 7Likes
 |
|
16 May 2017
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Palawan
Posts: 47
|
|
|
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?
|
16 May 2017
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 380
|
|
|
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?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
16 May 2017
|
 |
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
|
|
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.
|
17 May 2017
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
|
|
|
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.
|
17 May 2017
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoloPD
what's people's opinion of spending more on a 2011 BMW as opposed to a NEW Kawasaki?
Crazy or worthwhile?
|
You might like the reviews contained in this thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-thread-65709
__________________
Dave
|
17 May 2017
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 238
|
|
|
Versys, hands down
|
17 May 2017
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Palawan
Posts: 47
|
|
|
Thanks to everybody for their invaluable input.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
17 Jun 2017
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Palawan
Posts: 47
|
|
|
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
17 Jun 2017
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoloPD
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.
|
I don't think so, kawasaki verys has better overall suspension, plus is lighter.
|
17 Jun 2017
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 258
|
|
Sorry, menbers I am going for the BMW G650GS. 
Not talking about the cost just talking about the bike.
|
17 Jun 2017
|
 |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoloPD
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?
|
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? 
Last edited by mollydog; 23 Jun 2017 at 06:06.
|
19 Jun 2017
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Palawan
Posts: 47
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
So, you want to 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.
The BMW G650 is clearing over priced and very heavy with all the added extras on it ... most of which you may not need. For your planned use, I would not pay for a new Versys either. Better buy a nice used bike.
With all the 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.
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? |
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 !
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
19 Jun 2017
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
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. 
You guys be careful out there ... you got some wild "drivers" there!
|
19 Jun 2017
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Palawan
Posts: 47
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
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.
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
19 Jun 2017
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I must be missing something. Your missus already rides a scooter ... and she can't move up to a 250?
|
it's not that easy, on scooter she can ride in skirt.... 
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
