It's Time to Sell My Kawasaki Versys 650.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ต.ค. 2024
- It was a very difficult decision to make, but I've decided it's time to sell my Kawasaki Versys 650. It's been a fantastic bike for me, loaded with all the features I wanted when I first bought it: comfort, long distance touring capability, plenty of power, side cases and other accessories, etc... Unfortunately, I've changed as a rider, and the Kawasaki Versys 650 no longer fits my needs in quite the same way.
My riding focus has shifted in a more off road direction, and the Kawasaki Versys off road capabilities are lacking in a few key areas. The 17 inch front wheel is a real liability when riding a Versys off road, as it makes it more difficult to overcome obstacles and to find decent off road tires for the Versys. I'm probably going to move toward a Suzuki V-Strom 650 if I can find a decent one. In the battle of Suzuki V-Strom vs Kawasaki Versys, at least in the off road category, the V-Strom is a clear winner in my book.
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2016 Kawasaki Versys LT
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2018 Honda Grom ABS
I have to apologize for referring to my Versys as a V-Strom a couple times there near the end of the video. Clearly I had 'Stroms on the brain.
the DR 650 is my preferred ride, I sold my DL 650, it was top heavy and costs more if you break it, it did ride well on the highway, not so much off road. Turning around on a fire road the DR was better all day
I have a fully equipped 2017 V-Strom 650 and my very equipped 2016 crf250l. Both are perfect for my needs that are very similar to yours. Now I will have more reasons to follow your channel.
Awesome! Glad to hear it's an effective combo. I hope to join the Stromtroopers soon!
Your original Versys clips were inspiration for me to get into these types of bikes! I've just completed the training and tests for my A2 license here in France. Picked up my Tracer 700 just last week for all the reasons you mentioned here. Very happy with the bike and the deal. Had to pick up the bike in the pouring rain!! Nice, on slick new tyres but we got home safe. Been out a couple of time already but as you said, January rain sucks ! Looking forward to your new bike adventures! Thx for your positive comments.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy your new bike.
I think the V-Stroms capabilities will still be a limiting factor to your style of riding, you might want to look at bikes like the Terere700,Ktm790 or Africa twin. Love ya vids
Tenere or Africa Twin would be my bike of choice if money were no object. Unfortunately, it is.
I appreciate you watching! So glad you're enjoying my shenanigans.
@@DorkintheRoad ttbbplppppn
Interesting that you are leaning back towards the vstrom. I did the Power test loop like you last year with the versys and vstrom back to back. I was leaning vstrom at the time having test ridden a few including the xt. The much shorter wheelbase, quicker handling, more responsive brakes, equal highway speed vibration, etc. made the versys my clear choice. Bought one soon after. Did a lot of gravel & dirt road riding last fall / summer. Wished for a smaller, lighter bike a few times but never thought a bulkier vstom 650xt w/19" front semi knobby would have been an improvement. Happy riding.
Yeah I was never thinking of the 'Strom as a super capable off roader. More a comfortable highway bike that could do some gravel roads and stuff if I wanted it to.
Ended up changing my mind and getting a bike that can do both: an Africa Twin ;)
@@DorkintheRoad Holy crap! Major throw down!
With your size it should be a good fit. Look forward to seeing what you think about it in comparison to the versys.
Careful of the slippery asphalt after all the rain.
Well explained and completely understandable decision from your point of view. Good luck, lots of fun with the new bike and ride save!
Thank you!
Wow, Dork. You and I both got our orange, 2016 Versys about the same time. I came to the exact same conclusions after 20,000 kms on my Versys. Great bike loved it, but I was also leaning towards more off pavement touring. I have a new F850 GS in the garage now. Can't wait for spring! Good luck man.
Congrats on your new bike! I'd love a BMW myself but I'm afraid it's a bit out of my price range.
Dork in the Road Thx, to be honest I picked up the F850GS end of the season, it was a corporate demo. Major discount $ they gave me a good buck for the Versys so in the end it was fairly doable... good luck with finding your new bike Dork.
Very well thought out, all great points, and good advice for all riders, taking a hard look at what kind of rider you want to be and look at the options of bikes to get you there. I would be interested, but, I already have my versys and a goldwing, and the wife says I cant have any more bikes, but, I am secretly looking for a dual sport , just trying to find a good spot to hide it when I do...keep up the good work, and good luck on the new one....two wheels down..
You can feel free to hide any extra bikes in my garage....so long as you don't mind me riding them occasionally...
It's strange how riding style changes as u grow as a rider I watched all you vids before I got my versys but I'm selling mine in the spring also . It kinda sucks thinking about selling it makes me think of all the fun I had on it learning to ride .
Just because I t was the perfect bike for the rider you were then, doesn't mean it's still the right choice for the rider you are now 😀
Yeah man and you realize you want to fully experience something different and you want to go faster on pavement or feel more torgue at lower rpms or rip up some dirt trails. Two wheels are soul inspiring.
Sorry to hear you’re giving up the versys. I myself have a ‘14 and absolutely love it. But sometimes you need something new or a change. Good luck in your journey finding that next great ride 👍😁
Thanks!
Also dude yes I've been wanting a dual sport group ride 👍👍👍👍 if we make it camping I'll strap a keg to the DRZ 😉
Just gotta wait until the snow melts now.
Keg on a DRZ? That's a whole video by itself.
Awesome video. I have been thinking about those 2 bikes and nice to hear your points of view .
Thanks for watching!
I first found your channel, because I was looking for Versys videos - that was back when you first got your Versys, and I watched those videos over and over, jealous, until I finally got a Versys of my own. I'm probably going to be selling it, as well, before too long, mainly because it's a "learner" model (I'm in Australia), and so it has about 20% less horsepower than yours does, and I can really feel the difference. I'm probably going to be looking at the Triumph Tiger line for my next bike, either the 800 or 900, depending on how expensive the 900 is; the GS 850 will be a contender as well. I'm not concerned at all with going off road, so I'll be looking at more road friendly models.
I will say, Kawasaki would definitely keep me as a rider if they would upgrade the Versys with the stuff the Versys 1000 now has. I've always ridden Kawasakis, and I'd love to stay with Team Green, but I do want some of the newer features, but I don't want a litre bike. The 650-850 range is right in my wheelhouse, and the Triumphs really speak to me.
The Tigers are super popular around here and for good reason. I'm sure you'll love it.
What ever you get , I'm headed to Colorado in August from Tennessee I'll meet you there and we'll have a cigar and a drink! On my GS.
Colorado would be epic! Have a great trip. Save me a Mr. Puff Puff ;)
You may want to also consider a used, low mileage, BMW F800 GS. Would be even better off road than the V-Strom, but still able to handle highway speeds.
BMWs intrigue me. I'd definitely be interested if I found one in the right price range.
Good for you, I am going to get Versys 1000 SE, got 650 now.
Man those new Versys 1000s are super sweet looking.
I wonder if the Strom is going to be enough different from the Versys to make it worth the move? You might consider something even more off-road capable. You know you love the 250 Dual sport, so maybe you'd like a KLR 650, or DR, or maybe Himalayan would be more what you're looking for.
I've considered a KLR. I'm open to quite a few options, but the Strom has been my favorite of what I've ridden.
@@DorkintheRoad It was my thought too considering what you like to do, that a KLR or DR with all the ADV kit on it might fit your style better. But I've got pretty much 0 off road time so you probably got a better handle on that than me anyway. ;) Also it seems people in this corner of the country are REALLY proud of their used dual sport and ADV bikes. Love your Vids by the way keep them coming please!
Hey just got my second bike 2011 klr 650 (first bike was a falling apart 82 yammie maxim 650 that I rode for about 2 mo) does anyone have Experiance with the klr and dr? The klr just feels a bit sketchy at speeds above 75-80 is this just me? Is the dr handle and ride a little better at highway speed honestly have been wholly considering a strom or versys.
Without the Versys you're dead to me...
But I'll still subscribe and see what you get up to now and then.. all good.
At the end of the vid you‘re calling your Versys a V-Strom.... TWICE!!! 😉
Sad to hear, you‘re parting ways but I understand your reasons. Speaking of reasons, your Versys Videos gave me a lot of good ones to buy my own Versys last summer. Thanks a lot for all your advice. The Versys is a great bike. Even though I have to admit, that I‘m head over heels in love with the BMW F850 GS Adventure since I took a test ride... unfortunately she costs a freakin fortune... but ... well... you Never can tell... uhm...
Yeah I caught that mistake in editing but there wasn't much I could do about it so I was hoping nobody would notice....so much for that...
I'm glad you're enjoying your Versys. Like I said, nothing wrong with it, I just don't think it fits my needs quite as well anymore.
That 850 is a sweet bike...
Really makes it bark, roars off wall, cars guardrail on the right, wouldn't leave home without it!
Good luck on your new bike. Moto-shopping is always fun.
It's always an adventure, for sure. Thanks!
I’d just get a larger tank for the CRF250L. I get close to 400kms per tankful and I’ve adventure toured on mine with no issues at all.
It'll do in a pinch, for sure, but I'm really wanting something more road comfortable. I'm not as hardcore as you ;)
Dork in the Road you mean “hard-assed”.......riding that seat any distance. Hoping to upgrade my seat before this summer, have two epic adventures planned.
Hi mate, I too own a 2015 versus 650 and have to agree with you. If only they had been built with the 19 inch front wheel then they really would be a versatile bike. I have ridden my brothers vstrom and found it good to ride. It seems a bit longer than my bike and seems smoother at low speed. It has more seat space to carry camping gear. Tyre selection is much easier . I have thought about fitting a higher profile Tyre on the versys but the front gaurd needs to be raised. So yes I am also thinking of a vstrom or a gs 800. It is a hard decision good luck look forward to seeing how you go.
Yeah if the Versys had the bigger front wheel I'd be sticking with it for sure.
I wanted a bigger version of my BMW 310 GS but not a hyper expensive bigger BMW . So, checked out the V Strom 650. Nice bike but virtually no feedback from the front suspension. Plus much costlier than the Versys with its adjustable front.
If you ride off road a lot, you might like to see a KLR with that brilliant chuggable engine, convert it to tubeless tyres and there you are.
A lot of people are suggesting the KLR. I may have to go test ride one. ;)
You'll be sorry. V-Strom is not an off-roader either and the Versys is a better road bike.
Yeah I know it's not a super amazing off roader, but for the forest road stuff I'm hoping to do with it, I think it'll do fine.
Bikes change, all the while the great content remains it is all good in the hood mate! :-)
I appreciate your support as always!
I imagine your followers are far less worried about the bike you ride, just as long as you ride a bike! :-)
I went from a 650 Versys to 1,000 V-Strom. Honestly if you're wanting more off-road compatibility, Strom isn't the way to go. Not that much better than a Versys. I love my Strom, don't get me wrong, but it's BARELY more capable off-road, and I've got all the "Farkles" for off-road.
Yeah I'm not thinking it'll be like WAY better or anything, but if I find a 'Strom with a lot of the off road stuff on it already, I'll gain capability without having to pay all the money to add it to my Versys, and have the slight advantages of the V-Strom on top of that.
I know your post is old but I want to know if the Versys 650 is able to jump curbs easily, because that is something I often find myself having to do where I live.
I just watched your love/hate videos yesterday hehe. Sad, I'm gonna get myself a GT version this summer though
Hopefully you'll still hang out and be part of other future shenanigans!
I love my kawa 650 too, but I definitely agree, this is not an off road motorcycle. However, my boyfriend has a v-strom 650, so I have the opportunity to ride both, but find not big differences; so I would take a look to some of the comments recommendations... Africa T. Or the Tenere, they may serve better for the purpose of your riding. :) thanks for previous videos.
If money were no object, I'd definitely be buying a Tenere or an Africa Twin. Unfortunately, they're both about twice as much as I'm able to spend. :(
The vstrom is a more spacious bike. It just feels physically bigger. If your tall & consider the versys a bit cramped. You most likely prefer the Vstrom. You may as well get the 1000cc
Interesting video. I have a soft spot for Kawasakis and the Versys. Have ridden a couple and also done a trip on the Vstrom 650. Not sure it's a big enough jump in the adv category but I get where you're coming from. I ended up picking up an older R1150GSA and I'm fairly happy with it. It's surprisingly good off road but a lot of bike to handle because it's so tall... Has me thinking of getting a Versys and a KLX250 instead because the proper dual sport is better off road and the Versys is good on road... arg.. decisions decisions...
KLX + Versys would be a great combo! Similar to my current Versys + CRF250L combo.
It's all good man. I've loved my crf250 but I'm living down country roads with a 60-70 mph speed limit. And the 250L is a little small for that. So I might sell it soon and get the 450L. Which came out little bit after I had bought my 250L.
450L looks like a sweet bike. Let me know how you like it if you get one. ;)
I’ve owned my 450L for a year, now. It’s excellent. The KTM guys will never admit it’s far smoother an the freeway. If you get one, I think the Vortex ECU and pipe are a must.
@@jasonbarton7189 I've heard the same things on thumper talk. But I'm only holding out for now because I'm hoping for Honda to make a 450 rally. 😁
Jim Redtalon that would be sweet. There’s an Italian company that makes a rally kit for the tune of eight thousand bucks! I can buy a second bike for that much.
Best way to ensure they make one is to buy the 450L because you just know they'll announce the rally like the next day. ;)
So, I'm pretty sure that your not saying that the V-Strom is a vastly superior off road machine but rather getting one that has most or all of the off road upgrades would be more cost efficient then upgrading the Versys as well as getting the slightly more off road capability of the V-Strom...is that the thought behind it? I think some of the viewers have incorrectly come to the conclusion that you feel that the V-Strom is worlds better then the Versys. I agree with you for sure! With the two bikes set up for off road the V-Strom will be a little bit more capable. Not trying to spam on your channel but, my last video was of a hwy/back road trip with me on my V-Strom and my friend on his Versys and I will say, the Versys didn't miss a beat! We had a conversation about which one we would ultimately choose for what we were doing and we both would choose the V-Strom. Having ridden them both on that trip I was definitely not disappointed with the Versys! We were running Shinko 705s on both bikes and we agreed that some more off road style tires would have made the off road parts more enjoyable! Sorry for the long comment! The V-Strom is awesome!! But then again...so is the Versys...
Yes, thank you. That's exactly it. You said it better than I did in the video, clearly. ;)
I'll check out your video. I appreciate your insight.
I just watched your trailer and subbed based on that alone. Great stuff!
@@DorkintheRoad Right on! Thanks! My friend in the video and I have both been subbed to your channel for a while now! He lives in Vancouver prob not too far from you!
You'll love the vstroms, I've had both and I like the smaller 650 better.
I bought a Versys in 2015......ended up hating it. Sold it after a year.. Vibratey and buffety... Bought a Vstrom last summer, and ended up finding it big and heavy(fully farkled and must've weighed 600 pounds or more...you dont wanna drop that sucker on the trails!!!) and BORING...lol Sold after 1 summer. Just gonna stick with the 250L now for a while ;) Sounds like you need an Africa Twin...
Africa Twin is basically my dream bike. I'd love to own one.
While I know it’s not the budget but the 2020 VStrom is just a sweet looking bike...and it’s not like you can’t build one up to look similar
New 'stroms are sweet for sure!
Power Yamaha has a few vstroms.... I love my versys but have been feeling the same. Been looking at the tenera 700. But it won't be here till late summer. If you plan a dual sport ride My XT225 and I will be there.
Tenere is a sweet bike.
I love love love my versys. But i too yearn for that true ADV bike. I keep thinking about a tenere 700 even though ive never driven off road haha.
I ave a vstrom 650 as does another co worker. It's definitely an upright street bike. Reliable, great fuel economy, not buzzy ever. Dirt roads will be fine. Look at something lighter. Maybe the ktm 790 adventure, maybe a tenere 700. Maybe even a versys 300x.
I'd love a Tenere 700, but they're about twice as much as I'm willing to spend. Finding a decently-equipped adventure bike for 5k kinda limits me to KLR/Vstrom and the like, I fear.
Hi Dork, since I'm home in isolation I just came across your post where you've sold the Versys for a Honda AT. I'm disapointed since I have a Versys & I've always enjoyed your posts, comments & espeically the seat heigh mod whch i copied from your video. I understand your desire to go off road but as an old timer (in my 70's), I've done the off road stuff many years back & I realized that as I got older falling off on the dirt started to hurt more & more & required longer & longer to recover. Not to say you're too old for off road fun but be careful, just a few words of wisdom from an old timer who now sticks to tarmac riding. Take care, I've always enjoyed your posts.
I tend to take it pretty easy off road for just this reason. In my mind, it's safer than riding on the street, though, because you don't have all those other drivers to contend with. T
Get a harley and pay towing.... Owned 2 and they always broke down...My Verdys never did... Your choice.... We all need a test ride..
Yeah Harley is pretty low on the list of bikes that I'd consider. I actually just bought an Africa Twin and I'm super happy with it so far.
I'd wait for the Yamaha Tenere 700 the CP2 motor is wonderful. And the handling off road is much better then the V-Strom. This is coming from a Kawasaki guy.
Tenere looks like such an awesome bike. I wish I could afford one.
Hi, have you heard Benelli TRK 502x? I'm currently on the verge choosing Versys650 or TRK502x.. youtube algorithm kicks in so i stumbled upon your channel.. cheers! ✌️
Not sure if you have a reliable Benelli dealer on your country.. but I'm from the Philippines, Benelli just entered our market last 2019, their bikes looks promising and also the after sales. they are aggressive putting store on every vital cities in my country so i'm considering to buy my next bike from them.. but for Kawasaki Versys it will be no brainer here since that brand is the most reputable on bigbike segment on our country.
@@iamgerwin They are pretty hard to find around here, unfortunately. I appreciate the suggestion, though.
@@DorkintheRoad Oky I see, Vstrom and Tenere do have premium price in my country it's either to choose Kawasaki or settle with some Chinese(Benelli, CFMoto etc..) bigbikes so we can cruise on the expressways, for much affordable price.. anyway, hope you get the bike that suit your needs! 👍
sad to see you get rid of the versys. It is a such a great bike. But I understand if you plan to do most of your riding off road. For me, there is almost no opportunity for off road riding in our area and if I did I'd stick to a dual sport. Kind of feel like that is what you already have with honda and kawi. Unless you are wanting to ride fire roads faster or need heavier bike for longer rides, then I certainly see the need for upgrading long term.
I'd like to do longer trips with a lot of off road, but still somewhat comfortable on the road.
I'll miss the Versys, for sure.
I would say this bike is totally fine for dirt roads with good tires but once you get into ungraded roads or single track, definitely might want something else. Just my two cents!
what wind screen is that? Stock screen is very noisy, I could barely heard the wind. Just bought a 2019 650 Versys from powers, 245 miles.
It's this one: th-cam.com/video/Bi4gPsaJ818/w-d-xo.html It does a good job, but the Givi is actually better as far as wind goes. It's not as cool looking, though. Here's my video on the Givi: th-cam.com/video/vAmZJKCgJoU/w-d-xo.html
Wise decision. Now you can get a stretched turbo 'busa with knobbies. Do they make a 300+ knobby tire?
How hard do you think it would be to turn it into a trike?
you should keep the Verysy and look into a used KTM 950 or 990 or KRL 650 for some dual-sport fun. This what I did an I have all three and don't regret it. Why buy something fairly new to dual sport rides. Have one of each.
Well you should watch VERSYS MAN channel and see what madness this guy do with versys storm cb the real dare devil skilled rider taking no excuses on hard enduro's with so this called street bikes
I would highly reccomend atleast looking at the ktm 790 adventure R, from what you said you want to do the 790 would be a better bike, its easier to pick up than a strom and it has more user friendly tech in it stock, it may be out of your price range but please take a look at it. Wish I wasn't so far away that group ride would be a blast
KTM would definitely be the most capable, but like you said price is a concern. I'm open to all possibilities, though, and keeping my eyes open.
Put a lot of miles on 2 V-Strom s and a Versys is in the same boat, street bike s that can do dirt roads. Im from a dirt rider back ground and yes you need a 21 " front wheel, suspension (more) and probably a single engine for less width. So just get a actual trailbike you can leagalize. DR 650?
The DR is pretty similar to my CRF250L. I'm really looking for something that is super comfortable on the road and semi-capable off road. Definitely looking for something more road-focused as a replacement for the Versys.
If the Versys no longer meets your needs due to not "off-roady" enough go Africa Twin. I know you're thinking on paper it's 40lbs more so it weighs too much. How much is the v-strom going to weigh by the time you add skid plates, crash bars, center stand etc etc. With the AT you get 21" front much more suspension; it's just going to be the bigger better on the road CRF that you want.
Africa Twin is my dream bike. If I could afford it I'd have one already
@@DorkintheRoad brand new left-over 2017s under 9k: www.motosporthillsboro.com/default.asp?page=xAllInventory&noredir=1&unitid=7522914#page=xAllInventory&make=honda&model=africa%20twin%20crf1000l
I don't remember your model year but you should be able to get 3500 for your versys no problem if it was 2009ish so probably more.
Yeah the problem is my bike isn't paid for, so I'll probably be selling it for just over what I owe. I'm trying to stay somewhere around 5k, so as much as I'd love to go AT, I just don't think it's going to be possible for a while.
@@DorkintheRoad Maybe an older F800GS then? I know it's not from the big 4 but I feel it's more suited to what you will do. I just have a feeling that the Vstrom isn't different enough from the Versys.
@@DorkintheRoad on another note (content creation) I think a lot of your channel success has to do with motorcyclist magazine raves on the versys and no one is creating content riding it. That's how I ended up a sub and with a 09 versys. So maybe consider a Versys-X simply because I think there is a content void on that bike actually being used by an owner.
Buying new stuff renews your spirit. Can always trade back if the strom sucks.
That's a great way to look at it.
You need to get a bike with cruise.control. you will love it.
Sorry to hear your getting rid of the versys. Would you consider selling me you wind screen so I can put it to good use.
I'd be happy to sell you the Givi screen. I'm gonna leave the Ermax on the bike when I sell it I think.
@@DorkintheRoad I live in right outside Dallas. What would you want for it shipped to me?
I see you still have the Ermax screen on, any more comments about how it performs as compared to the Givi? I'm wondering if I should make this change, I don't like the looks of the Givi but I need wind protection (silence and no helmet buffeting more particularly). If Ermax doesn't work, it would be waste of some perfectly good 125 Euros.
Ermax looks way cooler in my opinion and is way better than stock, but you definitely get more wind around the sides than the Givi.
If I were keeping the bike, I'd put the Givi back on because it's better for filming/sound. If I were not a motovlogger, I'd stick with the Ermax because it does a good job and looks way better, in my opinion.
No apology needed.
I have watched a few TH-cam review videos, that compare the Kawasaki Versys 650, to the Suzuki 650 Vstrom, and the BMW F650GS.
The Versys always seems to be the riders choice because of it's nimble road handling ability that is derived from having a solid 17" front wheel, rather than a 19" spoked front wheel that the Vstrom and the F650GS both have.
I wouldn't trade my Versys 650 for either of those motorcycles.
I'd only trade my Versys for a newer Versys !
Sad, you will miss the Comfort, Presence and looks of the Versys...
It's a great bike. Just not what I need anymore
I think the T700 comes out this year. If I were looking for an off road focused adventure bike...
Honestly, that's pretty much exactly the bike I want, but it's going to be way out of my price range for a few years, unfortunately.
Where is the traffic? Was there a zombie apocalypse? The only time UK roads are like that is 2pm Christmas Day. Jealous 😀
This is a super back road in the middle of miles of farmer's fields. I'm super lucky to live so close to the edge of town where I can get out here quickly.
You describe your viewers as "fans". Clearly you think highly enough of yourself. Just a thought. I do enjoy your videos though. Thanks!
If you're referring to 7:42, what I said was "I don't want to get all 'too cool for my fans(-y).' I wasn't using the term literally.
Believe me, I have no idea why anyone would go so far as to pretend to want to buy my bike just to meet me. I'm aware that I'm nowhere near that interesting.
I'm glad to hear you enjoy my ramblings, though. Thanks for watching.
New subscriber
Nice videos
I own a Honda nc700x and I have the same problem. I want to try more offroad. I like Africa twin but it is far too expensive for me.
I love the AT, too. I wish used ones were a little cheaper
I miss my Versys and someday I could see another in my stable, especially the 1000. Would make a great commuter bike not that my bagger isn't.
I came for the Versys content, staying for what's ahead.
I appreciate that! I hope you enjoy what's to come.
Because you live in the states and you're being gouged. Thailand is the place to be for everything regarding bikes, riding, weather and living. .besides that you would if been better-off with the 650-especially the 2020 model.
Did you sell your Versys? What part of the country do you reside?
What about the cb500x ? Cheap and with a few upgrades will be ok
It's on the list of possibilities. Just not as many used ones out there with all the stuff I want on them.
May never see this bit i almost bougjt one of these instead of my klr,im now revisiting the versys idea as the klr is too much adv bike and not good for regular riding lol
The new Yahama Tenere 700 would be a spicy alternative for off roading. Much lighter and more capable than a V-Strom. But also more costly than one of the 100000 used V-Stroms on the market...
Agreed. Tenere is pretty much perfect for what I want. I wish I could afford one.
I traded my 2014 Versys in for a 2014 KLR650. Almost 7000 miles and an aftermarket seat and no reqrets
Is it comfortable on the road long distances? Have you had any trouble with the carb? I've thought about a KLR but I've also heard they're buzzy and uncomfortable at highway speeds.
Dork in the Road it’s not as smooth as the Versys but I commute mine in the summer on the interstate at 70-75. It’s a 2014.5 new edition so it has better suspension Than earlier models. 26000 miles on it and no oil consumption. The Sargent seat made a extreme improvement for my finicky butt. I’ve put over 300 miles on it in a single day. I haven’t had any problems with the carb. It’s my bike for pavement and gravel/creek crossings. But if the days is going to be mostly grovel and creek crossings then I jump on my 250l
Interesting. My other worry is that it would be too similar to my 250 and I'd end up never riding the CRF. You find that they're different enough and have distinct enough purposes that that isn't the case?
Dork in the Road I can get my stock CRF250L up to 78 on the interstate as well I commute to work on it. On my gravel paths I prefer the 250l because it lighter and I’m more comfortable on it. Plus my 250l fits on a carrier on the back of my van. I was going to ride my KLR from Indiana to the Tale Of The Dragon last year but opted to carry my 250L there instead. It was a blast. My but is finicky and I found the Versys very uncomfortable. I like that the KLR has a flat seat that I can slide back on and change riding positions but that’s just me. Everybody has there on preferences. I also live the simplicity of the KLR and that I can work on it if I need to
You inspired me to give the KLR a shot. I test rode one yesterday. Keep an eye out for the video 😉
Have you considered the Honda CB500X? 2019 on have a 19” front wheel. I’m considering this to supplement my 450L.
I've considered it. Honestly, I wish that had been my first bike instead of the 500F. If I found a decently-farkled 500X I'd definitely consider buying it.
Dork in the Road , I’m not sure, but I think it’s lighter than the VStrom 650; to me, that’s important as I find myself picking my bike up off the ground often. On the other hand, I think the VStrom has more pep.
Excellent point
The strom is not a great off road bike either. Its a hair better than the Versys but thats it. The header/pipes runs underneath it about 6.5 inches off the ground. With skid plate maby 5.5 inches of ground clearance. And being really top heavy your off roading experience is going to be limited.
Why I love my Vstrom 650. Its super comfortable, gets great fuel mileage, last forever with little maintenance, a great all around bike. Great commuter. I use it for everything.
The downside is they are top heavy. One the pavement you dont notice it, off road is when that huge (mine is 5.8 gallen) fuel tank takes its toll. They are kind of ugly, one again you get used to its ugliness, and even look fondly upon its ugliness over time.
Comfort and reliability are huge for me, which is what led me to the 'Strom in the first place. I know it's not going to be amazing off road, but if I can find one decently equipped, it'll definitely be better than my Versys is now.
Where are you located at bro
Is the Versys not a sport tourer?
That's probably the more accurate term, yeah.
7:18 The dork offers to sell a Vstrom (that he hasn't bought, yet)
Lol ! Good job dork.
Nobody's perfect. Putting together coherent thoughts while riding is hard sometimes
So CRF450L ¿ LoL . I ended up getting one, still collecting before I take it out :-)
I'd love to own one, but that would probably be a replacement for the 250L, rather than the Versys.
Big Dork, Vstrom is marginal off road, get an Africa Twin. As a tall rider, the Africa Twin is most comfortable, Versys 650 is a bit less comfortable and the Vstrom 650 is cramped with its high pegs. I’ve riden all 3 and the AT is better in all regards.
I love the AT. I wish I could afford one. Unfortunately, they're about twice as much as I'm looking to spend.
Dork in the Road I think you could get a good condition fully loaded with side cases used Africa twin for $10,000 out the door. What are your thoughts on selling both your Versys 650 and the your Honda CR 250l enduro for the Africa Twin that will fulfill both on road and off road roles? Just throwing out ideas, good luck to sir, whatever you decide.
I've considered it, but I don't want to give up the trail riding stuff I do occasionally and I really wouldn't be comfortable taking my $10k Africa Twin on the trails. Once I've got these bikes paid down a bit more I might think about moving into something nicer and more expensive.
Dork in the Road good logic, and you said trails, for me the Africa Twin is a
Ok on dirt roads but a heavy beast trail riding as will be the less dirt worthy VStrom 650. Certainly lighter is better for trails.
What year is your Versys?
Get a triumph tiger !! Does everything
Tigers are super popular around here. I've heard great things.
@@DorkintheRoad I have been told the 2020 version is even better
fair enough, so not that you didn't like it just needed different style
I put a two brothers pipe, live it , rode to Mexico, still her e
That's one option I hadn't yet considered.
Nooooo!
It's okay... She's going to a better place
Aaaargh! The it’s not you, it’s me.... lol
It's a bit cliche...but it's true.
Interested 😍
I'd love to see it go to someone I know is awesome, like you. Bonus: you're actually close enough to me geographically.
@@DorkintheRoad it's quite tempting since I'm planning on doing a road trip out east 😁 and the VFR800 is definitely showing her years. I don't know if my bum can take a cross country trip on the DRZ 😭
What about a Yamaha Tenere or Super Tenere?
Super Tenere is a bit bigger than I was thinking but if I found one in my price range (long shot), I'd definitely consider it. I love the Tenere 700 but also more than I'm looking to spend right now.
It's not you it's me .
You posted this on my birthday. Sell it to me im the chosen one.
Seems like a pretty good birthday present.
If I sell mine it will be for a Tenere 700. The 650 and 250 Rally will both be sold for the T7.
Tenere is a sick looking bike. It looks pretty much perfect.
Stay away. Heavy gear hammers between 2000 and 4000 rpm. Unridable in roundabouts, ~30km/h-curves, turns after halt, curves in narrow paths uphill. Have to ride like a rookie, carefullyiest, no smoothness whatsoever, in these situations. what an effing nuisance is this machine cs of that.
Yeah it definitely has a lot of jerkiness down low and when shifting. Definitely something to be aware of.
Why !!!
Good question. Maybe I should make a video that answers it...
;)
Winter? What winter?
This one: th-cam.com/video/yw7B18cj_Hk/w-d-xo.html
Bye bye Versys!
She's still here if you know anyone local who's looking to buy one 😀
i`~Like✔️✔️ These Kinda Reviews, Yes.
I keep my farkles next to my doodads thingamajigs and dohickies right above the shelf holding the widgets whatnots and chingadera . Now you know ,
I appreciate you clearing that up
@@DorkintheRoad
No prob . Since you already have its baby brother sort of maybe the Africa Twin in whatever version appeals to you . I am going to get the Tenere 700 when it comes out this spring (I hope) then in a couple years move up to a Twin .
I love the Twin. Wish it was a little less expensive.
@@DorkintheRoad
5000 down and pay it off in 2 years or so . I like the standard more offroad version with DCT . It starts at 15,199 down here in Northern California . After all is said and done it probably will cost about 17,000
. Really like that Tenere 700 . I am stepping up from the DR650 . Barely have that bike down but the Tenere is just so nice , lots of great videos and reviews .
tiger 800 xc
Tenere 700?
Great bike. Wish I could afford one.
Africa twin or don't buy
Love the AT. Wish I could afford it.
@@DorkintheRoad same. I was hoping to live through you lol
Tenere 700
From everything I've read, the Tenere is exactly what I want. I wish it was not so expensive. Someday!