| Author | Message | ||
     Hattori_hanzo |
Looks like Kawasaki is looking to play in the mostly-street-sometime-dirt arena. It's base on the Ninja 650 twin and ER6 naked bike with that familiar underslung exhaust. Wonder what the chances of it making it to the States? http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/2007_Kawasaki_Versys_first.htm | ||
| Hattori_hanzo |
 | ||
| Terrible1one3 |
very nice, hope they make a 1k for less than 10k | ||
| Chadhargis |
Looks cool, but I'm betting I won't be comfortable on it. Looks awfully small. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Terrible1one3, I can almost guarantee it would be less than 8K. Price point will probably be about 7200 Very interesting bike. Obviously an answer to the 650 V-Strom from Suzuki | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
The more I look at that the more it looks like photshopped bullshit. (Message edited by johnnylunchbox on July 26, 2006) | ||
| Brucelee |
I like it a ton! I may have to get 1 to go with the XB. | ||
| Fubar |
Looks *just* like a BMW F650 CS. http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=f650cs | ||
| Hattori_hanzo |
Not photoshopped Johnny...just not for the US market yet. http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/versys/ Looks like the UK gets it first! I don't think you'll see a 1000cc version Terrible1one3, it's using the new parallel 650 twin. As far as I know, they don't have a 1000cc parallel twin available to them.  | ||
| Brat |
We've got in Australia, called the ER-6n (very catchy name??)  http://www.kawasaki.com.au/au/all_products/motorcycles/motorcycles_subcat_sport/er6n/main.htm# | ||
| Brat |
MMMmmmmm..... same but different!  | ||
| Davo |
I am seriously looking at the Kawi KLR650 as a replacement when the last straw breaks this guys back. I just bought a new rear tire $180.00, there is a new fan in my saddle bag ($65), ordered a new coil ($40), installed a new exhaust actuator ($70) and insurance is eating me up also. If I get stranded again or the side stand breaks I am going off shore for sure. I tried the Uly and I love it, but I have some serious reservations about the Buell experience. | ||
| Windrider |
Davo, I owned 2 KLR650s prior to owning the Buell Ulysses. KLRs are great bikes for the money and are pretty good all around machines but the Uly is WAY more fun in ANY environment on the road. The Ulysses has much higher grade components and suspension. The Ulysses has 3X the power and suprizingly gets a little bit better fuel economy. The Ulysses is way more capable in the twisties and is a much more comfortable bike for long distance touring. The Ulysses is much better 2 up. The Ulysses (in my case) will have a lower maintenance cost because I used to take my KLRs to the Kawi dealer for valve adjustments and I am doing all of my own maintenance on the Uly. Insurance is more on the Uly but I am hopeful that it will go down next year. The KLR was a bit easier to pilot off road due to it's lighter weight but I decided that I wanted more of a long distance bike that can go on dirt roads when I want or need to and the Uly is much better for that. The fun factor on the Ulysses is 5X the KLR and that is what does it for me. The KLR is a cheaper bike in almost all regards so if you are looking for a cheaper bike and want a good D/S mount the KLR is a good one to look at. All bikes have problems. The first year KLRs had a host of issues. All in all, I have to say that Buell has done a great job releasing the Uly and first issues have been pretty minor for a brand new bike IMHO. Happy Trails, WindRider | ||
| Jmhinkle |
I actually own a Uly and a KLR. No comparison. Two totally different machines. I can say that since I bought the ULY I have ridden the KLR once, to work about back, about 10 miles. It is sitting and collecting dust now. I even live about a mile off the paved road and we don't have dirt in New Mexico. We have soft beach sand and the Uly is better than the KLR on stock tires in it. The KLR seems more top heavy and digs in the sand on it's skinny tires where the Uly cruises across the top. As far as problems, I have had none out of either bike. The mirrors work on a Uly and do nothing but vibrate on a KLR. Completely useless for the bike. I get better gas mileage on the Uly which was a shock to me. The KLR doesn't attempt to set me on fire with heat like the Uly. I find both bikes to have uncomfortable seats for different reasons. The Uly has brakes, the KLR with a 300mm upgrade only has marginal brakes. The KLR suspension is too soft, the Uly is amazing. Some people complain of brake dive on the Uly, after riding the KLR, I don't notice it at all. The KLR is not a 2-up vehicle at all. I weigh 180 and it barely has enough power to move me. The KLR is bulletproof after doing the "doo" and I keep it because I know it will never let me down. I have not lost faith in my Uly yet, and I came to the relationship fully expecting to have problems. I guess it is all in what you want or need from a bike. The KLR just didn't do it for me anymore. Joel | ||
| Bosh |
I can echo Jmhinkle. I had a KLR as well. The comparison is like Mangos to Pretzels. The Buell has 27X more fun factor in most environments. | ||
| Rhinowerx |
I also have a KLR and a Uly. The KLR is my daily commuter - 250 miles per week - and my Uly is my weekend bike. Between the two bikes, over the past twelve months, I've rack up just shy of 17k miles. For me, the KLR, with minor modifications (street orientation), performs exceptionally. It gives me absolutely zero problems, is cheap to own and run (consistently get 59MPG, riding WOT), easy to maintain, and extremely reliable. Each bike reminds me of the pros and cons of the other, which helps me to maintain realistic expectations. I love my KLR. I love my Buell. I love riding  Cheers -Jack | ||
| Chadhargis |
I sold my 2002 KLR. Worst decision I've ever made. That bike was the most fun bike I think I've ever owned. Loved doing standup wheelies on it, trail riding, and that big mushy suspension combined with the pitiful brakes made it feel like you were hauling ass even when you were barely moving. You never had to ride at warp speed to have a ton of fun. | ||
| Jim_sb |
I think everyone should have a dirt bike and a road bike. For the price of a fully equipped 1200GS instead I have a Ulysses and a DRZ400S. The DRZ is a very capable dirt bike, the Uly is good for everything else. Jim in SB | ||
| Debueller |
I agree with Jim SB. I really enjoy my Uly. I also own a '94 XR650L (same as a '06 and cost me about $2500). I also enjoy it as well. They compliment each other very well. If you can afford it, more than one bike is ideal. BTW, there is alot of bargins out there on nice used XR's, KLR's, DRZ's, DR's, ect. All of those bikes have changed very little in many years. | ||
| Windrider |
I have not regretting selling my KLR to get the Uly. I prefer to only own one bike to simplify my maintenance tasks and expenses and maximize my riding time. Jack, I don't know how you do it. If I had a KLR or a Uly to choose from every day for the commute I would never choose the KLR! I commute on the Uly and love it for that task. It makes a great commuting bike and gets better fuel economy than my KLR did. If I had more time and money I think that I would go Jim's route and get a DRZ or a XR to complement the Uly. Something a little more dirt worthy. For now if I want to ride some really difficult dirt I take the mountain bike. However, for now I am very happy riding the Uly for all of my commuting and riding. My only problem is finding the time to ride for pleasure....... Must be a priority issue........ Happy Trails, WindRider | ||
| Jim_sb |
I think you guys have it nailed. There's no comparison with the Uly on pavement and the Uly does a credible job on all manner of gravel roads. But if it's time to go trail riding or ripping down a rutted, rocky fire road I'll take the DRZ if you please.  I took my DRZ out to Divide Peak in the mountains above Santa Barbara on Sunday. It hadn't been ridden since my last desert trip in March (we're in Uly season now). It was awesome. I did crash twice; both times going up loose, rocky slopes with the bike bouncing and banging all over. Stuff happens, eh? Then again I took my Uly to Laguna Seca for the Moto GP. As the Uly cruised effortlessly up the incredibly twisty US 1 I marveled at how it laughed at rough spots in the pavement (ever more prevalent). It was supremely composed and had plenty of power to enable me to easily pass traffic as opportunities arose. When a short stretch of the highway turned to complete gravel I'm sure the Harley riders were wincing, the Uly and I simply laughed and carried on. Both are wonderful bikes, excellent handling, very reliable, low maintenance and they put a grin on my face every time. It will be interesting to see what BMW does with the recently announced 800cc parallel twin. There are already rumors of a GS800. Cool stuff. Additionally my local KTM dealer tells me that KTM will be making several of their trail bikes street legal (even in CA) this year. Good stuff! It's great to see this segment of the market get some attention. The world didn't need another cruiser or yet another repli-racer. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Terrible1one3 |
I was talking about a 1k cc motor for <10k dollars, some type of line equivelant to the wee stromm |
