Versys, VStrom.....or ??

Depends. I know a few people who went from the UK to the south of France (about 600 miles one way) on a Honda CG125...

BoxheadTim wrote: Depends. I know a few people who went from the UK to the south of France (about 600 miles one way) on a Honda CG125...

I know... I know. There was a time when I was willing to ride an '83 Suzuki GR650 Tempter from NE PA to the Outer Banks and back just to get laid. That time was almost EXACTLY 30 years ago next week. I can't remember her name but I recall vividly how much my back hurt ;)

Mine is a first gen, so Joe probably isn't interested but it's posted here if anyone is shopping. Farkles aplenty; you'd spend half the price of the bike again easily making one like it.

In reply to ddavidv:

Sell me on it.

I'm 6' with a 34" inseam and about a big mac under 200#.

The Sportster has the daily commute covered. What I want is a bike that I can take out on the occasional weekend and ride all day, for a day or two, in comfort. I need more handling prowess than a cruiser type bike. I live central Texas so most of the roads are long, straight and have a 75 mph limit. Even the two lane back roads. If I pop off on a farm road it is usually extremely rough, may turn to dirt or gravel for a couple miles and just as quickly turn back to asphalt. However, those times are few and far between, but, they may become more common with a bike that is more suited to those conditions than the rock hard, low sporty.

Will your bike handle my size and riding conditions? Or, should I look for an FJ and the like?

75 mph, no problem. Its very happy at that speed. Comfort, yes with the right seat (mine is not stock; we think its a Russel). Since its a dual sport it has a softer suspension with more travel and soaks up bumps really well. Where I think it suffers a bit is on really loose surfaces; the high center of gravity just makes it kind of...ponderous. Otherwise it is pretty nimble and handles mountain switchbacks where I live with zest.

Those Yammy FJ's are pretty freaking sweet looking and I'm eyeing those myself but they are too new for my GRM life. Haven't ridden one yet to compare.

Thanks for posting ddavidv---- that looks like a well-equipped, clean bike. I've only heard good things about the early "wee" Stroms from the folks who have owned them.

If you remember, I paid a visit to GRM World HQ a few summers ago on my '06 Wee. That trip was Charlottesville to Jacksonville, then the next day to Tampa, by way of Holly Hill and Downtown Disney, then Helen, GA, then home. Five days total and the only issue was a clutch switch sensor wire that worked its way loose.

Ddavidv---- drool.....

I would LOVE a wee. None fit in my budget (yours doesn't either) when I was looking.

I like the Verysys too, but it is mostly a 650r with less plastic and a funky front in. With that said, I wouldn't kick one out of the garage...

mistanfo---- that's right--- I totally forgot about that. That sort of trip is exactly what I had in mind. Good to hear the weeStrom was up to the task. A Versys over that same trip would've been more tiring I'd guess. Thanks for the input.

The Weestrom sounds like your best bet.

Here is a Versys for thought: http://www.brianshd.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=1240806&p=1&make=kawasaki&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

So I decided not to screw with an older bike, as I already have too many automotive projects ongoing. I had pretty much decided on a new V-Strom.....but then I realized the Versys had been redesigned and improved for 2015. With rubber mounts for the engine and handlebars, it transmits much less vibration than before. Kawi also claims a 5hp jump in power,and better ergos. So now, it's still a lot of fun, but it's also better at long-distance riding than before.

So I bit the bullet, went further into debt, and signed on the dotted line for a new Versys LT---pretty much exactly like this one. It arrives on Saturday--- can't wait to do some riding!

I just read the review of the Versys in Cycle World, they seem to rather like it. Please let us know how you like it in the real world.

That is a sweet looking bike. I am with you on being done with old E36 M3 too.

92dxman wrote: The Weestrom sounds like your best bet. Here is a Versys for thought: http://www.brianshd.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=1240806&p=1&make=kawasaki&s=Year&d=D&t=preowned&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

Amusingly, 2 months later it appears they still have this bike... and I pass Brian's HD during my commute every day. You bastard. Of course, I still haven't touched the DRZ400 sitting in my garage nor do I have my MC permit yet...

Congrats Joe G. - a friend and I were looking at those a couple of weeks ago at my local dealer. They do look fun.

I've been riding the Versys since Friday---- it's kickass. Fast enough to be fun, ultra comfortable (especially on bad pavement), good weather protection, and the saddle-bags make it downright practical. I'm about 200 miles in, and it's all positive at this point.

It's a little tall, but I've gotten used to it. It's really only an issue when pushing it around the garage---as it's pretty top-heavy. So far....so good!

I found the redesign far more appealing visually and the ergos fit me very well. Its a great bike and is on the short list of things to consider when depreciation brings them down to my station in life.

The big question Joe is: does it fit into the van? I heard the news about Danger Van, and your new acquisition... If it doesn't fit, stow and go is dead to me.

You need a 5th-generation VFR800 - low seat, relaxed ergos, 50+ MPG, 145+ MPH.

V strom, I really love mine, easy to work on, good aftermarket support.

mistanfo wrote: The big question Joe is: does it fit into the van? I heard the news about Danger Van, and your new acquisition... If it doesn't fit, stow and go is dead to me.

Nah, the Versys is too tall to fit in the van.....I think. But I still love me my minivan!