Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Kawasaki Versys

Thu, April 8th, 2010


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2010 Kawasaki 650 Versys
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The Versys mill gets a higher score than its similar sister in the ER6-n despite making less power overall. There are two reasons for this: 1) the motor in the Versys is tuned for better low- and mid-range power, which makes it more fun to ride and where this particular motor is much less buzzy; and, 2) the twin-cylinder configuration better fits this bike's character.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Take the good steering, stability and maneuverability of the ER6-n, then add adjustable suspension and an upside-down fork.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I'm being kind and judging the nicely redesigned 2010 model, with its attractive new fairing and subdued black paint. (The earlier 2007–09 models wouldn't get more than a single point, especially in green.) Now if we could just do something about the exhaust and those black plastic potato chips bolted to the engine.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Not perfect, but typical modern Japanese 'hassle-free-ness.'
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
If you fit the bike, there isn't a better option out there: cruise, tour, strafe, commute and un errands — with economy, entertainment and comfort the whole time. One point off because a lot of riders don't have the inseam or limber knees the Versys requires.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
A truly unique and innovative bike that every rider with long enough legs should seriously consider.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Now that it no longer has a headlight that looks like a hare lip, people should be snapping them up. Unfortunately, your local Kawasaki dealer probably has nothing but Ugly Betty leftovers in stock.