Versys, VStrom.....or ??

So I've been toying with the idea of getting a light touring bike. I have it pretty much narrowed down to the Kawasaki Versys, and the 2012+ Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS. I'm looking to spend sub $6K and want a bike that isn't cumbersome around town, but can still rack up the miles, and do a 8 hour ride without killing me. I have other bikes for zipping around town-- so this will be more of a longish trip kinda bike.

The catch is.....I'm only 5'8" with about a 31" inseam. These bikes can be lowered to make them comfortable enough, but my height rules out KLR 650's and the big BMW bikes. (not that I want anything that heavy anyways) Light off-roading would be a nice bonus--- which is why the V-Strom is high on the list.

Obviously I'm not overly concerned with styling, as I find these both to be pretty homely. Any expert advice from the "hive"? Any bikes I haven't considered? ( Keep in mind, it needs to be comfy for all-day rides / tours) I'm only interested in the 2012 and newer V-Strom, and they run more $$ than a Versys, but offer ABS. I'm thinking ABS would be nice in a bike, maybe worth the premium. What say you guys??

V-Strom

Versys

I have no direct experience with either of those bikes- both seem like good options. What about the CB500X? Seems like a similar, if a bit smaller, option.

A good friend of mine in the UK who's about your size has had a Versys for several years now and is very happy with it. Hasn't given him much grief and I don't think it needed anything other than regular maintenance apart from a corrosion-related exhaust repair.

He's owned a ton of bikes and worked in the motorcycle trade, so it wasn't exactly because he didn't have other options.

That said, I wouldn't take the Wee-Strom offroad, I don't think it's made for anything other than an unpaved road, and for that you can stick with the Versys or pretty much any other street bike, too.

That style of bike you will want abs. I've not thrown a leg over either of your choices, but I did ride an sv650 for a few years and would probably love it's much more comfortable cousin.

I know it's not a thing to base a decision on entirely, but the used versys seems to be a hard sell.

No one ever complains about the Wee Strom except to say it's boring. Which... usually means it's a fine all-purpose machine. ADV forums are full of guys loading them up and riding around in the woods a thousand miles from home. Here is the VStrom Owner's Thread... much love for the wee.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114535

It seems like it falls into: DL1000 for all road and much touring or lots of 2 up, DL650 for light dual sport and solo touring. I'm currently watching CL for a friend who wants one to come along for some moto camping I have planned.

Thanks guys!

A good friend has a Versys, and I've spent a good amount of time riding it... I liked it a lot. It's a little tall, but that can be fixed. He does complain of buzzyness at highway speeds---- something the VStrom is supposedly better at. (I've never ridden a VStrom) The Versys is also lousy at riding two-up, as the passenger seat is way higher than the VStrom. Although I don't do a ton of two-up riding, it's nice option to have.

While both are supposed to be great bikes, the Versys leans towards the sporty side, while the VStrom's ace in the hole is it's versatility.

The CX500 looks like fun, but it's a bit small and aggressive for long-trips.

I was going to say the buzziness with the Versys is a bit... interesting. ALmost bought one last fall. It rides well and handles well, and that twin makes decent power. But for the same money, I'd likely go with the vstrom here.

I suspected the versys would be buzzy. That's too bad as I like it's weird styling.

Vstrom won't be buzzy. The vtwin goes about is business without being annoying. Sounds like it's your huckleberry.

UP your budget by five grand and get an FJ-09, so I can buy it from you cheaper in a couple years.

In reply to Nick_Comstock:

I was totally thinking FJ-09 but I don't know how short guy friendly they are.

In reply to pres589:

I'm 5'9 with a 32" inseam and fit just fine on FJ-09's.

As far as ABS, I have yet to ride a bike that I welcomed its addition.

You need new boots.

In reply to yamaha:

Was that with the seat in the lower position? I've not ridden a bike with ABS but I understand the not welcome feeling towards it.

Two guys I ride with have 650 V-stroms and love them. They also comment on the fact that they are reliable to the point of boring.

No direct experience with the Versys.

I have a first gen Wee (I'm thinking of selling it, BTW). It is a wonderful touring bike with good power, comfortable, smooth and tons of luggage and equipment options. Totally reliable and handles pretty well for something that carries its weight the way it does. Great fuel range also.

So why sell it? Well, aside from the fact I rarely 'tour' the height makes it a bit ponderous and ungraceful for even 5' 11" me with lowering links added. I find it frankly miserable to ride on gravel; partly this is because of the tires on it but it also just isn't as nimble as my dorky KLR I used to have. I can see myself dropping this pretty easy on some of the heavier marble unpaved roads we have around here and tend to avoid them where I sought them out with the KLR. As I consider my riding style and accept most of my riding will be day or weekend trips the Wee just seems to be too much bike in a way. I've started looking at things lower and more nimble that retain the comfort level for my old guy bones. Decidedly NOT the Triumph Bonneville I just bought for farting around locally on.

The thing is also unapologetically ugly, and not in a cute ugly puppy KLR way. I don't like looking at it. Fortunately, you can't see how hideous it is when you're on it.

Its a wonderful machine and I really do like it for the most part but I don't know that it is the best tool for the riding jobs I have for it.

Man the new WeeStrom looks good

Why not take something and turn it into a touring bike? All you really need is some wind protection and saddlebags. Find the motorcycle that fits you the best, then make it your rig.

How about this?
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Bandit%201250S/2016/GSF1250SA.aspx

I'm 5'6", with a 29" inseam, and well understand the problems with getting your feet on the ground.

Don't discount BMW completely just yet. I have sat on the BMW F700 in the low configuration, and found it to be a remarkable fit. Heels soldly on the ground, and I can rock the bike easily between my legs. Things fall to hand nicely.

BMW has similar low models of the G650 and the F800. I have not been on either of these in the low configuration.

I do not know what is involved with lowering them. If it is a simple dogleg change, you could do that to any you bought cheapishly used.

As a smurf rider, if I were looking for an adv type bike right now, I'd give a long hard look at that F700.

In reply to pres589:

Unsure on that one, the three at the Yamaha demo day locally all seemed to have the seat in the same position.

I just noticed the part in the first post... "I have other bikes for zipping around town".

So, then, the question is why are you looking at a mid-size jack of all trades instead of a touring bike? Things that gobble up miles, carry luggage, handle some curves at speed and can blur the landscape when you want to.

I'd be looking for an FJ1300 with panniers, somewhere around '05 ought to be in your price range.

Thanks for the input!

I've considered full touring bikes----even old Goldwings, as they are remarkable bikes, were all bought by guys 50 years old and older, and are dirt cheap. I guess I've come to the conclusion that I just don't need a bike that huge and heavy. The WeeStrom seems like a good choice for a reasonably small bike that can pile on the miles. I sort of see it as a newer, more fun CX500 Silverwing.

Although my buddy emailed today. He and his son rode 150 this weekend on his Versys....and loved every minute. Those have been made since 08, so nice used ones are frequently under $4K. The "new" VStrom was introduced in 2012, so as a newer bike, they command more of a premium.

In reply to Joe Gearin:

If 150 miles is what you are considering a long ride to you then I expect any bike will do. The Wee will be great at that for whatever kind of riding you are doing. It's probably got another 30 miles in the tank when you get home.

When I think of longer rides - I'm thinking 300-600 mile days without hitting any highways. Where easy speed without drama and good ergos make a big difference to being able to walk in the morning ;)

I hear you GPS. The ride I want the bike to tackle is from Daytona to Huntsville AL. My younger brother lives near there, and there are plenty of fantastic two-lane roads from FL to Northern AL. I love the idea of riding up and back in a weekend. It's about 630 miles... each way....give or take.

In reply to Joe Gearin:

You want something bigger.