The Versys Thread

[B]

Any opinions on how the V handles 2 up riding?

[Giaka]

Any opinions on how the V handles 2 up riding?

Does great, slightly low on power but nothing to concern yourself with unless you are squidly and like to take chances with a passenger. The wife and I commute on ours two up all the time. 60 miles one way. Brakes are also slightly under powered for the extra weight but again its just something you plan ahead for.

[thunderlips]

what is the carrying capacity in weight of these things?
what is the height between the seat and the footpegs?

[TraumaQueen]

For anyone considering this, here is a useful site to help you figure it all out: http://gearingcommander.com

[ChrisZRX]

I miss my Bandit terribly, may it RIP.  

However, I did miss the ability to go on rough roads and fire roads without shaking my fillings lose that my previous VStrom 1K provided. There's damn little out there that I like presently, save the Tiger 1050, but that's a little more than I'm willing to pay right now.  I figure my insurance will be going up and I still want to get a DR650 too.

I might have waited for the bigger engine in a Versys, but an inline 4 is just wrong IMO for this kind of bike.  So, the Versys 650 will be it for now.  I've always like the way it looks and I've read all the threads on it.  Y'all talked me into it.  Put a deposit on a 2011 with only 1600 miles on it.

[County Tar]

There is a 2005 DR650 just listed on Stromtrooper.  Eastern Ohio.

Link:

http://www.stromtrooper.com/sale/69440-fs-2005-dr650-ohio.html

[Bravo12]

Two days ago I picked up a leftover (new) 2009 Versys for $6100 OTD, including the hard bags. I put about 350 miles of local riding on it since then, and I'm loving it!  I've been riding mostly standards since 1989. I started sport-touring with my Bandit1200S in 2001, then moved on to the 1999 VFR800I about 3 years ago. The Versys is so much more comfortable all day than either of them, and has a character all its own. The VFR started my trend back towards smaller-displacement bikes, so I think the Versys is right where I want to be now. It may be the perfect solo-sport-tourer. At least, it is for me and the way I like to ride.

[AzItLies]

Also riding a Versys now. Got a 2011 and traded in the fjr. I'm having quite a bit of fun with it, much lighter and easier to move around in the garage. It has enough power although haven't spent much time on the highway with it yet.

Just got my seat back from Spencer and it's lowered slightly, seems the Versys seat doesn't allow for too much lowering. Lowering links are an option but trying to avoid that.

Like to ask the OP what attachment brackets did you use for the bags? they really seem to get the bags in very close and look great.

Haven't had it very long so will update with any good info as it happens.

enjoy!

[loadedmind]

Bravo12 - I've been told performance on the highway is lackluster - especially on 50-70 roll-ons.  Do you not find that's the case in your experience?

[greidel]

Bravo12 - I've been told performance on the highway is lackluster - especially on 50-70 roll-ons.  Do you not find that's the case in your experience?

In comparison to a liter bike, I'll bet it is. But it's a 650. It's adequate. If you want the power band above the speed limit, this might not be your bike.

50-70 isn't especially hard. The acceleration doesn't really start to dog until about 84mph... 90 to triple digits is a struggle, but it gets there (not that I would ever... I certainly haven't this week. If you're a cop you have to tell me!) I find that my Versys loves to cruise at about 70-74.

[Fourstring]

Bravo12 - I've been told performance on the highway is lackluster - especially on 50-70 roll-ons.  Do you not find that's the case in your experience?

Trying to catch my wife on wide-open roads, I've found that's not the case.  The 650 engine will do 85 all day long.

[ripdaddy]

   I'm 6'1", 240lbs.  Would this thing haul my big butt around?  Saw one on the showroom floor and fell for it.  Was hoping Kaw would up it to an 800 or 900 twin eventually (and not a 1000 four, which I hear isn't coming here anyway.)  Did read in a recent magazine long-term wrap-up there have been probs with fried stators but haven't seen anyone else mention it.  

[Davy F.]

I'm just posting pics of my Versys for no other reason except I want to.  

[Jay S.]

Two days ago I picked up a leftover (new) 2009 Versys for $6100 OTD, including the hard bags. I put about 350 miles of local riding on it since then, and I'm loving it!  I've been riding mostly standards since 1989. I started sport-touring with my Bandit1200S in 2001, then moved on to the 1999 VFR800I about 3 years ago. The Versys is so much more comfortable all day than either of them, and has a character all its own. The VFR started my trend back towards smaller-displacement bikes, so I think the Versys is right where I want to be now. It may be the perfect solo-sport-tourer. At least, it is for me and the way I like to ride.

You are not the first person I've heard say that. The Versys just might be my next bike. I'm a solo sport-tourer and the more and more I read, it might be about the perfect bike for me and my type of riding.

[Davy F.]

You are not the first person I've heard say that. The Versys just might be my next bike. I'm a solo sport-tourer and the more and more I read, it might be about the perfect bike for me and my type of riding.

+1  

Although my 12GS beemer was brilliant, I felt the need for a lighter machine. I tried the Tiger 800XC/MultiStrada/KTM SMT/Super Tenere amongst others and even tho' they are all more powerful, better quality etc etc, I still came back to the conclusion that the Versys was, for now, my ideal bike. Yes, the suspension could be better, the brakes sharper plus any other little idiosyncratic 'faults' the Versys has. But when it comes down to it, it suits my needs and is so much FUN. I'll be going round Ireland this summer and also over to France/Luxenbourg/Germany/Italy as well. I only ride solo these days and I find what the Versys can do more than anything else is surprise me and others.

[AzItLies]

Hey Smeggy, quick q for you,

your tank is a gloss black, mine is a dull black. Did you do something to yours or did it come that way? it looks great in contrast to the yellow!

Just ordered a 44T and am really looking forward to that, it's pretty cool how easy it is to changed the "gearing" slightly. Bet it's going to be a great benefit

Thanks!

[Davy F.]

Well, it's actually a satin black with nice metalflake in it. But of course, I have it polished near to death.  

[ripdaddy]

  You can't be in N. Ireland.....the sun is shining.

[maddjack]

Trying to catch my wife on wide-open roads, I've found that's not the case.  The 650 engine will do 85 all day long.

Yes it can, ran mine across Kansas 85 to 90 all day

[Bravo12]

I haven't found it lacking in power. You just have to learn how to ride it, compared to larger-displacement bikes. I mean, it's a 650, so more down-shifting is required than with a liter-bike. I'll happily downshift two gears to pass in order to get 50+mpg and lighter weight. I'm sure by the end of this summer, I'll wonder why I ever needed 100hp before.

Unless you're touring two-up, packing the kitchen sink, or taking on Ricky Gadson, the Versys has plenty of power.