I read the only posting I could find in the entire ThumperTalk forum, but only found one page which discusses the Kawasaki Versys. This bike intrigues me since it seems to hybridize the supermoto and adventure touring ethos. I was wondering if anyone on this forum has had the opportunity to do a seat-time comparo of the SM and the Versys and how they match up? I've got the technical specs off Kawasaki's site, and read the magazine reviews, but I need someone with direct experience of both to put these in perspective? Help me Obi Wan.
DRZ SM vs. Versys
Started by giotto, Jul 07 2008 06:33 AM
63 replies to this topic
Posted 07 July 2008 - 06:33 AM
I read the only posting I could find in the entire ThumperTalk forum, but only found one page which discusses the Kawasaki Versys. This bike intrigues me since it seems to hybridize the supermoto and adventure touring ethos. I was wondering if anyone on this forum has had the opportunity to do a seat-time comparo of the SM and the Versys and how they match up? I've got the technical specs off Kawasaki's site, and read the magazine reviews, but I need someone with direct experience of both to put these in perspective? Help me Obi Wan.
Posted 07 July 2008 - 06:45 AM
Send a priviate message to "bear on a bicycle"
he has one.....I think he sold his DRZ to pay for it too....
he has one.....I think he sold his DRZ to pay for it too....
Posted 07 July 2008 - 10:26 AM
Totally different bikes !!!
I bought my DRZ 4 days before a friend of mine bought his Versys , he wanted to do more trips and drz wasn't enough for him .
These bikes are like day and night in highways and other places .
With versys for example you can go in highway easily with 160kmph , with drz at 150-160 you are in top speed .
DRZ is like a toy for everyday commuting , versys has more kgs to handle .
You choose what use you will do most !
I bought my DRZ 4 days before a friend of mine bought his Versys , he wanted to do more trips and drz wasn't enough for him .
These bikes are like day and night in highways and other places .
With versys for example you can go in highway easily with 160kmph , with drz at 150-160 you are in top speed .
DRZ is like a toy for everyday commuting , versys has more kgs to handle .
You choose what use you will do most !
Posted 07 July 2008 - 11:47 AM
Mention the devil's name & he may show up!! :smirk:
:prof: I had an S, not an SM, so keep that in mind. I loved the DRZ. I really enjoyed riding it and modifying it. It is a great bike for its purpose. However, I found myself wanting something a little more "street & longer trip" oriented. Enter the Versys.
The DRZ turns quicker & easier. I never felt like the DRZ was hard to turn on the street. The Versys also turns nice, but it does feel a little heavier, like in parking lots, or low speed, tight turns.
The DRZ, even the SM, have that "I'm riding a dirt bike" feel to them. I guess that was part of the fun for me, riding a dirt bike on the street.The Versys feels like a street bike, from the seat to the pegs, the way it handle etc.
The seat on the Versys is heaven compared to the DRZ. :worthy:
The power, especially in the upper gears @ higher speeds is way better! Of course, we're talking the difference between a 400cc single & a 650cc twin, and almost twice the hp.
The motor is very smooth on the Versys. Almost no vibes to speak of. The DRZ wasn't bad for a thumper, but feels like a 'cell phone set on vibrate' compared to the Versys.
I think the Versys could be almost, if not as much fun around town at lower speeds. Its very light & flickable for a street bike, but also has the get up & go for highway speeds.
The handle bar to seat position is nice on the Versys. It's more a "sit up & ride", as opposed to the crotch rocket-esque "leaned over for max speed" position. Very comfortable, and similar the the DRZ.
The gas mileage on the Versys is not far off from the DRZ, I've been getting 46 to 47 mpg on the Versys, and 50 mpg on the DRZ most of the time. Oh, another good point for the Versys, a 5 gallon tank, although not as thin as the DRZ.
I think the Versys looks better in person than in pictures. Even though you can only get it in red, it really is a nice color red. :thumbsup:
The bottom line, the Versys is not really an SM. Its too much of a street bike. It is VERY fun, though. I am enjoying it more & more. I wish there was a 'Versys' forum here on TT, with support from guys like Eddie, Bronco, William & the like. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
If Eddie can get 55 to 60 hp from a DRZ, I wonder what he could do with the Versys??? :busted:
:prof: I had an S, not an SM, so keep that in mind. I loved the DRZ. I really enjoyed riding it and modifying it. It is a great bike for its purpose. However, I found myself wanting something a little more "street & longer trip" oriented. Enter the Versys.
The DRZ turns quicker & easier. I never felt like the DRZ was hard to turn on the street. The Versys also turns nice, but it does feel a little heavier, like in parking lots, or low speed, tight turns.
The DRZ, even the SM, have that "I'm riding a dirt bike" feel to them. I guess that was part of the fun for me, riding a dirt bike on the street.The Versys feels like a street bike, from the seat to the pegs, the way it handle etc.
The seat on the Versys is heaven compared to the DRZ. :worthy:
The power, especially in the upper gears @ higher speeds is way better! Of course, we're talking the difference between a 400cc single & a 650cc twin, and almost twice the hp.
The motor is very smooth on the Versys. Almost no vibes to speak of. The DRZ wasn't bad for a thumper, but feels like a 'cell phone set on vibrate' compared to the Versys.
I think the Versys could be almost, if not as much fun around town at lower speeds. Its very light & flickable for a street bike, but also has the get up & go for highway speeds.
The handle bar to seat position is nice on the Versys. It's more a "sit up & ride", as opposed to the crotch rocket-esque "leaned over for max speed" position. Very comfortable, and similar the the DRZ.
The gas mileage on the Versys is not far off from the DRZ, I've been getting 46 to 47 mpg on the Versys, and 50 mpg on the DRZ most of the time. Oh, another good point for the Versys, a 5 gallon tank, although not as thin as the DRZ.
I think the Versys looks better in person than in pictures. Even though you can only get it in red, it really is a nice color red. :thumbsup:
The bottom line, the Versys is not really an SM. Its too much of a street bike. It is VERY fun, though. I am enjoying it more & more. I wish there was a 'Versys' forum here on TT, with support from guys like Eddie, Bronco, William & the like. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
If Eddie can get 55 to 60 hp from a DRZ, I wonder what he could do with the Versys??? :busted:
Posted 07 July 2008 - 03:20 PM
Bear,
Thanks for the input. I'm a street guy, so what I'm looking for is a review of the Versys's street manners. The specs put the Versys at about 400 lbs. and the DRZ at 300--a 25% differential--and I was wondering how this translated into corner work. You address that question in your post, as well as mpg and riding position. I have a couple of specific questions: The riding position looks similar to the DRZ, but from the pictures it looks like the pegs are set back further than the DRZ? True? I like the "sit up and beg" riding position on the DRZ and don't want to get stuck into a sportbike crouch. You say it's not full-out sport crouch, but does it throw weight forward on your wrists? Question #2: Does the windscreen do anything? On the DRZ you're chesting up into the wind whenever you ride; does the windscreen on the Versys get some of that away from the rider? Question #3: With the extra ponies, does the Versys stoplight-launch as quickly as the DRZ (given the extra weight as well)? Question #4: Does it brake as well? Question #5: Does the EFI work well across the rev range? Question #6: How wide is it compared to the DRZ; can I still get between the lead car and curb to make that right turn on red? Question #7 How's the overall fit and finish on the machine? As far as the seat, well, damn, a 2x4 would be more comfortable than the DRZ's butt floss, and if I had a choice of colors I'd choose red, so they got that right. Did you consider the KLR650? or the V-Strom? What tipped the choice to the Versys. I hope I'm not askin' too much or just bein' a PITA. Thanks for the insights.
Thanks for the input. I'm a street guy, so what I'm looking for is a review of the Versys's street manners. The specs put the Versys at about 400 lbs. and the DRZ at 300--a 25% differential--and I was wondering how this translated into corner work. You address that question in your post, as well as mpg and riding position. I have a couple of specific questions: The riding position looks similar to the DRZ, but from the pictures it looks like the pegs are set back further than the DRZ? True? I like the "sit up and beg" riding position on the DRZ and don't want to get stuck into a sportbike crouch. You say it's not full-out sport crouch, but does it throw weight forward on your wrists? Question #2: Does the windscreen do anything? On the DRZ you're chesting up into the wind whenever you ride; does the windscreen on the Versys get some of that away from the rider? Question #3: With the extra ponies, does the Versys stoplight-launch as quickly as the DRZ (given the extra weight as well)? Question #4: Does it brake as well? Question #5: Does the EFI work well across the rev range? Question #6: How wide is it compared to the DRZ; can I still get between the lead car and curb to make that right turn on red? Question #7 How's the overall fit and finish on the machine? As far as the seat, well, damn, a 2x4 would be more comfortable than the DRZ's butt floss, and if I had a choice of colors I'd choose red, so they got that right. Did you consider the KLR650? or the V-Strom? What tipped the choice to the Versys. I hope I'm not askin' too much or just bein' a PITA. Thanks for the insights.
Posted 07 July 2008 - 03:25 PM
If you haven't done so it never hurts to go down to the local dealer and sit on one. You may even be able to get a short test ride out of them.
Posted 07 July 2008 - 04:35 PM
I think it'll be easier if I answer your questions this way:
How's that for answers?? :busted:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
giotto said:
Bear,
Thanks for the input. I'm a street guy, so what I'm looking for is a review of the Versys's street manners. The specs put the Versys at about 400 lbs. and the DRZ at 300--a 25% differential--and I was wondering how this translated into corner work. You address that question in your post, as well as mpg and riding position. I have a couple of specific questions:
The riding position looks similar to the DRZ, but from the pictures it looks like the pegs are set back further than the DRZ? True? Yes, its true. The pegs are a little further back.
I like the "sit up and beg" riding position on the DRZ and don't want to get stuck into a sportbike crouch. You say it's not full-out sport crouch, but does it throw weight forward on your wrists? No weight what so ever on my wrists, a big selling point for me. :thumbsup:
Question #2: Does the windscreen do anything? On the DRZ you're chesting up into the wind whenever you ride; does the windscreen on the Versys get some of that away from the rider? I've never ridden a bike with a full windscreen, so I'm not sure what that's like. The Versys screen is small. It does seem to deflect some wind, but not a lot. There are quiet a few aftermarket windscreens available that range from slightly bigger to pretty much full size, harley wannabe, block out the sun, windscreen. I flipped my windscreen upside down. I think it looks better. It didn't really do much for protection, though.
Question #3: With the extra ponies, does the Versys stoplight-launch as quickly as the DRZ (given the extra weight as well)? Oh yes it will. It also wheelies as easy, if not easier than my DRZ, which had an FCR, "E" base gasket, hotcams, and Ron Hamp valves & springs. This bike is definitely peppy!!
Question #4: Does it brake as well? That seems to be an on going debate among Versys owners. To me, it brakes just fine. I haven't grabbed a hand full to lock 'em up yet, but in day to day traveling, they work good. Some say they need more feel. There are guys replacing their brake lines with steel braided lines. I figure, just like the DRZ community, some guys like to improve their bikes, and use things like this as justification to do so.
Question #5: Does the EFI work well across the rev range? The EFI works great except for low gear, low speed maneuvering, when you're just barely opening & closing the throttle. It gets a little jerky. BUT, seems as though there is a cheap & easy fix. I'll be doing that mod next (probably this weekend). Other than that, it starts great, idles great, and is very responsive to the throttle. :busted:
Question #6: How wide is it compared to the DRZ; can I still get between the lead car and curb to make that right turn on red? I'll say its a little wider. Will you be able to squeeze through? Probably, unless the car is really close to the curb. Its these situations where the DRZ is king. The Versys will feel bulkier here.
Question #7 How's the overall fit and finish on the machine? Overall, I'd say pretty good, but not great. A lot of the plastic panels are held on with a combination of screws & plastic retainers. So far, none have broken off, but time will tell. I would say good quality for the price. There is an issue with a buzzing sound that comes from the dash, caused by the plastics rubbing together. The cheap easy fix is to put a small bit of weather stripping between the plastics. It works great. You think Kawasaki would've done this to begin with.
As far as the seat, well, damn, a 2x4 would be more comfortable than the DRZ's butt floss, and if I had a choice of colors I'd choose red, so they got that right. There are a few after market seats coming soon (Corbin, Sargents...).
Did you consider the KLR650? No. I figured the DRZ was as good or better than the KLR, other than fuel range.
or the V-Strom? Yes, both the 1K & the 650. I really like the 650, especially the black on black! I wanted the ABS model.
What tipped the choice to the Versys. Three things, really. First, was the price. The Versys is cheaper by MSRP. Of course we all know that's just a starting point. The Suzuki dealers wouldn't let me test ride their bikes, and because the V-strom is so popular, the weren't coming down much on the price. One dealership even had the black on black 650 with ABS, but was even more firm on the price (I can't remember the exact price). Second, the Kawasaki dealer here let me test ride the Versys. The sales guy seemed to genuinely like the Versys, & was excited about me riding it. He said they've sold quiet a few of them from allowing test rides. He was right, I bought it that day. And they came down on the price. I got it OTD for $100 under MSRP. And last, the way it fit me when I sat on it. The Wee-strom was a little shorter seat to floor. I'm 6'1". The Versys fit me better.
I hope I'm not askin' too much or just bein' a PITA. Thanks for the insights.
Thanks for the input. I'm a street guy, so what I'm looking for is a review of the Versys's street manners. The specs put the Versys at about 400 lbs. and the DRZ at 300--a 25% differential--and I was wondering how this translated into corner work. You address that question in your post, as well as mpg and riding position. I have a couple of specific questions:
The riding position looks similar to the DRZ, but from the pictures it looks like the pegs are set back further than the DRZ? True? Yes, its true. The pegs are a little further back.
I like the "sit up and beg" riding position on the DRZ and don't want to get stuck into a sportbike crouch. You say it's not full-out sport crouch, but does it throw weight forward on your wrists? No weight what so ever on my wrists, a big selling point for me. :thumbsup:
Question #2: Does the windscreen do anything? On the DRZ you're chesting up into the wind whenever you ride; does the windscreen on the Versys get some of that away from the rider? I've never ridden a bike with a full windscreen, so I'm not sure what that's like. The Versys screen is small. It does seem to deflect some wind, but not a lot. There are quiet a few aftermarket windscreens available that range from slightly bigger to pretty much full size, harley wannabe, block out the sun, windscreen. I flipped my windscreen upside down. I think it looks better. It didn't really do much for protection, though.
Question #3: With the extra ponies, does the Versys stoplight-launch as quickly as the DRZ (given the extra weight as well)? Oh yes it will. It also wheelies as easy, if not easier than my DRZ, which had an FCR, "E" base gasket, hotcams, and Ron Hamp valves & springs. This bike is definitely peppy!!
Question #4: Does it brake as well? That seems to be an on going debate among Versys owners. To me, it brakes just fine. I haven't grabbed a hand full to lock 'em up yet, but in day to day traveling, they work good. Some say they need more feel. There are guys replacing their brake lines with steel braided lines. I figure, just like the DRZ community, some guys like to improve their bikes, and use things like this as justification to do so.
Question #5: Does the EFI work well across the rev range? The EFI works great except for low gear, low speed maneuvering, when you're just barely opening & closing the throttle. It gets a little jerky. BUT, seems as though there is a cheap & easy fix. I'll be doing that mod next (probably this weekend). Other than that, it starts great, idles great, and is very responsive to the throttle. :busted:
Question #6: How wide is it compared to the DRZ; can I still get between the lead car and curb to make that right turn on red? I'll say its a little wider. Will you be able to squeeze through? Probably, unless the car is really close to the curb. Its these situations where the DRZ is king. The Versys will feel bulkier here.
Question #7 How's the overall fit and finish on the machine? Overall, I'd say pretty good, but not great. A lot of the plastic panels are held on with a combination of screws & plastic retainers. So far, none have broken off, but time will tell. I would say good quality for the price. There is an issue with a buzzing sound that comes from the dash, caused by the plastics rubbing together. The cheap easy fix is to put a small bit of weather stripping between the plastics. It works great. You think Kawasaki would've done this to begin with.
As far as the seat, well, damn, a 2x4 would be more comfortable than the DRZ's butt floss, and if I had a choice of colors I'd choose red, so they got that right. There are a few after market seats coming soon (Corbin, Sargents...).
Did you consider the KLR650? No. I figured the DRZ was as good or better than the KLR, other than fuel range.
or the V-Strom? Yes, both the 1K & the 650. I really like the 650, especially the black on black! I wanted the ABS model.
What tipped the choice to the Versys. Three things, really. First, was the price. The Versys is cheaper by MSRP. Of course we all know that's just a starting point. The Suzuki dealers wouldn't let me test ride their bikes, and because the V-strom is so popular, the weren't coming down much on the price. One dealership even had the black on black 650 with ABS, but was even more firm on the price (I can't remember the exact price). Second, the Kawasaki dealer here let me test ride the Versys. The sales guy seemed to genuinely like the Versys, & was excited about me riding it. He said they've sold quiet a few of them from allowing test rides. He was right, I bought it that day. And they came down on the price. I got it OTD for $100 under MSRP. And last, the way it fit me when I sat on it. The Wee-strom was a little shorter seat to floor. I'm 6'1". The Versys fit me better.
I hope I'm not askin' too much or just bein' a PITA. Thanks for the insights.
How's that for answers?? :busted:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Posted 07 July 2008 - 05:12 PM
Even though I have decided to keep my DRZ SM forever since in my opinion it is fantastic for the tight and twisty backroads that I crave , I firmly believe that most riders ( I am NOT most riders) who want an SM for commuting , light traveling and stuff will do much better with the Verseys or in my opinion the best street bike value "bang for the buck" ever, the naked SV 650. The WHY has been discussed many times, but even though they are different bikes, for most the INTENDED use is similar so in that regard for less money(if you get the naked sv) you have more horsepower, more acceleration, more top speed, more weight which can help with stability at higher speed on the road and that is all she wrote!
Posted 07 July 2008 - 06:00 PM
assfastgrass said:
Even though I have decided to keep my DRZ SM forever since in my opinion it is fantastic for the tight and twisty backroads that I crave , I firmly believe that most riders ( I am NOT most riders) who want an SM for commuting , light traveling and stuff will do much better with the Verseys or in my opinion the best street bike value "bang for the buck" ever, the naked SV 650. The WHY has been discussed many times, but even though they are different bikes, for most the INTENDED use is similar so in that regard for less money(if you get the naked sv) you have more horsepower, more acceleration, more top speed, more weight which can help with stability at higher speed on the road and that is all she wrote!
Actually, according to the Suzuki website, the naked SV is 20 lbs lighter than the Versys (dry weight, of course). The Sv's are great bikes, just a little short for me. My hips cramp up after riding a few miles on the SV. But yes, it's hard to beat the bang for your buck SV650! :thumbsup:
Did you end up getting one? There for a while, you were really on fire for a Versys.
Posted 07 July 2008 - 07:29 PM
Bear,
Thanks for the detailed replies to my questions--surprisingly, the one I forgot to ask, you answered anyway; I'm also a breath over 6 foot, and one of the attractions to me is the tall seat height of the DRZ--I've even added the SDG tall saddle. If you don't feel cramped at 6' 1", then it should fit me, and I think one of the posts suggested I throw a leg over one at the dealership. Seems reasonable. I doubt if I can wheedle a ride outta 'em though--motorcycle dealerships seem upside down on that practice. My radio screams auto ads at me all day promising me a free iPod or cooler or 20 minutes with Sally in the hot tub if I come in for a test drive, but pose the same request to a cycle dealership and most look at you like you've arrived from Mars. I hate to ask, and they seldom invite. But that's another thread. I usually just find a buddy and trade keys for half a ride, but nobody I know has a Versys. Anyway, thanks for review; it was what I was lookin' for.
Thanks for the detailed replies to my questions--surprisingly, the one I forgot to ask, you answered anyway; I'm also a breath over 6 foot, and one of the attractions to me is the tall seat height of the DRZ--I've even added the SDG tall saddle. If you don't feel cramped at 6' 1", then it should fit me, and I think one of the posts suggested I throw a leg over one at the dealership. Seems reasonable. I doubt if I can wheedle a ride outta 'em though--motorcycle dealerships seem upside down on that practice. My radio screams auto ads at me all day promising me a free iPod or cooler or 20 minutes with Sally in the hot tub if I come in for a test drive, but pose the same request to a cycle dealership and most look at you like you've arrived from Mars. I hate to ask, and they seldom invite. But that's another thread. I usually just find a buddy and trade keys for half a ride, but nobody I know has a Versys. Anyway, thanks for review; it was what I was lookin' for.
Posted 08 July 2008 - 09:05 AM
Odd about the test drives. Maybe it's a factory promo, but the local dealer (Yamaha/Star/Suzuki) has demo rides for the V-Star line about once a month. You have to show your license (with M/C validation) and sign a waiver.
There's a big empty lot right next to their building, which would be ideal for them to demo dirt bikes. :thumbsup:
There's a big empty lot right next to their building, which would be ideal for them to demo dirt bikes. :thumbsup:
Posted 08 July 2008 - 02:46 PM
giotto said:
Bear,
Thanks for the detailed replies to my questions--surprisingly, the one I forgot to ask, you answered anyway; I'm also a breath over 6 foot, and one of the attractions to me is the tall seat height of the DRZ--I've even added the SDG tall saddle. If you don't feel cramped at 6' 1", then it should fit me, and I think one of the posts suggested I throw a leg over one at the dealership. Seems reasonable. I doubt if I can wheedle a ride outta 'em though--motorcycle dealerships seem upside down on that practice. My radio screams auto ads at me all day promising me a free iPod or cooler or 20 minutes with Sally in the hot tub if I come in for a test drive, but pose the same request to a cycle dealership and most look at you like you've arrived from Mars. I hate to ask, and they seldom invite. But that's another thread. I usually just find a buddy and trade keys for half a ride, but nobody I know has a Versys. Anyway, thanks for review; it was what I was lookin' for.
Thanks for the detailed replies to my questions--surprisingly, the one I forgot to ask, you answered anyway; I'm also a breath over 6 foot, and one of the attractions to me is the tall seat height of the DRZ--I've even added the SDG tall saddle. If you don't feel cramped at 6' 1", then it should fit me, and I think one of the posts suggested I throw a leg over one at the dealership. Seems reasonable. I doubt if I can wheedle a ride outta 'em though--motorcycle dealerships seem upside down on that practice. My radio screams auto ads at me all day promising me a free iPod or cooler or 20 minutes with Sally in the hot tub if I come in for a test drive, but pose the same request to a cycle dealership and most look at you like you've arrived from Mars. I hate to ask, and they seldom invite. But that's another thread. I usually just find a buddy and trade keys for half a ride, but nobody I know has a Versys. Anyway, thanks for review; it was what I was lookin' for.
Glad I could help! :thumbsup:
About the seat height, it is a little shorter than the DRZ at the seat, but the seat is wider, so it feels good. I can flat foot the Versys, but on the DRZ, my heels were slightly off the ground. I had upgraded my springs on the DRZ, though. I'm sure that makes a difference.
Also, if you feel the foot peg to seat distance is a little cramped, there are companies that make foot peg lowering kits. They are a bit pricey, but seem to work well, meaning I haven't read an instance where someone bought a set & complained.
Posted 08 July 2008 - 04:03 PM
Hey Bear,
Due to many reasons I have had to put off getting a NEW bike . Of course I still like the Verseys and am glad you have found it to be a great machine! I'm hoping we will see more examples of bikes like this in the near future.
But as I said the naked SV is definitely "the best bang for the buck". If the SV had GSXR suspension or something similar that would really be something!
By the way if anyone misunderstood, I was comparing the SV and Verseys with the DRZ-SM, stating that even though these are very different bikes, for most the intended use would be the same and therefore either the Verseys or the SV would be a better choice with the SV being the "best bang for the buck"!
Due to many reasons I have had to put off getting a NEW bike . Of course I still like the Verseys and am glad you have found it to be a great machine! I'm hoping we will see more examples of bikes like this in the near future.
But as I said the naked SV is definitely "the best bang for the buck". If the SV had GSXR suspension or something similar that would really be something!
By the way if anyone misunderstood, I was comparing the SV and Verseys with the DRZ-SM, stating that even though these are very different bikes, for most the intended use would be the same and therefore either the Verseys or the SV would be a better choice with the SV being the "best bang for the buck"!
Posted 08 July 2008 - 04:18 PM
I agree! It would be nice to see Suzuki upgrade the SV with better suspension & what-not. But I guess, like the DRZ, it sells well as is, so Suzuki probably won't...
One of my younger co-workers really wanted to get a bike. He had never owned a bike, & only had ridden short distances on friends' bikes. He really wanted a CBR or something similar. I tried to talk him into an SM or a dual sport for his first bike, but he wasn't interested in a dirt bike, only a crotch rocket would do.
Anyway, long story short, I introduced him to the SV650. After a bit of reading about them, he ended up getting a used one & now loves it. In fact, he's already put on a bunch of miles, put new tires & full fairings. it looks really nice. Personally, I like the naked version better, but he wanted the crotch rocket look.
One of my younger co-workers really wanted to get a bike. He had never owned a bike, & only had ridden short distances on friends' bikes. He really wanted a CBR or something similar. I tried to talk him into an SM or a dual sport for his first bike, but he wasn't interested in a dirt bike, only a crotch rocket would do.
Anyway, long story short, I introduced him to the SV650. After a bit of reading about them, he ended up getting a used one & now loves it. In fact, he's already put on a bunch of miles, put new tires & full fairings. it looks really nice. Personally, I like the naked version better, but he wanted the crotch rocket look.
Posted 08 July 2008 - 04:29 PM
Great that your friend likes his SV ! Very good recommendation on your part!
Posted 08 July 2008 - 04:38 PM
I want to add something else here before somebody starts calling me a "traitor"!
Do not get me wrong, I still own a DRZ-SM and like I have said I LOVE it for its intended purpose. I knew exactly what that purpose was before I bought it so I am very satisfied . However if I stray from what the SM is good at to another realm, that love can quickly turn to dislike so I don't do that!
My concern was giving others some good advice on machines in the similar price range (one the SV, slightly cheaper and the other, the Verseys , a little more) that would do an even better job at what I believe most that are looking for an SM would want. On the other hand if you are like me and just want to hit the backroads and outcorner anyone in the tight twisties, get an SM! But like I said I believe most would want something a bit more well rounded.
Do not get me wrong, I still own a DRZ-SM and like I have said I LOVE it for its intended purpose. I knew exactly what that purpose was before I bought it so I am very satisfied . However if I stray from what the SM is good at to another realm, that love can quickly turn to dislike so I don't do that!
My concern was giving others some good advice on machines in the similar price range (one the SV, slightly cheaper and the other, the Verseys , a little more) that would do an even better job at what I believe most that are looking for an SM would want. On the other hand if you are like me and just want to hit the backroads and outcorner anyone in the tight twisties, get an SM! But like I said I believe most would want something a bit more well rounded.
Posted 08 July 2008 - 05:35 PM
But if you buy a Versay everywhere you go people will scream "MY EYES!! MY EYES!! IM BLIND!" :crazy:
Or maybe you'll just turn them to stone, like the Medusa.
Or maybe you'll just turn them to stone, like the Medusa.
