Judd says, "The Versys should have been slotted even more towards the dirt."
+5 to that. It would make a much better KLR than the current KLR. Which could be why Kawi doesn't make a Versys Adventure. I'm crossing my fingers (but not holding my breath) for Yami's Super Tenere as well.
Swampy says, "...It will probably take ten years before any other manufacturer catches up in their technology."
Buell was an innovative company for sure, but I'd have to disagree that the Big 4 are sitting around, scratching their heads and wondering how they are going to catch up to Buell technology. Their chassis are brilliant for the most part, and their engines have always been ahead of the curve.
I grew up on Norton Commandos and BMWs. I bought the Uly because it felt like a European exotic, but was built in the USA. The Versys is neither. When the Uly becomes too impractical to own, Its replacement will be a BM, KTM, or Duc. There is no place in my garage for a UJM - nothing with less than 1000cc and 150+ hp anyway.
If that happens, it might make me look. Yamaha already has the Super Tenera, an interesting machine, but not imported to the US. If it were 1000+ cc, it would be even better. The Versys is a one-up, fun play bike, not a serious, two-up fully loaded adventure tourer. Load that thing with 60+ pounds of gear and your mate on the back and see how much "fun" you're having on mountain roads or even the slab for that matter. That revvy little 650 will leave you wanting.
My silly kid called me today on his way home from the bike shop, he was yanking my chain big time telling me how I ought to buy a bike that all I have to do is put oil in it, and can still get parts for it like a ST1300, what a jerk!
The 2010 Super Tenere is going to have a 1000+cc P2 to go head-to-head with GS's and Adventures. Will it come to the US??? The coolest stuff usually stays overseas, but I'm hoping...
""My silly kid called me today on his way home from the bike shop, he was yanking my chain big time telling me how I ought to buy a bike that all I have to do is put oil in it, and can still get parts for it like a ST1300, what a jerk!
He got all done messing with me then apologised.""
have corporate loan me one, I will go dirt beta test it for them. I have a feeling they will back out of the idea that is it any where near the niche of the multi or the Gs. I would go KLR 650 before I did the versys
The Versys was never intended to compete with the likes of the GS, Multi or Ulysses for that matter, but it is just as competent off-road as all three. Which isn't saying much, but hey! Found this on youtube which shows the guy braving all I would dare to do on the Uly.
I've seen a clip on YouTube of a dude single tracking on a Fat Boy and doing a decent job of it. Any bike can be taken on the trail with some degree of success. The Versys is lighter than any of the liter+ adventure bikes, so given it's overall ergos, it's no surprise it will handle a stretch of trail pretty well, but a short unladen jaunt down a trail is not adventure touring. Take the Versys, box stock, on a 3000 mile slog on mixed terrain, loaded, possibly two-up and my guess is you will beat the thing to death - particularly the suspension. The GSA, KTM 990, and even the Uly are far more robust in all areas. The Uly is no great off-roader - we all know that, but the Uly will continue plowing across the landscape when the Versys begins spewing fork oil and dropping parts along the road. (Maybe....
We have a Versys and a Uly. Biggest difference is in the suspension. There is no comparison between the 2. The Uly has a great fully adjustable and smooth suspension and in comparison the Versys has a cheap suspension system. I have to admit that the Versys engine is much better than you may think for a 650. Lots of low end and takes 2 up riding pretty well.
Looks like I need to buy some Buell stuff and throw on the DL650. That does look good and it should save me 10-20lbs up high over the stock DL650 stuff. Thanks for posting.
Also,,, looks like the Versy dude is running a rear 130/17 TKC on the front. Probably running a 150/17 on the rear. Sorta gives it a TW200 look. Probably works great on the slick stuff. My TW200 scoots around in slick mud, snow and in leaf litter way better than my DR with knobbies.
