Replacement? Should I?

[PRD]

Nah stay with Gtr. No nasty chain to worry about. And you keep the money in your bank. Why would the Versys be better than the Gtr for you?

[Lonewolf]

Definitely stick with the GTR, the Versy's I'm sure is okay, but the GTR is in a different league.

[GTRpilot]

That's decided then, keep the old girl, she has served me well so far. I'll splash out on a valve check instead 

[O.C.]

I have owned 4 GTRs since their introduction, and I have owned two Versys 1000s. I have just ordered my third Versys 1000, so I can advise you from a position of actual/practical knowledge, unlike others.

The GTR is my all time favourite bike, but became too heavy for me and as I wasn't touring as much I really didn't need the Continent shrinking capabilities of the GTR, although the capable Versys also makes light work of long days in the saddle, (I am speaking from experience !)

The Versys 1000 is an outstanding bike which does everything as well as the GTR, in some cases even better, I would argue that it is more comfortable for both rider and pillion than the GTR and has similar luggage carrying capabilities, the Versys is more economical and being much lighter is easier to live with

My recommendation is to try a Versys 1000 and then you will know if the bike satisfies your needs or not. Silly comments about "nasty chains" should be ignored as they have no accuracy in today's world, it's a bit like saying 'BMWs aren't reliable'   

Good luck with your decision making

[Lonewolf]

I'm wondering if Rog has the above post saved as a document somewhere and just copies and pastes it into various threads as the need arises. 

[O.C.]

What strange wonderment          obviously brought about by overexposure to Germanic conveyance      

You know well that my posts are and always have been completely  original, my observations are based on factual experience and at my advanced age I can boast more of that than some others         

[PRD]

Surly shaft drive is a better idea than chain. Apart from the weight of course. But no spraying and adjusting. Then cleaning the sticky gloop off the wheel.

[Lonewolf]

Chains have their place on certain types of bikes, like kiddies tricycles and excercise bikes, but when it comes to boys and their toys....Shaft is the way to go, can you dig it.    

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rYriOuyJU5I

[O.C.]

Chains have their place on certain types of bikes, like kiddies tricycles and excercise bikes, but when it comes to boys and their toys....Shaft is the way to go, can you dig it.   

   

[mcfroyce44]

I'd also urge you to try the Z1000SX. The Triumph Tiger 1050 also impressed me although the one I tried was one of the older versions (pre Sport). Smooth and quick but not the most roomy thing.

[flatfour]

I went from a BMW (shaft drive) to the GTR (2011 Grand Tourer) followed by a Versys 1000, and am now riding a BMW (shaft drive model) again. In my time with the Versys I covered just over 13,000 miles and the chain was adjusted twice, once at the first service and once at the 7,500 mile service. I was told by the dealer that it would probably last until around 25,000 miles without further adjustment, at which time a new chain would be needed. The dealer said that typically, a modern chain would only be adjusted twice in its lifetime. When touring, I would pack one of the very small cans of chain spray under the seat with the Versys, mainly to use in wet weather. I had used to clean and lubricate the chain at around 1000 mile intervals.

As regards cleaning, the shaft drive bikes always need a wipe off of both wheels anyway after riding, due to brake dust. The Versys needs the same, however the brake dust on the rear wheel is combined with some chain oil. Little to choose between the two, in my opinion.

Conversely, my 1970's Honda's and similar need the chain adjusting every 500 - 1000 miles and lubricating at around 250 miles, and so are far more labour intensive.

[GTRpilot]

Right, test ride for a Versys in the new Year, have a good one all 

[O.C.]

Right, test ride for a Versys in the new Year, have a good one all 

Wise decision,  try it and if you like it you can decide what your next move will be,  if on the other hand you don't like it then nothing has been lost

Good luck for a great 2019

[Lonewolf]

 

[PRD]

Spending a lot of money to go back to chain drive!