I tried but I couldn't do it.

[the Ferret]

My one Versys nut buddy Jnor is also about 5'8" and he puts a lowering kit on his. I think he's had 3 or 4 of them, but he likes the green ones. I can find the name of it for you, but I'm sure you probably belong to the Versys forum and its a popular mod over there

[redbirds_imp]

Here's a Versys lowering link. http://www.shop.motowerk.com/Versys-650_c2.htm

Just raise the forks in the triple clamps an equal amount and you're golden.
The only down side to lowering is the side stand will now be too long. On the V-strom I've corrected this by grinding the forward stop away about 1/4 inch, allowing the side stand to swing forward enough to bring the lean angle back to near the stock angle.

[hb9400_imp]

Thanks guys, motowerk is a company started by a guy name Speedy that bought an '08 from the beginning. His machinist skills have created a nice gig for him. Others have used his lowering kit but I've been going with the Kawasaki Low Gel Seat. When I traded for the CB1100 I held on to the seat but after a few months I sold it to try and break Versys habit to no avail . It's an annoyance but not a necessity. Working on my list of farkles as we speak. I just bought the flat foot, handlebar riser and gps mount from him and bought the Givi trunk bracket so I can swap the V46 between the Versys and the CB1100.

If I were a Kawi fan and partial to green "kermit" that would be the color of choice. Thankfully the green they use is actually pretty but I guess my Honda roots show as the red to me is the color. It's funny how '08 has been the only year the Versys has come out in red. If anyone is considering looking for a bike to do some touring with and doesn't want to deal or spend the $ on a GW, take a look at the Versys 1000 LT. While the inline 4 engine to me takes away from the nimbleness that the 650 offers, their price isn't out of line and I have to say they did a better design job on the 1000 than the 650.

[the Ferret]

Yes, the 1000 Versys LT is a bike that could possibly replace my ST someday if the seat height wasn't over 33"..booooo

[hb9400_imp]

A close friend bought his '08 2 weeks after seeing my 1st '08. He still has it and has put over 40k miles on it with most of it being ridden in the north Georgia mountains. It has been incredibly reliable for him. He bought an FJR1300 about a year ago but is trying to decide if the V1K will replace it and his V. Kawi was smart enough to keep the seat height 33.1" the same as the 650 since a custom lowered seat has been a good option for those of us height deprived and it's showing on the forums as some current owners are starting to upgrade to it and are raving about it. I'm looking forward to his upgrade if he does it or even if he decides to just replace his V with the new V.

[hb9400_imp]

No more Versys, it found a very nice home yesterday. Putting miles on 3 bikes is more challenging than I thought. Any time I wanted to ride with the wife it was on the 950 so my solo time was between the CB1100 and Versys and it didn't take too long to realize I was gravitating more and more to the CB1100 so what was the point in keeping the Versys in the garage when it could find a home to be ridden more. The new buyers (Dan & Sarah) are a hoot and it was nice to meet up with someone who flipped more bikes than I have. I hope Sarah gets many enjoyable miles from the V.

[the Ferret]

Had to be a tough decision. The Versys is a nice bike.

It is tough getting miles on numerous bikes. i've had up to 6 at one time and another hassle is maintenance. With multiple bikes it seems like one is always needing an oil change, tires, brakes etc

[Cormanus]

Less bikes = less work = more riding ?

[4 Paws_imp]

I believe the N+1 formula is correct.
Convincing the wife a long running "discussion'.
For me the key has been to get motorcycles that are totally and completely different in as many ways as possible.
Love the sport tourers, rode them many years and they are still my favorites as a "go to" for when you wanna go and got to get there - at least before I found the CB again. Got tired of being surrounded by tupperware.
Indian making a solid cruiser, when Scouts start appearing on the used market might have to try one. The prices of the new (stripped in my opinion) before adding any wanted farkles is outrageous.
Currently have the CB plus a sidecar rig and trying to decide between a small (250cc) dual sport or a Rokon for the woods near my cabin. Heart says Rokon and brain says dual sport. Never been known for my brains.

[jwoods986_imp]

Even with the V gone, you have two solid, and different, bikes.

I moved back to VA 2 years ago, but lived down your way (Woodstock) for 8 years.