Versys-X 400 speculations thread

Yep I saw that, will check it out.
Bought a 05 F650GS in the mean time so the RE is a pass till down the road.

VX 300 just tested by Motorcycle Consumer News, pretty muchfor lack of power and brakes. Weighs 384 lb. wet, almost the same as the original SV650. It's not just the big bikes that have a weight problem.

Are you saying 384 lbs. Wet weight twin,faired adventure bike is a problem...Compared to what ?

Go ride one and tell me about the problems.

384 lbs.wet Twin adventure bike sounds like a "weight problem" I can handle.

2019 Honda CB 500X comes in 50 lbs.heavier.

But isn't it the same thing where you live LoL

What they miss completely it is light enough to pickup without unloading and perfectly capable of handling freeways and dirt roads.

Not a problem if it was a 500.

Don't need to ride one, 8k rpm above 55 mph, is not for me.

And yes, the CB500X is a porker.

I know, I have unicorn anticipation syndrome, I cannot lie.

Kwak's 400cc HP curve follows Honda's 500cc 800-1600 RPM later.. in 50lbs+ lighter package:

The VersysX is at 6000 RPM at 55mph with a 15 tooth front sprocket. Stock it's at 6500rpm at 55mph. About half way to redline.

Join the club. The manufacturer that produces a >45hp, <170kg, <870mm seat height dual sport/adv with >6,000 miles service intervals and a decent sub-frame/rack will get my money.

The CRF450L would have been almost ideal if it was wasn't a dirt bike with silly service intervals. The 250L is a fun bike, but not enough power, and the KTM 690 is just outside the envelope due to height, tank and price.

The CRF with the Z400 engine would be an OK compromise. I prefer the naked enduro style (no headlamp superstructure and no screen) and I don't care if it's a thumper or a twin. And >12 litres fuel, please.

That's my unicorn.

I'd prefer a twin in this configuration but, a single would be acceptable if you cut another 20-50 lbs.. I don't care about hauling a passenger or luggage but, the sub-frame will need to handle 12-18 inches of "big air" without breaking in half.

Honda went long ways to reduce vibration on 450L cush drive, filled swing arm, etc but maintenance intervals, small tank, price and weak subframe are not what you want in adv bike. There's also a trusty DR or you can take a look at Superdual which is adventurized TE-630 for less money than 690 or 450L.

Are people breaking the subframes on the 450L ? I read it was stronger and part of the weight gain along with the 6 speed and lights and such.

I don't think anyone is using it as a pack mule yet considering the tank size.

I never rode the XCH but the specs intrigue me now. I know we all have different tastes and requirements but what are your thoughts comparing the XCH vs the CB500X off road? I can't help think that it would blow it away? About 50KG less (than the RR3 at least) and a bit more suspension travel/ground clearance? (Compared to the rally raid version - obviously it has much more suspension travel than the stock CB500X... I can't remember Cruz if yours was stock or a rally raid version...?)

As far as the paved/nice roads go, personally I'm much more comfortable on my 690R or KLX250 because that's the frame geometry I'm used to. The CB feels a bit more like sitting "in" than "on" the bike. (I do like the CB500X best for carrying a passenger though... hardly makes a difference and I'm not constantly thinking "Can you walk from here?")

My 13 CB500X has the RR3 kit fitted.
The XCH was comparable to the KTM 690 in off road ability, and I feel it was a better on road bike than the 690. Came OEM with a Continental air shock and basic USD forks. I had an Ohlin rear shock made and fitted and a pair of brand new off shelf Honda CR500 fork internals fitted to the forks. Improved its off and on road abilities.
The CB500X RR3 is not really comparable to the XCH.

IIRC Husky Terra was pretty much the same bike.

Similar, but not the same. The Husky weighed a good bit more, but the engine was tweaked a bit to be smoother and, I think, had a few more HP. No air shock either. But I always felt that if I totaled my X-Ch, the Husky would be on the short list as a replacement. Although, if a VX400 ever arrives, that might be on an even shorter list for the riding I do.

I doubt kwak will ever put a quality long travel suspension on VX400 as it will still be a budget bike. Our best bet they will use 400cc engine perhaps stroked to 500 in new KLR and aftermarket will step up with suspension upgrades.

?

That would be disappointing, but most likely.

You can get crap long travel suspension on adventure bikes costing 2-3 times as much. Kawi is one of the few putting good working suspension on lower cost bikes. Around 7.5" would be nice though.