Cycle World Long-Term Update

Long-Term Update

Kawasaki

VERSYS

Do-it-all Twin

"VERSYS" IS A CONTRACTION OF “versatile system,” says Kawasaki. Marketing hyperbole? Not at all. After running up nearly 7000 miles on our long-term Versys, we continue to be amazed by this middleweight’s versatility. The parallel-Twin is a solid commuter, tourer and even sportbike. With its rev-happy engine, good suspension and ample cornering clearance, the Versys will go just about as fast as anyone dares to go on public roads.

At 6300 miles, we replaced the original-equipment Dunlop D221s with a set of Dunlop Roadsmarts ($188 front, $231 rear). Dunlop says these new sport-touring radiais offer high grip in both dry and wet conditions, sportbike-like steering response and exceptional mileage. We can’t confirm longevity yet, but handling and traction are impressive. Looking for more midrange punch and top-end power, we installed a Leo Vince SBK Evo II exhaust system ($719; www.leovince.com). Besides weighing 7 pounds less than stock, the Evo II provided gains everywhere in the powerband, particularly on top, where it made 4 more horsepower. Flat spots or hiccups were nowhere to be found, although the exhaust “pops” on trailing throttle. The “quiet core” insert sacrificed just 1 horsepower, but sound output was more civilized.

$6899

Benelli

TnT 1130

Some assembly required

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE IMPORTANT. That might explain why our longterm TnT has only racked up a little more than 1300 miles since our last up date this past September. Right after its road test in October of 2007, the 1130 be gan camping out on our workstand be cause of one problem or another. It kept stalling when cold, it assassinated its bat tery for no apparent reason, and the airbox had to be deloused after it was infil trated by a load of detritus that slipped past an improperly installed (by the fac tory, not us) air-filter element. So when staffers would meander out to the garage to choose a mount for the night, they usually would avoid the alien-looking TnT as though it were a leper from an other alaxv.

galaxy. Too bad, because despite its quirks and choppy freeway ride, the torquey, agile 1130 is a barrel of fun on a twisty backroad-which is why we toasted both its tires so easily. We replaced them with Bridgestone’s BT-016 multi-compound buns, which seem to have tenacious stick

in fast comers yet promise to offer far better center-tread wear than typical trackday-quality gumballs. We’ll see. Despite our installation of a new idlespeed-regulating stepper motor last summer, the aforementioned cold-stalling issue still occasionally resurfaces. If that malady continues, the TnT will no doubt find its way back to its favorite place of residence: the workstand. Once again, we’ll see.

$15,499

BMW

F800GS

The adventure begins

SCREWY AS IT SOUNDS, WE DON'T get too many brand-spanking-new motorcycles here at Cycle World. Of the 60 or so machines that pass through these doors each year, almost all have several hundred to several thousand break-in miles on their odom eters. That's why it was a real treat to pick up our long-term BMW F800GS from local dealer Irv Seaver's with just 21 miles showing on the clock.

We ordered our bike with BMW’s optional hard saddlebags ($1141, including mounts) and tankbag ($260). BMW’s luggage is pricey but it’s quality kit that fits right, attaches in seconds and holds up well. We also specified more dirt-worthy rubber for the bike, so it came with burly Continental Twinduro DOT-approved knobbies in place of the usual, lessaggressive dual-purpose tires. Our first ride on the bike would be on the logging trails of California’s High Sierras; on dirt, big knobs are better than little knobs, especially when you’re guiding a 450pound, 85-hp bike through the trees. The surprise is how well the Contis worked on the twisty asphalt sections between trails. Only one problem so far. Left overnight in a sleet storm, the GS greeted us the next morning with its filler cap “ice-welded” shut, barring any attempts at refueling. A little sunshine, some creative prying and we were gassed up, good to go. □

$10,520