I'm a ST1300 owner looking into the Versys 1000 LT for 2-up touring.
Next steps for me is to look at the max weight capacity for rear trunk and each saddle bag. With the total added weight at 485lbs seems to be similar to what I've seen in other bikes I've looked at.
Also, going to be looking at what luggage options people are using.
Welcome! I came off an FJR and went to the 650lt. As my wife no longer wants to ride. But if I were looking for 2up touring. Then both Versys 1k and Multistrada would be on my shortlist. Good luck with your search.
I've spent most of my time lurking trying to find answers to some of the questions on the bike. Its an expensive bike, we we're really debating between another ST1300, the super ten and the Versys 1000 at this point. They also go up in price in that order (and down in age )
It seems the saddle bags are much smaller and to be honest, not sure how well I'll get used to that. In the dealer when we were on the bike, it looks lock to lock is not much better than the ST1300, so it might not accommodate the larger tank bags as well.
All the bikes should do us well, although some of them are definitely more desirable. One thing that I noticed was that the Sargent seat is a recover of the stock pan, so not entirely sure of that. Have the Sargent on the ST1300 and its super comfy, just not too sure as you can't really go back.
I would think that with a good CE rated pad in her jacket that the pad on the trunk wouldn't matter too much. That is what my wife has said when going from full on touring bikes (Voyager XII, Voyager 1700) to the Concours with Givi trunk or Triumph Trophy with its trunk.
I would also think that your biggest concern would be going from shaft drive to having to lube your chain every evening in the hotel parking lot while on a tour.
I've done the whole oiling your chain on trips before as well as having to adjust the chain slack as well. Its doable, but it sucks after a long day. Its a step up from my last chain though as the last time I had no center stand.
The biggest concerns for me on the Versys are
* Much less luggage space
* Taller for my wife to get on
* Seat comfort and needing to get it replaced on the stock pan if going with Sargent
I had him make a Flat Seat for my Versys 650 and Versys 1000. I have a bad hip and knees so i like to be able to scoot back on the seat so i can stretch out. So getting rid of the pillion hump was a big deal for me...
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