[nasirkaka]

What pleasantly surprised me is the throttle response. A small twist sent the bike propelling forward and that is something very important to me apart from smoothness and handling. So it was like a no-brainer

How would you compare the smoothness, handling, suspension and throttle response to the bonnie? I know such small test ride in the backyard is not enough, but just a feeler, in perspective with the bonnie.

[anandpkumar]

Congratulations Mobike008 Everything I have read/seen on you-tube regarding this bike indicate this as a great buy, especially for Indian conditions! Do hope to see a review soon once you get the bike

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by nasirkaka

How would you compare the smoothness, handling, suspension and throttle response to the bonnie? I know such small test ride in the backyard is not enough, but just a feeler, in perspective with the bonnie.

Bonnie was a really special bike and I don't want to disrespect it by passing a judgment of which is a better bike (compared to Versys 650) without riding the Versys 650 atleast for 100-200kms

Even though its more than a year that I rode the Bonnie- I still vividly remember how it feels to ride that beauty

So if you don't mind, I will make a small comparison note after riding the V650 for a short period

[praveenkm]

Have been silently monitering this thread.

Finally got delivery today..
Fantastic bike, very easy to ride, great handling, soaks up bumps like butter.

Thanks for all the updates here made well for my nerves wait.

Attaced couple of pix from today's group delivery.

[techfreak]

Hey that's great guys, congratulations. Which all places have people got deliveries? Please put up lot of snaps and short reviews. Am still waiting for mine.

[anandpkumar]

Congratulations praveenkm That's one cool bike!

If you don't mind sharing, how much did it cost you OTR?

Though a bit out of topic, did the Kawasaki showroom guys mention anything about bringing the Kawasaki Vulcan to India?

Congrats again......

[VW2010]

Even though its more than a year that I rode the Bonnie- I still vividly remember how it feels to ride that beauty

So if you don't mind, I will make a small comparison note after riding the V650 for a short period

And i think either way these two are completely different type of bikes. The V650 is going to feel far more complete while i am not sure if it holds any smug value like the Bonnie.

To me the Bonnie is exactly the right engine in an RE body which is missing in RE while has enough in it to not only match the 650 but also put lots of smiles and miles.

The V650 at its price point is a killer tourer and its mid range is fantastically spread out though i felt it was slightly tall geared requiring downshifts in some crucial instants.

I am closely watching the development of 500+ segment and till this point 4 bikes of attraction has been 390, 600i, 650V and 899 TNT

[vprabu]

Had a 200km great ride to Mudaliyarkuppam (MDK, ECR) and fun time with buddies. This being the first ride in this bike, focus was on riding and understanding the character of the bike. Hence no stopping in the scenic route for a photo shoot. Will try it during the next ride.

The impression is that this machine has everything that we expect in a bike. Smooth engine and almost no vibration gives a comfortable ride. Seat was interestingly comfortable too. Frankly i was not expecting that from this thin seat. 4k RPM helps you with 85 kmph and is quite decent speed during this engine break-in period. Low end and mid-range torque is pretty good.

Cornering ability is very good and brakes are confidence inspiring. Overall, it is a decision that is well made.

PS: One thing I feel jittery about the bike is its all black color. Visibility could be an issue and hence wondering what to do. At least the Top case, I am planning to get black and white combination.

[Ricci]

Congrats Praveen and Vprabu on the V650s !
I hope you'll be writing your ownership threads soon, this bike is probably the best thing yet for Indian bike tourers (with a budget of a B segment car).

Most reviews leave out some details like headlamp effectiveness, brake pad/chain/sprocket life, etc - and these unlike supersports will be ridden a lot more on month/year scale, so there's good reason to track those, with pics would be icing on the cake.

[vprabu]

Originally Posted by Ricci

Most reviews leave out some details like headlamp effectiveness, brake pad/chain/sprocket life, etc -

The stock head lamps are pathetic. I left home at 5:30am this morning and it was pitch dark. Both low beam and high beam failed to illuminate the roads ahead properly. This is something I need to change and thanks for reminding me.

Let me hear what others have to say!!

[Haroon]

Originally Posted by vprabu

PS: One thing I feel jittery about the bike is its all black color. Visibility could be an issue and hence wondering what to do. At least the Top case, I am planning to get black and white combination.

A few suggestions:

Have you considered a professional vinyl wrap as that way you dont alter the paint or the color in the Regn Card. Probably not the whole bike but just a few panels in between. Here is an earlier generation Versys with the Ducati Pikes Peak theme. Ofcourse, if you want bright you can go with the Kawasaki lime green or even the Versys orange

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0Em3L4w-N0

As for headlight brightness, I suggest not to go for higher wattage bulb as it may not only void warranty, but may sometimes overheat the holder & wiring. Best is have a set of LED Aux lamps (they draw very little current as well) and can light up far ahead

[vprabu]

Originally Posted by Haroon

A few suggestions:

Have you considered a professional vinyl wrap as that way you dont alter the paint or the color in the Regn Card.

Best is have a set of LED Aux lamps (they draw very little current as well) and can light up far ahead

I have considered the wrap option and might eventually go with the white on the fairing part alone. Looks classy for this bike. Hence choosing the top case and side panniers too black and white combo now.

Agree. Not changing the headlight bulbs for sure. Denali D4 Hybrid is on order as it was out of stock with Sean. Waiting for the same now.

[techfreak]

@vprabhu can you confirm if we can fit OE Fog/Aux lamp after fitting the Hepco Becker engine protection bar?
I am asking this because from pics, part of the engine protection bar passes below the headlight and exactly at the same position the the OE aux light fixes with the help of a bar kind of attachment extending both left and right with the lights fixing on both the ends?
Am asking this as I intend fitting the OE aux lights else if I fit HB Engine protection bar then me too have to go with Denali as I dont find SW Motech engine protection bar as safe/effective.

Regarding change of head light bulb, one can go for Osram Night Breakers or Philips Extreme Vision in same wattage, both are much better than std bulbs. I have been using Philips Extreme Vision in my car since last 2 years and quite satisfied. Both are available in H7 which is what is needed for Versys.

[vprabu]

Originally Posted by techfreak

@
Am asking this as I intend fitting the OE aux lights else if I fit HB Engine protection bar then me too have to go with Denali as I dont find SW Motech engine protection bar as safe/effective.

I recommend going for Denali D4 than OE. OE ones are more expensive and not sure if they're hybrid supporting both flood and spot modes.

[techfreak]

Originally Posted by vprabu

I recommend going for Denali D4 than OE. OE ones are more expensive and not sure if they're hybrid supporting both flood and spot modes.

No they are not Hybrid as D4, I have seen them. Wanted to go for them because of warranty concerns.