The KLR is still carbureted and until Kawasaki offers it with Fuel Injection they'll never be able to sell it in Thailand unfortunately. There had been rumors that the KLR would get FI in 2010. Turned out to be false. FI in 2011? Who knows- keep your fingers crossed!
Motorcyclist magazine named the Versys "Motorcycle of the Year," and the Versys made top 10 lists around the world.
It's 'versatility' is also one of it's weaknesses- because it's been designed for both on and off road use it's a balance of compromises and some critics describe it as a bike that can do everything well, but nothing great...
Very popular and sells well down in Malaysia. I was thinking of buying an ER6n and getting the Versys front end rear shock and swingarm in Malaysia and doing the conversion myself, but if the Versys is really coming to Thailand soon I guess I'll just try to wait a bit longer.
Versys, ER6n, and ER6f (aka Ninja 650R) all share the same engine- 650cc parallel twin and very similar frames.
The Versys engine is identical to ER6n/ER6f but tuned differently. While the bore and stroke are identical the ER6n/ER6f has a higher compression ratio.
Versys frame is very similar but not identical- it's been reinforced and the Versys sports a much stronger rear swingarm, adjustable inverted front forks and significantly more suspension travel that the road oriented ER6n/ER6f.
The front suspensions on the Versys is an inverted 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload.
Forks on both bikes are 41mm, but the Versys forks are adjustable for both preload and rebound while the ER6 forks are not adjustable at all. That's a HUGE advantage for the Versys over the ER6 IMO.
5.9 inches of travel on the Versys forks compared to 4.7 on the ER6.
Rear suspension on the Versys is also higher grade than the ER6-
Versys features a single offset laydown shock with 13-position adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload. (The ER6 is adjustable for preload only).
The massive rear swingarm on the Versys is a lot more rigid than the rather flimsy swingarm on the ER6 and offers 5.7 inches of travel compared to 4.9 inches on the ER6.
The Versys also carries more fuel in its 5 gallon tank than than the ER6n/f which can carry only 4.1 gallons. (This also makes the Versys heavier than the ER6 when fully fueled.)
I'm probably forgetting some other points but I think these are the biggest and most obvious differences between the Versys and the ER6n/ER6f.
Considering how well is sells in Malaysia I think Kawasaki will enjoy great success if they offer it in Thailand at a competitive price.
Let the Good Times Roll!
Tony