Recommendatioms concerning Kaws or Yamahas

[Gliderjohn]

With our upcoming move to NM we will not need our ATV anymore which is a 2020. Also thinking of not moving the Norge if I can work out a deal with either an insurance thing (see another thread on that ) trading or selling it. So...those of you in the know if I did a local deal it would be for a Yamaha or Kaw due to trading the ATV at this same dealer I bought the ATV from (good dealership). I am ready to move to a lighter bike than the Norge but still want a touring type of bike. Thoughts from the Yamaha/Kaw world? BTW the Albuquerque area has Yamaha/Kaw dealerships but no Guzzi anything in the state that I am aware of.
GliderJohn

[LowRyter]

If you decide to stay with Guzzi there is a local tech in Albuquerque, Matt Fortsland.    So far a lighter touring bikes, the Yamaha 900 series is pretty nice, I doubt if it's much lighter than a Norge, perhaps so.

[twowheeladdict]

Both Kawasaki and Yamaha make excellent motorcycles.  I've been told by several dealers that Kawasaki has the best warranty in the business. 

They both make everything from dual sports to touring bikes.  What are you interested in?

[chuck peterson]

I like the aerostitch suggestion of Under 425 lbs and 50 ponies..but they don’t exist much

Kawa Versys 650?, 1000…sit up adv type thingee

YaMAha…..hmmmmm. A quick look at what’s available at my local dealership…

Nothing. Zuma or Motorcross. That’s it. Used everything. But almost zero new from YaMAha..

It might depend on what they have…

, I wonder what we we’ll be looking at for parts shortages pretty soon..??

Left hand clutch perch from 2021?…”its on a boat…somewhere…” if we’re not getting new bikes we might not be getting parts

Wow.


A 650 Versys ad as an example..

Here’s a used ad for a Versys 650…looks good to me, but maybe I’m getting used to the arachnid stylin

https://vermont.craigslist.org/mcy/d/huntington-2016-kawasaki-versys-650-lt/7373879104.html

[Vagrant]

The 650 Versys and the 700 yamaha are both nice light bikes. But, are you sure you want to sell the four wheeler? Lots of great back roads in NM.

[JJ]

Both Kawasaki and Yamaha make excellent motorcycles.  I've been told by several dealers that Kawasaki has the best warranty in the business. 

They both make everything from dual sports to touring bikes.  What are you interested in?

Agree 100% with twowheeladdict...I rode Yamaha's and Kawasaki's exclusively, for the first 14 years of my motorcycle career.  Both great manufacturers with excellent dealer network / service / warranty.

[dirtiegirtie]

I just sold my Yamaha Raider after buying my new-to-me Kawasaki Concours.

Both brands over lower cost and higher cost models. I've found that the quality of materials across models to vary quite a bit. Example: The chrome on my Raider looked DEEP, like the chrome on a nice Harley. But I've seen a few of those Road Star (Yamaha) 650's up close... lots of chromed plastic and the chrome on metal bits looked thin/skimpy. So in my estimation you can't judge the quality of components for an entire brand, they vary too much between models.

Concours are pretty much known to be bullet proof and able to go well over 100k miles. Does that reliability apply to the entire brand? Probably not. But in general, I don't think you'll find anyone that is going to say they believe Yamaha or Kawasaki put out poorly designed/low reliability bikes. At least not in the last 20+ years.

[Roebling3]

I'm with the other pair? of Japanese bikes = Honda & Suzuki. I've done all my serious miles on them with never a surprise or concern for getting 'there' or home again. All have been sport or sport touring bikes. I've been riding for 72 years. Total breakdowns? Rear flat (plugged in my garage), on the Daytona. Clutch failure - K75S, walking distance from the house.

I spoke with the woman riding the current version of SV650 @ the National, in Keene, NH. Wish I could start all over again.

BTW; My favorite tours were bun burner golds, a few C2C and occasional race in the rain; they happen to all of us.   
  For Sale: 9 motorcycles.  R3~

[jackthebiker]

This is my choice when I leave the Harley home. My 2018 Honda NC750X with GIVI panniers. I have purchased 44 motorcycles from 11 brands. Lots of Yamahas, Kawasakis, Hondas, and Suzukis. ALL good.

[Navydad]

A couple of years ago a buddy and I spent 8 weeks and 6000 miles running around the southern states on our bikes. His was a Kawasaki 650 Versys. Great bike and never missed a beat rain or shine.

[Perazzimx14]

The problem with these middleweight bikes like the Versys 650 is the weight. At 476 pounds dry its 44 pounds heavier than a Hexhead R1200GS.

[Snowman]

The Yamaha Tracer 900GT would be top of my list, I could be tempted off my Norge by this bike. Wet weight 474lbs, the Norge wet weight is 600+ lbs

[twowheeladdict]

The problem with these middleweight bikes like the Versys 650 is the weight. At 476 pounds dry its 44 pounds heavier than a Hexhead R1200GS.

According to a quick google search. 

476 lbs is curb weight, not dry weight.

The R1200GS is 505 and up wet weight. 

The Versys is much more nimble and feels like riding a super moto compared to all the other Street Adventure bikes. 

Does BMW make a Street R1200GS? 

[twowheeladdict]

Versys 650 spec link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwig5qifneXyAhU0ElkFHV4AAUYQFnoECCYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbikez.com%2Fmotorcycles%2Fkawasaki_versys_650_2020.php&usg=AOvVaw2n8ryP09avwvQHFjK5pLkm


Hexhead R1200GS speck link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjslNnKneXyAhUNElkFHUD4AXIQFnoECB0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbikez.com%2Fmotorcycles%2Fbmw_r_1200_gs_2008.php&usg=AOvVaw0vSH8zr6pS10XcaSc5blsc

Even dimensionally the Versys 650 is not much smaller than the GS but much more cramped ergos. I found this to also be the case when I had a DL650. A lot of these so called "middleweights" really have most or all the weight of what is considered a "big" bike.

As far as I'm aware all the GS series bikes have been "Street" bikes.

You are comparing a 2020 Versys against a  2008 GS?  Dang dude.  Did the BMW get that bloated since then?  How about comparing both with state of the art liquid cooling?   And how long did you search to find a website that stated dry weight for the Versys.
https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/versys/adventure-touring/versys-650/2020-versys-650-abs#specs  Says 476.3 lbs wet weight.

Webbikeworld says 476 lbs wet weight.  https://www.webbikeworld.com/2021-kawasaki-versys-650/

I never found my 2011 Versys that I rode 30,000 miles on cramped.  I found it perfect from an ergonomic standpoint to tear up the twisty roads.  I guess if all your riding is on the straight open roads, then having a more spacious riding area might be nice. 

If I had to get down to one bike the BMW is not even on the consideration list.  It would be a Versys 650 LT, V85TT, Yamaha Tracer 900, (wish they brought the Tracer 700 to the states), and can't think of any other right now.  Of course the only reasons I would have to get down to one bike would be major reduction in income, or no longer able to ride as much as I do because of physical limitations which would mean off road is out. 

[Guzzistajohn]

 I’m sure diggin’ my Yammerhammer👍 I have two dealerships nearby 😀

[twowheeladdict]

Kind of embarrassing for Kawasaki that it middleweight 650 is heavier than a 13 year old "full size" bike.

No, no one at Kawasaki, or anyone who owns the bulletproof and fun to ride Versys 650 is embarrassed by the lowest reliability motorcycle company with a presence in the USA. 

Especially considering the price difference when comparing same year bikes.  You could by three 2008 Versys new for what a 2008 R1200GS cost. 

Besides Perazzimx14, this is a thread asking about Kawasaki and Yamaha.  Not sure why you keep trying to shove 12 year old BMWs down our throats.  LOL!

[jackthebiker]

BMWs are costly to buy, and costly to maintain. I have purchased 11 different brands but stay away from BMWs

[twowheeladdict]

Where have I promoted that anyone buy a BMW or any other brand?  I simply used the R1200 as a comparison to show that these middleweight 650's are only "middleweights in displacement and not actual weight or size, but you knew that didn't you? Unfortunately you cannot help but argue anything I post.

  Since there is no yawn emoji, I'll just have to give you 

You've been pushing you great and might old 1200s ever since you trashed Moto Guzzi, sold all of them, and started buying 1200s at bargain prices because no one wants them. 

[Murray]

Yammie have the FZ1 series and the FJ series although the FJ's are up near the weight of the Norge. Kawasaki have released an upright version of the their litre bike as well as the H2 there is also the retro K900.

[Motormike]

BMWs are costly to buy, and costly to maintain. I have purchased 11 different brands but stay away from BMWs

Then how would you know?  Oh, wait, you read it on the internet. 

[Gliderjohn]

Just got home earlier this evening after driving from Albuquerque today. I appreciate the responses and sure did not intend to start any arguments. Just wanting opinions from from my OP. Due to the route wife and I covered about 700 miles today over 13 hours. Getting too old for that and am pooped out as they say.
GliderJohn

[Darren Williams]

I currently own a FJ09, and recently sold a 2007 R1200GS, with the lighter non-spoke wheels. I have access to a certified floor scale and have weighed all my bikes. Certification accuracy is +/-2 lbs.

Anyone who believes the big GS's are anywhere near sub 500 lbs, needs to re-evaluate their info sources. Mine, with a small head guard and back luggage rack only over stock, was over 560 lbs. Estimating those guards and rack were adding 30 lbs. My FJ09 weighted in at 482 lbs with luggage rack and top case, along with a bunch of other little farckles added to travel long distances.

Just for fun, my 2008 1200 Sport tipped the scale at 540 (with add-ons including Norge panniers) and my Stelvio NTX 614. My Tenere 700, with crash bars, metal handguards (over stock plastic), center stand, luggage rack and pannier racks was 485, Bone stock 427. Almost 60 lbs added! But it still feel pretty light.

[twowheeladdict]

Out of curiosity how do know what motorcycles I have and what I've paid for them?

Because you tell us on the forum.   

Even showed photos of the bikes loaded up.  You starting to forget what you post?

[Perazzimx14]

Because you tell us on the forum.   

Even showed photos of the bikes loaded up.  You starting to forget what you post?

Yes I surely have shared pictures of some of the motorcycles I have purchased and sold over the years but not all.

[Darren Williams]

Hexhead R1200GS @ 560lbs minus 30lbs we are at 530lbs. Then deduct another 10 or so pound's for other "options" like centerstand, hand guards and you're getting real close to the claimed RTR weight. Any other aftermarket goodies or aux lighting? They all add up.

Before you cry foul it is very common for weight of bikes to be calculated in bare bones trim w/o any options like center stands, guards or luggage and or tools kits. Heck what tires were you running when you weighted the bike? That can also account for few pounds. Tires like Shinko 705 are like boat anchors compared to say Michelin PP's.

I'm not saying the GS is a light especially once we outfit them with all the goodies we like. Its not hard to add 50+lbs to a bike getting it the way we like. But this weight would be added to any bike no matter the make.

Which is why I try to consider the stock weight and then the "ready to ride" weight, which includes the things we are really going to put on the bike as we set it up to actually use. My Griso lost 9 lbs when I changed the exhaust can, but added a few from a luggage rack and incidentals. It's a little over 500 lbs now.

Comparing apples to oranges doesn't do anything for me. And neither do miss-prints in reviews or manufacturer misleading claims in their specs.   

I will admit that my WR250x is the only street legal bike that lost weight from stock when I had it in riding condition.   

[LowRyter]

I currently own a FJ09, and recently sold a 2007 R1200GS, with the lighter non-spoke wheels. I have access to a certified floor scale and have weighed all my bikes. Certification accuracy is +/-2 lbs.

Anyone who believes the big GS's are anywhere near sub 500 lbs, needs to re-evaluate their info sources. Mine, with a small head guard and back luggage rack only over stock, was over 560 lbs. Estimating those guards and rack were adding 30 lbs. My FJ09 weighted in at 482 lbs with luggage rack and top case, along with a bunch of other little farckles added to travel long distances.

Just for fun, my 2008 1200 Sport tipped the scale at 540 (with add-ons including Norge panniers) and my Stelvio NTX 614. My Tenere 700, with crash bars, metal handguards (over stock plastic), center stand, luggage rack and pannier racks was 485, Bone stock 427. Almost 60 lbs added! But it still feel pretty light.

this

[LowRyter]

Because you tell us on the forum.   

Even showed photos of the bikes loaded up.  You starting to forget what you post?

and this too