Welcome home, Versys

After almost a week of delays and frustrations, I can finally say I was able to drive the Versys home last night! Of course today is non-stop rain (go figure), but at least the bike is home now.  

The good news? The bike is now home and I can drive it (weather permitting).

The bad news? My professors thought Thanksgiving is the best time to slam me with hundreds of review questions (literally), with 2 papers, 2 tests, 2 speeches, AND the final exams. 

So I won't be blogging or riding for the next week and a half. Thank you, SFC. 

-J

Versys Progress

Today was a good day.

My dad and I were able to mount the rear tire and adjust the chain length.  We were also able to remove the luggage rack from the rear.  I didn't have the bars that attach to the rear of the bike, but when I get the bike back home, I'll probably put them on.  But I think it is a good looking bike, especially without that big rack on the back.

The new clutch cable finally came in.  Paid for two day shipping, received it in 3 days...USPS. Government efficiency at its finest. Discovered why Kawasaki had troubles with clutch cables on the 2008 model.  It's because the cable placement was designed poorly.  Kawasaki had the cable bending at a 90 degree angle to fit into the brackets, this pinches the cable and causes it to break over time.  My dad re-routed the cable and eliminated that 90 degree angle.  What a night and day difference! 

I have the front tire in the back of the car and I'm going to take it to the Harley dealership to get it mounted on to the rim hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday.  Once that's done, and the tire is back on the bike, the Versys will be up to 100%.  I really cannot wait until I can really get a good feel for this bike.  Hopefully it will be good to go before Thanksgiving so I can ride it out to the family gathering.  

-J

Good Things Take Time

I haven't been able to hit the open road just yet.

I ordered a new set of Dunlop tires, clutch cable, and oil filter for the Versys.  These obviously take time (& special equipment for mounting new rubber on the rims) to do, so it has been difficult to get things done.  With the DRZ, my dad and I were able to change out the rubber by hand, but the Versys has larger tires, so it is pretty much impossible to do it manually.  Luckily, the local Harley dealership was able to mount the new rubber on the back rim, so hopefully some time this coming week I will be able to drop off the front tire and have it done as well.

I have also discovered that the 2008 Versys is/was notorious for problematic clutch cables, the stock cable tends to fray and break.  Based on how difficult this clutch is to operate, I think it is safe to say that it is the original.

Not all is lost, however.  I was able to change the oil and put on the new filter.  Hopefully the clutch cable won't be too difficult to replace, either.  That leaves me with the tires.  The tires will take the longest because that requires travel and wait time for Harley to mount the rubber.  One down, one to go.

Also, Gainesville no longer has a Kawasaki dealership, so that has become problematic, especially since the bike is approaching 14,000 miles and is soon due for a good mechanical inspection.  I do not have any idea what kind of maintenance the previous owner had done on this motorcycle, but as I find more and more "bugs" (i.e. stripped screws, over torqued bolts, loose shifter, missing cotter pins), I'm starting to think a complete idiot was working on this bike not knowing his ass from his elbow.  It is all minor things that don't cost much to fix, but they are all associated with vital parts of the bike.  Somewhat concerning.

Right now, the bike is at a good 80%, I will keep you all updated, and hopefully the bike will be up to 100% by the end of the week.  Stay tuned!

-J

Bigger Changes Than I Thought!

As I posted yesterday, my plan was to convert my DRZ400S into a Super Motard by changing out the tires, and adjusting suspension.  After doing more research and talking to good people, I came to the conclusion that an S-to-SM cross-over requires too much time and money, neither of which I have enough to invest.  My bike is a daily driver, I cannot afford to not have it.  The bike is just too beautiful as it is, changing it would only devalue it.

 

Two grand ladies. DRZ (left), Versys (right).

What ended up happening was something I really did not plan on.  I stumbled upon a 2008 Kawasaki Versys 650 at a local dealership.  The bike was in great condition, and I could not take my eyes off it! The previous owner took great care of it.  After a test drive, and a few hours throwing numbers around, I traded in my 2006 Suzuki DRZ400S and drove home on the Versys.  I was able to get a great deal on the bike, and got excellent trade in value on my DRZ.  I am certainly going to miss my DRZ, it was a gift from my dad and I love that bike very much.  However, bikes like that are meant to tear up the dirt and grass on the weekends, and I just couldn't do that anymore.  I wanted something light, but powerful and comfortable.  It took about a year, but I found a good replacement bike.  It even came with a removable storage box that attaches to the back!


Now with the Versys, I can take longer trips, feel more comfortable navigating the local highways and city streets, take my wife for a cruise, but still maintain the quickness and "snappyness" of a Dual Sport/Enduro.  I ordered a new set of tires, and a few other replacement parts.  I think I found a great motorcycle that will last me a long time.  I hope my DRZ goes to a good home with someone who will care for it like I did.

The last picture taken of me and the DRZ before I drove home on the Versys.

-J

BIG Changes Are Coming!

Hello readers! 

I do apologize for the lack of posting, the weather has been rainy for weeks & I haven't had time to do anything. I hope this weather isn't a preview of the upcoming winter!

As the title of this post states, big changes are indeed coming! The past 12 hours have been very exciting for me. 

For the past year, I've been researching how to convert a DRZ400S into a DRZ400SM. While it is possible, it can become very expensive. Because of that, I pretty much canned the idea. I don't go off road anymore, my DRZ is a daily driver in the city, and I love to cruise on the weekends. My bike is in such great condition that I couldn't fathom the thought of selling or trading it for an actual SM....they're the same bike anyway. 

So last night, my dad called me up and put me in contact with a guy a few hours away who wants to trade stock DRZ400S tires (18" rear & 21" front) for 17" SM Excel tires. He wants to surprise his son. No cash involved, a straight up trade! 

THIS. IS. A. GOLD. MINE. 

Tires & rims are what make this conversion so expensive. Also, Excel rims aren't stock, they are blacked out after market custom rims...beautiful. I really hope this exchange works out, we're both interested and it saves me HUNDREDS of dollars! 

Adjust the front forks, the suspension, cable lengths, & a few other minor things.  I am getting a custom seat that is wider and fits on the stock frame so I can further enjoy the ride. 

I've also wanted to change out body plastics to go all black, but that requires painting the tank...I know I'm getting WAY ahead of myself and investing all of my hopes and dreams on a "what if", but I'm so pumped!! I really hope I can get the SM tires, that will set everything else in motion. I can't focus on anything else. 

That's what it will look like (more or less) when the tires go on. 

The weather finally cleared up for today (it's supposed to rain again tomorrow), so I was able to take the bike to class. 

Have a good day!

-J

A Thousand Miles From Nowhere: Republic of Seychelles

The absolute most remote place I have ever visited is the Republic of Seychelles.  Seychelles is located on the East Coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, 1,000 miles away from the next closest land mass.  A true gem in the Indian Ocean, and a "off the beaten path" tourism location for Europe, Africa, and Asia.

 

The best way I can describe Seychelles is to compare it to Hawaii (think Jurassic Park).  Large mountains and valleys enveloped in low hanging fog and mist. I had never heard of this nation until I set foot there.  The economy is largely based on tourism and fishing. The food had a very American and French influence, which allowed for a nice taste of home, but still maintained the exotic feel of a far away place.  My visit kept me in the capital island of Victoria for 4 days, and this allowed me to get a glimpse of what the future holds for Seychelles and what they strive for.  

The center of town had a really cool 4-way intersection with a clock in the middle.  Plenty of open air markets, store fronts, restaurants, and places of worship.

The main attraction for visitors to Victoria Island is the Berjaya Resort.  A very beautiful resort that has prime real estate on the coast.  Beautiful beaches, towering mountains, and unbeatable views.  Open bar(s), a pool, live music, all on the beach.  

The Indian Ocean is the warmest ocean I have ever swam in.  When I wasn't in the surf, I was kicking back on a beach chair with a local hand-rolled cigar, just taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.  A wedding took place and I really enjoyed watching that.  That resort beach is a great place to have a wedding.  I wouldn't mind renewing my vows there myself.  

  

 To end my last day on the island, I was blessed to see the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen before.  The clouds cleared out in the late afternoon, giving way to a stunning sunset.  I took about 10 pictures of this sunset, but this one is my favorite.  I would certainly return to Victoria Island, Seychelles.  More specifically, the Berjaya Resort.  It is certainly a costly venture, but one I would highly recommend if given the opportunity.

-J

Halloween Down Time

While most Americans my age are out having crazy Halloween parties with their college friends and fraternities, I decided October 31st was the best time to cook some steaks on the grill with an old high school friend.  We discussed the typical religion, politics, sports, local news, etc., and enjoyed cold beer and good food.  What I didn't take into account was the idiocy of Trick-Or-Treaters and their parents.  My friend and I were not in costumes, the exterior lights were off, and there were open containers of alcohol in plain sight.  Normally, that would indicate that a particular house is not participating in Halloween festivities for children.  Nothing against kids.  We were always polite towards kids that would walk up.  But if you are a parent walking your kids around the neighborhood and you notice a house with this kind of environment, use some common sense and don't send your kid to someone's garage asking for candy.  Use your head.

A cold front moved into North Central Florida on November 1st, so the weather has been very cloudy.  It finally cleared up late yesterday afternoon so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a few pictures of the DRZ.

-J