Versys 650

[redbirds_imp]

I test rode one just like it a few years back. Really liked it and thought it a lot of bike for the money.

[Ole_imp]

Loved my Versys, 28,000 miles in less than three years. Several tires, one chain, two sprockets was it.

Near Hyder, Alaska



Hy 31 between Kaslo and New Denver, BC

[the Ferret]

Great pics ole. HOw's the knee?

[Ole_imp]

Great pics ole. HOw's the knee?

It getting better. I walk 4 and a half miles a day it seems to help.
And by the way, Hy 31A between New Denver and Kaslo BC is better than the dragon but don't tell anybody. shhhhhhh

it is a 31 mile gem I have not ridden anything better

[the Ferret]

Good deal... Don't know how to drink all that Wisconsin beer and walk at all lol.

And mums the word on Hwy 31A. Our secret!

[hb9400_imp]

I've had 6 of them, all 2008 models...thought the 1st gen red was their best effort. Wanted another adventure bike a year ago and went with the 2016 VStrom 650, in red of course

[kballowe_imp]

This is my second Versys. Even owned the 1000 cc Versys for a year - but prefer the 650. Don't even know why.

We also have a GL1800 Gold Wing, so size isn't the issue.

[Blockhead_imp]

Just curious, Did any of you Versys owners do a comparison with the V-Strom? A few years ago a Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer tried to sell me a V-Strom; he said he has had both bikes and like the V-Strom better. I've never ridden either of them but they are sharp looking...

[kballowe_imp]

Just curious, Did any of you Versys owners do a comparison with the V-Strom? A few years ago a Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer tried to sell me a V-Strom; he said he has had both bikes and like the V-Strom better. I've never ridden either of them but they are sharp looking...

Yes. The Versys seemed to have the same power, but it feels much lighter (and a fuzz shorter). Also, side cases mount much much closer on the Versys because the exhaust is tucked under.

The WeeStrom (for me) was better on the interstate.

I must admit that (in my area), I paid $2,000 less for the Versys, so THAT made my decision for me.

There's more, but it's boring.

[the Ferret]

I have ridden both. Both are tall for me. The last Versys I rode ( I have ridden 3 different years) a lowered 2016 was pretty nice. The best year IMO. The earlier iteration of that model I rode seemed like it vibrated a lot more and was " clunkier" sounding. The V Stroms I have ridden, ( ridden 2 different years of those) the last also a 2016 owned by one nephew have all been nice bikes, powerwise I suppose, just running about 1k higher than I am used to. I also enjoyed my other nephews NC700x but again too tall for me. Dang stubby legs.

The way I ride, probably the NC700 would be the best bike for me of the 3. If I were more aggresive I would probably pick the SV. I would place the Versys between those two. If Yamaha brought in the FJ-07 from Europe that would also be a contender for a middle weight ride, although I really didn't care for the two FZ-07s I have ridden, mainly due to vibrations that others don't seem to feel. I've also ridden an 09 BMW 800 GS that I thought was a pretty nice bike but man they are pricey.

I'm headed down to look at an NT 700 for grins in a few minutes.