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Kind of new to riding

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Both are excellent bikes, separated by a few thousand dollars. Lots of folks on this site ride each. In fact, at least a couple I can think of have owned both. Rod (Mr2mch) has owned a string of VStroms (mostly 650s, I believe) and spent about 3 years on a Super Tenere. He could probably give you a good head-to-head comparison.
 
The 2012 and newer 650 VStroms are better than the older style. But the old ones are great bikes just the same - I had a 2005. Reliable, nearly indestructible, good gas mileage, and they're just good go-anywhere-do-anything bikes. And that one has really low mileage for an '04. And as Mitch pointed out, you could probably ride that one for a year and resell it for about what you paid.
 
Bear in mind Kawasaki is announcing a couple of new bikes in November, possibly the replacement of the KLR (or the Versys X650!).
 
IMG_20171202_120818636.jpg

17' v strom 650 xt model was $8500 $10,600 out the door with additional extended engine warranty purchased.

Photo before the farkles began
 
I can't recommend the Versys 650 enough. I keep thinking about replacing mine with something younger, stronger, etc. But the Versys is still so darn fun! And capable, I've done a 5k mile ride and multiple 400+ mile days on it, no problems at all.

But, picking a bike is a personal decision with tons of factors: budget, ergos, brand and type, etc. So I guess I'd suggest buying something used as a test-fit. If it works, then either keep it or upgrade to a newer model. If it doesn't fit you like a glove, then switch. Overall, the 'mid-sized adventure' segment (650 to 1000cc) is perfect for me.
 
I have a 09 Versys for sale that I modified the suspension. It has the great street manners and will get down gravel roads way better than a stock Versys.
 
I can say that a stock 2009 Versys with Shinko 705 tires is okay on gravel roads, but I'm new to riding myself so I can't say if the few things I've experience were the bike or me. It has felt "loose" in the front more than once on gravel at about 20-25 mph.

If Multisurface Rider's Versys was for sale when I got mine, I would have considered it. Too bad I didn't see the add until about 6 months after I got my bike. My bike is getting me about 43 mpg using 87 octane. Wish I knew what people did to hit 50 or better.
 
I consistently get 50+mpg on my 2008 if I don't get too heavy on the throttle and keep it under 75 on the highway.
 
notyou83 said:
I can say that a stock 2009 Versys with Shinko 705 tires is okay on gravel roads, but I'm new to riding myself so I can't say if the few things I've experience were the bike or me. It has felt "loose" in the front more than once on gravel at about 20-25 mph.
Click to expand...

I put some Shinko 805's on my daughter's NC700X with 17" wheels and all the sudden its a gravel machine. I couldn't believe the difference.
 
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