Better than a Versys?

[Mcflurry1992]

Hi all,

As the sun has been out and fuel prices have shot up I've found myself riding to work an awful lot more. I've had my license a few years, been through a variety of bikes YBR125, GPZ500, SV650S, Duke 390 and now a 2010 Versys 650.

The Versys is 'almost' perfect for me. Riding position spot on, most confident I've felt through the bends. All day comfortable, extended screen keeps the wind off, huge top box super handy for my gear on the commute. I'd struggle not to have one now let's just say.

There's a BUT here - it just doesn't excite me. I'd read up on the motor before I bought it but the parallel twin really is soulless. Enough grunt sure, just no drama. Oh, apart from vibrations!

Here's the question - IS there any other reliable (modern) comfortable, quick sports tourer esque bike that you would swap a versys for at the circa 3K price level or should I just stick for a while longer? Bare in mind I'm 5'9 and I'd prefer a shorter bike than the versys as I'm on tip toes at junctions and would prefer a little more footing.

Chances of adding a second bike to the stable are slim.....

[jjones]

Maybe a subtle end can upgrade to give a little more noise? I had a parallel twin on my old africa twin and I thought it sounded great (standard can) which then gives the bike some character.

[Biker9090]

VFR

[KTMsm]

If you still want an Adventure type bike the two that come to mind are the KTM 950SM - they really start at £3500 for a decent one or a Crossrunner, although the looks aren't great, when they come onto cam at higher revs they sound fantastic

Both are probably a little taller / heavier - the Versys tends to be the sportier choice in the budget adventure market

[RizzoTheRat]

Quite a lot of choice in mid sized upright adventurish bikes these days. Multistrada 950, Tiger 800, Tracer, Tenere, Africa Twin, Crossrunner, V-Strom, various KTMs, Guzzi V85....time to get out on some test rides!

ETA: Oops, didn't spot the 3k bit which counts a few of those out.

Edited by RizzoTheRat on Tuesday 21st June 16:15

[Seight_Returns]

The Gen3 Versys apparently has less of a vibration issue that the earlier Versyses (Versii ?) - but probably not get-able for £3k.

As suggested above a Gen 6 VFR certainly is get-able for that money - I love mine, but if you're riding to work to save money may not be the right thing - mine uses almost as much fuel as my car around town.

V-strom as suggested above ?

Fazer ?

[Tribal Chestnut]

Yamaha Diversion - decat, rear sets and a bit of suspension fiddling and you’ll have a great bike. Enjoyed riding my mates for a day last week.

Or a TDM 900, though it’s another parallel twin, & I’ve never ridden one, but here I am suggesting it.

Edit: both cheap bikes too.

Also, maybe an FZ6 if you can find one.

[Moulder]

As mentioned a VFR800 is a possibility but your paragraph below almost perfectly sums up how I feel about my 2017 VFR.

"There's a BUT here - it just doesn't excite me. I'd read up on the motor before I bought it but the parallel twin really is soulless. Enough grunt sure, just no drama. Oh, apart from vibrations"

It is ideal for touring with the luggage and when you throw in new scenery or touring with mates it is enough, but is down the list of other bikes that I would take out for excitement.

I am not suggesting not getting one, but definitely arrange a test ride to confirm it's what you're looking for.

[RizzoTheRat]

Tribal Chestnut said:

Or a TDM 900, though it’s another parallel twin, & I’ve never ridden one, but here I am suggesting it.

Cheap, reliable, good all rounder, love mine, but getting pretty old now which puts some people off. Parallel twin but a 270 degree crank so slightly offbeat firing for a bit more character and nicer sound than many other parallel twins. You'd get a good condition low mileage one for £2500.

If the VFR suggestion is a consideration and you don't mind older stuff maybe worth looking at the Sprint ST? Generally considered a VFR competitor but with a triple for a bit more character. Stopped making them about 10years ago though,

Edited by RizzoTheRat on Tuesday 21st June 16:12

[kennydies]

I went from my versys 650 to a tracer 900 and the step up from an experience perspective was notable

[Mcflurry1992]

The 3k is a soft target really - It’s purely what I bought the versys for. I could raise the budget to get something I really want but I do like being able to just jump on the versys without worrying about mileage or depreciation.

Once you get to 5k you might as well start looking into pcps!

[KTMsm]

Mcflurry1992 said:

The 3k is a soft target really - It’s purely what I bought the versys for. I could raise the budget to get something I really want but I do like being able to just jump on the versys without worrying about mileage or depreciation.

Once you get to 5k you might as well start looking into pcps!

The problem with the current market is the £2k is almost the minimum price you can buy a reasonable bike and with bikes at this level every extra £500 well spent, gets you a lot better bike

Nothing wrong with a Versys (at their budget) but if you can add £1k you can get a LOT better