Page 1 of 2
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:13 pm
by boulder_adv_rider
I'm a bit behind on this perhaps, but how can Kaw call this a dual
purpose moto? Dual what? I see it's also listed under Sport class
as well, so it could be a weblunder. Clearly it's a glorified sport
road-only moto. Kaw should come up with some [other] stupid
name/class like the auto industry did with its retarded nonesense
like "cross-over."
Dual sport to me means on and off road use. It means you can ride to
your destination where you'll camp and/or explore off-road (light
motocross). But this Versys thing looks like a road toy at best.
I'm pretty sure if I took this out for weekend, it'd come home in a
body bag after a day of the same abuse I give my KLR.
From Kaw's marketing regarding the new Versys...
"Big Comfort, Long Travel Suspension, and Innovative Styling: One
Versatile, Fun, Street-Savvy Motorcycle
The new 2008 Kawasaki Versys is a machine which occupies a hard to
define sweet spot in the motorcycling universe. Is it a practical
commuter? Long-legged urban assault vehicle? Sportbike? Light Tourer?"
Urban assault??? What...? Anyway, it has nothing to do with dual
purpose/sport whatsoever. It's sole purpose is for the road vs. the
KLR 650 or new KLX 250s. In fact, read about the new 2009 KLX 250s.
"THE ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL PURPOSE MOUNT, THE KAWASAKI KLX 250S
A leaner, meaner and greener lightweight dual-sport machine
The fun doesn't have to stop at pavement boundaries when riding
Kawasaki's street legal KLX 250S. This lightweight dual-purpose
motorcycle is equally at home on the pavement or off-road and always
ready for your next adventure..."
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:14 pm
by boulder_adv_rider
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:44 am
by mikeypep
Dual purpose used to mean off road and on road capable. At least
thats what the words stand for. Just like Jeep. Now really, I can't
see taking your grand Cherokee off road, unless you consider a grafel
driveway off road. Motorcycles too have been bitten by this word-
thing. Teh V strom is no more off-road worthy than an SV650 yet it
carries the dual sport tag. The versys may be more of a new category
than real dual sport, that being long suspension travel "standard"
motorcycle. Those modest 17" wheels smack of street-bike. My brother
just bought one. Had a GS1000 Suzuki, and then a KLR. He said "think
tall sport bike". I'll go along with that. kawasaki can call it what
ever they want, its not a dual sport, but it is versatile!
Now can someone tell me what a "SAV" is, or a "crossover" really is?
I think the auto makers have heard that SUV's are dead so they are
rebadging the same old stuff and giving it a new name. Nah, they
wouldn't do that, would they?
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "boulder_adv_rider"
wrote:
>
> I'm a bit behind on this perhaps, but how can Kaw call this a dual
> purpose moto? Dual what? I see it's also listed under Sport class
> as well, so it could be a weblunder. Clearly it's a glorified
sport
> road-only moto. Kaw should come up with some [other] stupid
> name/class like the auto industry did with its retarded nonesense
> like "cross-over."
>
> Dual sport to me means on and off road use. It means you can ride
to
> your destination where you'll camp and/or explore off-road (light
> motocross). But this Versys thing looks like a road toy at best.
> I'm pretty sure if I took this out for weekend, it'd come home in a
> body bag after a day of the same abuse I give my KLR.
>
> From Kaw's marketing regarding the new Versys...
>
> "Big Comfort, Long Travel Suspension, and Innovative Styling: One
> Versatile, Fun, Street-Savvy Motorcycle
>
> The new 2008 Kawasaki Versys is a machine which occupies a hard to
> define sweet spot in the motorcycling universe. Is it a practical
> commuter? Long-legged urban assault vehicle? Sportbike? Light
Tourer?"
>
> Urban assault??? What...? Anyway, it has nothing to do with dual
> purpose/sport whatsoever. It's sole purpose is for the road vs.
the
> KLR 650 or new KLX 250s. In fact, read about the new 2009 KLX 250s.
>
> "THE ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL PURPOSE MOUNT, THE KAWASAKI KLX 250S
>
> A leaner, meaner and greener lightweight dual-sport machine
>
> The fun doesn't have to stop at pavement boundaries when riding
> Kawasaki's street legal KLX 250S. This lightweight dual-purpose
> motorcycle is equally at home on the pavement or off-road and
always
> ready for your next adventure..."
>
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:58 am
by boulder_adv_rider
Actually, I like the name "Versatile" class. Commute, light tour,
etc. Ride down a dirt road, ok.
If you're going to call something dual sport it has to be minimum
good to go off-road. On the other hand, I've seen some moderately
modified Jeep Cherokees do quite well off road vs. never see Lexus or
Mercedes in the mountains, mud, deserts, etc. Hell, even a Ford 4x4
van with front and rear lockers I saw a week ago was pretty
impressive. But to carry a stock dual sport class label, it has be
ready out of the box to ride off-road including tires. Sure, the KLR
needs to monsterized to improve the off-road experience, but I
wouldn't hesitate even with the stock tires to go from dealer to
dirt. I wouldn't do this this Versys.
Like the diamond industry, it's all about marketing. The auto
industry has been a marketing machine since its inception and look no
further than Tiger Woods pimping Cadillacs. Conversely, you don't
see any star names needed to promote motorcycles: sport, touring, off-
road, or dual sport. Let's hope this class/marketing crap isn't the
beginning.
Brian - who would saddle a pit bull if he thought it would be a
better ride.
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "mikeypep" wrote:
>
> Dual purpose used to mean off road and on road capable. At least
> thats what the words stand for. Just like Jeep. Now really, I can't
> see taking your grand Cherokee off road, unless you consider a
grafel
> driveway off road. Motorcycles too have been bitten by this word-
> thing. Teh V strom is no more off-road worthy than an SV650 yet it
> carries the dual sport tag. The versys may be more of a new
category
> than real dual sport, that being long suspension travel "standard"
> motorcycle. Those modest 17" wheels smack of street-bike. My
brother
> just bought one. Had a GS1000 Suzuki, and then a KLR. He
said "think
> tall sport bike". I'll go along with that. kawasaki can call it
what
> ever they want, its not a dual sport, but it is versatile!
>
> Now can someone tell me what a "SAV" is, or a "crossover" really
is?
> I think the auto makers have heard that SUV's are dead so they are
> rebadging the same old stuff and giving it a new name. Nah, they
> wouldn't do that, would they?
>
>
> --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "boulder_adv_rider"
> wrote:
> >
> > I'm a bit behind on this perhaps, but how can Kaw call this a
dual
> > purpose moto? Dual what? I see it's also listed under Sport
class
> > as well, so it could be a weblunder. Clearly it's a glorified
> sport
> > road-only moto. Kaw should come up with some [other] stupid
> > name/class like the auto industry did with its retarded nonesense
> > like "cross-over."
> >
> > Dual sport to me means on and off road use. It means you can
ride
> to
> > your destination where you'll camp and/or explore off-road (light
> > motocross). But this Versys thing looks like a road toy at
best.
> > I'm pretty sure if I took this out for weekend, it'd come home in
a
> > body bag after a day of the same abuse I give my KLR.
> >
> > From Kaw's marketing regarding the new Versys...
> >
> > "Big Comfort, Long Travel Suspension, and Innovative Styling: One
> > Versatile, Fun, Street-Savvy Motorcycle
> >
> > The new 2008 Kawasaki Versys is a machine which occupies a hard
to
> > define sweet spot in the motorcycling universe. Is it a practical
> > commuter? Long-legged urban assault vehicle? Sportbike? Light
> Tourer?"
> >
> > Urban assault??? What...? Anyway, it has nothing to do with
dual
> > purpose/sport whatsoever. It's sole purpose is for the road vs.
> the
> > KLR 650 or new KLX 250s. In fact, read about the new 2009 KLX
250s.
> >
> > "THE ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL PURPOSE MOUNT, THE KAWASAKI
KLX 250S
> >
> > A leaner, meaner and greener lightweight dual-sport machine
> >
> > The fun doesn't have to stop at pavement boundaries when riding
> > Kawasaki's street legal KLX 250S. This lightweight dual-purpose
> > motorcycle is equally at home on the pavement or off-road and
> always
> > ready for your next adventure..."
> >
>
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:08 pm
by Mike Grace
>>Teh V strom is no more off-road worthy than an SV650 yet it carries the
dual sport tag.
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:29 pm
by Jud Jones
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "mikeypep" wrote:
> Now can someone tell me what a "SAV" is, or a "crossover" really is?
> I think the auto makers have heard that SUV's are dead so they are
> rebadging the same old stuff and giving it a new name. Nah, they
> wouldn't do that, would they?
>
>
SAV="Suburban Assault Vehicle"
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:31 pm
by Jim Douglas
boulder_adv_rider wrote:
>
> Actually, I like the name "Versatile" class. Commute, light tour,
> etc. Ride down a dirt road, ok.
>
> If you're going to call something dual sport it has to be minimum
> good to go off-road. On the other hand, I've seen some moderately
> modified Jeep Cherokees do quite well off road vs. never see Lexus or
> Mercedes in the mountains, mud, deserts, etc. Hell, even a Ford 4x4
> van with front and rear lockers I saw a week ago was pretty
> impressive. But to carry a stock dual sport class label, it has be
> ready out of the box to ride off-road including tires. Sure, the KLR
> needs to monsterized to improve the off-road experience, but I
> wouldn't hesitate even with the stock tires to go from dealer to
> dirt. I wouldn't do this this Versys.
>
> Like the diamond industry, it's all about marketing. The auto
> industry has been a marketing machine since its inception and look no
> further than Tiger Woods pimping Cadillacs. Conversely, you don't
> see any star names needed to promote motorcycles: sport, touring, off-
> road, or dual sport. Let's hope this class/marketing crap isn't the
> beginning.
>
> Brian - who would saddle a pit bull if he thought it would be a
> better ride.
>
> --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
> , "mikeypep" wrote:
> >
> > Dual purpose used to mean off road and on road capable. At least
> > thats what the words stand for. Just like Jeep. Now really, I can't
> > see taking your grand Cherokee off road, unless you consider a
> grafel
> > driveway off road. Motorcycles too have been bitten by this word-
> > thing. Teh V strom is no more off-road worthy than an SV650 yet it
> > carries the dual sport tag. The versys may be more of a new
> category
> > than real dual sport, that being long suspension travel "standard"
> > motorcycle. Those modest 17" wheels smack of street-bike. My
> brother
> > just bought one. Had a GS1000 Suzuki, and then a KLR. He
> said "think
> > tall sport bike". I'll go along with that. kawasaki can call it
> what
> > ever they want, its not a dual sport, but it is versatile!
> >
> > Now can someone tell me what a "SAV" is, or a "crossover" really
> is?
> > I think the auto makers have heard that SUV's are dead so they are
> > rebadging the same old stuff and giving it a new name. Nah, they
> > wouldn't do that, would they?
> >
> >
> > --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com
> , "boulder_adv_rider"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I'm a bit behind on this perhaps, but how can Kaw call this a
> dual
> > > purpose moto? Dual what? I see it's also listed under Sport
> class
> > > as well, so it could be a weblunder. Clearly it's a glorified
> > sport
> > > road-only moto. Kaw should come up with some [other] stupid
> > > name/class like the auto industry did with its retarded nonesense
> > > like "cross-over."
> > >
> > > Dual sport to me means on and off road use. It means you can
> ride
> > to
> > > your destination where you'll camp and/or explore off-road (light
> > > motocross). But this Versys thing looks like a road toy at
> best.
> > > I'm pretty sure if I took this out for weekend, it'd come home in
> a
> > > body bag after a day of the same abuse I give my KLR.
> > >
> > > From Kaw's marketing regarding the new Versys...
> > >
> > > "Big Comfort, Long Travel Suspension, and Innovative Styling: One
> > > Versatile, Fun, Street-Savvy Motorcycle
> > >
> > > The new 2008 Kawasaki Versys is a machine which occupies a hard
> to
> > > define sweet spot in the motorcycling universe. Is it a practical
> > > commuter? Long-legged urban assault vehicle? Sportbike? Light
> > Tourer?"
> > >
> > > Urban assault??? What...? Anyway, it has nothing to do with
> dual
> > > purpose/sport whatsoever. It's sole purpose is for the road vs.
> > the
> > > KLR 650 or new KLX 250s. In fact, read about the new 2009 KLX
> 250s.
> > >
> > > "THE ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL PURPOSE MOUNT, THE KAWASAKI
> KLX 250S
> > >
> > > A leaner, meaner and greener lightweight dual-sport machine
> > >
> > > The fun doesn't have to stop at pavement boundaries when riding
> > > Kawasaki's street legal KLX 250S. This lightweight dual-purpose
> > > motorcycle is equally at home on the pavement or off-road and
> > always
> > > ready for your next adventure..."
> > >
> >
>
>
What about a simple tire change to this bike to make it slightly more
'dirt' friendly.
I actually love the looks of this bike and if I was rich would certainly
have one,
that is if it comes in blue, well hell if I'm rich I have it painted!
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:37 pm
by Jud Jones
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "boulder_adv_rider" wrote:
> Like the diamond industry, it's all about marketing. The auto
> industry has been a marketing machine since its inception and look no
> further than Tiger Woods pimping Cadillacs. Conversely, you don't
> see any star names needed to promote motorcycles: sport, touring, off-
> road, or dual sport.
Nope. Steve McQueen and Peter Fonda gave the industry all the celebrity marketing it needed
about 40 years ago. (Although I'd bet BMW doesn't think it paid too much for Ewan and
Charlie).
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:00 pm
by fasteddiecopeman
Kawi claims the Versys to be a "dual purpose" (NOT dual sport!), as in - it'll do just about
anything... a bit.
Just bought one, and got to 211 miles today with a run up the Apache Trail, AND a little
desert road riding, and it did just fine, tho' I have an issue with my mirrors.
It's fast, pretty smooth, comfortable, seems economical. BTW, got tire wear FURTHER
toward the side than I've EVER got before!
Still have the KLR (OF COURSE!!!) back in Calgary.
Ed
versys misclassified as dual purpose (dual sport) class? nklr
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:26 pm
by boulder_adv_rider
Ed - If you read my initial post, this is my point exactly: classing
it 'dual purpose.' In industry parlance dual purpose and dual sport
are used inter-changeably effectively replacing enduro used years
ago.
I would not include it in the same class as the KLR 650 or smaller
250--whatever class. You might think it'll do a bit of anything but
so will a DUCATI DESMOSEDICI RR or any Harley. I've seen crazy nuts
treat Harleys like dirt bikes at Mike's Sky Ranch in Baja. Not wise.
Understand I'm not trying to disparage anything or even comment on
the Versys's performance, rather state I personally don't think it
belongs in any off-road category (at least without significant
modification). My guess is if we go riding where generally I take my
KLR (a 10-ft seal-blowing ledge drop here in CO (home of the Rockies)
isn't uncommon nor is mud, frame-smashing boulders, steep wall
climbs, a dash of snow, etc.), your Versys is going home in a truck
bed. I put my KLR through hell and it usually returns. The bottom-
line is I would not hesitate taking any KLR from the dealership
straight into the gauntlet but would never consider subjecting this
Versys to such pain. Then again, most likely I'd be begging for the
Versys on the road. I'm sure it outperforms the KLR on the street in
many ways. It looks like a fun and exciting ride. Glad you like it.
Brian - who believes sooner or later he will return his KLR back to
nature
ps-I've ridden many different (base street-legal) motos in many
countries either for pleasure or other purposes (classified) and not
one of these foreign brands/models would I classify as dual
sport/dual purpose or otherwise capable of handling regular off-road
conditions (like a KLR). Just so happens these motos were able to
improvise and adapt...and ultimately be resold shortly thereafter at
a price just above scrap. Hell, I've made the ubiquitous 125cc
scooter in SE Asia look ready for Paris Dakar...it's a scooter.