[Jarvy]

Howdy all! I just purchased a 2017 Versys 1000, just wanted to say hello. I did oodles of research, but what really made my decision was that pretty much any motorcycle expert/enthusiast I talked to preferred it over any competition I could ask them to compare it with.

I used to own a 1974 Honda Scrambler, so this is a bit of a step up in the power department - excited to (safely) have fun with my new bike, but any tips for handling and getting started with this heftier machine would be greatly appreciated

 

[52Degrees]

Howdy all! I just purchased a 2017 Versys 1000, just wanted to say hello. I did oodles of research, but what really made my decision was that pretty much any motorcycle expert/enthusiast I talked to preferred it over any competition I could ask them to compare it with.

I used to own a 1974 Honda Scrambler, so this is a bit of a step up in the power department - excited to (safely) have fun with my new bike, but any tips for handling and getting started with this heftier machine would be greatly appreciated

Tip number one-keep it over half a tank to reduce the unicycle tendency these bikes seem to enjoy. I also added SW Motech crash bars. They help, too.

Quality tires should last about 12,000 miles per set, unless you're a complete lunatic. Road 5s and Roadtec 01s are my personal preference, having divided most of my 40,000 miles on them.

Aftermarket windshields are an excellent friend to make. Pretty much any of them will provide a tremendous improvement over stock.

 

[Jarvy]

Tip number one-keep it over half a tank to reduce the unicycle tendency these bikes seem to enjoy. I also added SW Motech crash bars. They help, too.

Quality tires should last about 12,000 miles per set, unless you're a complete lunatic. Road 5s and Roadtec 01s are my personal preference, having divided most of my 40,000 miles on them.

Aftermarket windshields are an excellent friend to make. Pretty much any of them will provide a tremendous improvement over stock.

Thanks for the tips!! Hadn't heard that point about the tank, seems like great advice. And I am looking into those crash bars for sure.

The Road 5s have been recommended to me before, so I will likely go for those when I need to swap out my current set.

And thankfully the windscreen on my bike was already upgraded to a Madstad one, no complaints so far with that.

 

[Azamat]

Tip number one-keep it over half a tank to reduce the unicycle tendency these bikes seem to enjoy. I also added SW Motech crash bars. They help, too.

Quality tires should last about 12,000 miles per set, unless you're a complete lunatic. Road 5s and Roadtec 01s are my personal preference, having divided most of my 40,000 miles on them.

Aftermarket windshields are an excellent friend to make. Pretty much any of them will provide a tremendous improvement over stock.

Thanks for your tips!
Tyres recommendation is spot on, although Rear roadtec01 never lasted past 12000km, Road5 is holding well for now will see abt 20000km though.
Didn’t get your first point about keeping the tank full though. Could you please tell us more on this one?

 

[52Degrees]

Thanks for your tips!
Tyres recommendation is spot on, although Rear roadtec01 never lasted past 12000km, Road5 is holding well for now will see abt 20000km though.
Didn’t get your first point about keeping the tank full though. Could you please tell us more on this one?

I've found with my V1k that the bike has a tendency to wheelie with anything less than half a tank of fuel. The difference between full and half is quite pronounced.

I have over 10k MILES on my current Roadtec01 rear tire.

 

[Fastoman]

Welcome aboard and enjoy your ride. Be safe and take it easy for couple of ride and the bike will come to you. Best to follow senior riders.

 

[Craigar]

Best to follow "Senior Riders".
What's that all about, lol.
I know some older guys that can still ride much quicker and technically sound than most.
Jarvy- get familiar with the ride modes.
Then set the power and traction control accordingly.
At least until you get familiar with the bike.

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

The V1000 WILL "wheelie" w/ a full tank of gas (as will my V650s under full-throttle acceleration)!

 

[52Degrees]

The V1000 WILL "wheelie" w/ a full tank of gas (as will my V650s under full-throttle acceleration)!

The ability to wheelie is never in question with these bikes. Keeping the tank full doesn't prevent it, but it sure goes a long way towards calming it down.

Is kind of funny... I can't seem to pull a wheelie on purpose. I think I'm scared or something. Maybe I'm afraid of looping it. But accidental wheelies happen frequently. They're pretty scary on a cross-wind.

 

[242826]

This was my V1k. Can’t wait to see where Jeremy takes it! Lots of great advice and insight here. He’s in great hands,

 

[Andrew West]

Road5 is holding well for now will see abt 20000km though.

20,000 K's, damn that's impressive. I run Road 5's and really like them but the best I've found I can get out of them is around 14-15000 K's and the front I seem to get a little less on. Have heard good reports about Angel GT's and may give them a try also.