15 Versys 650 LT

[Kidder]

Well, I've been without a bike since May of 2014 when I was forced to sell my beloved S10 because of my wife's job layoff. Fast forward to today and she has a job that pays 55% less than her old job but we have reduced some debt and I'm able to get a bike again. I wanted a new S10 ES but it's not in the cards right now. I will have one someday. I wanted a new bike with a warranty just because that's how I roll. I did check out leftover 13 S10s but if I'm going to spend $12k+ I want cruise control. I also looked at the FJ09 but decided to again keep costs down. So, I put down a deposit on a 15 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It's $8800 OTD. I will take pics and post riding impressions after I get it set up properly. I know it's not going to be as comfortable as the S10 which fit me perfectly (with seat in the high position). I sat on the ABS version yesterday and actually it did fit me pretty well. I have heard the seat is absolutely awful after an hour so I may get a Sargent or RDL. I will give it a few thousand miles and some long rides before I make that decision. Hell, I rode a SV650 from DFW to Knoxville over two days. If I can endure that, I'm sure the Versys won't be THAT bad.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say hello. I peruse the forum from time to time and hope to join the club again someday. I still have the large Yamaha S10 banner in my garage and I do not intend to take it down as it is a reminder of what I will have again someday.

 

[CurtC]

I think you'll love the Versys, I still love my 2009, though it is for sale. To me, it's just a lighter, sportier s10 with a chain. There are things I prefer about the versys, if it had a shaft and ABS, I'd probably stay with it.

 

[CaptShaq]

I think you'll love the Versys, I still love my 2009, though it is for sale. To me, it's just a lighter, sportier s10 with a chain. There are things I prefer about the versys, if it had a shaft and ABS, I'd probably stay with it.

+1. The Versys 650 is a great bike, very reliable and fun to ride. Good luck and wishing you a new S10 soon!

 

[JRE]

I always wanted to ride one of those, they look like fun. I actually was pretty happy when they announced the Versys 1000 as I had a Z1000 and the loved the engine. I was torn between trying one of those and going with the S10 and among other things, I'm not a fan of getting the first production year of any vehicle.

 

[tomatocity]

Have always liked the Versys and especially like the new body style and headlights. She is no longer the girl down the block though the girl that gets the second look.

 

[Tyke]

I owned a 2013 Versys 1000 before my current S10.

I haven't ridden a Versys 650 but I can assure you that both the 650 and 1000 are outstanding machines, the latest generation (2015) models are even better and extremely comfortable for both rider and pillion ::008::

 

[offcamber]

I traded my 09 Versys in for the S10 the Versys was a great bike. The 650 has a lot of power for its size. Handles like a sport bike but served me well as light tourer. I but some sligtly agressive tires and it handles the fire roads just fine. The only real reason I traded to the S10 was the extra power for loading up the bike. I was packing a lot on the Versys...

You won't be disappointed! ::018::

 

[2112]

The only test report I've read about the new shape Versys gave it a glowing review, like the old one but better everywhere. Should be a hoot, enjoy ::008::

 

[klunsford]

Well, I've been without a bike since May of 2014 when I was forced to sell my beloved S10 because of my wife's job layoff. Fast forward to today and she has a job that pays 55% less than her old job but we have reduced some debt and I'm able to get a bike again. I wanted a new S10 ES but it's not in the cards right now. I will have one someday. I wanted a new bike with a warranty just because that's how I roll. I did check out leftover 13 S10s but if I'm going to spend $12k+ I want cruise control. I also looked at the FJ09 but decided to again keep costs down. So, I put down a deposit on a 15 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It's $8800 OTD. I will take pics and post riding impressions after I get it set up properly. I know it's not going to be as comfortable as the S10 which fit me perfectly (with seat in the high position). I sat on the ABS version yesterday and actually it did fit me pretty well. I have heard the seat is absolutely awful after an hour so I may get a Sargent or RDL. I will give it a few thousand miles and some long rides before I make that decision. Hell, I rode a SV650 from DFW to Knoxville over two days. If I can endure that, I'm sure the Versys won't be THAT bad.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say hello. I peruse the forum from time to time and hope to join the club again someday. I still have the large Yamaha S10 banner in my garage and I do not intend to take it down as it is a reminder of what I will have again someday.

Kidder,
There is a slighly used 2013 here at Maxeys' Yamaha that was a dealer demo which has the full factory warranty which you could get a good deal on. It is the Black Raven one.... Dealer is here in OKC.

 

[Kidder]

Robocop, thanks. After having the faster blue, I could never go to the slow black one. I'm going to give this Versys a try. If I don't like it, I will do something about it.

 

[Purificator81]

just bought a 2012 model couple of days ago, my 2008 versys 650 is still on sale, I loved the versys so much, but wanted to upgrade for the wife comfort but also the electronics (UBS, ABS, YTC, etc...) I wish I could keep the versys in my garage, but when I look at what the S10 is offering plus the total cost of its acquisition to begin with...I will have no regret to sale it...

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Hey Kidder, nice to see you stopping back in.

Never been on one myself, but I do know that Spklbuk really like the Versys he had. It seems like one of those bikes you can't go wrong with.

 

[Kidder]

Hey Kidder, nice to see you stopping back in.

Never been on one myself, but I do know that Spklbuk really like the Versys he had. It seems like one of those bikes you can't go wrong with.

Thanks! I do stop by every once in a while but haven't had much to say. I sure do miss my S10. ::022::

 

[spklbuk]

Anxiously awaiting an update on the new Versys! The sheer mass of the S10 is making me weary.

Hey Kidder you out there? I hope I am congratulating you on delivery of your fine new machine. ::012::

 

[Kidder]

After going back and forth, I ended up with a 15 Versys 1000 LT instead of the 650. I got it last April.

 

[Dogdaze]

After going back and forth, I ended up with a 15 Versys 1000 LT instead of the 650. I got it last April.

How do you like it, and where's the ride report? ::024:: Enquiring minds want to know, or at least I do, the good, the bad, the ugly, you get the drift.

 

[OX-34]

I've not long bought my second 650. This one is a 2015. 700 mile day the second time I rode it. Comfy and fun.



The first one was a 2010:



That was also a good one that did a couple of 1000mile days.

 

[Kidder]

How do you like it, and where's the ride report? ::024:: Enquiring minds want to know, or at least I do, the good, the bad, the ugly, you get the drift.

I like it but not as much as my S10. The main reason is the leg room isn't as ample on the Versys and for going on gravel and fire roads, the S10 is better.

The V1k is smooth and is faster than the S10, but that is expected with the inline 4 motor. It also handles better with the 17" wheels. I think it is a fantastic value with ABS, traction control, slipper clutch, and hard bags for under 13k. The bags are easy to remove and looks good with or without them. Of course, it does have chain drive to keep the cost down. That's another thing I miss with my S10 (shift drive). I did add an aftermarket seat (Baldwin) that is firmer and taller that has made it much more comfortable.

I figure in a few years I will get another big Adventure bike. But for now, the Versys is fine.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Looks like it'll be a fun bike and my driver's license would be in trouble.



Thanks for the mini-report and glad to see you here.
::008::

 

[Dogdaze]

Thanks for the report ::008::, I'm still toying with the idea, just not 100% behind the chain, like the shaft drive too much, I know chains last a long time, just the 600 miles lube and spray from that lube............. but if it had cruise, now that would be easier.