Long-Term Kawasaki Versys 650 LT: Maintenance and Pirelli Tires

WRIST: Spenser Robert
MSRP (2015): $8,699
MILES: 6,230
MPG: 46
MODS: Pirelli tires, overdue maintenance

As expected, I have no shortage of wonderful things to say about the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It continues to make me laugh, smile, and question the seemingly loveless nature of all of my previous motorcycle relationships. However, every relationship needs some attention and work to keep going strong. In the case of the Versys, that means getting to the 7,600-mile maintenance recommendations a little early and getting to the 3,800-mile maintenance recommendations pretty late.

Fortunately, the 3,800-mile service we missed was a minor one. But it was “suggested” by Editor in Chief Marc Cook that he take the bike for a couple of days and get a jump on the 7,600-mile service that will be due before long. Given his advanced knowledge of all things machine-based and my constant struggle with the toaster oven in our office’s break room I happily obliged.

He owned a 2012 Versys and reports the service is just as easy here. Removing the left-side bellypan half gives access to the drain plug and the oil filter. He also installed a set of Pirelli Angel GT tires (pirelli.com; $460/set in the stock 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear sizes). The stock Dunlop D222 tires served me extremely well, but after 6,000 miles of enthusiastic riding, the exposed wear bars and squared-off shape suggested it was time for them to enjoy a deserving retirement. The Angel GTs are pretty well respected, but the D222s set a high bar for both durability and performance. I'm pretty keen to find out how they stack up.