Vstrom v Versys

[Stuart]

Although I really, really like my 2010, DL650X, which I've had since new, and although it's done exactly what's been asked of it, I've never been impressed with the finish...regardless of how well it's been looked after.  Never liked the Versys 650...till the new revamp!  Much, much better, with great reviews, and in its (colour matched pannier/top box) "tourer" guise, pretty well priced.  I think this'll give Suzuki a run for its money!!

[neep]

yeah it is a pretty thing, also the Tracer 09 looks the business too. Good year for adventure bikes

[UK_Vstrom650]

My brother has just put a deposit down on a new 650 Versys - picks it up next week - it does look better than the Glee (finish etc). The only thing against Kawasaki at the moment is their service intervals are every 3,800 miles whereas Suzuki have just put theirs up to 7,500, but I've fed that back to Kawasaki (I.e. they're behind the competition)

Once he's passed the running in mileage I'll post a review. Will post pics next weekend once he's collected it (suppose I best clean the Glee...)

[Gassoon]

Looks like an improvement over the old versys, and would be great for touring, but I know my wife would give it the thumbs down because of the height of the pillion seat. Just a personal thing, I suppose, as is the specific ergonomics for the rider, too.

I know the strom isn't an off-road bike, but many have been taken (and will be again) into some mild (and some wild) lanes, paths, tracks...and just looking at the Versys, I know I would not dare take it the same places I would take the Strom (old version).

However - it does look good, in terms of spec, finish etc.  

[biglad]

Completely agree with the comments on Suzuki's finish- its the worst I've ever seen. My bike is two years old, been acf'd and still looks like its been fished out the sea.

In 2005 I had a 1992 ZZR 600 which looked better than mine does now, and I looked after it less. I was at the Scottish bike show with my lad a few weeks back and sat on all the adventure bikes. The one which I really liked was the Versys 1000.

I test rode the versys when I was looking for my current bike and was impressed. Good engine, balanced handling,  but I just loved the v twin....

B..

[macamx]

I have had my bike for seven months and it will come as no surprise to anyone here that I rate it as one of the best motorcycle packages available. There is however a but, isn't there always. The finish is terrible, I really look after my bikes and take great pride in their condition and appearance but no matter what I do it is going downhill cosmetically at a rate of knots. Very very annoying.

Geoff.

[hookie]

Re. the Yamaha Tracer. Had a look at one last week and rather liked it. When the weather gets better I may well go and have a demo on it. Rode an MT09 last year and loved the engine but wasn't too keen on other parts of the bike. They don't seem to have exclusive dealerships here in France like is usual in the UK, and the same shop has the Kawasaki and Suzuki ranges all in the same showroom. They had the new 650 and 1000 Versys(s?) as well. So it's nice and easy to look at two or three bikes at the same time.

[grumps]

I had a look at a Tracer this weekend.

Nice package except the screen which looked like a real afterthought. Basically a slab of perspex with a couple of bends in it - awful! I don't know if thay all have that one but I for one would be changing it immediately.

I do like the new Versys though - a great looking bike.

[tallpaul]

Both the 650 Versys and the tracer feel small to me. The 1000 versys is better but I don't need anything that powerful. I'm still holding out for a 750 shaft drive Strom priced at £7000...

[UK_Vstrom650]

   tallpaul, I think you might be waiting a while...

[strop]

tall paul if you ever get your wish I would be buying the second one

[UK_Vstrom650]

My brother's new Versys and my Glee



He only picked it up yesterday so still running however the bike is nice enough. The only bit I don't like is the gear indicator as it isn't connected to the gears so gives false readings.

[Oop North John]

There's only bit I don't like is the gear indicator as it isn't connected to the gears so gives false readings.

Just like the much lauded Yamaha S10 which blanks the gear display when you pull the clutch lever  

[Witches70]

Having rode the 650 & 1000 versy and both of the 650 & 1000 stroms I brought the best one out of them all and that was the DL1000 by far, you can't beat a vtwin engine . The 1000 versy was the best out of Kawasaki bunch, but it wasn't for me .  Both of the 650 were lacking excitement , but the small vstrom rode better out of the 2 of the 650cc bikes.    You can't beat a vtwin engine                                                                                               Witches70