Versys owners checkin

[RedRockRider]

Versys in its natural environment!

[Murphy Slaw]

Is the FED-EX one purple?

[flatwoods]

Originally Posted by medic8008

not to change topics, been riding 40+ years. finaly got the bike ive always wanted> picked up a 2012 versys last may and love it. better road performance than my klr and able to handle fire roads like a dream. so question i have installed a givi windscreen and am wondering if barkbuster storms will work with it.im not sure if the storms will hit the windscreen at full lock. would like the hand guards, its cold here in NYC in feb.

i have the givi screen and barkbuster storms and yes they will hit took a dremel tool and formed the screen to the guards till it cleared take your time trace it out and get after it painters tape on the screen will help

[Bicyclist]

Originally Posted by thorinoakenshield

BTW, where are the cool ds routes in Michaux State Forest?

OK, I found that thread:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=632871

Buncha good info in the first post and more buried in the thread.

[cbolling]

Originally Posted by Davy F

Been busy doing a few wee mods over the past few months. Bought a custom made seat which is more comfortable than the stock one and a third of the price of a Sargent. Also fitted a Leo Vince end can and I've just fitted an ER6n bellypan as I never really liked the stock engine/pipe covers. I like the way the downpipes are more exposed to show off their snakey slinkiness.

Looks sporty but what happened to your rear subframe?

[Bicyclist]

Originally Posted by cbolling

Looks sporty but what happened to your rear subframe?

Some guys like to remove the passenger peg trellis to clean up the appearance of the bike.

[cbolling]

Doesn't that really hurt the structural integrity of the bike?

[motopreserve]

Originally Posted by cbolling

Doesn't that really hurt the structural integrity of the bike?

I don't think the integrity would be compromised much unless you're loading up the rear seat of the bike. It doesn't seem to offer much structural support. You can see it pretty well if you have put on hard pannier supports which attach to the bike by removing (then replacing) a few of the trelis bolts.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by motopreserve

I don't think the integrity would be compromised much unless you're loading up the rear seat of the bike. It doesn't seem to offer much structural support. You can see it pretty well if you have put on hard pannier supports which attach to the bike by removing (then replacing) a few of the trelis bolts.

wrong.

the struts are structural, and part of the Versys subframe design, as opposed to the ER6 subframe, which is a slightly different design and self supporting.

if you put the two bare frames side-by-side, you can see the obvious difference. don't ask why Kawasaki chose to "save" 40cm of tubing and related gussets on the Versys subframe assembly. without the struts, the street bike ER6 frame/subframe is the stronger of the two.

[motopreserve]

JD, is removing the trellis a dangerous omission to the structural integrity on the Versys?

I have seen plenty of photos of folks who have removed them (I am sure it's a style thing), and have heard no reports of issues. Not that I'm looking to remove mine - I use the bike 2-up, so not really in jeopardy of an issue myself, just curious is all...

I'd hate to see these riders discover this issue at speed!

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by motopreserve

JD, is removing the trellis a dangerous omission to the structural integrity on the Versys?

the subject has been kicked around since the day the Versys was introduced.

i can say with certainty that the Versys subframe flexes with a load and the struts in place, so it seems certain that there is flex under variable conditions without the struts.

dangerous, can't say, but i quit riding my Versys framed moto without the struts.

i don't carry a passenger, so i cut the rear footrests off and smoothed everything out, improved the aesthetics a little.

[cbolling]

I am certainly no structural engineer but it seems to me that removing a structure of steel triangles that provide support for a cantilevered section of the back would be a bad thing.

[SoSlow]

Hey, any of you Versys owners install the OEM relay kit and 12V socket? It costs a bit (the relay seems decent but the 12V socket is pretty ridiculous) but from the installation instructions it looks like it's meant to be a direct plug-in to a dedicated socket.

Anyone have any experience with it?

[orv]

Are you dealing with conventional outlet or the "BMW" style? A 12v relay is about $10 US at a NAPA type store. The conventional "cigarette lighter" outlet is from $5- $10 at any parts store, Walmart or truck stop. Don't laugh; some truck stops have lots of heavy duty accessories and wiring that work well on a bike, versus some of the wimpy ones found at auto stores.

The BMW type is more expensive, but is available on the internet at less than $20.

You might pop for an adapter for BMW style from conventional style. They are about $12 bucks and will allow transfer to other bikes, and vehicles.

[orv]

Pranged ol' Red Dog on a front end washout.

I need a left fork for sure. We hope to be able to rebuild the right one. Run out is fine if straight.

Interested in a left fork, a set of forks, or an entire front end if the price is right.

If you have any leads (in the USA) please PM me.

Thanks for the thoughts