[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by v12

It all began here - so I thought it would be apt to let everyone know that I finally got delivery of my 2018 Versys 650 yesterday. Thread is underway and the bike will be unveiled soon

Attachment 1748312

"The only thing that comes to your mind is - Humongous!! Add to that - its Black and Green. It looks very much like a Monster. And where did it originate from? Yes, you are right!! Japan! Hmmm ... Now where have I heard such a story - of a monster from Japan."

Time for part 2 of the story of monsters coming in from Japan. . Congratulations.

[mobike008]

Hey Allen :

Congratulations on the Versys 650. As mentioned to you several times, it's all the bike you will ever need for long distance touring. You will also go down in history as that Mumbaiker who downgraded to achieve more happiness in his life....I'm sure your back-side is thanking you for taking this decision

Originally Posted by v12

It all began here - so I thought it would be apt to let everyone know that I finally got delivery of my 2018 Versys 650 yesterday.

Glad to know my thread helped in taking this decision. Trust me, you have taken a good decision with respect to choice of motorcycle and hereon you will encounter a different problem which is dealing with family issues-as they will always find you on the Versys saddle

Originally Posted by v12

Thread is underway and the bike will be unveiled soon

It was already unveiled for me and I must say it looks gorgeous. I'm envious of you green goblin. Btw, how much was the OTR?

Get that thread out live pronto and wish you tonnes of safe miles on it !!!

[BowMan]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Your options are many. Do you want an adventure styled bike or do you want a sport touring bike?

Cannot compare the Honda and the versys.

I was always more inclined to the sport touring segment.

Originally Posted by Axe77

I haven't done a specific analysis on your needs & wants but just on the face of it my few observations are:

- I'm pretty sure you should not consider the Honda CBR 650 f.
- your best bets to me seem to be ADVs like the Versys 650 or Tiger 800 (XR / XC series). These will suit you brilliantly (sorry not sure if I missed a post on budget, but you can get some good deals on second hand bikes so worth making a wider list).
- Ninja 1000 sports tourer also seems like a good buy but not sure what kind of clearance issues it might have.
- BMW will also launch its mid order ADVs some time this year. Those are worth considering too along with Africa Twin.

Cheers,

Thanks for the inputs. I too am keeping an eye on the smaller Beemers and what impact it has on competition.

Originally Posted by R-Six

Hey BowMan,

Not sure if you have considered anything from the Triumph or Ducati stable. If you have any interest in those, let me know. I might be able to put you in touch with a few folks who might be able to help.

Ride Safe,
R-Six

Thanks for the offer. I will get in touch with you if need be.

Originally Posted by mobike008

It was a roundabout reply because I haven't come across anyone who changed the front fork adjustments on a Versys till date as there is absolutely no need to tamper with it. Heck, even the rear suspension is touched rarely ( I may have fiddled with it maybe 5-6 times in last 2 years)

I thought I was a big guy but, after seeing you I feel intimidated

You should straight away haul the naked, sport touring category out of your selection list because with your personality none of those bikes would be comfortable for long distance and will be enjoyable only for short rides.

If I was you, I wouldn't have looked beyond this short list below and finalize one out of them (ofcourse, depending the budget)

Versys 650/1000
Tiger 800
Ducati Multistrada 900/1200
BMW GS750/850
Africa Twin

Assuming, you want some serious punch but, dont have budget to buy brand new ones, you should seriously consider the preowned 1 liter ADV bikes.

I'm sure with a 10 lakhs budget you can get a well maintained Versys 1000/MS1200/Africa Twin etc..

Good-luck in your decision making and keep us posted what you finally landed up with

All valid points but I'm curious you omit the Ninja 1000?

Something to share with you all guys. http://cycle-ergo.com/ is a brilliant website where you can key in your height and inseam and generate a simulation of a human figure with those height/inseam characteristics riding the bikes from almost 65 manufacturers from around the world. The simulation also calculates back lean angle, hip and knee angle. Is by no means a replacement of an actual trial but is perhaps the next best thing.

Here I have generated simulations of me on top of a Ninja 1000, CBR650F, Versys 650/1000. The CBR is the smallest but the Ninja is not too far. But it does feel like a much bigger bike because of the way you sit in the bike rather on top of it like the Honda. This is primarily because of shape of fuel tank and front fairing. Another observation is the Versys 1000 is very imposing when compared to its smaller sibling.

[Red Liner]

Get the ninja 1000. Smashing bike. You will not regret it if you use the bike for what it is meant for.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by BowMan

Another observation is the Versys 1000 is very imposing when compared to its smaller sibling.

Till you sit on the bike. The V1000 somehow feels nimbler and lighter on the move as compared to the V650, as against the maths would suggest.

[BowMan]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Till you sit on the bike. The V1000 somehow feels nimbler and lighter on the move as compared to the V650, as against the maths would suggest.

There could be an explanation. When we look at the 650 the center of mass is a bit higher owing to the fact that the engine is a smaller unit and there is a 21 Liter tank. But the 1000 has a bigger engine so the center of gravity will shift lower.

However the 650 has a 25 degree rake compared to 27 degree for the 1000. I'm sure the 650 should be nimbler when it comes to changing directions. After 7 years of riding a bike with 30 degree rake I can tell you guys if you want a bike that goes fast in our traffic conditions look at the chassis rake/train before you look at BHP

Staying with the 1000, that bike would shine when one is riding with a pillion because there is more room at the back. Otherwise for solo rides the 650 is more than enough poke and about the same space/comfort.

But one caveat friends. This is just based on the stats of these bikes. Kawasaki dealership in this part of the country seems like a complete joke. They are charging 1500 Rs/Hour Labour with puts them inline with the rates charged by Ducati/BMW/Harley but they have zero test ride vehicles and not even a decent couch for their customers.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by BowMan

All valid points but I'm curious you omit the Ninja 1000?

Irrespective of naming the Ninja 1000 as sports tourer, it ain't completely one is my opinion. It can tour effortlessly only on smooth tarmac but, even minor bad roads you have to really slow down due to its 130mm GC whereas on a Versys, you will increase your speed the moment you see bad roads and I do that a lot. I have total disregard for bad roads

Secondly, it does not have the same ergonomics like a ADV bike (Upright seating) and trust me this makes one hell of a difference in long distance touring (Where you cover 700kms-1000kms in a day)

Don't get me wrong, I totally love the Ninja 1000 and feel it's the best value for money motorcycle right now in India compared to the BHP vs Rupee but, it is not a do-it-all motorcycle like Versys for sure

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Get the ninja 1000. Smashing bike. You will not regret it if you use the bike for what it is meant for.

You seem to be smitten by the Ninja 1000 for sure as I have seen you post this comment more than once. I'll get convinced only if you buy one and I will bet my last dollar, you will never buy one

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Till you sit on the bike. The V1000 somehow feels nimbler and lighter on the move as compared to the V650, as against the maths would suggest.

Originally Posted by BowMan

However the 650 has a 25 degree rake compared to 27 degree for the 1000. I'm sure the 650 should be nimbler when it comes to changing directions. After 7 years of riding a bike with 30 degree rake I can tell you guys if you want a bike that goes fast in our traffic conditions look at the chassis rake/train before you look at BHP

Totally agree. BHP is "meh" when riding in traffic conditions. You need agility, linear power delivery and most importantly good handling to weave and cut through traffic. I have ridden both the Versys 650 and 1000 and 650 is super nimble in comparison

Heck, Versys 650 can weave in and out of traffic like a Duke (provided you have the skills)

Originally Posted by BowMan

But one caveat friends. This is just based on the stats of these bikes. Kawasaki dealership in this part of the country seems like a complete joke. They are charging 1500 Rs/Hour Labour with puts them inline with the rates charged by Ducati/BMW/Harley but they have zero test ride vehicles and not even a decent couch for their customers.

All that is rubbish (at-least for us out here).

The way I work is using my relationship which goes a long way. During my ownership of my vehicles (Car or motorcycle) dealership is my best friend (LOL !!) and I ensure they charge me for some and dont for others and this 1500/hour is actually a myth and it varies depending on how you deal with them. Some cities are horrendously expensive whereas Hyderabad is blissfully reasonable

Versys 650 average service cost is INR 4k/- every 6000kms which is in-line with a Triumph's INR 6.5K/- every 10,000kms

To summarize, right now I would rate Kawasaki 2nd with respect to promptness, spare parts availability, attitude towards customer and overall satisfaction of work done only after Triumph

[BowMan]

Originally Posted by mobike008

All that is rubbish (at-least for us out here).

The way I work is using my relationship which goes a long way. During my ownership of my vehicles (Car or motorcycle) dealership is my best friend (LOL !!) and I ensure they charge me for some and dont for others and this 1500/hour is actually a myth and it varies depending on how you deal with them. Some cities are horrendously expensive whereas Hyderabad is blissfully reasonable

Versys 650 average service cost is INR 4k/- every 6000kms which is in-line with a Triumph's INR 6.5K/- every 10,000kms

To summarize, right now I would rate Kawasaki 2nd with respect to promptness, spare parts availability, attitude towards customer and overall satisfaction of work done only after Triumph

I will break this into two, the objective and subjective.

The first is workshop labour rates. 1500Rs/hour plus GST is confirmed labour rates told to me me by the showroom manager. So it's a fact. Ducati is charging 1800Rs/Hour plus GST.

Next my experience with the showroom. And this can be somewhat subjective. The first time I had walked into the showroom was way back in the winters. I had told the guy that I'm really looking at options to flip my ride and would be interested in Kawasaki bikes. But can I expect any help from them in flipping my ride. This was in the backdrop of a recent conversation with the local Harley showroom who offered a very very handsome exchange price plus some discounts. I was flatly told no. By contrast the Triumph dealer was ready to talk to a few used bike dealers and help me with the deal.

Couple of weeks later when I finally made up my mind that I will sell my Harley I called up the guy again and told him to whatsapp me prices of his bikes so I can start planning. No response.

A few weeks ago I visited the showroom and told him I have sold my bike and I need quotations. He printed out the quotations but that day I was in a hurry and forgot that I wanted quotations of bikes with hard luggage included. The next day I messaged him my email id requesting for revised quotations. No response.

I had also requested for a test ride. The guy said Ninja 1000 is very difficult to arrange but he can try for Versys 650. I told him that I will need a test ride for at least a couple of hours. I will pay for the fuel. Till date no callback and this is 3 weeks ago.

Now my experience is limited to the local showroom and all my interactions have been with one guy (he is the only one present there apart from a few workshop guys). He is very friendly and I know him for quite a long time as he once once in employed by the Harley dealer. But this is positively the worse experience I have had so far if I benchmark against the dealers I have interacted with - Harley, Triumph, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, BMW.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by BowMan

But this is positively the worse experience I have had so far if I benchmark against the dealers I have interacted with - Harley, Triumph, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, BMW.

Same here in Bangalore, though they've improved by miles recently. The dealership experience was sub-par and Harley > Ducati > Triumph > Benelli > Kawasaki in this order, as far as pre sales experience is concerned.

Honda and Suzuki were the absolute worst, but the Honda dealership really seems to have pulled up their socks ever since a young chap took over from the management side. Did Suzuki offer you a test ride? Here they ask people not to touch tue bikes unless you arrive in a German sedan. Similar story with Yamaha test rides too.

The labour rates are similar in Bangalore too. Average service costs will be around 6.5k to 7k. Hyderabad is more of an exception, and almost every other city is more expensive and similar to above. Lucky Avi.

Originally Posted by BowMan

I had told the guy that I'm really looking at options to flip my ride and would be interested in Kawasaki bikes. But can I expect any help from them in flipping my ride.

Thanks to some good contacts in few of the showrooms, along with the info collected from Autopunditz - I can state for a fact that the Kawasaki dealers are complacent because the products and the pricing together are bringing the customers to them - rather than them having to run around the customers. Among all the premium motorcycle brands - Kawasaki is the only one witnessing growth recently - others all on the decline despite much higher efforts put in by the dealerships.

I'm personally more of a product guy and I care about the seat I use all year round, rather than the fancy couch they provide at the service center on just one or two days I need to visit them. If you echo similar sentiments - it's worth putting up with them since the Versys650 as a product and for the price is absolutely worth it. You can't get anything close enough (for comfortable, fast touring) unless you spend almost twice the money with other brands. Same case with the Ninja 1000 - nothing comes close for the price point.

If not and if a premium showroom experience really matters to you - I suggest you move on to other brands. I don't see the dealerships offering better experience too soon - though I'm personally surprised how the Kawasaki Bangalore dealer has totally changed for the better since the past couple of months.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by BowMan

I will break this into two, the objective and subjective.The first is workshop labour rates. 1500Rs/hour plus GST is confirmed labour rates told to me me by the showroom manager. So it's a fact. Ducati is charging 1800Rs/Hour plus GST.

Nice to know that but, I would still stress on the fact that atleast here we don't get billed straight off the bat. It is not like 1-hour of labour and I pay 1500 bucks. I negotiate and make them strike off some work that can be done as complimentary and some that does not require 1-hour and each time my bill has been reduced from what was initially presented

I reckon it's how you deal with them is what matters too

Originally Posted by BowMan

Next my experience with the showroom. And this can be somewhat subjective.

No idea about Gandhinagar but, yet again Hyderabad experience has been nice after the new dedicated showroom opened. They do the following

Organize Sunday rides every fornight
Post on facebook delivery of every motorcycle
Reach out for new launches
Service and Deliver the bike in < 3-hours
Have spare parts availability at all times

So as you can see they are trying to do their stuff !!

No clue about how prospecting customers are treated as I have passed that phase long back...LOL!

Perhaps Kawasaki is bit arrogant compared to other brands as they know their products are good and priced competitively and this rubs off badly on some people and for some people like me, it does not matter.

If I'm smitten by a product then to hell with everything else---well, that's just my attitude. Sorry, can't change it !!!

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

The labour rates are similar in Bangalore too. Average service costs will be around 6.5k to 7k. Hyderabad is more of an exception, and almost every other city is more expensive and similar to above. Lucky Avi.

Yeah. God has been kind to me.

I have owned nearly 10 brand new cars and as many brand new motorcycles too ( I'm a sucker for investing in depreciating assets) but, have always had good experience with each and every ownership with respect to A.S.S. Some were better than others but, none that was horrific.

People may not agree but, it is my personal belief that if you know how to handle the situation and not create an uproar for every small thing then you will most certainly enjoy your ownership experience

Ride Report

We did this ride last weekend (March 31st) and it was one of the most impromptu ride we ever planned. It was quite hot last week (Surprisingly, this week it's unlike summers and feels like being in a hill station with lot of rains and weather has almost become chilly) and there was no ride planned. Around almost midnight on Friday I got a text from IDPSharma and within 5 minutes there was a conference call between us and this ride plan took shape out of the blue

We decided to ride to Laknavaram which was a 550-kms round trip. I had visited Etunagaram at-least thrice in the last 2 years (once on the Versys) as it's a friends native place and we met for a couple of get together. Laknavaram is 25-kms before Etunagaram so I passed this place those many times and it never occurred to me to stop at this place.

A small trivia : Etunagaram was feared place in the past as it was naxal infested area due to this entire place surrounded by thick forests and wild life sanctuary

When we reached Laknavaram, it wow'ed us as it was not just another lake but, was a well developed tourist spot by the Telangana Tourism Department and being a Saturday was choc-o-bloc with touristy people. I quite liked this place and feel would be a relaxing place to spend an overnighter

We started the ride at 6:30am and stopped at one of the many mobile canteens on the Warangal highway. These canteens have mushroomed over the last couple of years and there are just too many of them on this route. Breakfast was delicious (Crispy and Non-oily Dosa) and we continued our journey towards Warangal and from 10:00am onwards the heat was rearing up it's ugly head and showing its fangs and made us quite uncomfortable. We stopped in Warangal city for some lovely coconut water from a street-side vendor. After Warangal, the next 85kms towards Laknavarm is bliss with 2-lane road with lots of trees lined up and curvy roads with lot of places road inclining up and down which is a bit risky. My friend on the Speed went off the road on one such instance but, it was since he received a call while taking a right-hander and he made a mistake of picking it up. Thankfully, he is a wonderfully skilled rider so nothing happened as he controlled the bike gracefully

We reached Laknavaram around 11:00am and parked the bikes at the designated spot and opted to ride inside the premises in battery operated cars for which we were charged Rs.5/- per head and once we reached inside we gave the ticket collector our jackets/helmets for safe-keeping and decided to hop into the Safari. This is not actually a Safari as it was just a nice 4-5kms ride inside thick forests to see a lovely water-body (actually it is excess water being released from the lake). They normally take a minimum of 6 passengers in the Jeep but, we paid for other 3 non-existent members too and booked the whole jeep..LOL!

We enjoyed the serene and calm spot with just the sound of chirping birds, rustle of leaves and loud gushing sound of the water. Then we headed back to the main point and walked through the bridge on the lake to Haritha Hotel. It was hot, sweaty and quite uncomfortable and in such weather food is the last thing on your mind where IDPSharma and Haseeb had lunch ( I decided to skip as didn't want to eat a Thali as that was the only dish available)

We relaxed for a bit enjoying the views and then finally decided to head-out around 2:00pm as I needed to be back home by 7:00pm. We started our return journey and had to cover 275kms to cover to reach home and we decided to keep a brisk pace and make as less stops as possible (except for quick hydration breaks). We stopped at Warangal at a Green Bawarchi and enjoyed a few glasses of Falooda that really hit the spot and re-energized us to the core

It was a tough ride with respect to the weather but, we enjoyed it quite a bit except the last bit as me and Haseeb who live in heart of the city were stuck in a massive 2-hour traffic jam due to Hanuman Jayanthi and finally reached home at 7:30pm completely bone-tired

Some pictures from this ride......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTEp40mXpn0

[mobike008]

Earlier this week, i got up little earlier than my usual time and when I stepped into the balcony, I was ecstatic to see the weather as it was simply marvelous. It felt quite cold, windy and a weather to give Auli a run for it's touristy money...Well, that's a bit of exaggeration but, hope you get the drift

I did something that I normally never do. I decided to do a solo ride to Vikarabad which is roughly 110kms away

It was a most enjoyable ride as I kept at my own pace and hardly stopped anywhere except at a nice curvy road to take a few pics

Most memorable portion of this ride is when I completed 25,000kms

Versys is a serious mile-cruncher and you just feel like riding all the time and unfortunately, i don't do much justice to this amazing motorcycle. And, no wonder >75% of members of Versys India Riders (VIR) are perennially on the saddle and clocking ridiculously high mileage !!!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Most memorable portion of this ride is when I completed 25,000kms

Congrats Avi.

And in good time too. Yes, there are a few guys out there covering distances at a faster pace, but everyone has their own individual family / finances / health and other responsibilities to manage.

Pretty sure that none of the other bikes in the Superbikes section in Team Bhp can claim to have such mile munching owners. Ramana, yourself and soon Atul to be joining the list - with his mega ride in progress.

[Red Liner]

Is something wrong with the picture or has all the tread disappeared from your front tyre?

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

And in good time too. Yes, there are a few guys out there covering distances at a faster pace, but everyone has their own individual family / finances / health and other responsibilities to manage.

Absolutely Sujai! I totally agree. We should ride in our limits and only when you really feel like.

Never to prove anything to the world. They don't care a damn, anyways

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Pretty sure that none of the other bikes in the Superbikes section in Team Bhp can claim to have such mile munching owners. Ramana, yourself and soon Atul to be joining the list - with his mega ride in progress

Oh yeah! Must be a handful of BHP'ians who bought a new bike on this section and clocked these many kms in 2 years.

I think Redliner must have already created a record in that aspect on the forum since he crossed 32,000kms in < 2 years

Next BHPian is fast approaching my odometer number and the way that couple ride (Atul_KTM). He might also leave KAT in the dust in a few months

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Is something wrong with the picture or has all the tread disappeared from your front tyre?

Good Eye. Not sure, If it's the picture or the tyre itself. Will check in the evening when I get home and report back

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Is something wrong with the picture or has all the tread disappeared from your front tyre?

Originally Posted by mobike008

Good Eye. Not sure, If it's the picture or the tyre itself. Will check in the evening when I get home and report back

Here you go. Looks like it was just the angle of the picture.

This is the condition of the tyre after > 10,000k kms. What do you think can I do another 1,00,000 kms..err..10,000kms on them?







Michelins give fantastic life to their tyres and I'm pretty sure both will last another 10k kms for sure. And, not to mention the fantastic grip over stock Dunlops.

I'm a pretty happy puppy .