Versys 650 Or V-strom 650 (unrestricted Models)

[MotoHAWKY]

G'day forum,

In the market for a mid range bike, favoring the riding position and comfort of a adventure tourer. Between the two mentioned models in the title, which would be more suitable for a commuting/tourer/weekend bike given i am 110kg, 6 foot 2, wish to carry SOME luggage (not excessive).

I understand a member on here, Friz, had a bad experience on the Versys 650... but 2 years on from that thread are there any updates to the build and reliability of the Versys? Would the 1000cc model be better bang for my buck having an unrestricted licences?

I apologise for the overload of questions, I'm keen as a bean for a bike and don't have any motorcycle friends who can provide advice on these models and their pros/cons.

Cheers,
MotoHAWKY

 

[ReggiewithTwoGs]

Never ridden both, but based on looks I would go with the with V-Strom. Based on engine configuration I would go with V-Strom. Based on brand I would go with Kawasaki. So in other words I'm the worst opinion to take.

 

[MotoHAWKY]

Ahaha, hey! An opinion is an opinion, and I appreciate all
So thanks man!

Cheers,
MotoHAWKY

 

[worntread]

I owned a 2004 Suzuki Vstrom 650 and have ridden a friends Versys 650. The Versys is much more agile and nimble. I would say they are comparable in power overall but the Vstrom seemed to have more grunt. The Vstrom had much more passenger and luggage room. It seems like a much longer bike. You really can't go rong with either bike.

 

[Lurch]

I know someone who ha had a Versys since 2011 and it seems to still be going strong. No personal experience of either though, sorry.

 

[zordflea]

I had a 2011 Versys 650 which I absolutely LOVED! You can check out some of my older videos about/with it, including riding 2-up, and with luggage (shameless plug lol). It may not have as much toque as the V-Strom, but the tried and true motor loves to rev, and it is BY FAR the more fun and nimble bike to own. Maintenance is easy and fairly inexpensive.

Also, I personally like the looks of the stacked headlights.
The bike is no slouch either...

To me the V-Strom is just too utilitarian.

Hope my opinion helps. Feel free to ask me more questions about it.

 

[O8ride]

Thought about a BMW G650GS? Much better mileage consumption

 

[zordflea]

Thought about a BMW G650GS? Much better mileage consumption

What about maintenance costs? I would assume they are more than for Kawasaki or Suzuki.
That might offset any savings on fuel.

 

[CBRHoonigan]

Zordflea has a point, bmws are typically more costly to maintain, where as the Vstrom and versys both share there engines with the SV650 and er6 Which would help also in sourcing second hand parts.
Me personally id go with the versys, I love the engine in the vstrom but if its like the sv it has a major fault on the front cylinder getting to wet from the front mudguard. So for a dual action bike id pick the kawasaki. Or there is the likes of the vstrom 1000?

 

[Roaf Beast]

I'd go for the v-strom. Half of Greece owns one. I've never ridden it but , as a passenger it was VERY comfortable. It is very reliable (from what I hear) and goes over bumps easily.It uses the same engine as the sv-650 that has a great torque figure.

I don't know much about the versys other than it's sportier and nimbler.

 

[MrCods]

I test rode both those bike on the same day when I was looking for a new bike.
I bought the V-Strom
But I am not you so you need to test ride them both yourself and then buy the V-Strom as well

 

[MotoHAWKY]

I just rode an unrestricted V-Strom 650, pretty bloody enjoyable! Though the power might get a bit plain after owning it a little, so is the 1000cc an appropriate upsize to the 650.

On a seperate note, also went for a spin on a Yamaha MT-09 (FZ-09 for US) and did enjoy it.... but practically makes me like the V-strom a bit more. So MrCods, you could be right!
Tough times! aha.

Cheers,
MotoHAWKY

 

[MrCods]

I just rode an unrestricted V-Strom 650, pretty bloody enjoyable! Though the power might get a bit plain after owning it a little, so is the 1000cc an appropriate upsize to the 650.

On a seperate note, also went for a spin on a Yamaha MT-09 (FZ-09 for US) and did enjoy it.... but practically makes me like the V-strom a bit more. So MrCods, you could be right!
Tough times! aha.

Cheers,
MotoHAWKY

I absolutely LOVE the MT-09 and would own one in a heartbeat but it is a totally different bike to my V-Strom. I would need both

 

[Lurch]

Need is a very subjective term!!