Trading in the Sprint for a Versys today

[glockster]

I surprised myself by deciding to trade in my beloved Sprint this week.  Finally came to the realization that 80% of my time (not miles) on a bike are commuting and running around the local countryside (Iowa= straight roads) and the Sprint really isn't the ideal bike for that.  I ride every day there isn't snow on the highway also live 1.5 miles from the nearest paved road.

I'm planning on picking up a low miles 09 Versys later today.  Another sign I'm getting old I guess, trading power, speed and cool factor for comfort and practicality and economy.

I am looking forward to getting the Versys down to Arkansas or Deals Gap yet this fall.  I've been riding the Sprint down there and that big old beast wears me out on tight roads like that.

Hopefully I won't regret the decision

[Rincewind]

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.  The Versys is well respected and should serve you well.  Good luck and don't forget to do a ride report on your first trip!  

[Testcase]

ONE OF US...

[glockster]

ONE OF US...

???

[Oxblood]

Iffin you like the Versys, you will LOOOVE the Wee Strom.

[Testcase]

???

Versys riders

[Roadscum]

Getting a new bike is always a fun and exciting. The Versys is a very capable bike and should bring you many miles of smiles!
Ride well, ride far, ride safe...  

Regards, Paul

[Giaka]

Wait for the Versys 1000.

[xsrider]

You'll have fun.  The torque from the 650 twin is a lot of fun.  

[bassjones]

Wait for the Versys 1000.

Is that going to be a 2013 release?

[eye.surgeon]

You won't regret moving from a traditional ST bike to an adventure touring bike. They make more sense for many sport touring riders. I bailed on my K1200GT and haven't looked back, first a wee strom and then a multistrada.

[falconati]

When I lived in Iowa City, I had a BMW F 650GS (back when it was the thumper engine).  It was a great bike for those roads.

[glockster]

So I've had the Versys a week now and no regrets.  It's a fantastic bike.  Once or twice I've missed the extra 60HP but in reality I don't need it.  Had the Sprint at deals gap last month and I'm pretty confident the Versys would be faster on a road like that.  Handling and comfort are great.  Only real issues are an uncomfortable (for me) seat and the exhaust is too quiet.

[Oxman]

the versys is a great all round bike ...loves to be ridden fast in the twisty,s too   I have had the low gel seat and hated it so back to the stock seat i went with no problems .. if the stock exhaust is to quiet then slap on a two Bros pipe ...you loose about 8-9 lbs and get a nice little shot of wheelie power    

[Bravo12]

I just got back from riding my '09 Versys over 4k miles in 13 days. We rode up to Radisson, Quebec, atop the James Bay Road. Other than the stock seat, the bike is very competent in all aspects: commuting, touring, sport riding, and does it well on gravel- and dirt roads as well. It's the new type of standard bike, adding a bit of adventure-bike to the mix. But make no mistake: it's a street bike, not a dual-sport by any means. And that suits my riding/touring style perfectly.

Look to replacing/reupholstering the stock seat, pick up the Givi V35 side cases if the bike doesn't come with them, and have fun. Check out the MotoWerk site, too, for some cool accessories.

I like my Versys lots. It blue.

[num1husker]

I surprised myself by deciding to trade in my beloved Sprint this week.  Finally came to the realization that 80% of my time (not miles) on a bike are commuting and running around the local countryside (Iowa= straight roads) and the Sprint really isn't the ideal bike for that.  I ride every day there isn't snow on the highway also live 1.5 miles from the nearest paved road.

I'm planning on picking up a low miles 09 Versys later today.  Another sign I'm getting old I guess, trading power, speed and cool factor for comfort and practicality and economy.

I am looking forward to getting the Versys down to Arkansas or Deals Gap yet this fall.  I've been riding the Sprint down there and that big old beast wears me out on tight roads like that.

Hopefully I won't regret the decision

glockster

yep, kind of did the same thing , I came to the realization that I like the comfort and ergonomics of a more standard bike with lot's of amenities as well so I bought a NTX and added it to the stable. One word kind of describes this bike "uncompromising"   all my other bikes have their own good qualities but one of them is not long range comfort. I did keep the sprint ST but it has more of a directional purpose now.

you will like the versys, I have a few friends that ride them and a matter of fact one of them set his up for a long haul and took his to the article circle and had a great trip with no issues at all.

[Giaka]

  Only real issues are an uncomfortable (for me) seat and the exhaust is too quiet.

Yo...I love this thing, not loud, not quiet.





And this mod makes a HUGE difference.

[Badwolf]

I have 50K on my 08 Versys. I have enjoyed it every day.

[Doug Just Doug]

Wait for the Versys 1000.

Not if you believe the UK mags that have tested it. They hold the 650 in high regard but are very meh about the 1000 (wasn't that also the case here with the SV?).  Haven't ridden either one; just relaying info.

[maddjack]

My Versys is my weapon of choice more and more often.Its just a good all arounder.