I never thought I could have so much fun with a 60 hp bike. I love my 14 but this is the one I ride 60% of the time.

hey motordog, have you ridden the klr 650? i wonder how the two would compare? my first bike was the 650r. it was a great bike, but the upright position on rough roads hurt my back. i was wondering which would be the most comfortable commuter bike between the 3?

The Versys has about twice the horsepower of the KLR and only weighs about 30 lbs more. Where the KLR is about a 50-50 road/street bike the Versys is all street. I had a 95 KILR and loved the way I could ride to and from my off road excursions. I even did a couple of fairly long trips on the KLR, Phoenix to San Diego. The KLR is fine for long trips as long as you drive at or near the speed limit. The Versys is just a blast, I plan on a 3000 mile trip at the end of May to Miller Motorsports then up to Glacier National Park and probabaly won't decide until the last moment between the Zx14 or the Versys. There is something really satisifying traveling with a bunch of big ST bikes on the little 650. I have never had any problem keeping the pace on the little twin. When I get my second set of tires I think I will go with a set of Avon Distanzas or similar to give a little bit more grip in the dirt without sacraficing grip on the road, it will be far from KLR capable off road but better. So I feel they are so different and both great bikes with their own merits. I jsut wish my wife would let me have about three more bikes.

thanks for the write up motordog. i'll eventually get another twin for commuting to work. hopefully, within a reasonable time, i will have made up my mind. the 14 is an awesome bike to stay comfortable on. i just can't control the throttle enough to stay under the speed limit. the only thing i'm questioning the versys on is the wind blast. since it's naked, i am afraid the cold mornings will be harsh due to the direct wind exposure. i appreciate your feedback on the bike!