Matt Daniels

I posted this once already, but I guess I forgot to hit the "post" button after previewing the message...

The Kawasaki is pretty similar to the V-Strom 650 in price, ugliness, ergonomics, engine size, etc. The Versys was recently named Motorcycle of the Year by Motorcyclist Magazine:

<a href="http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0809_motorcycle_of_the_year/kawasaki_versys.html">http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0809_motorcycle_of_the_year/kawasaki_versys.html</a>

If you're looking for "real world" comparisons between the two, there are a few threads on ADV Rider comparing the two - but mostly it's a pissing match between owners who haven't ridden the other. But there is still some good info:

<a href="http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372165">http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372165</a>

<a href="http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332185">http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332185</a>

A long Versys thread: <a href="http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276645">http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276645</a>

It seems like the biggest "complaint" I hear in the Wee-Strom vs. Versys argument is that the V only has a 17" front wheel, which limits your tire choice for off-road adventures. Neither bike is a real off-road bike and the Versys does fine on rough road and gravel, as long as it's not too serious.

Anyway, I've had my Versys for 7+ months and have no real complaints with it (other than the seat kind of sucked for me, but I reformed it to my liking). It's worth taking a look at if you can find one at a dealer.

Mine:

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2708170559_69d1e23957_o.jpg">

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2727872113_3652fc5463_o.jpg">

MonkeyLover

Awesome. Let me know when you find out.

BSK

with high mileage and some issues that come up

tpierce

Just got an email back. Price is plus $395 freight... thanks.

tpierce

I've thought since they came out they look interesting. They just look smaller, more compact to me, and i enjoyed the extra room on the VStrom. Maybe i'll just have to sit on one and see how compact it really is.

MonkeyLover

No problem *thumbs up*. Good thing you checked.

MonkeyLover

...we also sell the Versys at $6399 (must order) and it may be cheaper to rent a car and drive here. We have an Enterprise that is LITERALLY next door. I could hit it with a rock from where I'm sitting : )

biturbowagon

Sportbikes handle and accelerate well, but they're not the best for most street riding. Their rides can be punishing, their seating uncomfortable.

Ditto sport-tourers with a heavy emphasis on sport.

I've ridden a friend's Wee. I liked it. It's a decent bike. It isn't the best at anything, but it does many things fairly well.

I'd recommend not thinking of it as much of a dual-sport bike -- dirt roads at most. If you're really interested in dual sport, you'll want to choose a bike more dedicated to it, such as a used BMW F650GS, Kawasaki KLR650, or, on the touring side, BMW F800GS.

My preference would be for an ABS version. They're out there.

Lots of farkling is available. Just one example:

<a href="http://cariboucases.com/store/?name=Home">Luggage</a>