[mobike008]

Finally, Yesterday decided to get the air-filter replaced based on the conversation with Service Head. He requested me to come to Orange Chevrolet Showroom (Kawasaki Dealership is owned by them) where they can get the job done

BHP'ian OnaVersy reached there in morning to get his Versys's 12,000kms service done where he procured all parts himself and according to him they did a reasonably good job and did not fumble anywhere and he got the air filter replaced at this juncture (3000kms earlier than me). He jokingly mentioned that he was the guinea pig before they installed the filter on my bike

I reached there in evening and they took charge of bike immediately and completed the job in < 30 minutes which is commendable as they need to remove the tank and reach the filter box. When I told Service head there is a hissing sound at idle, he immediately knew it's the air sensor rubber pipe that got cracked. He fixed that too in a jiffy and now the bike sounds normal at idle (second time fixed this minor issue in 15000kms)

Then he introduced me to Sales Head and both offered to take me on a guided tour of their new Showroom which was 1 km away on the same road. I gladly accepted the offer

Kawasaki is coming up with this swanky showroom in one of the most upmarket area in Hyderabad (Rd.No 12, Banjara Hills) and going by the work being done, dealership is investing big moolah into the showroom

They plan to keep 15 models on display (mandatory clause by Kawasaki to have at-least 12 models in display) and will have test ride bikes separately (huge change from traditional Kawasaki model). They already had stock of Ninja 300, Z650, Versys 650, Z900 and offered me a test ride of Z900 and Z650 but, I was in a hurry and took a rain-check

Plan is to have full spare parts available along with accessories including helmets. They have also earmarked a dedicated spare parts area. There is also a special area for machine related work etc with 3 bays to work on bikes (Z250 to ZX10R)

They plan to do many things like organize sunday rides, market the bikes aggressively etc. I suggested they should invite all Kawasaki owners for a sunday brunch at-least twice in a year. Kawasaki has mandated to send mobile service vans to 100kms-300kms vicinity where the costs are borne 50-50 by dealership and Kawasaki; Great move

Both guys were excellent in customer service and made me feel like royalty.

Looks like exciting days ahead for Kawasaki owners. Some pictures to tell you the story better!

Air-filter after 15,400 kms



Onaversys air-filter after 11,500kms. Lot of difference eh?



Tricky location of air-filter below the tank



This is that rubber which gets cracked every 6-7000kms. I'm given to understand we can use even a Honda Activa or some such scooter rubber pipe too




Service Center is located in 1st floor. Bikes will be sent up via. an elevator. Jazzy huh?





Spare parts area



Showroom on ground floor







P.S: And the best part? They didn't charge anything for the work they did yesterday....Yahooooooo!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by mobike008

And the best part? They didn't charge anything for the work they did yesterday....Yahooooooo!

Good gesture , but probably because the showroom has not been setup officially. Here in Bangalore, they labour charges seem to be around 1500 per hour.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Good gesture. but probably because the showroom has not been setup officially. Here in Bangalore, they labour charges seem to be around 1500 per hour.

Every manufacturer thinks Bangalore guys are rich hence, they fleece you quite nicely

In Hyderabad, labor charges for service is fixed : INR 1045/-

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Good gesture , but probably because the showroom has not been setup officially. Here in Bangalore, they labour charges seem to be around 1500 per hour.

Sujai for air filter replacement and other minor stuff, please get hands on experience with the replacements. Works way easier to do at your convenience, easy on the pocket (no 1500 bucks per hours menace) and the satisfaction is priceless.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Sujai for air filter replacement and other minor stuff, please get hands on experience with the replacements. Works way easier to do at your convenience, easy on the pocket (no 1500 bucks per hours menace) and the satisfaction is priceless.

I dont think changing something like an Air Filter is an easy job on Versys. It mandates removing the fairing and petrol tank and then reach to air filter box

When a service is available even if it's for a higher price we should opt for it than do it at home as in the process of learning it may rebound and become an even more expensive affair akin to saying "saving pennies will cost you dollars"

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by mobike008

I dont think changing something like an Air Filter is an easy job on Versys. It mandates removing the fairing and petrol tank and then reach to air filter box

When a service is available even if it's for a higher price we should opt for it than do it at home as in the process of learning it may rebound and become an even more expensive affair akin to saying "saving pennies will cost you dollars"

Surely wont be easy unless one knows how to put it back. Dismantling is pretty easy in most cases, putting it back is a challenge. But removing the fairing and petrol tank isn't that difficult. It is not about saving pennies alone, just the satisfaction of doing it yourself is priceless which no service center will give you

PS: I have dismantled my whole bike and assembled it back, so probably I find it easier compared to others . If one isn't comfortable doing this, then sticking to Service Center is the best thing one can do.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Surely wont be easy unless one knows how to put it back. Dismantling is pretty easy in most cases, putting it back is a challenge. But removing the fairing and petrol tank isn't that difficult. It is not about saving pennies alone, just the satisfaction of doing it yourself is priceless which no service center will give you

I wonder how many SBK owners would do what you do? I'm confident this percentage would be < 5%. For rest of the population, unfortunately ASC is the default place to go

About the satisfaction theory, I feel it's a bit overrated.

During Pre-Team BHP days, I used to just hand over the car/bike to workshop and ask them inform me when its ready. From that stage, I matured to stage where I dont mind spending time at the garage while my car/bike is being worked upon. After spending big moolah, I will no way get my hands dirty nor have any imaginary feeling of satisfaction that I have serviced my bike with my own hands. I get the same kick just by being there and getting it done personally. I reckon different strokes for different folks!

I also think DIY can be indulged by people who have lot of time to spare apart from serious interest to know the internals of a machine.Unfortunately, I'm not blessed with either.

I'm just a regular passionate guy who enjoys his cars and bikes

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

PS: I have dismantled my whole bike and assembled it back, so probably I find it easier compared to others.If one isn't comfortable doing this, then sticking to Service Center is the best thing one can do.

What you did is commendable and calls for serious interest and I respect that

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

Sujai for air filter replacement and other minor stuff, please get hands on experience with the replacements.

Unfortunately, requires a lot of time and effort including removal of tank and it's not possible in apartment parking with lack of space, privacy, jealous neighbors, curious kids and what not!

I'm thanking stars nobody has complained about the oil stains in the parking lot due to chain cleaning. Forget surgery on half the bike.

[mobike008]

This thread hasn't seen a lot of update but, I have been riding on and off but, most of them are those crazy urges where i just head out for a 100kms ride on a "weekday" morning just to get a kick from this silent, smooth and highly pleasurable motor. These are mostly city rides and surrounding areas which has lovely mountainous terrain and this ride normally ends by stopping at a typical Hyderabad Irani cafe for a "Puana" (Tea with more milk than tea powder)

Yesterday there was a plan to ride to Pocharam dam via. the Narsapur forest and return via. the beautiful 4-lane Nagpur highway with a stop at a popular highway restaurant called "Adigas"

It was a mixed bunch of with Triumph bikes dominating the presence with plenty of Bonnies, Street Twins, Storm and a Fatboy with couple of Versys to add some change to the monotone

We met at 6:30am and headed out with a beautiful cloudy weather with high probability of rains. And, our guess was right as soon as we were out on forest area, it started pouring cats and dogs and we took shelter in a small hut and had some hot tea. Rains were lashing out for a long time and after nearly 30+ minutes we decided to continue the ride in drizzle and it was a pleasurable experience

We reached the dam and by then the drizzle stopped and we rode up to the end of the steep dam with a major drop on either side. We then had some drone fun and spent a good 45 minutes enjoying the view then rode back to connect to the 4-lane highway where we stopped at Adigas for an excellent breakfast before reaching home at 12:00pm

A wonderful 300kms ride on a sunday to energize ourselves to a hectic workweek ahead !!

[wanderlust]

What is the fuel recommended for the Versys? And, sir, what fuel do you use? Thanks.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by wanderlust

What is the fuel recommended for the Versys? And, sir, what fuel do you use? Thanks.

I have been using normal fuel (RON 91) majority of the time and when I get a good bunk then I top up the tank with Xtra Premium from IOC/Power from HP and there is a marked difference in accelaration

Been filling fuel from any bunk on the highway till date as I just ensure the bunk is a large one with proper machines (I stay away from small, dusty and unkempt looking bunks that you find by the dozens on the highway)

Touch wood, no issues till date related to fuel

Btw, here are a couple of videos from yesterday's ride

Drone Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyFE...ature=youtu.be

First attempt of making a GoPro Video from fellow Versys rider and BHPian (OnaVersys)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EwkRJ1Ui8Q

[Urban_Nomad]

Barkbusters to protect the levers

Not even a pair of gloves to protect your own digits???

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Urban_Nomad

Barkbusters to protect the levers.Not even a pair of gloves to protect your own digits???

What does this mean? Can you elaborate as that does not sound like English to me?

[kozhissery]

Originally Posted by Urban_Nomad

Barkbusters to protect the levers

Not even a pair of gloves to protect your own digits???

Originally Posted by mobike008

What does this mean? Can you elaborate as that does not sound like English to me?

I think he meant that the rider is not wearing Riding Gloves (@3:12 minutes in the second video we can see the bare fingers)

[Urban_Nomad]

Originally Posted by mobike008

that does not sound like English to me?

It is quite simple English sir. Digits = fingers