Hello from North West England

[Fatman]

Hi everyone,

I’m not yet a Versys owner but I’ve been  looking for a comfortable, reliable, economical, easy maintenance, do-it-all daily rider for commuting, touring, local riding and long distance, with luggage. I ride 99.5% road and 0.5% dirt road.

I was originally thinking of shaft drive bikes such as Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer, Yamaha FJR1300 or Yamaha Super Tenere. After seeing a Versys SE GT I think it could be just what I’m looking for. 

What exactly are the differences/changes in Versys SE GT model years 2019, 2020, 2021 ?

What are the pros/cons, is there anything specific to look out for ?

[Floydsz1]

Hi and welcome from sunny morecambe.  All the mark 3 model gt se  are the same apart from slight colour (decals)  differences.  Later ones have skyhook suspension but I'm not sure if you'd actually notice any difference,  though I've not ridden a skybook one yet , I've a 2019gt se , I find the electronic suspension fine. As for shaft or chain drive, I've fitted an electronic oiler and it works fine.  Shafts are heavy, I've changed the full exhaust for something much lighter aswell.

[TallyRex]

Welcome aboard    I've got a 2015, so can't answer your questions about Gen III bikes, but the bike is perfect for what you are seeking.  Good luck

[TYKE]

   along and also to potential Versys 1000 ownership...whichever model you go for you won't be disappointed

Good luck with your search and keep us posted     

[francis83]

  to you! You will do the good choice buying any Versys!!

[Stagman]

Welcome, also from NW England 
 Firstly, don't hesitate...buy a V1K with confidence, based on what you said it'll be perfect for you. It's a fantastic bike which for some reason gets very little publicity. You'll find it very smooth, powerful,  comfortable, torquey , very forgiving of wrong gear selection and surprisingly economical. I came from VFR800 Crossrunners looking for just a bit more touring capability and road presence, and the V1K has it all.  I'm  only moderately experienced in bike servicing, but have been able to self service (properly, to Kawasaki spec) with no real issues.  This forum is a great support, but there's also a Haynes manual up to 2016, but still seems 100% fine for my 2018, and there's a copy of the official workshop manual floating round the Internet somewhere. Self servicing will save you hundreds.  Only issue I've had was warped front discs replaced under warranty and fine since replacement.  Don't sweat the chain vs shaft drive. The centre stand and relatively good access makes chain maintenance easy anyway.  Of the bikes you mentioned I've only ridden the FJR1300. Awesome as it was, the V is much more comfortable (arms and wrists). The FJR is FAST !!!!  But the V1 is more than enough and I'd say no second best on build quality.
Get one bought friend, you won't regret it 👍

[RaYzerman]

Ditto Stagman's comments..... I'm coming off two FJR's and the V1K was instantly a fit, I couldn't believe it...... a quick sort of suspension settings was needed for me, a couple of electrical adds, new seat, and ready to go.

[Keener]

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