It was a toss-up between this and the klr650s. The KLR was nice, but I just felt so much more comfortable on the Versys. Its also lighter, and as a new rider, I think it is beneficial (for meat least).
I just do light gravel roads (logging roads) since that's mostly what we have around here. I kinda just went for it not knowing what was gonna happen, but I didn't go fast just in case I hit a rock or rut and dropped the bike. These tires were fine, but I don't have experience of using an off-road tire to provide a comparison, unfortunately.
Do you have the space and tools to do a tire swap? The difference is pretty big. If you can, you might want to try dual sport tires. Be careful out there, smooth tires on a trail can be dangerous. Even gravel. Plus, knobbier tires will make the whole experience more fun and you'll be able to deal with slightly rougher terrain overall.
I don't go far on these roads for that reason (I break something or lose a tire). Worst case I call for a pickup. I will definitely be picking up some better tires for next season though. Most my riding currently is highway, and the occasional short stop into a gravel road, so for now it's alright (knock on wood).
7 Comments
bravesilvernest@lemmy.ml · 8 pts · 2y
Eyyy, this is also my first, but is a 2017 instead 🙂
ShadowCatEXE@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 2y
It was a toss-up between this and the klr650s. The KLR was nice, but I just felt so much more comfortable on the Versys. Its also lighter, and as a new rider, I think it is beneficial (for meat least).
I couldn't be happier with my decision!
metallic_substance@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 2y
Awesome. Do you find it tricky to ride trails without off-road tires?
ShadowCatEXE@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2y
I just do light gravel roads (logging roads) since that's mostly what we have around here. I kinda just went for it not knowing what was gonna happen, but I didn't go fast just in case I hit a rock or rut and dropped the bike. These tires were fine, but I don't have experience of using an off-road tire to provide a comparison, unfortunately.
metallic_substance@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2y
Do you have the space and tools to do a tire swap? The difference is pretty big. If you can, you might want to try dual sport tires. Be careful out there, smooth tires on a trail can be dangerous. Even gravel. Plus, knobbier tires will make the whole experience more fun and you'll be able to deal with slightly rougher terrain overall.
ShadowCatEXE@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 2y
I don't go far on these roads for that reason (I break something or lose a tire). Worst case I call for a pickup. I will definitely be picking up some better tires for next season though. Most my riding currently is highway, and the occasional short stop into a gravel road, so for now it's alright (knock on wood).
0x0@programming.dev · 2 pts · 2y
Noice