2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT

[@MysteryViewer]

Reading your project reports with interest; this one is on my short-list to replace my current bike. I wish the Versys came with a center stand, though. There's an aftermarket one that requires cutting the belly pan, which I might be willing to do, though. I also wonder why OEMs almost never use top-loading side cases; you can get so much more usable space with a top-loader.

[@webbikeworld]

+MysteryViewer We're in the process of installing the accessory center stand, only a tiny portion of one plastic side panel needs to be cut to fit, not a big deal. Will have the full review and report on that soon. Re. the top loading side cases, there are pros and cons, with a top loader, you have to dig through everything to get to the bottom stuff, so some people prefer a side opening. We also have a color-matched top box we'll be adding soon, so stay tuned.

[@markpulling12]

+webBikeWorld what center stand are you going to use ...i see sw motech do one for the 2015 ..mark

[@webbikeworld]

+mark pulling Yes, SW-Motech, the review should be done and posted later this morning.

[@antoniomartins9394]

+MysteryViewer - está muito bem concebida. Tudo é proporcional! Tenho uma Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS Grand Tourer - Full extras e fica linda!

[@antoniomartins9394]

+mark pulling - Não precisa descanso central. O escape tambem não permite!

[@TopperRico]

Good stuff, I like the versys, v-strom and tiger. It's a tough choice!

[@MTL_Rider]

does anyone understand why exhaust pipes that come out of the engine have so many curves and why not a straight out , down and under the bike?

[@webbikeworld]

Packaging, exhaust port tuning and catalytic converter would be my guess.

[@peteprobert6397]

Are the bags interchangeable with the 1000 version? Thx

[@webbikeworld]

Good question, I don't think so, I think the rear rack is different on the 1000. But I'm not sure.

[@Matttchew5]

Why do you feel this bike has no off road potential and that it's just a street bike?

[@webbikeworld]

The 17" tires I think mostly, plus the geometry of the handlebar, seat and foot pegs. It has a sort of dual sport look but I don't think it's an off road bike at all.

[@Matttchew5]

+webBikeWorld what about an unpaved Road? Maybe something with a few more bumps, but not quite off road? can it handle that?

[@webbikeworld]

Sure, but so can just about any motorcycle. One thing this one has going for it is light weight compared to the previous webBikeWorld Project Bike, the 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, which was way too heavy and clumsy for any off road use in my opinion. In reality, the Versys actually goes better on dirt roads and loose gravel than the V-Strom, even with the smaller tires on the Versys. But my feeling is that too many people want to make these bikes into off-roaders just because the bikes sort of look like a dual sport. My opinion based on experience is that anything more than the Suzuki DR650 is an 80/20 or 90/10 on/off road. I would never take a monster BMW GS off road, for example, although plenty of people do. If you really need an off-road bike, get one. Don't mess around with heavy, top-heavy sort-of dual-sport bikes. That's my feeling!

[@Matttchew5]

webBikeWorld I agree with you, the conditions required the correct equipment. For instance , a road trip to Moab Utah would be great on the versys, but then rent an off-road bike once you get there. I would want to save my nice new ride home from the harsh rugged Backcountry trails. I would also want to have a good back and not feel sore from the trip so that I could go have fun off road.

[@Jimo368]

Such a waste to have a light sitting there that isn't working when I try to be as visible as possible.

[@webbikeworld]

+Jimo368 I thought so too, but then I figured that maybe the unusual half-on/half-off look will make the bike more conspicuous to other vehicles.

[@antoniomartins9394]

+Jimo368 - Que luz?

[@antoniomartins9394]

+webBikeWorld - não percebi!

[@webbikeworld]

+Antonio Martins He means the high beam light, which does not turn on with the low beam.