Review from someone that has owned both.
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Summary
Despite very similar specs, these are two very different bikes.
Versys is more “fun” to ride round town, but not so comfortable on longer rides in stock form.
VStrom is better to customise and tour on. it has ABS.
| VStrom | Versys |
| Vague Steering (until modified)
Falls into corners like cruiser Smooth motor @ cruise Vibey motor @ high revs Motor torque has OK pull Won’t wheelie Limited tyre feel Good seat U shape Great dash Dull brakes ABS available for only $500 Limited leg room Lots of Acc’s available Long front guard Great headlights Weight more on rear wheel Long, very long wheelbase Brilliant 350-400km fuel range |
Sharp at low speed
Tips in like sports bike Vibey @ cruise Smooth at high revs Motor Pulls like a train Wheelies (lots) Harsh suspension, ok feel Seat tips forward Lousy minimalist dash Sharp brake feel No ABS in Australia Good leg room Limited accessories Front guard too short Headlight average Neutral weight balance Short wheelbase Average 300km fuel range |
The Versys had Michelin Pilot Road 2 tyres – wonderfully sticky. Despite having very similar dyno charts, the Versys definitely feels more torquey and pulls much more when over 160km/hr. The Versys suspension is far to harsh on less than perfect roads, even after tuning it as far as I could. I find this a major failing on a bike sold for it’s long travel suspension.
The VStrom tyre choice on road is not as sticky, but has a better range of off-road tyres.
The VStrom with Racetech fork valves and springs is a much better beast than stock, with steering sharpening up, and brake dive disappearing. Before it was a bit soft and somewhat harsh.
Drag racing them side by side shows the acceleration from 1st to 6th is basically exactly the same. Seat of the pants though feels like the Versys is MUCH snappier. Ass Dyno wrong again.
Braking is interesting. The ABS gives the VStrom an unfair advantage. I have tested the ABS in both wet and dry conditions finding it reliable in both. It tested at 1.05g using Dynolicious on the iPhone, vs only 0.82g for the Versys.
I am replacing my Versys with a VStrom, as I prefer the range of parts available, ABS and the different feel especially on the highway. The Versys is more fun to ride round town, if you can ignore the issues.
Brilliant review! Thank you
Which fork mods exactly did you add ?
Just about to get a new 2010 V-Strom 650 GT
See VStrom.info for the “spring info” thread.
In short – Racetech Gold Valves w/ Blue springs and 3/4 turn preload.
15W oil to stock heights
0.95 springs. 15mm shortened preload.
Wilbers rear w/ remote preload.
Agreed, informative review. I wished Kawasaki basically made a KLR650 with the Versys / KLE650 motor. I’m a parallel twin type of person. Transverse V twins create too much clutter within the “engine bay” of a motorcycle & reduce weight (thereby traction) upon the front wheel.
Versys has ABS, in fact you cannot buy a Versys without ABS
Strom won’t wheelie? I’ve owned 2 Wee Stroms and they do when pushed – I even flipped one once…broke my foot…was surprised at how much beast can be unleashed. I’ve lofted the front in the dirt too… interesting when the back is skipping sideways..
Currently deciding between the 2012 Wee or the Versys 1000…