you that bike was happy to see the open roads.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/goingaway.jpg
All the remaining chicken strips were gone by the end of the day.

http://gstouring.com/adventures/wp-content/gallery/2008_04_goatridesuncoast/versyscompo.jpg
This bike can also take it easy.

[LegalAlien]

Nice pics Slug :thumbup.
What kind of camera were you using?

[greenboy]

Good write up, nice and brief and super pics. KHI couldn't have done a better job itself.

I wonder how the Versys and the 650R would stack up against each other? Aside from touring, where the Versys' bigger fairing and bags would win the day.

BTW I'd ride a Versys to the Arctic Circle, why not? You'd be surprised what people ride on the journey up there.

[bafflebrain]

Sorry we could hook up Bruno. I wouldn't have mind trying out the Versys myself.

[Slug87]

BTW I'd ride a Versys to the Arctic Circle, why not? You'd be surprised what people ride on the journey up there.

Yes I agree any kind of machine can go up there.
It depend of your level of masochism I suppose ;-)
Trust me you would have one sour bum.

[Slug87]

Nice pics Slug :thumbup.
What kind of camera were you using?

My trusty 3 year old Nikon D70s
And bit of post processing.