So can the Versys go offroad? I think so. Not gonna be a great bike for extreme offroading or single track, but looks like with the right tires and protective gear a little off-road fun is easily accessible! Please ✅ Subscribe ✅& hit the 🔔 Notification Bell 🔔 if you're new to the channel, for more Tech Videos, Vlogs and Motorcycle related episodes coming in the next few days! Make sure to comment as well as we love hearing from you! Please make sure that your comments follow the TH-cam guidelines. All comments that are abusive or portray bullying will be immediately sent to TH-cam and removed from our channel.
Well, guys in Thailand have done some pretty hard enduro riding on the Versys 650, so I guess it most certainly can be done. Guys have even taken old Honda Goldwings on pretty hard enduro riding.
This road seems normal and smooth. I risked my 2024 versys 650 by crossing a hard mountain (toe to toe with gs 1250 and norden 900) in morocco just with road stock tires, it was difficult but feasible! By the way this capable bike surprised me. Thanks for this great video and expriment.
Cool video! I live in Kanata I run these roads often. I had a 2016 Versys for 3 years, great bike especially with the right tires, I had Avon Trailriders on mine, what a difference they made. I have since picked up an 19’ F850GS because I found that I loved the off pavement riding. Subscribed!
Thats awesome. I definitely like the Shinkos but are some other tires that i think i may try if i want to do some extra off road. Did you like the TrailRiders?
Cruisn Canada - Yes, for sure really liked the Avon Trail Riders much better handling and performance off road but I was also surprised that they felt awesome on the pavement as well. No wander or tracking when hitting cracks in the road. Just railed in the corners. Very good choice for the Versys in my opinion. Keep in mind it’s not a tire meant for deep sand or mud but perfect for the type of riding a Versys is capable of. Overall I was very impressed. 👍🏻
I totally agree! It was actually the reason that the Versys ended up in the garage. Went in looking at bikes and this one caught my eye. Ended up buying it.
Got as far as 5 span bridge in Pakenham then lost you. Where was you dirt located? Familiar with some of the roads in the White Lake area, (cottage,) so immediate recognition of the bridge. Any update on what broke on your buddy Joe's bike? Repairable or writeoff?
Michael Holmes yes, the rear shock mount pivot point snapped off of the swing arm. At 7:23 in the video there is a close-up of the triangular shaped shock mount/pivot point. You can see a shiny looking roller - that’s generally captured in the swing arm in a round receiver. Mine fractured in half, releasing the rear shock from the swing arm. I’ve talked to several longtime riders and mechanics: no one has ever heard of a swing arm failure like this 😳 I’m still setting the example 😎 I found a used swing arm on eBay - Big Ethel will be resurrected 👍
Amazing! Just starting to get into some OffRoad, but definitely having fun with it. More riding videos coming soon as the weather starts to improve. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
Just saw this, and didn't realize you were local. If you ever want to compare the Gen 3 Versys against the Gen 1, let me know. I have a 2008 Versys, and still love it after 12 years.
Hey I thought I saw your picture on an advertisement for "Crease" motorcycle side bags. If it was yourself ......what do you think of the bags? How do you think they would do with my exhaust on a 2005 r1200gs? It says they have a hear shield? Thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Andrew
It may have been me reviewing a different brand of the same bag. Those bags are fine for light carrying. I used them for a while just carrying small things back and forth to work on my previous bike, but I wouldn't use them to carry anything heavy or for long trips. If you want something to last definitely spend more and find a more reputable brand.
@@aduffett68 Right now I'm using hard bags that came with my Versys. If I can think of something or know someone that uses soft bags, especially on a GS ill let you know.
I enjoyed the video and potty Joe had a problem but he'll be there next time. Enjoyed the scenary too and the roads look quiet due to lockdown. Hope you do off-road again and show a video with Joe having fun with you and the other guys!
Probably ok, but really depends on the weather. If you get a lot of rain and mud id want something a little grippier. Probably the 805s. Just to be safe. Rather have a bit rougher ride on the pavement so i could get the extra traction in the dirt.
That's too bad for Joes 1000 V Strom..........as he said 110,000km's is not bad! I think you are exactly right on the money with the comments on the Shinko 705 there Greg. I run the same tires on my 650 V Strom and fully agree with everything you said about them. A hole lot of pavement and a little gravel road and that is it........and that is all I want to do with these bikes. If you want more dirt riding, then you should get a full on duel purpose.
for sure. if I could have 2 bikes I would probably have a big tourer and something like a KLR 650 or DR400, but only got funds (and garage room) for one. Both the Versys and the VStrom kind of let you play in both worlds!
@@gregtoope A buddy and I spent a couple hours exploring the day after you guys. So many good camping opportunities. That one big camping area would be an awesome time with a group of guys.
The main thing I didn’t like about the 705s on my versys was the weight. They made the bike feel very slow to turn and also they felt unsafe at freeway cruising speeds. I did get decent mileage out of them and the price wasn’t bad. The channels between the treads filled too easily with mud and wouldn’t clear so the tires were useless off-road if it was wet.
I dont notice the weight difference at all. And I ride a lot of highway with no feeling of them being unsafe by any means. I still feel that they are a great tire if you are doing mostly street with a little offroad. If you are wanting a dirt tire than you are going to end up with a tire that performs even worse on the street. If you want good wet off road tires, you are going to want something. closer to a 50/50 tire. but the street riding is gonna take a big hit.
Puse neumáticos shinko verge2x en mi versys y han funcionado bien, llevo 6000km con ellos y alrededor del 5% ha sido offroad. No son los mejores neumáticos para off Road, pero bajando un poco la presión funcionan.
i used to own a vstrom 1000. The larger front wheel was definitely a bonus off road, but it is a heavy bike. So i found it heavy if you got into tight stuff. But i know a lot of riders that ride VStrom 1000 bikes and do very well.
😂 That was my tought! This road seems normal and smooth. I risked my 2024 versys 650 by crossing a hard rocky mountain (toe to toe with gs 1250 and norden 900) in morocco just with road stock tires, it was difficult but feasible! By the way this capable bike surprised me.
So can the Versys go offroad? I think so. Not gonna be a great bike for extreme offroading or single track, but looks like with the right tires and protective gear a little off-road fun is easily accessible!
Please ✅ Subscribe ✅& hit the 🔔 Notification Bell 🔔 if you're new to the channel, for more Tech Videos, Vlogs and Motorcycle related episodes coming in the next few days! Make sure to comment as well as we love hearing from you!
Please make sure that your comments follow the TH-cam guidelines. All comments that are abusive or portray bullying will be immediately sent to TH-cam and removed from our channel.
Well, guys in Thailand have done some pretty hard enduro riding on the Versys 650, so I guess it most certainly can be done. Guys have even taken old Honda Goldwings on pretty hard enduro riding.
This road seems normal and smooth. I risked my 2024 versys 650 by crossing a hard mountain (toe to toe with gs 1250 and norden 900) in morocco just with road stock tires, it was difficult but feasible! By the way this capable bike surprised me. Thanks for this great video and expriment.
Good to hear !
I love Morrocco, I did a tour on a road bike on crazy roads no problem
Hi Greg. Is the front 705 tire a 120/90-17 made for rear use? Regards Jorgen.
I want a versys 650 and it's good to know I can chuck on some Shinko 705s and take her adventuring!
Cool video! I live in Kanata I run these roads often. I had a 2016 Versys for 3 years, great bike especially with the right tires, I had Avon Trailriders on mine, what a difference they made. I have since picked up an 19’ F850GS because I found that I loved the off pavement riding. Subscribed!
Thats awesome. I definitely like the Shinkos but are some other tires that i think i may try if i want to do some extra off road. Did you like the TrailRiders?
Cruisn Canada - Yes, for sure really liked the Avon Trail Riders much better handling and performance off road but I was also surprised that they felt awesome on the pavement as well. No wander or tracking when hitting cracks in the road. Just railed in the corners. Very good choice for the Versys in my opinion. Keep in mind it’s not a tire meant for deep sand or mud but perfect for the type of riding a Versys is capable of. Overall I was very impressed. 👍🏻
I love love love that color. I have a 2015 in full on Kawi green, which I like, but that color is next level.
I totally agree! It was actually the reason that the Versys ended up in the garage. Went in looking at bikes and this one caught my eye. Ended up buying it.
You have not seen my 2021 Versys. It is smoky grey with red and silver accents. And, I run Shinko E 705s. Good tires, great bike.
Got as far as 5 span bridge in Pakenham then lost you. Where was you dirt located? Familiar with some of the roads in the White Lake area, (cottage,) so immediate recognition of the bridge. Any update on what broke on your buddy Joe's bike? Repairable or writeoff?
Michael Holmes yes, the rear shock mount pivot point snapped off of the swing arm. At 7:23 in the video there is a close-up of the triangular shaped shock mount/pivot point. You can see a shiny looking roller - that’s generally captured in the swing arm in a round receiver. Mine fractured in half, releasing the rear shock from the swing arm.
I’ve talked to several longtime riders and mechanics: no one has ever heard of a swing arm failure like this 😳
I’m still setting the example 😎
I found a used swing arm on eBay - Big Ethel will be resurrected 👍
@@joeenberg7483 so glad that its a fixable repair! But mostly glad that you weren't hurt! Things could have ended up much worse!
Cruisn Canada thanks buddy, I’m still amazed at how that all worked out the way it did. Big Ethel shall rise again 👍
@@joeenberg7483 Shocked to hear of this issue. I’ll be inspected mine
That was wild, glad he did not hurt himself! Enjoying the moto stuff reviews!! Also from Ottawa and DS rider! Stay safe and rubberside down!
Amazing! Just starting to get into some OffRoad, but definitely having fun with it. More riding videos coming soon as the weather starts to improve. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
How does those tires do interns of seasonal mileage? Also, love the GPS. Where did you get that from? Thanks in advance for the info. Good vid
im getting about 15-17k kilometers on a pair. So pretty happy with them. Plus the GPS is a Garmin Zumo.
@@gregtoope nice, appreciate the quick response. Stay frosty
@@Wildirishmanbiker all good. Ride safe!
What you were riding though is probably top range of dirt for the tires
Just saw this, and didn't realize you were local. If you ever want to compare the Gen 3 Versys against the Gen 1, let me know. I have a 2008 Versys, and still love it after 12 years.
Nice. Where are you located?
@@gregtoope Barrhaven, not far from Woodroffe and Fallowfield.
Hey I thought I saw your picture on an advertisement for "Crease" motorcycle side bags. If it was yourself ......what do you think of the bags? How do you think they would do with my exhaust on a 2005 r1200gs? It says they have a hear shield? Thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Andrew
It may have been me reviewing a different brand of the same bag. Those bags are fine for light carrying. I used them for a while just carrying small things back and forth to work on my previous bike, but I wouldn't use them to carry anything heavy or for long trips. If you want something to last definitely spend more and find a more reputable brand.
@@gregtoope what would you suggest?
@@aduffett68 Right now I'm using hard bags that came with my Versys. If I can think of something or know someone that uses soft bags, especially on a GS ill let you know.
Sorry if I missed it, does yours have ABS? Thoughts on not being able to disable the rear for off-road?
that mesh seat cover is prolly one of my favorite mods on my versys
Me too.
Which Vstrom did you have? The 650 or the 1000? I'm wondering how the Versys1000 compares to the dl1000 in terms of engine smoothness?
I had the 1000, and my wife still has the VStrom 650.
@@gregtoope can you compare the V-Strom 1000 engine smoothness to either of the other bikes?
@@keithert the first 2 gears of the 1000 were clunky. both 650s are much smoother in every gear.
@@gregtoope my mistake. I thought you had a Versys 1000.
@@keithert no. 650. Wanted something lighter for going off-road.
Hi thanks for the vid. What are the tire sizes that you're using? Are they as stated as the standard size on the Versys? Cheers Clive
Front is standard. Rear is a 150/70 17.
I enjoyed the video and potty Joe had a problem but he'll be there next time. Enjoyed the scenary too and the roads look quiet due to lockdown. Hope you do off-road again and show a video with Joe having fun with you and the other guys!
Glad you enjoyed it! and yes there will be plenty of other videos coming!
Where in Canada are you guys riding?
we are located in Ottawa, Ontario
New subscriber here. Is your versys a 650? What size was the v strom that broke?
Yes the Versys is a 2018 650. My previous VStrom was a DL1000
Music uncomfortable loud compared to the voice
Hi, what's your tire pressure for the Shinko's on the Versys 650 for freeway?
I've been looking into the NEBDR this summer with my versys (2018) How do you feel it would handle with your tire setup?
Probably ok, but really depends on the weather. If you get a lot of rain and mud id want something a little grippier. Probably the 805s. Just to be safe. Rather have a bit rougher ride on the pavement so i could get the extra traction in the dirt.
One of your best videos if I do say so myself. 😁 Was a great day...except for Joe. 😕 Looking forward to more rides with you Greg!
Agreed! was awesome riding with you as well. We are most definitely going to go out again! Lots more!
Gotta try the Shinko's for my next tyre change.
Ive used them now on my Versys and my previous VStrom. I think as a 70/30 tire they work very well. And hard to beat the price.
I have the 705s on my dual sport. Slide all the time lol. Not the best but knew that going in
That's too bad for Joes 1000 V Strom..........as he said 110,000km's is not bad! I think you are exactly right on the money with the comments on the Shinko 705 there Greg. I run the same tires on my 650 V Strom and fully agree with everything you said about them. A hole lot of pavement and a little gravel road and that is it........and that is all I want to do with these bikes. If you want more dirt riding, then you should get a full on duel purpose.
for sure. if I could have 2 bikes I would probably have a big tourer and something like a KLR 650 or DR400, but only got funds (and garage room) for one. Both the Versys and the VStrom kind of let you play in both worlds!
Is the Vstrom you use a 650 or 1000?
we own an older VStrom 650, but i used to own a 1000
@@gregtoope how was the 1000 off road?
I was on those same roads the day after you guys haha, looks like a fun trip! other then Joe's Vstrom
As soon as it warms up Ill definitely head out there again. Fairly new to gravel riding, so more practice is always good!
@@gregtoope it's a lot of fun! It would be really cool to plan a camping motorcycle weekend and take over ranger camp road :)
Tenny80 most definitely. Lots of great camping areas there. Joe was showing me all the cool spots there. Would be so much fun.
@@gregtoope A buddy and I spent a couple hours exploring the day after you guys. So many good camping opportunities. That one big camping area would be an awesome time with a group of guys.
I’m just bothered that you didn’t capitalize on the “1 Versys VERSUS 3 Vstroms”
haha. yes very true. But ill be honest the VStrom in the dirt plays a bit nicer than the Versys.
Glad things went well (except for Joe of course).
thanks. no one got hurt so that is a win. I know he's currently getting parts and hope that the VStrom is back on the road soon!
The main thing I didn’t like about the 705s on my versys was the weight. They made the bike feel very slow to turn and also they felt unsafe at freeway cruising speeds. I did get decent mileage out of them and the price wasn’t bad. The channels between the treads filled too easily with mud and wouldn’t clear so the tires were useless off-road if it was wet.
I dont notice the weight difference at all. And I ride a lot of highway with no feeling of them being unsafe by any means. I still feel that they are a great tire if you are doing mostly street with a little offroad. If you are wanting a dirt tire than you are going to end up with a tire that performs even worse on the street. If you want good wet off road tires, you are going to want something. closer to a 50/50 tire. but the street riding is gonna take a big hit.
Puse neumáticos shinko verge2x en mi versys y han funcionado bien, llevo 6000km con ellos y alrededor del 5% ha sido offroad.
No son los mejores neumáticos para off Road, pero bajando un poco la presión funcionan.
Versus or v-strom?
VStrom if you do more gravel/offroad and Versys if you do more On Road riding
@@gregtoope 🙏
Anyone try a 1000 v Strom off road?
i used to own a vstrom 1000. The larger front wheel was definitely a bonus off road, but it is a heavy bike. So i found it heavy if you got into tight stuff. But i know a lot of riders that ride VStrom 1000 bikes and do very well.
@@gregtoope thanks for responding
This is a normal road in India . Indian off-roading is something u should watch where we ride only in the rear wheel
😂 That was my tought! This road seems normal and smooth. I risked my 2024 versys 650 by crossing a hard rocky mountain (toe to toe with gs 1250 and norden 900) in morocco just with road stock tires, it was difficult but feasible! By the way this capable bike surprised me.
Great video except for the loud annoying music.
Cut the music! We wanna hear the bike!
I broke a frame on a bike before , road it home it eas like a rocking horse !!
But where is the off road stuff.
Still a nicer road than what goes past in front of my house.
🙄😵💫🥱
haha. Nice.
Never use aluminium frame for offroad
hard to beat the Heidenau scouts
I may try those next! They look like nice tires.
That 6 feet apart lie was just horse shit to begin with
1 vs 3... strom.
Dude u stop alot??? More like stopping my Versys ofroad
That is not off road 😂😂😂😂