I bought my Versys new in 2007. I still have it now. Nuff said.

I test rode this along with a wee-strom. The Versys won on lightweight flickability and engine response. Perhaps thats a little unfair to the V-strom as its extra weight and girth probably make it a better more comfortable mile muncher, and there are more aftermarket goodies for the strom, including a centre stand. The low position of the exhaust make the versys unable to fit one.

Agreeing with many on the Versys forum, the stock Dunlop tyres are rubbish, leaving the bike feeling skittish on damp roads. Last June I needed them replaced so had Pilot Road 2 front and back. The handling was transformed.

September last year saw me and a couple of friends take our first trip to the Alps. Long days in the seat proved no problem. Nor the last day of 4 to 500 miles from Cherbourg to Calais, to Birmingham. Fuel economy good. 2700 mile in 2 weeks, no problems. 80mph all day up the peage's of France.

Givi do some smart hard luggage for the versys and say the older wingrack is unsuitable. Being a tightwad, I modified the wingrack fittings from my old XJ900, and used the old cases. This worked absolutely fine. I have also made an aluminium bridge for the seat and used my bicycle panniers on a week trip doing John-O-Groats to Lands End.Both systems have done well for me

Many users fit handguards which I would like to fit but careful selection of aftermarket screen is needed to avoid them fouling each other. At the moment I prefer my Givi screen for touring than the handguards. (Cannot fit both.)

Its important to remember 1 very important fact. THIS IS NOT AN OFFROADER. People on the versys forum have ventured off road and certainly it can handle gravel tracks and the like, but despite its upright position and offroad looks, venturing up mountain tracks are not what this bike was designed for. Sure you might make it, just as you might on a TDM900 or fazer 600. Just dont look at this bike as an alternative to an XT or the BMW, you will be sadly disappointed.

The bike is what it is, a cost effective multi tasking machine, a VERsatileSYStem. It commutes great, tours great, and it leaves me smiling everytime I ride it. Would I have preferred a BMW GSA when I was looking round, hell yeah, but at half the price I can say I have never regretted the decision to buy this little marvel.

In my opinion, a few extras are necessary.

1. rear hugger and front fender extender. I had fitted at point of sale and the bike still looks great after 4 years.

2. touring screen, I fitted the Givi model. Found it does a good job for me at 5' 8

3. Scottoiler or similar. (Not yet aquired.)

4. Good tyres. I couldnt get over the difference in handling.

5. Paddock stands for home maintenance.