Not "my other bike" (yet) but had a test ride on one , surprised how "frisky" and "keen" it felt, handled well too , makes my 1150's seem quite staid and obese.... downsizing beckoning???? anybody esle done this? any regrets? John B
Not "my other bike" (yet) but had a test ride on one , surprised how "frisky" and "keen" it felt, handled well too , makes my 1150's seem quite staid and obese.... downsizing beckoning???? anybody esle done this? any regrets? John B
Yes, I've had one for over a year now. Great fun, reasonably cheap, economical, fun, light, flickable, pretty comfy, fun, cheap insurance, solid build quality and have I mentioned how much fun they are ?
It's not perfect tho'. The brakes are quiet average, but I've fitted S/S lines and different pads which improve things nicely. It's not that they won't stop you, but I prefer more bite. The seat is not too bad for comfort and the main complaint is creeping forward onto your nuts. I have fitted a customized seat to make things better. They are a bit vibey, more so the Gen1 models and I'm sure many BM riders would put this down to character. The stock Dunlops are crap and I have BT023's fitted which transforms the confidence I have in the handling.
There's a healthy amount of farkles available and so far, I've fitted :
Fender Extender
Hel S/S lines
Carbon Lorraine pads
SW-Motech Alu-Rack
SW-Motech adjustable footrests
KTM SMT handguards
Evo Tech rad guard
Evo Tech swingarm bobbins
R&G fork crash protectors
12V power supply
Heated grips
Stebel Magnum horn
HID light on the dip
Custom seat
So they're just as bad as GS's for spending money on.
Do I regret going from a 'big' bike to the Versys ? No. Right now, it suits my needs, I have no problems keeping up with the pack and for the money, it's been a good decision.
Have any of you Versys 650 riders tried the 1000cc version yet???
That is Good looking bike, Nice MX5 too
Try a BMW F800 first, fun to ride, light, frugal, just needs an extra disc up front to make it perfect. i'll be changing my 1200 for one next year,as its ideal for the B roads i enjoy to do recently
I've had the opportunity, but honestly can't be bothered. Although feedback and tests have been very positive, the thoughts of having another in-line four leaves me cold.
Thank you on both counts.
I actually took a trip over to Scotland yesterday as I bought a pair of Givi V35's of a Versys forum member who lives in Peebles. I had to borrow a mates Gen1 Versys as I haven't got the racks yet and he does. I did almost 320 miles averaging 66mpg and honestly can't say I'd have enjoyed it any more on something bigger/more expensive/faster etc. I went on up to South Queensferry to visit Schtum before zooming back to Cairnryan for the ferry home. It's just a brilliant wee bike.