Kawasaki Versys Offroad Clinic

[BigBikeBKK]

Kawasaki yesterday put on a fantastic off road clinic for Versys owners-

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150657737780710

Over 30 Versys showed up-

Some great instructors from the Siam Enduro Club and Khun Bai from Dirtshop-

While the Versys is a big heavy bike, I was impressed to see that with proper skills and technique it can tackle some pretty rough terrain-

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150658509740710

Practicing the proper way to pick up such a bike is always a good idea, especially when it's not your bike lying on its side

Lift with your legs!

As a complete off road noob I still need a LOT of practice, but by the end of the course I felt a lot more confident about taking my Versys on terrain that I previously would have avoided.

Let the Good Times ROLL!

Thanks Kawasaki!!!

[BigBikeBKK]

Quick question- why doesn't ThaiVisa support facebook vids?

[BigBikeBKK]

A few more pics and links to vids-

Would you believe this is in Minburi, Bangkok?! And even better, it's on vacant land so anyone is welcome to ride here!

Woohoo! Getting the big girl airborne!

Another Versys down... NOT ME!

Raise your hand if you're having fun!

Thanks again Kawasaki, Siam Enduro Club, Dirtshop and Club Versys Thailand!

[Phil Conners]

Quick question- why doesn't ThaiVisa support facebook vids?

The problem is, Facebook's default privacy setting on videos is friends only. So it's quite difficult to setup and get working correctly.

Suggest you use Youtube videos, which are supported, and less complicated to get to work.

[BigBikeBKK]

Quick question- why doesn't ThaiVisa support facebook vids?

The problem is, Facebook's default privacy setting on videos is friends only. So it's quite difficult to setup and get working correctly.

Suggest you use Youtube videos, which are supported, and less complicated to get to work.

Thanks for the reply. I'm able to embed facebook vids on other forums (GT Rider, SecretSoi, etc) but not ThaiVisa. I use YouTube as well but for vids taken with the iPhone it's easier and faster to upload them to facebook than youtube. Cheers!

[BigBikeBKK]

Another attempt with the vids

Seems ThaiVisa only allows 2 media insertions per post...

[BigBikeBKK]

[BigBikeBKK]

[BigBikeBKK]

Versys jumping-

This one with touring boxes!

[BigBikeBKK]

This one's carry a heavy load-

Ninja 650R!

[Phil Conners]

Quick question- why doesn't ThaiVisa support facebook vids?

The problem is, Facebook's default privacy setting on videos is friends only. So it's quite difficult to setup and get working correctly.

Suggest you use Youtube videos, which are supported, and less complicated to get to work.

Thanks for the reply. I'm able to embed facebook vids on other forums (GT Rider, SecretSoi, etc) but not ThaiVisa. I use YouTube as well but for vids taken with the iPhone it's easier and faster to upload them to facebook than youtube. Cheers!

Good point, and looking closer there does seem to be some development going to support this. Will see what we can do.

[Timthai]

Great images. Thanks for sharing Tony.

[JeffreyMcCollum]

I think it is wonderful for Kawasaki to do things like this. Though the Versys is a big heavy bike for off road, It can be done. Those who try to explore a few off roads will have wonderful adventures and see things others will never see

[BigBikeBKK]

Cheers guys!

It was great fun and I can't wait to get out there and practice some more.

Some more pictures-

The area where this took place is called "Bo Din" and it's a huge plot of empty land next to a big reservoir / lake in Minburi, Bangkok.

Apparently anyone is welcome to go out there and ride-

Happy Trails!

Tony

[Timthai]

Tony, do you have the GPS coordinates for the location?Also, that second photo in your last post does highlight how exposed the exhaust is on the Versys if you a planning a serious adventure trip. I'd certainly be fitting a guard. (pretty sure the bike on display at Rama 9 with all the accessories has one fitted.)

[BigBikeBKK]

Hi Tim,

Here are the GPS coordinates: 13.881675,100.796978

And a Google Maps link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=13.881675,100.796978&ll=13.863414,100.796256&spn=0.032791,0.066047&sll=13.813889,100.748056&sspn=0.235727,0.154787&num=1&z=15

Even though it's technically still in Bangkok it's really remote- I recommend going with a friend just in case you have an accident or mechanical issue and need help.

I'd really like to get back out there and practice some more so if you or anyone else is interested please drop me a line and I'll see you there!

Yes, the Versys needs a bash plate if it's going to be taken on any serious offroad adventures, but the SW Motech guard is expensive and very difficult to install. I watched the Kawasaki mechanics at Rama 9 install an SW Motech guard on a Versys and it was a real challenge as the guard doesn't quite clear the headers and they basically had to force it on...

While I really don't have the skills to take the Versys on any serious offroad adventures, if ever I do, I reckon I'll try to find a metal shop here that can custom make a simple bash plate for my bike. This one looks pretty tidy-

Happy Trails!

Tony

[Genericnic]

Tony

Do you know if they will be doing this clinic again in the near future? I'd be more than willing to head to BKK for it. I am considering buying a Versys and this would be a great chance to see if it is what I want.

David

[BigBikeBKK]

Tony

Do you know if they will be doing this clinic again in the near future? I'd be more than willing to head to BKK for it. I am considering buying a Versys and this would be a great chance to see if it is what I want.

David

Hi David,

Not sure when they'll do another one but I know this was the second such event and no doubt they'll hold more such courses.

Please note that Kawasaki does not supply the bikes so I guess you'd need to rent or borrow a Versys.

The next enduro course will be put on by Storm Riders on August 7th.

Dual Purpose Riding Course by Storm Riders Club on August 7th: http://www.stormclub...php?id=00014256

This should be an interesting event as it's co-sponsored by BMW and KTM so I expect we'll see lots of big adventure touring bikes turn up. Seems all makes are welcome.

From the site via Google Translate:

All Dual Purpose Riding Cousre is open to motorcycles, big on Dual Purpose All camps are. Kawasaki Versys, KLR650. BMW R1200GS/GSA, F650GS, F800GS. Ducati Multistrada 1,000, 1100, one thousand two hundred. KTM 990 Adventure. Honda Africa Twin, Varadero, Transalp. Yamaha TDM, Tenere. Triumph Tiger

Happy Trails!

Tony

Edited June 27, 2011 by BigBikeBKK

[Phil Conners]

Quick question- why doesn't ThaiVisa support facebook vids?

The problem is, Facebook's default privacy setting on videos is friends only. So it's quite difficult to setup and get working correctly.

Suggest you use Youtube videos, which are supported, and less complicated to get to work.

Thanks for the reply. I'm able to embed facebook vids on other forums (GT Rider, SecretSoi, etc) but not ThaiVisa. I use YouTube as well but for vids taken with the iPhone it's easier and faster to upload them to facebook than youtube. Cheers!

Good point, and looking closer there does seem to be some development going to support this. Will see what we can do.

Facebook video support has now been added to Thaivisa Forum. Please try it and let us know if there are any problems with it. Usage is just as for embedding Youtube video.

[BigBikeBKK]

The problem is, Facebook's default privacy setting on videos is friends only. So it's quite difficult to setup and get working correctly.

Suggest you use Youtube videos, which are supported, and less complicated to get to work.

Thanks for the reply. I'm able to embed facebook vids on other forums (GT Rider, SecretSoi, etc) but not ThaiVisa. I use YouTube as well but for vids taken with the iPhone it's easier and faster to upload them to facebook than youtube. Cheers!

Good point, and looking closer there does seem to be some development going to support this. Will see what we can do.

Facebook video support has now been added to Thaivisa Forum. Please try it and let us know if there are any problems with it. Usage is just as for embedding Youtube video.

Cool! Now the links in my OP appear as embedded videos. (Albeit tiny ones) Thanks for updating the site to accommodating facebook vids!

Edited June 27, 2011 by BigBikeBKK

[sundaypsychos]

Tony! awesome stuff!

this is gonna open up a heap more roads and trails to ride on your next tour up north. you make that behemoth look quite nimble in the dirt!!

that exhaust will get whacked for sure though, maybe a R1 type underseat exit might be needed for more extreme offroad...I know you like messing around with your bikes....!!

[Phil Conners]

Facebook video support has now been added to Thaivisa Forum. Please try it and let us know if there are any problems with it. Usage is just as for embedding Youtube video.

Cool! Now the links in my OP appear as embedded videos. (Albeit tiny ones) Thanks for updating the site to accommodating facebook vids!

I now see "login to see video" - logged into Facebook and reloaded TVF - and now I get "Video Unavailable" in a non-clickable white window.

Probably to do with the permissions given by you in your Facebook settings, you probably only share with friends. This means anyone who is not on your friend list get this unhelpful "Video Unavailable" instead of a video to watch.

This was probaby why IPB was reluctant to make the feature available.

[BigBikeBKK]

Facebook video support has now been added to Thaivisa Forum. Please try it and let us know if there are any problems with it. Usage is just as for embedding Youtube video.

Cool! Now the links in my OP appear as embedded videos. (Albeit tiny ones) Thanks for updating the site to accommodating facebook vids!

I now see "login to see video" - logged into Facebook and reloaded TVF - and now I get "Video Unavailable" in a non-clickable white window.

Probably to do with the permissions given by you in your Facebook settings, you probably only share with friends. This means anyone who is not on your friend list get this unhelpful "Video Unavailable" instead of a video to watch.

This was probaby why IPB was reluctant to make the feature available.

Ah, gotcha.

Actually YouTube has the same privacy options, except that by default everyone can see your Youtube vids unless you make them private whereas on Facebook I believe the vids are by default only visible to friends unless you make them visible to the general public.

Now I've gone into facebook and made the videos viewable by anyone. Can you see them now?

Ride On!

Tony

Edited June 28, 2011 by BigBikeBKK

[BigBikeBKK]

Tony! awesome stuff!

this is gonna open up a heap more roads and trails to ride on your next tour up north. you make that behemoth look quite nimble in the dirt!!

that exhaust will get whacked for sure though, maybe a R1 type underseat exit might be needed for more extreme offroad...I know you like messing around with your bikes....!!

Well, I wouldn't call the Versys "nimble" but I was pleasantly surprised to see that in the hands of an experienced off road rider she's more off road capable than I thought.

IF I ever gain the skills to take her out into the rough stuff I'll certainly have to relocate the headers and exhaust.

I'm thinking something like the custom exhaust on this ER6n might be just the thing-

Just have to find a good shop that can make me some custom headers.

Bottom line though, I think this bike is way too heavy for any serious off roading.

Picking up the 200kg Versys is a lot of work! Something tough and light like a KLX 250 would be so much more manageable for a noob like me

Ride On!

Tony

Edited June 28, 2011 by BigBikeBKK

[Phil Conners]

Facebook video support has now been added to Thaivisa Forum. Please try it and let us know if there are any problems with it. Usage is just as for embedding Youtube video.

Cool! Now the links in my OP appear as embedded videos. (Albeit tiny ones) Thanks for updating the site to accommodating facebook vids!

I now see "login to see video" - logged into Facebook and reloaded TVF - and now I get "Video Unavailable" in a non-clickable white window.

Probably to do with the permissions given by you in your Facebook settings, you probably only share with friends. This means anyone who is not on your friend list get this unhelpful "Video Unavailable" instead of a video to watch.

This was probaby why IPB was reluctant to make the feature available.

Ah, gotcha.

Actually YouTube has the same privacy options, except that by default everyone can see your Youtube vids unless you make them private whereas on Facebook I believe the vids are by default only visible to friends unless you make them visible to the general public.

Now I've gone into facebook and made the videos viewable by anyone. Can you see them now?

Ride On!

Tony

Yes, now they are there, tiny though. It is what it is

[BigBikeBKK]

Cool! Now the links in my OP appear as embedded videos. (Albeit tiny ones) Thanks for updating the site to accommodating facebook vids!

I now see "login to see video" - logged into Facebook and reloaded TVF - and now I get "Video Unavailable" in a non-clickable white window.

Probably to do with the permissions given by you in your Facebook settings, you probably only share with friends. This means anyone who is not on your friend list get this unhelpful "Video Unavailable" instead of a video to watch.

This was probaby why IPB was reluctant to make the feature available.

Ah, gotcha.

Actually YouTube has the same privacy options, except that by default everyone can see your Youtube vids unless you make them private whereas on Facebook I believe the vids are by default only visible to friends unless you make them visible to the general public.

Now I've gone into facebook and made the videos viewable by anyone. Can you see them now?

Ride On!

Tony

Yes, now they are there, tiny though. It is what it is

I think the diminutive size is a function of ThaiVisa as on other forums they appear much larger...

[ttakata]

Cool event.

I think its crazy most of these guys are on street tires.

I rode off road on my DTracker and it was manageable since the bike is so light.

I still dropped the bike in mud since there was no traction.

Once I get my dirt wheelset I'm gonna ride out to this location and fool around.

[BigBikeBKK]

Cool event.

I think its crazy most of these guys are on street tires.

I rode off road on my DTracker and it was manageable since the bike is so light.

I still dropped the bike in mud since there was no traction.

Once I get my dirt wheelset I'm gonna ride out to this location and fool around.

Mine was the only Versys that was wearing Bridgestone Battlax BT021 Sport Touring tires (and the rear has nearly 12000 km on it!) but I've certainly been called worse things than crazy

I was REALLY surprised at how decent the traction was with those road tires. I thought I'd be slipping and sliding and spinning a lot more than I actually was. Of course, once things get wet I'm sure I'd be on my ass in no time!

Heading to ShowPow tomorrow to get a new set of Pirelli Scorpion Trails fitted and perhaps I can hit Bo Din in the afternoon to try them out. Care to meet me there?

Happy Trails!

Tony

[BigBikeBKK]

Going to hit BoDin tomorrow with a friend or two. Anyone welcome! T

[BigBikeBKK]

Fantastic day at BoDin trying out the Versys with new Pirelli MT60 RS Corsa's-

I set the preload to softest setting front and rear and lowered the pressure on the tires to about 28psi and wow, the big girl handled quite well!

Silly me- brought the GoPro to get some video and only discovered once I was there that I forgot the memory card! Doh!

Let the Good Times ROLL!

Tony