Versys V Gtr

[O.C.]

+ 1,
I think what the original post was really asking is, 'is there a big difference between the 2' yes there is, but how you see that difference is entirely up to the person riding the bike.

Me personally, I wouldn't change the GTR for anything, don't need to...yes its heavy, but so is the FJR and I won't change that while i can still handle them. I like gadgets, traction control, shaft drive, weather protection, wind on my helmet if i want, large dash and the old school clocks etc. With the Mrs on the back we can be on the bike for over 8 hours, with a decent seat, and even longer to hit the south of france in one day, with no complaints or sore bums.....

If you like the verseys  then that is the bike for you and I'm sure it will be fine, we are not getting any younger, or stronger and technology is changing far too fast...... its an individual thing.
Lets not forget that this is a 1400GTR forum......the last thing people want to read is negative comments about them when in reality its a lovely bike that is admired wherever you go   

Ant, I haven't read any negative comments about the GTR, quite the contrary in fact, and as 100milesaway has stated this is a bikers forum and we should all enjoy the frank and honest exchange of opinions regarding different types and marques of motorcycles, I know that I certainly do. I'm an active member on several bike forums and without exception they all participate in honest and informative information about all matters relating to motorcycles (and even some subjects that aren't biking related )

I've highlighted part of your post above, in order to emphasise the fact that with the exception of Shaft Drive the Versys 1000 has all those "gadgets" plus others, and its definitely more comfortable than the excellent GTR, for long distance touring or an days ride out, I can confirm this as I've had both machines 

[Ant]

Point taken, but no adjustable screen while on the move and digital speedo, ----- just picking now 

I guess its just how posts are read, personally i don't like them or need those yet, but time will tell on their durability to thump out big mileages .

[Lonewolf]

Whatever you do, don't mention the new BMW GS. 

[O.C.]

Whatever you do, don't mention the new BMW GS. 

what's one of them   

[Lonewolf]

what's one of them   

Probably the best selling adventure bike in the world. 

[pistole]

yup. You guys do love your GSs over there yonder !!

.

BMW R 1200 GS 2013 sales highlights:

The 2013 liquid-cooled BMW R 1200 GS was the UK's best-selling motorcycle over 125cc, with 1,737 registered.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the R 1200 GS has been the UK's best-selling motorcycle over 125cc.

The R 1200 GS outsold the second best-selling motorcycle in the UK by a ratio of 2.3 to 1 (1,737 to 743).

Over 25,000 of the new R 1200 GS have been sold worldwide, the most for any new model in the 90-year history of BMW Motorrad.

.

http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/bmw-r-1200-gs-top-selling-uk-motorcycle-125cc/

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[pistole]

its more than just shaft drive :

no TPMS (not smart to leave this one out)

looks like a cheap bike (caution : personal opinion here).

looks like the smaller 650 version.

very top heavy with the big 4 cylinder there.

ADV bike platform with 4 cylinders ? Who's idea was that ?

ADV bike platform with 17 inch wheels fr and rr ? Who sat around a table and decided that one ?

.

[viper]

its more than just shaft drive :

no TPMS (not smart to leave this one out) I really wont miss this and its potential problems

looks like a cheap bike (caution : personal opinion here). Maybe , but less is lighter !

looks like the smaller 650 version.    dont like the 650 but love the 1000

very top heavy with the big 4 cylinder there. Yes it prob is, but overall lighter !

ADV bike platform with 4 cylinders ? Who's idea was that ? the best thing about this bike IMO, i hate any other engine config, nearly went for a varedero until I found out it was a twin


ADV bike platform with 17 inch wheels fr and rr ? Who sat around a table and decided that one ?

er, not bothered

.

[O.C.]

its more than just shaft drive :

no TPMS (not smart to leave this one out)

looks like a cheap bike (caution : personal opinion here).

looks like the smaller 650 version.

very top heavy with the big 4 cylinder there.

ADV bike platform with 4 cylinders ? Who's idea was that ?

ADV bike platform with 17 inch wheels fr and rr ? Who sat around a table and decided that one ?

.

Where have you seen it marketed as an "adventure bike"     

[zedmeister]

I quite like the Versys as an 'adventure type bike' or should that be a Super -- Super Moto ( being 17" wheels F+R )  i am on my fourth GTR and believe me i will NOT be purchasing a 5th, unless they make some serious upgrades and the price does not go silly. Having said that i would not buy a Versys - not my style of bike although i have never ridden one so it would be unfair to comment on the pro's and con's, but everyone to their own. I do like the new z1000sx though

[100milesaway]

I quite like the Versys as an 'adventure type bike' or should that be a Super -- Super Moto ( being 17" wheels F+R )  i am on my fourth GTR and believe me i will NOT be purchasing a 5th, unless they make some serious upgrades and the price does not go silly. Having said that i would not buy a Versys - not my style of bike although i have never ridden one so it would be unfair to comment on the pro's and con's, but everyone to their own. I do like the new z1000sx though

Yes the z1000 gets very good press, but of course lots of it is the same as the big Versys, ie engine ( in a different state of tune) frame, traction control, 2 power modes, wheels and lots of other bits and bats, It also looks great, and is a fantastic seller for the big K, I fancy one myself, but have been spoiled by the utter comfort of the Versys, and if I asked my good lady if she fancied riding pillion on the SX I would be put firmly in my place.

[Mark B]

This discussion interests me because I have moved the other way,  ie from the Versys to the GTR and I wouldn't swap back.  I find the GTR a much more stable platform than the Versys and have ridden it throughout this awful weather with no problems.   Protection from the elements is much better.  The electric screen is superb,  not having to worry about the effect the weather is having on the chain is great too.  Yes its a much larger bike but I don't notice this at all once underway.   I have a Z1000sx too and that's great for weekend fun, but I am finding that the GTR is now creeping into weekend use now too, as well as being my workday travel tool.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[O.C.]

Good points Mark, and its interesting to see how different machines suit different riders requirements. I always loved my GTRs but now my motorcycling requirements etc have changed I'm better off with the Versys

Over the years I've had all sorts of bikes, I even tried a couple of Brit Irons not too long ago in an attempt to re-live my youth    it was a mistake  but as they say "don't knock it till you've tried it"

[Charlie747]

I love my GTR and having just popped the 100 + miles down to Watford to have my Pheasant  damage repaired in heavy rain spray and 2 Degree C  temp I know I've got the right bike for me. But if you are thinking about a change

New 2012 bike with £1600 + of pipe and 3 box set free of charge + 0% finance.  Only £8699 OTR.   At that price you can spray it any colour you like.

[O.C.]

There's still  a few 2012 models around, that's an attractive offer