[iamahunter]

Completing 3000 kms and 3 months, the Versys has shown the cheap quality part used by Kawasaki.



Indicators, both the rear ones, literally fell off.

While I noticed the broken right indicator after a while, the left one fell off right in front of me. The lube can fell on it from the seat.
Both indicator have broken from exactly same place and same manner.

The right indicator was intact when I started the ride. I had seen it as my pre-ride check, also its intact when my wife took a video from the car alongside. I pulled ahead of the car and waited after 15 mins when I suddenly saw that the rear right indicator was dangling. No traffic, no bad roads, it just fell off.

Now both have been replaced by KTM LED indicators as I could not find Husquarna indicators.
My mechanic did not use spacers to install them (which is the right way) but he cut of the excess rubber from the current indicator attachments, and attached the new indicators to it.



The indicators individually blink faster now, where as the hazard light has the same blink frequency. I am happy with the setup for now, but would prefer to use the spacer to install them when ever I get a chance.

The Cost.
KTM Indicators - Rs 550/pc = Rs 1100/set of 2.
Fitting charges - Rs 150.

Also, on my recent ride to Pune(city I do not understand the internal roads of), I felt the desperate need for a place to mount my Rynox mobile holder. So procured and installed a Zana GPS mount, costed me Rs 1250 and fitting is a 10 minute DIY job.

Originally Posted by slevynhawk

Thank you.. Got my bike delivered on Thursday... Are you part of all india versys owners group. If yes could you please share the link..

Hi, sorry for the late response.
Yes I am a part of the VIR group, share your contact details over a PM, I will share the link to join the group if you haven't joined yet.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

Indicators, both the rear ones, literally fell off.

Welcome to the KKIC! (Kawasakis with Ktm Indicators Club).

People refused to believe me when I told them all 4 indicators just fell off on their own within a month. I was aghast till I found out that 2 years is the max these indicators remain in place before just dropping off.

It seems kawasaki India dealers have written multiple times to kawasaki Japan indicating the problem but kawasaki Japan have turned a blind eye completely.

But thankfully Indian juggad to the rescue and if you spot any Kawasaki bike older than 2 years you might see all of them sporting ktm or Husqvarna indicators!

[Red Liner]

My now ex 2016 Versys still runs on the original indicators and has probably crossed 75k kms or so. This was the first batch of bikes sold in India on launch.

I think something has changed after 2017.

[pcpranav]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

...

The indicators individually blink faster now, where as the hazard light has the same blink frequency. I am happy with the setup for now, but would prefer to use the spacer to install them when ever I get a chance.

the original indicator had halogen bulbs and blink rate was regulated by a particular flasher relay. Since you have changed the indicator to LED based, the same relay isn't able to regulate (resulting in faster blinking), and hence need to replace with a supporting relay.

watch my video for some info (many more videos on my channel !)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcxiEJOi1yo

IIRC - buy a DC flasher relay from Bajaj (Discover / Pulsar) - model DS201025 from your local spares shop; the wiring would require some modification (jugaad) to be able to match the pin setting on bike side. Now the flashing would be normal speed.

regards,
Pranav

[iamahunter]

Update
The Versys is 6 months old and about to complete 6k kms. Rain is really hurting the odometer from growing fast, nevertheless riding season is coming soon.

I have been regularly riding it over the weekends on small trips here and there or atleast within the city.

There are many things going on with the Versys.

1. Jugaad for rear mudguard
The muck the rear wheel throws up on the legs is pathetic. Basic design flaw? May be.
So for the rains I have done some desi jugaad.






This function over form and I am aware this doesn't look good, but that's in the image. Its not even noticeable when you see the bike in person.

Below is the picture taken at human eye level.



2. The front mudguard extension.
Now there are brands which cost a bomb for this product, I got this is a local one and it works perfectly fine.


I don't have a clear image of the said, but its keeping my radiator clean.


3. Windshield Extension
Got a pro-spec visor extension as I was experiencing some buffeting at cruising speeds.
Costed me around 2250 rupees and it worked, till the monsoon dirt hit. The visibility took toll and I now keep it at the medium setting and the stock windscreen at medium setting. The buffeting has gone. But I do not like the way it vibrates.




4. The most needed - Center Stand
- Helps in lubing chain.
- Performing DIYs



5. Aux Lights - Maddog Alpha
The HJG lights that I had earlier installed had to be removed. One of the light developed some leakage and its lenses used to fog up from inside.
In comes the Alpha, the best part about this light is the color temperature, its 5500K. Warmer than the usual 6000K temp lights. They are much better.



Yet to test these on the highway, will update on it soon.

The second service is due soon.

So the next update will include:
a. 2nd Service report.
b. Maddog Alpha highway performance.
c. Center stand review.

Some images taken after the previous post.








Thankyou.

[iamahunter]

A Photo-log from a recent trip to Nashik.

I usually embark for Nashik journey on a Friday night, but due to the recent updates on route being bad, I decided to start in the daylight.

So I started my journey at 3:30pm and made it to Nashik by 7pm. Started with the sunny afternoon only to get completely drenched in next half an hour. A nice and clean bike was dirty before I could even leave Mumbai.

Reached the Shell Padhgha at almost 5 pm. The road were super bad, and they continued to be so for the next few kilometers.



Just before Kasara, is where the climate became really beautiful, the sun came out and I took a small photo break.





Next mandatory break near Manas resort, just to enjoy the beautiful foggy weather with a paper-cup of cutting chai.


After that the roads were pretty good till Ghoti. At Ghoti, road work is going on, probably the Samruddhi marg, and so the road is literally non-existent.
Charged post that I had to make to Nashik before it would get dark. I almost made it to Vilholi before dark and then the Maddog were set to enlighten my route. Took the Nashik Freeway flyover and made it destination within a matter of minutes.

On the return journey, started at 7am and was greeted by a beautiful sunrise.





This is an unofficial popular spot just outside city limits - its a small hill, not very steep and easy to climb. Evening sees many people out here, who come to enjoy the calmness and sunset over here.

But at this time, it was occupied by grazing cows.



Next mandatory stop was just before the Kasara ghat. Being weekend, I was expecting some crowd over here. Surprisingly, I was the only person at this hour. Morning travel has its advantages.

The fog today was even better, and no crowds made it even more peaceful and enjoyable.




Took a break at this spot to remove the windshield extender. The dirt made it impossible to see thru. As the city roads were soon to approach, I felt no need to keep it.


Finally made it back to Mumbai at 9:30 am and just look at this beauty.
The frond mudguards extender working at full capacity and the radiator totally saved from any muck flying in it.



Thankyou.

[ram1kv]

Some amazing photos with your lovely travelogue. Your love for touring and the bike are infectious! We were in Denkanikotte last Sunday and a bunch of Versys roared past us. They made a sweet ruckus enhancing our experience in an otherwise
sedate morning. Thanks for sharing iamahunter!

[iamahunter]

Update : 2nd service



6 months are done and the bike was due for 2nd service. Took it Jogeshwari service center.

As per the Kawasaki manual, below items are supposed to be performed.
1. Brake Pad wear
2. Brake light switch operation

And below items, quoting the manual - "Service more frequently when operating in severe condition : dusty, wet, muddy, high speed, or frequent starting/stopping"
1. Air Filter
2. Engine Oil and Oil filter
3. Chain Lube
4. Chain Condition and Slack Adjustment.

And as per Service centers:
1. Oil and oil filter need to be replaced sir
2. Air filter is clogged sir
3. Chain lube is mandate 2nd service part sir, etc...


I was given similar intimidating statements of which, I agreed to a few.

Below was the work done:


Also, the chain slack was adjusted, brake-pads were cleaned, and a VDR (Vehicle Diagnosis Report) was done.


The airfilter was changed as this is the current state of the air-filter. Did not look that bad to me, but still opted to make the change.

I had instructed to not perform chain clean lube and washing, as both were recently done. The charges same were reduced at the time of billing.

Overall, it was 3 hours of wait and work was satisfactory, experience was on a positive side.


Center Stand Experience


This so helpful thing is very notorious.

a. The stand does not go up easily, needs to be pushed back in place. There were some washers missing in the original fitment. I did install those, but am still facing the same issue.
b. If the drive chain is acceptably loose, I mean just a bit more than the required, it rubs on the stand's frame.

I am trying to get these issues sorted. Let's see how things go.

[Red Liner]

You cannot fix that as far as I tried.

Use some thick foam tape to wrap around that bit to protect the chain from making a hole into the Center stand bracket. Keep replacing the tape often. Or find something that weathers the wear better.

[iamahunter]

Rides, Rains and Roads

This is an experience of a well planned trip which failed, but ended in a happy and satisfying outcome and great teachings.

Riders we are, rides we do!

With the versys in the garage, the itch for a long ride was troubling me for quite sometime. I had a feeling that I was well acquainted with the bike and was prepared for the longer journey. However due to the rains I postponed the ride multiple times, till I could not hold it back any longer.

The Versys was all set for the long haul with:
1. 2 set of lights for the night ride.
2. Handle bar riser - for the comfortable riding position.
3. Extended windscreen - to prevent buffeting and wind blast on helmet.
4. Panniers - luggage is secured and it makes the loading and unloading a strong child's play.
5. Inflators and Puncture kit - Incase required.
6. A center stand for ease of working on the bike or washing the bike.

Plan was made for a ride towards the Southern India.
Day 01 : Mumbai - Bengaluru
Day 02 : Rest
Day 03 : Bengaluru - Coimbatore - Kotagiri
Day 04 : Chill and visit local places at Kotagiri
Day 05 : Chill and visit local places at Kotagiri
Day 06 : Kotagiri - Udupi/Jog Falls
Day 07 : Udupi/Jog Falls - Hampi
Day 08 : Hampi Sight seeing
Day 09 : Hampi - Mumbai

Everything was set with enough rest days between rides and leaves approved!

BUT, nature had some different plans for us.
Day 01 : We started as from Mumbai towards Bengaluru and were cruising at a leisure speed, with a plan to make it to Bengaluru after traffic hours.
Rains began somewhere after Pune and the ride had to be slowed down multiple times. Our average speeds dropped below required, but still with a hope that once we cross into Karnataka we can maintain a good speed and cover up the lost time, we continued to ride. This went on till Dharwad, where a huge cloud, heavy rain and wind drenched us completely within a matter of seconds. With no immediate shelter in sight we rode on for half a kilometer with almost zero visibility; till we spotted a hotel with some shed and pulled in there. Unfortunately the place was closed and we could not utilize this time to have some snacks.
After some 20 odd minutes till the rains and wind reduced and we restarted our journey. Completely drenched, we started feeling cold and could not keep up the speed. We had to take multiple small breaks to adjust something or the other. After the sunset, the temperatures reduced drastically and there was constant drizzling, which made sure we remain wet.
After Haveri, we decided to take a break for the night, but as the area was unknown, we could not venture into town and the highway hardly had any good hotels. Thankfully we found a CCD near a petrol pump and decided to have some hot coffee before we decide what to do next. At the CCD, we literally removed all the wet gear and sat down with the coffee for an hour or more. The rains had stopped by then and we had gathered enough energy to continue for a bit more.
A friend recommended we halt at a hotel in Davanagere for the night. With the rains stopped and us dried up a bit, we rode on towards Davanagere and checked into the hotel. Those were some gruesome, tiring and wet 740 kms for the day.

Day 02 : This was a supposed to be a rest day, so we were kind of on track for the plan. We thought we could make it to Bengaluru by afternoon, rest for the night and continue the next day as planned. However, rains hit us again just before Bengaluru. We waited for almost an hour for the rains to stop, this was all in vain. As we started back on the road, we hit Bengaluru traffic within a few minutes.
Now, stuck in traffic and no place to quickly take shelter, rain Gods had us exactly where it wanted us. He strikes multiple times with heavy showers, totally drenching us again.
We were welcomed into Bengaluru with heavy traffic, heavy rains and good amount of water logging. My friend’s luggage was now totally drenched as well. Moving out next day was looking difficult now.
All drenched, we booked into Bengaluru for the next 2 days.

Day 04 : The night before this, we were still contemplating if we should move towards Coimbatore and Kotagiri as Windy predicted thunderstorms there. As my buddy rider’s luggage was still not completely dry, heading out into heavier rains was getting uncomfortable for him. So we decided to move up north and set our course to Jog Falls. Getting out of Bengaluru on a Monday was way easier than entering on a Saturday evening. We continued fast as the highway was super smooth. We turned into left for the Jog falls from Renebennur at almost evening. The roads from there onwards started deteriorating, slowing us down even more. We made it to Jog falls in an almost dry state around 8 pm after covering some 430 kms for the day.

Day 05 : There is not much to do around Jog falls, so after relaxing and chilling at the falls, we decided to head back towards Mumbai. Had planned to start the journey at 11 am, however the rains hit again, and the start was delayed to 1 pm.
We started following the google maps and soon found ourselves navigating from small villages and no roads until we stopped and redirected ourselves towards the nearest state highway. From there onwards the journey was a breeze. Soon we hit the national highway and the roads were wide and fast. However we had wasted a lot of time navigating through the internal roads, and it was dark when we crossed Dharwad. We decided to make it till Kolhapur and then assess if we can continue or take rest for the night. We reached Kolhapur around 9:30 and still had some energy left to continue for an hour or so. So we rode on till Karad till 11:45 pm, where my riding buddy decided to take half for the night.
I personally love to travel at night due to many reasons – cooler climate, lesser traffic, almost not jay walkers, no local transport popping up in the middle of the highway, lesser domestic animals etc… So I decided to continue my journey till were ever I feel fit. The first sign of fatigue I wait and take whatever hotel I see for the night. As the bike had panniers which were safe and secured, I did not have to worry and there was no need for me to carry the entire luggage till the room. One bag from the pannier would have been sufficient. With that though and openness to stay at any hotel, I continued.
As I was now riding solo, I had to be a bit more alert. With the beautiful roads, with almost no traffic, I could easily do good highway speeds. This was the time I was able to understand the most of the bike’s characteristics. She was so calm doing those highway speeds, settled and planted on the road, easily navigating through the truck traffic, we (me and Versys) were gliding. I had found the most comfortable speed and way of riding the versys, something that I am unable to articulate.
Soon I was crossing Pune at around 1:30 am. Took a water break and assessed if I am feeling fine to continue or wait for the night. Quick stretching and fuel break and I was good to go. The old Mumbai pune highway was almost empty apart from some chicken carrying tempos from the poultry farms nearby. Few chickens did “eat my shit” on my bike and helmet, but that did not shake my confidence.
Crossing lonavala at around 2 am I was engulfed with dense fog from Tiger valley to the point where we meet the express highway. I was able to navigate using the road lines and fog lights on the bike, only issue – the two bridges, where usually people wait and take pictures, do not have road lines, and it was tough to navigate. I stuck to the edges, following the black and yellow striped wall till I rejoined the road. I wish I could wait and enjoy the weather, but it was too risky as the visibility was just a couple of feet. From there on the roads were clear, with multiple speed breakers, potholes, giving a feeling of welcome back.
After riding 770 kms, I made it to home around 4:30 am. Mentally tired, but could physically no pains after riding 2221.2 kms 4 days!


To conclude - I thoroughly enjoyed the versys, may what road conditions, may what situations, the versys took it comfortably, keeping the rider comfortable.
This trip has just nailed the fact that my choice of the versys over the competitor was correct.

Some pics now.

First halt for some breakfast, just ahead of Khed Shivapur Toll.


Halt No.2 somewhere ahead of Kagal. All well till here.


Turn right for GOA. Faced a couple of light showers till now.



Hidkal Reservoir - Between Nipanni and Belgavi, Climate is looking awesome, or is it!


Between Dharwad and Hubbali - Totally drenched and cold.


Next day at Davangere, thanks to the sunshine, the riding gear drying up.


Rains before Bangalore. Saved now, drenched in the next half hour.


Finally made it to Banglore, thru traffic and rains.


Enroute Jog Falls




This was a surreal view. We were running late, still, had to click this!


View from the Room - Spot the Jog fall.


Again from the room - Jog Falls.


We were able to take the bike till the Jog Fall view point.



Started from Jog Falls towards Hubballi, passing thru the forest.


Such are the views out on the Highway!




Water Break at Kolhapur, these was the last photo of the trip. I did not halt for photo later.


Took these once I reached home. Looking at the total trip distance, the first thought was - "I should have done just one more kilometer ".

More rides in planning!

[neil.jericho]

iamahunter, can you share your experience with the Hexa panniers and top box? What top rack are you using? Incidentally, the Hexa boxes were the topic of discussion with multiple enthusiasts in the past couple of weeks. The lack of any solid real world feedback has caused my friends to rethink buying the boxes, even though they look to be well made. Any feedback on the Hexa boxes will be invaluable to the motorcycling community.

[iamahunter]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

iamahunter, can you share your experience with the Hexa panniers and top box? What top rack are you using? Incidentally, the Hexa boxes were the topic of discussion with multiple enthusiasts in the past couple of weeks. The lack of any solid real world feedback has caused my friends to rethink buying the boxes, even though they look to be well made. Any feedback on the Hexa boxes will be invaluable to the motorcycling community.

I have recently acquired them and at the moment can only give initial impressions.

The manufacturer produces bike specific frame for panniers and top box. These are powder coated and weather proof. I am not sure if any other frame would be suitable for them or if panniers would fit a custom made frame with similar ease.
The build quality of the frame and boxes is very good and sturdy.

As the frame is bike specific, it’s a basic level DIY to install them. All required nuts are supplied with the same. I personally took around 30 minutes for the frame installation.

Once the frames are installed correctly, the boxes just slide into place. The locking mechanism is simple and a single key with works for all locks. There are 2 locks for each pannier and top box, one to lock the box from opening and one to lock the box on the frame.

Specifically about the top rack - I am using the one supplied by the manufacturer. It’s a stainless steel one and is quite well made. It comes with attached mounts for the top box.

All boxes come with :
- Good quality soft padded bags.
- Net on the lid to throw in smaller stuff.
- Sturdy handles to carry
- Rods at the end for the ease of attaching and detaching.
- Top box comes with a backrest for pillion.
They have a few color and size options available as well.

Overall, I used the setup for a little over 2000 kms trip on majorly good highways and a few patches of bad roads. There was no rattling on any of the boxes. Each of my panniers weighed around 13.5 kgs when loaded and I could do highway speeds with ease.

However it does make a huge change in handling of the bike, especially once the top box is loaded. I had to stiffen the rear suspension quite a bit and then it was good to go. But I would say that the handling part comes down to any individual and his/her style of riding and comfort.

Only issue I faced was leakage. We encountered heavy rainfall on our way to Bangalore and one of the panniers let some water thru. Also while washing the boxes after the trip, there was good amount of water accumulated inside the top box. The boxes are supposed to be totally waterproof, but there was some seepage from one of the corner.
As per the manufacturer, there was a slight design change in this batch and they are looking into it. Ideally these can be washed with a pressure washer and there should be no water seeping thru.
Once I have the resolution from the manufacturer, I will personally pressure washer test the boxes before giving any further update on it.


In other uses of a pannier/top box (bike on the center stand)


Fully loaded touring machine!

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

I have recently acquired them and at the moment can only give initial impressions.

iamahunter, thanks for penning down your experience in great detail. It was most helpful. I have shared your post with a few friends who were considering the Hexa GT luggage options.

Just the other day, I saw that the good folks at the Art of Unwinding channel had also shared some real world feedback on the Hexa GT top box. If you jump to the 09:45 mark, you can hear the positive feedback on the product.

Its good to see our Indian companies stepping in to these new segments and manufacturing quality products at competitive prices. Hopefully they can sort out the tiny niggles, like the one you faced, and improve the availability of their products.

Art of Unwinding Video

[iamahunter]

Updating this thread after a long time...
Its been a over a year since Versys joined the family.
Have done multiple short trips mostly over the weekends and a big one during the Versys India Meet up at Coorg.

The Versys is going strong at around 13,000 kms. However, now a days I am trying to balance the running of Versys and CBR 250R. Longer journeys are mostly doNext : ne on Versys, where as shorter trips on the CBR.

Attaching a few pictures for the short trips.








BHPian Indrokneel on his Mjölnir!


Offroad trail at Coorg. Nope, no offroading on Versys for me going ahead.


Resting at Coorg.


Enroute Goa, I think this is Marvanthe Beach.


Tiger Point at Khandala, somewhere around 1 or 2 am. This was on the way back from Coorg-Goa-Mumbai.


For some strange reasons, I don't remember where these were clicked.


This is the return from Lonar.


Next Update : There soon will be a tire change on the Versys, will update the thread then.

[iamahunter]

Update : Tyre Change

Looking at the current weather and the condition of the tyres on the Versys, it made mode sense to change it on time.

Stock Dunlops

The Versys was running on stock Dunlops which lasted for a fair 13,000 kms. Used them on wet and dry conditions, a bit of off-roading as well. Personally I was satisfied and with my kind of riding, never felt lesser confident.
However, it was time to change and an upgrade is always better when you get a chance.

So out go the Dunlops and in comes the Apollo Vredestein.

Front and Rear - Stock size


Flaunting her new shoes

Loaded the bike same night for a ride next morning to Chandoi National Park.

Loaded for the weekend ride

Took the panniers this time instead of the top box. This ride we rode on wet and dry conditions, lesser used slippery roads, bad roads and muck. The tyres did hold on pretty well (as expected) and give some added confidence on corners due to a more rounder profile compared to the stock Dunlop.

Sharing some images from the ride.

Versys en route


Cruising amongst such views, mountains are beautiful when in green.


A fellow rider's new toy


Resort room.

Leaving it here for now, untill next ride!