C14 owners, Have you ridden...

[tomp]

Not that I can currently afford to add a bike, but still curious if any of you 14 riders have been on a Ninja 1000, or a Honda VFR1200F?  The Ninja 1000 and Z1000, have kept my attention, since I sold them, but have only ridden the Ninja in a parking lot.   Watched reviews, but would like to hear what y'all think about the smaller/lighter bikes. . . tomp

Hey it is still winter in most places here, and this will give us a thing or two to discuss.  tp

[twowheeladdict]

I did a 40 minute demo ride on the '11 Ninja 1000.  I will start by saying I prefer twins (parallel, 90 degree, and V-twins) over I-4s because of their torque curves and character.  What many express as the advantage of I-4 engines is their smoothness.  So, I was considering replacing the Ninja 650 with the 1000.  During the test ride my right foot experienced a lot of vibration somewhere in the 5000 RPM range, and there was a lot of vibration in the bars above 8000 RPMs.  The low end torque wasn't there.

I hopped on the Versys 650 and lofted the front end without even trying and during the test ride the Versys put a huge smile on my face so I chose it over the Ninja 1000.

I also test rode the Concours that day and initially I didn't like how it spread my legs to get around the tank, but I knew it would make a great distance tourer so I added it to the garage a year later.

[tomp]

Thanks for the info.  I went to my dealer to buy a Versys last March, and one of the guys there, who I have known for years, said I would grow tired of the Versys quickly, living where we do.  I saw the C14 on the lot and took it home instead.  Glad I did, as it has become my go-to bike for almost every ride since.  Sorry to hear about the vibes on the 1000, as 5K RPM is highway speed RPM's. 

[twowheeladdict]

I read that they made some changes in later years so I would definitely test ride a '14 or newer if you get the chance.  The integrated hard bags are nice on the new bikes (Versys 1000, Ninja 1000, and Versys 650).

Oh, and when asked if I could only have one bike out of my current stable, I always choose the Versys because of it's versatility.  If I could only own one bike it would probably be an adventure touring bike.

[tomp]

I, like so many others, wish that KHI would combine the KLR with the Versys engine.  Almost twice the usable HP, a 6th gear, and still be able to take off road.   I've seen a KLR with a twin installed and several Versys' set up with off road suspension, but really price prohibitive, unless the factory does it.  BMW has the F700 and 800, that are nice, but too expensive.   Doubt Kawi will ever build the combo though.  tp

[twowheeladdict]

I, like so many others, wish that KHI would combine the KLR with the Versys engine.  Almost twice the usable HP, a 6th gear, and still be able to take off road.   I've seen a KLR with a twin installed and several Versys' set up with off road suspension, but really price prohibitive, unless the factory does it.  BMW has the F700 and 800, that are nice, but too expensive.   Doubt Kawi will ever build the combo though.  tp

I agree.  The Versys is really a street bike that has enough suspension to handle light off-road at careful speeds.  The KLR was great off-road (had an '08), but very buzzy at highway speeds.

I sat on an 800GS.  Man that bike is tall!

[tomp]

I agree.  The Versys is really a street bike that has enough suspension to handle light off-road at careful speeds.  The KLR was great off-road (had an '08), but very buzzy at highway speeds.

I sat on an 800GS.  Man that bike is tall!

A lower seat is available for the 800, but the ability to move around on the seat off road becomes limited.  Seat works well on the 700 as it is, like the Versys , really a road bike.  KLR benefits from adding a tooth to the CS sprocket.  Drops RPM 3-400, allowing for better highway travel but still works well off road.  Couldn't spin the rear tire in sand or gravel with the 16 tooth installed, on my 09 or 12. 

[Pokey]

Versys 1000 or new V-Strom 1000 would be my choice over the ones you mentioned.

[tomp]

Versys 1000 or new V-Strom 1000 would be my choice over the ones you mentioned.

Adventure vs Sport Touring, but I get your point.  Had a DL1000 and a Tiger 1050, the Tiger was faster, but the DL a better overall ride for me. Of the two you mentioned, I would go with a new Strom  ADV. 

[twowheeladdict]

Versys 1000 or new V-Strom 1000 would be my choice over the ones you mentioned.

Both heavy street bikes IMO.  I would go with the new Tiger 800 with the electronic cruise control.  Cruise control allows me to concentrate on what is going on around me without having to constantly look down at the speedo to make sure I am not at risk of a reckless driving ticket.

The super tenere is still on my short list because of the drive shaft.  The tiger explorer is physically larger than I want in a bike.  I like a more compact rider triangle like the Versys 650 provides.