this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2024
52 points (98.1% liked)

Motorcycles

2456 readers
1 users here now

Here we discuss everything related to riding, maintenance and gear.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Picked up my first bike yesterday - Kawasaki Versys-X 300. Have already reached 500kms, and loved every single one.

top 7 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[โ€“] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Eyyy, this is also my first, but is a 2017 instead ๐Ÿ™‚

[โ€“] ShadowCatEXE 8 points 4 months ago

It was a toss-up between this and the klr650s. The KLR was nice, but I just felt so much more comfortable on the Versys. Its also lighter, and as a new rider, I think it is beneficial (for meat least).

I couldn't be happier with my decision!

[โ€“] metallic_substance 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Awesome. Do you find it tricky to ride trails without off-road tires?

[โ€“] ShadowCatEXE 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I just do light gravel roads (logging roads) since that's mostly what we have around here. I kinda just went for it not knowing what was gonna happen, but I didn't go fast just in case I hit a rock or rut and dropped the bike. These tires were fine, but I don't have experience of using an off-road tire to provide a comparison, unfortunately.

[โ€“] metallic_substance 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Do you have the space and tools to do a tire swap? The difference is pretty big. If you can, you might want to try dual sport tires. Be careful out there, smooth tires on a trail can be dangerous. Even gravel. Plus, knobbier tires will make the whole experience more fun and you'll be able to deal with slightly rougher terrain overall.

[โ€“] ShadowCatEXE 4 points 4 months ago

I don't go far on these roads for that reason (I break something or lose a tire). Worst case I call for a pickup. I will definitely be picking up some better tires for next season though. Most my riding currently is highway, and the occasional short stop into a gravel road, so for now it's alright (knock on wood).

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago