betoney

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Kawasaki completely updated their Versys 1000 for 2019, it is now equal in price and (most) features to the FJR-ES. I like it a lot. Having ridden both many times and enjoyed each bike immensely, I could own either one but I have to say - its hard to match an FJR. The FJR is heavier and has heavier steering than the Versys, but that 1300cc freight train motor, electric windshield and shaft drive really complete the overall package.

I went out for a ride today for the sole purpose of reaching my 30k milestone. My bike will be 2 years old on December 1st. What a GREAT 2 years its been!

Quality contact time with the bike always welcome (many months to fill). Yes... seals and bushings all around. I found a lot of gunk/debris at the bottom of the inner tube. Hard to reach in there, but managed to clean things up. Im the same way, always looking for something to tinker on during the cold months. I started too early this season and am almost out of things to mess with, I already had the suspension serviced, greased the swingarm and linkage bearings, installed the slip-on and hard-wired the GPS. I’m going to install some daytime running lights and brainstorm something unique for the front turn signals. I need to pace myself though, it’s not even thanksgiving

New seals, oil and valving, - it should feel really nice when you are finished. A nice match for that new Nitron shock! Not that I want to recommend more work for you... I know you are adding the Gold Valve to the active leg but you didn't mention the dead leg. You're going to change seals and fluid on that leg too?

Why is that? I applaud Yamaha for continuing to innovate and push the envelope. How boring would the motorsports industry be if everyone played it safe and never tried anything new - even if it fails. I dont hate the Niken by any means, as much twisty riding as I do, I would love to take one out for an extended test ride and experience what the LMW is all about.

@micah2074 Going through riding withdrawls here in the Pacific Northwest. Staircase/Escalante/Moab in Utah and Colorado, specifically Durango/ Million Dollar Highway are on my radar for September '19.

@kemmotar VERY nice results on the graph, big torque increase between 4,500 - 9,000 rpm - the sweet spot!

well.... the bike is now 133hp.... very happy with the upgrades.. will post photos and proper material soon Do tell. I am very curious to hear what is involved in achieving this. With just the suspension, brakes and sport tires I figured you would be good to go but now you really have my attention. I am hoping for a significant bump from 4k - 9k rpm.

Along with a complete face-lift, all of the body panels are reshaped and smoother looking. It also has the really cool full color TFT display from the R1.

@jeremlab - when you remove the tank, it is on the front, above where the air box intake would be.

Just ordered - thanks for looking out for fellow riders. No problem. Would hate for it to break and leave you stranded.

It looks like you are still using the original clutch cable, the newer revised cable doesn't have the odd bends in the upper cable which can cause fraying.

I also set mine at 35F/ 37R on both sport and sport/touring tires.

Have you ridden a naked bike? smooth, clean air. There are a lot of forum members here that have reported removing the screen all together to remedy the wind noise and buffeting.

You read my mind, I was thinking the exact same thing.

No the full rigid clam shells like on the GT. (I changed my original post to say GT which is what I meant.) Ok, those are different than the Niken GT bags, I’m questioning the waterproof integrity of useing zippers, at least they are advertised as having a waterproof inner liner.

I have the Yamaha "City" side cases which are the same ones the Niken. Bone dry after several hours long downpours.... Are those the "semi-rigid" bags with zipper closures? Impressive that the exposed zipper is waterproof.

No. This thread is about the Niken GT, - the Tracer/FJ bags are probably waterproof. The Niken GT side bags are listed as Semi-ridgid and they have zippers to close. On the Yamaha accessory website they are listed as "soft ABS side case" and includes a waterproof inner liner. The FJR bags are definitely waterproof.

I really dont know what Yamaha is trying to achieve with this new version. Obviously with a larger screen, heated grips and side bags they are aiming at the touring crowd so I cant help comparing this to the FJR. The FJR is within about 50 lbs of the Niken, about $1000 cheaper, has shaft drive, electric wind screen, larger waterproof side bags, more performance at 1300cc and a MUCH lower highway cruising rpm. Plus the Niken is going to cost more to maintain, twice the # of tires to replace, double the fork maintenance and all of the bearings and bushings in the front end that will require maintenance. I think this GT version would be much more appealing at the price they are asking if they bumped the displacement to at least 1,000cc with an "overdrive" type 6th gear, shaft drive and the waterproof FJR color matched bags. The CP3 engine is fine in the FZ/FJ/XSR/Tracer, when you put that engine in a machine that is over 100lbs heavier and possibly aimed at 2-up touring, it might struggle a bit on steeper mountain passes and might not be as relaxed "touring" on the highway at 5K-6K rpm.

"Sexy" doesn't keep you planted in 90-100mph sweepers. 8-)

I'm going to keep an eye on these and see if Twisted Throttle has a Black Friday sale.

Very nice! That shock should be a noticeable improvement. Ride height adjustable too? Stupid question but while you had the shock out and linkage apart, did you grease the swingarm pivots as well?

I want to add some daytime running lights to be more conspicuous to oncoming drivers, but would like something a bit more flush-mount or streamlined than the standard "pod type" lights. I found the Denali lights in a few different configurations. Lights w/Offset Mount Kit Lights w/ Fender Mount Kit Lights w/ Flush Mount Kit Has anyone used these or other Denali products? opinions good or bad? BTW, I dont ride at night, daytime running only. Thanks guys.

I got tired of struggling with the 12v outlet on the dash to power my Garmin GPS, - always vibrating lose, wind pushing the adapter out when I get over 100mph and rain getting in the socket and rusting. (the dealer actually replaced the first 12v socket under warranty). I bought a Garmin direct-wire USB cable and hardwired it onto a spare connector behind the dash. The dealer gave me the female end to connect to the Garmin cable.

I just saw that they redesigned the Versys 1000, (or is this SE LT+ model in addition to the standard model?) A LOT of changes and updates including cruise control, dual direction quick shifter and electronic suspension, MSRP is $18,000 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ I test rode the 2017 Versys 1000 and REALLY liked it, enough to test ride it several more times, however the the bike feels larger than the FJ/ Tracer and its almost 600lbs!!