Well that was unexpected

So as I mentioned before I've been prowling for a bike. Kinda was set on a PC800 but the more I thought about it I really liked the idea of one of those when I commuted on a bike which is not really my intent anymore. EvanB's sweet SV650 got me interested in something sportier and Sonic and I had to play rock, paper, scissors to determine who was gonna get it (to be fair Sonic offered to step down an let me have it)

So into the breech to discuss with the wife who never really likes these things. She begrudgingly agreed but said I should look at a new bike if I could, "last thing you need is another project"

Well I hadnt really intended to do that but I did poke around online to get a better idea for the style of bike I would like and then I stopped into a local shop to check a few bikes out. I have back trouble so I needed a certain seating position.

Well the local guys had a bike that had been a blip on my radar, Kawasaki Versys. An unsold 09 model and they were willing to deal. Walked out of there for almost 1/2 off MSRP, couldnt quite pass that up. At that price I got a new bike with a 4 year guarantee for just a bit more than my top end price for a used bike. 35 mile ride home, no back pain, no numbness in my hands (couldnt go more than 15 minutes on my sportster till the finger tingling started) As I had learned on a Versys board the seat is comfy but slants forward a bit too much, easy fix which I will modify right away. Otherwise an very enjoyable ride.

I like the Versys, and (what I think is) the other version of that bike, the ER6N, but I don't think either have been good sellers.

Neat bikes, good score.

zomby woof wrote: I like the Versys, and (what I think is) the other version of that bike, the ER6N, but I don't think either have been good sellers. Neat bikes, good score.

Yeah, I gathered sales were slow based on the discounts. I looked at the ER6N too. Both are based on the Ninja so they are all similar. The ER6 is basically a naked ninja. The Versys has a raised (and different) suspension and has had the motor retuned. The compression is actually lower and it its tuned to make its torque down lower in the rpm band than the other 2.

nice hooligan.

zomby woof wrote: I like the Versys, and (what I think is) the other version of that bike, the ER6N, but I don't think either have been good sellers. Neat bikes, good score.

also the EX650 / Ninja 650 are all the same bike with different plastic and suspension

that is a pretty cool concept (detuning the ninja). It will be pretty fun to have a bike that doesnt mind part throttle, and is comfy, but still provides a sporty feel. Nice find getting that 09 for such a deal!

4cylndrfury wrote: that is a pretty cool concept (detuning the ninja). It will be pretty fun to have a bike that doesnt mind part throttle, and is comfy, but still provides a sporty feel. Nice find getting that 09 for such a deal!

Yeah, the throttle response in any gear is great. It will loaf along at 2-3000 rpm but take off in a shot with just a little twist. Coming from a Harley its a bit more what Im used to but it still runs out to 11,000 rpm nicely.

Sounds like a great deal, congrats!

That's really nice, and you can almost be sure that you'll be the only one on the road.

It is a great time to buy a bike if you have the money. Now, if only parts prices went down as well!