Kawasaki Versys does the Alps
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:06 pm
Got back from a solo tour of the Alps a couple of weeks ago, riding through Belgium, Switzerland, France, Italy and Germany on my 2007 Kawasaki Versys 650.
Done similar trips quite a few times but this was the first time I've ever toured Europe on my own and I would recommend a solo tour to anyone! The sense of freedom is enhanced as is the sense of adventure and it makes for a really relaxed yet thrilling ride!
The bike performed well although it did suffer from a couple of the usual Versys quirks, snapped clutch cable and seized filler cap, along the way. Cable I always carry with me but the filler cap had to be butchered open by a friendly local with a huge screwdriver!
Can't fault the bike on the tight Alpine roads, perfect balance of power and handling coupled with quite low ratios in the first three gears made the climbs and hairpins an absolute pleasure. Along the Route Napoleon the little Kawasaki did cry out for more top end power however!
Bridgestone BT023's gave lots of confidence on the twisty bits and suit the Versys well. Was getting between 160 - 200 miles to a tank and didn't use a drop of engine oil or have to adjust the chain during the trip.
Luggage consisted of a 48 litre top box and large bum bag coz I prefer to use hotels rather than camping. Bike is fitted with the tall Givi touring screen, bark buster hand guards, action cam mount (Cheap and cheerful video setup) and I used a car satnav in the Givi universal canvas case.
Favourite places along the way were Lake Annecy, Col De L'Iseran, Little St. Bernard Pass, Mont Cenis / Lake Cenis and the climb up to the Mont Blanc tunnel for the stunning views.
Best country for me is always France and the worst is always Belgium!
2,200 miles in total and only hit the rain once for an afternoon (Thunderstorms) which soon gave way to temps in the high 80's early 90's and brilliant sunshine again.
Hope you enjoy the videos and I welcome any questions about routes etc.
Thanks for reading, just wanted to share my experience!
[video][/video]
[video][/video]
[video][/video]
Done similar trips quite a few times but this was the first time I've ever toured Europe on my own and I would recommend a solo tour to anyone! The sense of freedom is enhanced as is the sense of adventure and it makes for a really relaxed yet thrilling ride!
The bike performed well although it did suffer from a couple of the usual Versys quirks, snapped clutch cable and seized filler cap, along the way. Cable I always carry with me but the filler cap had to be butchered open by a friendly local with a huge screwdriver!
Can't fault the bike on the tight Alpine roads, perfect balance of power and handling coupled with quite low ratios in the first three gears made the climbs and hairpins an absolute pleasure. Along the Route Napoleon the little Kawasaki did cry out for more top end power however!
Bridgestone BT023's gave lots of confidence on the twisty bits and suit the Versys well. Was getting between 160 - 200 miles to a tank and didn't use a drop of engine oil or have to adjust the chain during the trip.
Luggage consisted of a 48 litre top box and large bum bag coz I prefer to use hotels rather than camping. Bike is fitted with the tall Givi touring screen, bark buster hand guards, action cam mount (Cheap and cheerful video setup) and I used a car satnav in the Givi universal canvas case.
Favourite places along the way were Lake Annecy, Col De L'Iseran, Little St. Bernard Pass, Mont Cenis / Lake Cenis and the climb up to the Mont Blanc tunnel for the stunning views.
Best country for me is always France and the worst is always Belgium!
2,200 miles in total and only hit the rain once for an afternoon (Thunderstorms) which soon gave way to temps in the high 80's early 90's and brilliant sunshine again.
Hope you enjoy the videos and I welcome any questions about routes etc.
Thanks for reading, just wanted to share my experience!
[video][/video]
[video][/video]
[video][/video]