The MK3 650 is my first big bike and I've done 8700 miles in my two years since passing my test.
The Versys 1000 has an Impressive engine, up to and just over 100mph without any effort.
Easy to lift the front wheel without trying oops!
I just found it handling wise to be a bit dull, perhaps the smaller Versys spoils me in how it likes to turn into corners.
I was surprised how the 1000 ran out of legs at 110 in 3rd, 125 in 4th and 135 mph in 5th, just the top end gearing for touring I guess. Ran out of space for 6th gear (all done on a private road).
The big Versys for me is a very nice bike, but I'm not sure it's worth the money they ask for a new one +/- £10,500
It's certainly not jumping out at me to buy, it is perfectly sized, slightly bigger than the 650 but the increased weight detracts from its handling in a big way, this reflects in the feedback from other Versys owners that have tried the 1000.
The slight finish issues I have seen on my 2 year old 650 such as the black finish fading / flaking on the fork end and radiator surround and other black finish areas would make me wary of shelling out even more money on another similar bike from the same manufacturer
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I must have done about +/- 150 miles in my day with it, dual carriageway, in town in traffic, filtering, back roads, single track farm tracks, were all done with no issue.
In summary - the 650 is so much more agile, better dashboard (IMO)
If only the 1st and 2nd gear were smoother and it had a better sounding exhaust.
I love getting back on it and all the other bikes I've tried, I've enjoyed getting back on the Versys 650 .
I guess a 800 Triumph triple in the 650 chassis might be the ideal bike for me
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I want to try the H0nda Africa Twin and 1000 V-Strom to see what the 1000 twin engine is like.
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