impressed

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:25 pm

I posted recently that I was considering changing my R1200S for something with a more upright riding position. Well, the deed has been done & I am now the owner of a 1-year old (ex-demonstrator) Versys 1000. I didn't even test ride a Versys before buying

but all the reports I have read about this model have been very positive. Bristol Kawasaki were selling their 1640-mile ex-demo for a very reasonable price & gladly took my 12S as part-ex.
Gail, Eddi (our new dog) & I drove down to Bristol with the 12S in the back of the van, we dropped off the 12S and picked-up the Versys then headed down to Plymouth for the ferry over to Roscoff.
The following day I got to ride my new bike for the 1st time on some of the best roads Brittany has to offer (D8/D767). WOW! what a machine the Versys is, the silky smooth 4-cylinder engine pulls like a train & it's so chuckable.

Gail/Eddi drove the van from Loudeac to Caen (Ouistreham) whilst I got to
further enjoy a 180-mile blast via Le Mont for the overnight ferry back to Portsmouth

I've ridden the 530-miles from Portsmouth to our home in bonnie Scotland numerous times on various bikes BUT i've never enjoyed the run soo much as on my new Versys. I rode the 530-miles in less than 11-hours (including a stop in Birmingham to say hi to Chris & June and lunch at Table Table Junction 42 on M6) rode through some horrible weather & even avoided the caravan wheel lying in the middle lane on M74 just north of Lockerbie.
The Versys may not have the prettiest front end (looks okay from behind the handlebars) but anyone looking for a very capable/comfortable bike for considerably less money than the GS should visit their local Kawasaki Dealer and have a test ride.
Cheers Rob

p.s. we've still got the 11S so I presume it's okay for us to remain Trixters

Steve1200S · Post by **Steve1200S** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 9:09 pm

Like it!

Glad you found something you like. I always liked the look of them, more so the 600, but its not ugly at all, and as you say, it's a cheaper but faster GS.

Seems like a good first ride! I haven't managed more than 80miles in one go on my GT yet and I've had it since December!

Enjoy!

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:31 pm

Eddi

dave the german · Post by **dave the german** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:18 am

Rob, I had the 650 and loved it. I always said if they split the twin and made a 975 triple I would buy one just not a fan of 4s but pleased you like it - still got the y piece I got off you - will fit it one day!!

boxerscott · Post by **boxerscott** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:52 am

Dunno about the looks of the PiG you have just bought but that sure is one fine K9

The van looks pretty tidy too. Enjoy!

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:58 am

Praise indeed.

Al

McBoxer · Post by **McBoxer** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:03 am

boxerscott wrote:....The van looks pretty tidy too.....

Is it a Volkswagen T5? My van recognition skills aren't what they used to be....

The Teutonic Tangerine · Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:42 am

And people say my ST is not the prettiest bike in the world

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 5:25 pm

The Teutonic Tangerine wrote:And people say my ST is not the prettiest bike in the world

I've owned an ST too

and have always liked the X11??

Thanks for all you kind comments, tis okay to be different

Boxerscott; I know you're a big fan of the HUGE Aluminium container/pannier thingies do you know where I can find a set to 'finish' me Pig off? [smilie=mutley laugh.gif]

leasky · Post by **leasky** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 6:21 pm

Pleased you like the new bike Rob. The dog looks to be a cracker also.

Yogi Bear · Post by **Yogi Bear** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:55 pm

Nice one Rob!

I seem to remember that Keith, formerley of this website had the smaller version and sung it's praises.
Good health to enjoy the bike. Braw dug btw!

Cheers

Ali