2011 G650GS or NEW Versys 650 dilemma
 

Hi fellow adventurers. I have a dilemma with which bike to buy.
I'm an English ex-pat almost at retirement age, and having sold my trustee VFR750 several years ago I want to do some adventuring on my home island of Palawan, Philippines.
The choice is between a VERY low mileage (4800km) 2011 BMW G650GS loaded with lots of extras (crash bars, Givi top box and rack, skid plate, radiator guard, headlight guard etc. etc) BUT at a seemingly very expensive Php530,000 (US$10,000) or the much cheaper NEW Kawasaki Versys 650 at a mere Php380,000 (US$7600).
Now I know bikes are ridiculously expensive in Philippines (thanks to a 30% import duty), but the asking price of the BMW seems HUGE!
In my experience the 'extras' which the owner is using to bump-up the price can't be 100% added onto the 'value' of a used bike. They just help to sweeten the deal.
As I'm going to be doing 70% touring (with my wife on pillion) and 30% occasional gravel road, even if I could get the price down on the G650GS, what's people's opinion of spending more on a 2011 BMW as opposed to a NEW Kawasaki?
Crazy or worthwhile?

2011 G650GS or NEW Versys 650 dilemma
 

Crazy IMHO

if the extent of your off roading is decent gravel roads make sure you have a good 50/50 tyre on the versys and i'm sure you'll be fine (opinion based on riding a Vstrom on dry tracks so hopefully someone with specific versys experience will be along soon).

Are there other options? KLR650?


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The Versys will do fine. I have owned 2 V and one ER-6N (and a f650GS single).


When I lived in Brazil, the BMWs were insanely expensive due to huge import duty. I bought an ER-6N, as it was so much cheaper. I took it through rough unpaved roads around the state of Rio and it was fine. although it did not fare well on sand with those road tyres :)


I did gravel roads with the Versys around Europe in the past. Those Kwaks are fine bikes. Never missed a bit, even after staying all winter sitting outside, the V always started.


I forgot to add that the V is incredibly well balanced, it never felt like it "wanted to go" down, unlike the F650GS which spent a lot of time on its side!

So my opinion? Get the V.

versys is really capable bike, suspension is quite good for this price range
when I was testing it. For me though is a bit short.

You might like the reviews contained in this thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-thread-65709

Versys, hands down

Thanks to everybody for their invaluable input.


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I've added the Suzuki V-Strom 650 to my list as it would appear to be a little better at light off-roading than the Versys. So the choice is now between a 650Versys, the V-Strom650 and the slightly used BMW G650GS.


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I don't think so, kawasaki verys has better overall suspension, plus is lighter.

Sorry, menbers I am going for the BMW G650GS. :oops2:

Not talking about the cost just talking about the bike.

So, you want a bike to do Two Up touring ... on an Island? Do you plan to leave the Island at all? Seems smaller bikes could work OK ... one for each of you. (low cost as well!)

The BMW G650 is clearing over priced and very heavy with all the added extras on it ... most of which you may not need if circumnavigating a small island.

For your planned use, I would not pay for a new Versys either. Better buy a nice used bike.

With all the smallish Chinese and Indian Imports around maybe you would be better off buying 2, 250cc bikes? You ride one, your partner rides the other. Just a thought. The latest 250cc ADV dual sport bikes are pretty good and FUN!

Also, if you really want a project, look into riders who are taking older Versys
650's and converting them to ADV dual sport bikes. Google is your friend or look the thread over on ADV Rider about riders doing projects with the early Versys bikes. They do really well once modified. The new ones are not as good
for a ADV bike.

Ride a few different bikes, see which ones work for you. Maybe you can get your wife riding too? Women ride all over Asia, so why not? bier

Thanks for your comments. However there's absolutely ZERO chance of getting my wife on a bike of her own (apart from her 125cc Mio scooter) so a thought of 250cc is definitely not on the table.
My home island of Palawan, Philippines has mainly just 1 main tarmac road which runs north/south along its 500km length. Apart from 1 or 2 small tributary roads, everything else will be gravel or compacted sand/mud.
The reason I started looking at the V-Strom was that most YouTube reviews said it was better at occasional off-road than the Versys. Reviews also reckon it's slightly bigger than the Versys which I'm thinking may help if we're 2-up touring. I'm 182cm and 85kg so I don't want to feel cramped.
The new V-strom is about the same price as the fully loaded (5000km used) BMW G650GS.... both about 20% more expensive than the new Versys.
Decisions.... decisions !


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I must be missing something. Your missus already rides a scooter ... and she can't move up to a 250? Come on! Dozens if not hundreds of riders ... including women ... have gone RTW on 125cc scooters and even smaller! Check out the Postie bike travel tales ride report!

But what ever makes her (and you) happy. On gravel roads I would have to agree
that the Vstrom 650 is the go. The 19" front will give WAY better feel and control than the front 17" on the Versys. Both great bikes but off road ... Vstrom.

As you say, it's also a lot roomier. True. I did 90K miles on mine. Plenty or luggage room, BIG wide seat, super comfy riding ALL DAY.

But do not buy new. You're simply pouring money down the drain. (unless you must finance it or some credit trap you're in?? :help smilie:)

FACT: A reasonably looked after Vstrom will go over 100,000 miles if cared for.
(160K km) So find a clean, low km. 2nd hand one and tell your wife it's NEW. :stupid:

You guys be careful out there ... you got some wild "drivers" there!

Simple answer to the New v Used is simply down to availability....used ADV/tourers just hardly ever exist in Philippines.
Re :- the slight more ability in the gravel ....YES entirely due to front wheel size of 19" v 17".
..... and just to go and view these at the dealers is a 1 hour flight and overnight hotel stopover . Hence my wanting to gain as many opinions before I travel so I know what to expect.


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it's not that easy, on scooter she can ride in skirt.... :thumbup1:


http://www.sandipointe.com/im/skirts...er-skirt-9.jpg

2011 G650GS or NEW Versys 650 dilemma
 

...... and heels ..... because she's only 5'2" :-)


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There's a new kid on the block which I've only just heard about......Honda X-ADV......
From what I've seen looks like an adventure style maxi-scooter.
For those reading the previous posts re:- what my wife will ride, it may be a compromise.
Has anybody even seen one of these machines yet?


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That is a pretty cool Scooter! :thumbup1: I like it! Looks large enough to travel with pillion in comfort! Easy to ride, decent cargo space. I'd like to test ride one!

Downside is cost ($15,000 USD approx 9K UKP) and Weight: 238 kg. (525 lbs.)

That is 200 lbs. heavier than a nice 250 dual sport ... and about the same as
Vstrom or Versys. But IMO, all good choices for where you are. The Scooter
might be the best choice ... if they sell them there?

It's a cool looking scooter !

Yeh I've been looking at the reviews on YouTube today. It seems to be quite a capable and very cool looking machine....BUT the PRICE!!!!! Crazy expensive. It would have been perfect for me either alone or 2-up, or for my wife alone for her normal town riding, but it's just priced way out of my budget.
Shame :-(


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2011 G650GS or NEW Versys 650 dilemma
 

Did I make the right decision.........?
Before I selected my final 3 (Versys, V-strom or G650GS) I had the chance to buy a 1-owner 2011 R1200GS . It was about 25% more expensive but is undoubtably the KING of adventure bikes.
I passed up on the chance because of 2 factors. 1)- dealer backup ( there isn't any in my province), and also the fact that my island is only 400km end-to-end, and 25km wide......rather a waste of resources (but like booking a 40ft container the move your sofa) .
As much as I absolutely ADORE the big GS, I think it was a wise decision which I hope you all agree with.


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IMO you made the right decision passing on the R1200GS. As good as they are ...
(and they are VERY GOOD to ride), it is often the case that older ones are very high miles. Yes, BMW owners tend to take care of their bikes ... but still.

The BMW Kool-Aid crowd will tell you they never wear out. Total PoppyCock!
(just ask Touring Ted!) We get used GS's here all the time time, many with 50K to 100K miles on them ... and still asking a fairly high price. Most never sell ... and in a year the guy finally has to lower the price but A LOT.

No matter how well they have been looked after, eventually things can fail. With BMW it's often expensive drive line or trans issues or computer/software failure and more.

I would take your time and test ride bikes you can get hold of. See what you think. You don't need to cross continents ... but someday, if you move, the BMW could be a good bike ... if you can afford good one.

A riding buddy recently bought a 2016 LQ GS for $25,000 USD. He's got some money, has 6 other bikes besides that new GS. doh

It was a 2011 model, 1 owner, BMW serviced from new, 32,000km, so I think it had a lot of life remaining which made the decision to pass on it rather more difficult. But I'm glad you agree with my reasoning. Thanks for your input.


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Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT arriving in Philippines late July 2017. Price Php514,000 (US$ 10,100).
Subject to an OK test ride, this will be my choice.

Big enough for 2-up touring around my island. Rugged enough for occasional off-tarmac dirt and gravel roads.......
Can't wait to start my new adventure.

bmw
 

I just Bought a 2014 g650gs in Colombia low kms 2550 10 grand Canadian and love it
Colombia is a big country with countless roads well travelled
this shit about BMWs and the Kool Aid crowd is nonsense if you want to live in a cave go ahead
here is a good example of what my friend described in Colombia
we go on day rides or multi day rides and always stop at some point in the the trip to visit a Motorrad to shop or rectify mechanical issues and when we arrive, of course we give them heads up they give us a Head of state welcome
the Colombians are very social and warm so they invite you to there lounge and offer you scotch beer or what ever and it is served by a drop dead friendly hostess in high heals an a miniskirt
now this is service! viva Colombia
Colombian service is impressive for example if want a haircut it can cost you anywhere from 2 bucks to 20 the twenty buck haircut is amazing they serve you what ever your thirst requires and i guarantee you you will come out of there feeling like a new man
Koolaid is not in the dictionary so go back to your cave
I have worked too hard in my life to go with the usual and am a proud owner of a bmw
Bye the way i am divorced my kid has grown up and educated and i and i am in a continent i truly love with a job
BUY THE BMW YOU WONT REGRET IT unless you are a cheapskate
Bums no need to reply

2011 G650GS or NEW Versys 650 dilemma
 

I thought I'd update you on my final choice. Despite being tempted by a G650GS and a SERTAO, my final choice was a NEW DL650XT V-Strom.
My main reason for passing on the BMWs were simply down to availability of servicing in my province in Philippines. Basically the nearest BMW dealer is a 24 hour ferry ride away!!!!
So I pick up the new YELLOW Wee-Strom in about 2 weeks!
Happy guy.


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:censored: :blushing:
keepcalm keepcalm keepcalm keepcalm keepcalm

Yep plenty of life. My GSA has 10 times that mileage.

But you made the correct decision on the GS. Not really suited to your needs I think. bier