View Full Version : Lozzo / Robchester / anyone - Versys ownership?
Amplimator
16-08-10, 04:59 PM
Anyone whos ridden one, but mainly the guys that own them are they any good fully loaded with pillion? Do they run out of steam 2-up when mile crunching? Obviously with the longer journeys the less effort to ride the better.
I am seriously considering one for myself and the missus to get about on. Around the UK only for first few thou miles, then euro etc later. I am no Rossi but likes plenty of go. They do seem fine with just lil ol me on it but was worried with the missus, topbox and panniers and half our budoir packed in em it might sort of, ya know...fart a bit.
cheers
Amp
maviczap
16-08-10, 06:17 PM
Ask IanSv he's got one as well.
I fancy one myself as the reviews are good
Couldn't tell you mate. I've only ridden mine well loaded solo, but that does include a 50lb pack strapped to the pillion seat. It handled great at that, enough for me to have lots of fun on the roads to the AR in Wales. I've no doubt it will cope ok, as long as your missus isn't in need of some fitness first and weightw4tchers attention. Easiest solution is to allocate her a space in a pannier, and if whatever she wants to take doesn't fit then she needs to junk some crap. No compromises, no putting stuff in your pannier, be ruthless. it's the only way to keep the bike weight balanced.
Jack the rear preload up a notch and wind the damping on the shock and fork top up two clicks and that'll be enough to keep it in check
Same here, never ridden 2 up on it so can't comment. Its obviously going to affect performance but by how much I'm not sure.
Whats the SV like 2 up?
Same here, never ridden 2 up on it so can't comment. Its obviously going to affect performance but by how much I'm not sure.
Whats the SV like 2 up?
I dunno, never rode either of mine with a pillion for any great length nor fully loaded. I think I did about 8 miles with my lightest daughter aboard and didn't even know she was there until I heard the screaming.
Iansv II
17-08-10, 06:32 PM
Not ridden 2up sorry
I did heavily load my full givi set up once just to see what it was like and it did make the front alot lighter but couldn't really tell you much more
gettin2dizzy
17-08-10, 07:15 PM
Is it similar power-wise 1-up to the SV? That's pants 2-up.
instigator
17-08-10, 07:48 PM
I didn't give anyone a pillion ride either but had ridden fully laden with lots of weight in side boxes and top boxes and it was never an issue. I bloody loved my Versys - hate the fact that I sold it because I didn't want to be faced with depreciation.
Amplimator
18-08-10, 09:37 AM
hate the fact that I sold it because I didn't want to be faced with depreciation.
There is that as well...
I had trouble getting a fully loaded test ride with a pillion.
The dealer openly admitted that the 2 used ones they have ('09 very low mileage bikes) both came back coz they just 'werent enough for 2-up touring. That and the fact theres an awful lot of low mileage used versys for next to nothing money around kinda made me hesitate a bit.
I really appreciate your input guys thanks. Gonna try an FZ1 next (completely different price-wise tho) will keep ya posted.
Cheers
MCN_LiamM
18-08-10, 04:09 PM
I've taken the GF on the back a few times and it's been fine to be honest. Still plenty of poke and handling isn't effected too much.
I've taken the GF on the back a few times and it's been fine to be honest. Still plenty of poke and handling isn't effected too much.
Liam - are you a journo?
The dealer openly admitted that the 2 used ones they have ('09 very low mileage bikes) both came back coz they just 'werent enough for 2-up touring. That and the fact theres an awful lot of low mileage used versys for next to nothing money around kinda made me hesitate a bit.
These two things don't bother me at all. I almost never ride two-up and I'm planning on doing a shed load of miles on my Versys. I know it will depreciate, but as it cost so little to start I don't give a monkey's if it is worth 500 quid in 3 years time, I'll have had my money's worth.
I buy bikes to use lots not to treat as garage ornaments, I'm usually disgusted with myself when I don't do at least 8,000 miles a year without good reason - the average mileage for a UK registered bike is 2500 miles, so my 18 month old one is already worthless with 9,000 on the clock and it's due to have another 3,000 put on it in the next 6 weeks. Having a bike I've done a shedload of miles on is what makes me happy. Depreciation doesn't bother me because I'm keeping mine a long time.
When I start to worry about the cost of running a bike I'll have reached the point where I don't enjoy riding them any more, so it won't be a big deal to sell up and stop riding.
Amplimator
18-08-10, 06:22 PM
I apologise i think theres been a bit of a misunderstanding. I already have a 'expensive toy' that does just 1500 miles a year ;) Money here is not an issue, nor is depreciation due to mileage/use etc. This bike is going to be a tool. Its job is to get me, the missus and half her blurry wardrobe to wherever we decide to go comfortably. All im saying is i dont want to buy one, realise it aint man enough for the job and end up having to change it in 6 months which is what appears to happen all too often on this particular model. I wanna try several before i buy and get it right tis all.
cheers
Iansv II
18-08-10, 06:25 PM
Liam - are you a journo?
I know i'm not Liam but yes he is... He's the guy from mcn doing the long term test I think
maviczap
18-08-10, 06:28 PM
I apologise i think theres been a bit of a misunderstanding. I already have a 'expensive toy' that does just 1500 miles a year ;) Money here is not an issue, nor is depreciation due to mileage/use etc. This bike is going to be a tool. Its job is to get me, the missus and half her blurry wardrobe to wherever we decide to go comfortably. All im saying is i dont want to buy one, realise it aint man enough for the job and end up having to change it in 6 months which is what appears to happen all too often on this particular model. I wanna try several before i buy and get it right tis all.cheers
Can you get a test ride on one, I know it won't have all the luggage and stuff, but if you take your wife on the back, you'll see what its like and have some idea whats its going to be like
I know i'm not Liam but yes he is... He's the guy from mcn doing the long term test I think
In that case I'd expect any journalist to be able to differentiate between Affected and Effected, but I suppose I should make allowances for MCN.
Amplimator
18-08-10, 06:43 PM
Can you get a test ride on one, I know it won't have all the luggage and stuff, but if you take your wife on the back, you'll see what its like and have some idea whats its going to be like
Yup and i found it fine with just empty panniers + top box but they didnt want me to load it up and take pillion. May just take it out again and meet the missus up the road with her pantaloons an hairdryers, load it up and see how she goes.
maviczap
18-08-10, 07:04 PM
Yup and i found it fine with just empty panniers + top box but they didnt want me to load it up and take pillion. May just take it out again and meet the missus up the road with her pantaloons an hairdryers, load it up and see how she goes.
Yup, best plan I think
Milky Bar Kid
18-08-10, 07:29 PM
In that case I'd expect any journalist to be able to differentiate between Affected and Effected, but I suppose I should make allowances for MCN.
Lozzo, behave!
Lozzo, behave!
Just raising standards
Sensible policies for a happier Britain.
Milky Bar Kid
18-08-10, 07:39 PM
Just raising standards
Sensible policies for a happier Britain.
You could start an argument in an empty house!! lol!:-dd
Let's get one thing straight; You lot are here for my entertainment, I am here to educate you :-)
gettin2dizzy
18-08-10, 09:19 PM
I've taken the GF on the back a few times and it's been fine to be honest. Still plenty of poke and handling isn't effected too much.
DERAIL!
:lol:
MCN_LiamM
19-08-10, 08:10 AM
If your Missus's wardrobe is anywhere near as big as my other half's then you could need something with a little more poke than the Versys.
Have you thought about the KTM 990SMT? They're cracking bikes.
Oh, sorry I'm not perfect. We can't all be like you can we, Lozza? :rolleyes:
Amplimator
19-08-10, 08:33 AM
I have had a gander at the older 950 versions. Some say a better motor than the newer ones but i say a lotta bike for little money. The only drawback is i could buy another bike for the price of the KTM panniers, top-box and bling! (cans are nearly 1K ffs)
MCN_LiamM
19-08-10, 08:39 AM
There was no 950 version of the SMT. It was only released last year. You coud always get cheaper, aftermarket panniers.
Amplimator
19-08-10, 08:50 AM
I was on about the 950SM, fairly similar machine all round. I did look for aftermarket shizzle too...but only found soft luggage.
MCN_LiamM
19-08-10, 08:53 AM
I'd have thought the 950SM would be a little too focussed for two-up touring. After all, it's essentially an oversized supermoto.
Where as the SMT is more like an oversized Versys.
Amplimator
19-08-10, 09:03 AM
I'd have thought the 950SM would be a little too focussed for two-up touring. After all, it's essentially an oversized supermoto.
Where as the SMT is more like an oversized Versys.
Hence the reason im trying a yammy FZ1 next. ;)
I fail to see how slapping a screen on it and giving it a T prefix, makes 990SM into a tourer. Its essentially a Supermoto (heavy at that) with a screen and an extra letter (Maybe slightly comfier seat?).
I'm actually very tempted to try the 690 Duke or 950SM next in my quest to find my next bike. Both are the right side of £5k which always makes me smile :D
Amplimator
19-08-10, 04:59 PM
I fail to see how slapping a screen on it and giving it a T prefix, makes 990SM into a tourer. Its essentially a Supermoto (heavy at that) with a screen and an extra letter (Maybe slightly comfier seat?).
Yup i agree, very very very similar.
I'm actually very tempted to try the 690 Duke or 950SM next in my quest to find my next bike. Both are the right side of £5k which always makes me smile :D
The 690 duke is freakin awesome fun for the twistys but no good for getting places really as its too buzzy AND too vibey lol
the 950 on the other hand i really liked but the missus screwed her face up at the seating position (hunched up against me was a no no...we both need our space)
So the quest continues...
I dont have the issue of 2 up. I'm tempted with a 950....
I've actually thought about a Tuono too, but think I'd be better off with SM/Trailie style bike.
Amplimator
19-08-10, 07:30 PM
If it wasnt for the missus wanting to get involved i'd keep my SM :(
Mebe i should try to encourage her to get her own freakin bike! Problem solved :D
Amplimator, you have an SM? Are you getting rid?
Edit: Just realised its a CRF, not a 950 SM
Amplimator
20-08-10, 08:59 AM
LOL if i had a 950 SM i would be considering selling my street triple not me honda ;)
Is your Street Triple the R version?
Amplimator
21-08-10, 05:11 PM
Is your Street Triple the R version?
Nope standard. Still a far better bike than i am rider. I loved the 'R version but found it too harsh on the longer hauls. I opted for the street due to the bars (dodgy wrist...) and found the 'R a lil too forward. If i was a track day kinda guy id have the 'R but the standard kinda suited the state the roads are in these days :D
Stops well enough for me too. Its only a little bike but again, would benefit track more than real world IMO
Get a standard and spend the extra on some cans :cool:
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