Multiple "Multisurface" Motorcycling

[Marty]

As many of you know there are multiple "Multisurface Motorcycles" in my current stable.  For whatever reason, perhaps the ergonomics of them, I happen to like riding this style of motorcycle.

I have a V-Strom 1000, Versys, KLR650 and KLX250.  Each has it's own focus and each has a purpose.  I would never take the KLX250 where I ride the V-Strom and I would not take the V-Strom where I ride the KLX250.

However the V-Strom 1000 and the Versys are a bit more similar, yet they are still quite different.  I ride them more than my other bikes and still enjoy both of them.

The Versys still is the funnest bike I've ever owned.  The KLR650 held that title for many years, however if you jump on a Versys after riding the KLR650, you will see exactly what I mean.  The bikes are very similar in fun factor, but the Versys edges out the KLR once you are on the road.  The KLR will go places that I wouldn't even think of taking the Versys.

Perhaps the Versys and V-Strom are more road oriented than the KLX or KLR, with the KLR being the most adapable bike of the lot.  It is really kind of hard to separate them all into categories, but they all have their purpose.

I can take a trip on the KLR, Versys or V-Strom - I would guess it depends on what the trip entailed, the surfaces ridden and the complexity of the overall ride.  For example if I were headed to North Carolina for a weekend and did not intend to ride anything other than good service roads, then the KLR, Versys or V-Strom could be used.  If I changed the trip to include any of the "Hooligan Rides" then the KLR would get the call, even though the KLX would be better suited.  Make it a trailer trip with the same intended riding and the KLX would be loaded on the trailer with at least one other bike.

If I were to make the same trip, but did not intend to do anything but harrass folks on Deal's Gap, then the Versys would be the weapon of choice.  I can just imagine running that road on that bike.  Pure joy!      Oh the V-Strom is good at that also, but it does take a bit more work to get the bigger bike to turn.

Now, if I were to be taking a long, long trip, say to Moab, then there is no doubt in my mind, the V-Strom 1000 would be the one to saddle up for the journey.  That Bill Mayer Seat is very cushy and the bike affords more rider protection than the others.  It just loafs along at interstate speeds and is a very enjoyable bike to ride for long distances at high speeds.

I've worked on keeping the cost of luggage and such down.  The V-Strom and KLR share the same Givi trunk.  I hope to have a mount soon on the Versys so I can simply move the one Givi trunk from bike to bike to bike.  I have a Wolfman Alfa Rear Bag that will fit on the KLR, V-Strom and Versys, so I have a place to take my clothing and with the Givi, a place to lock up my stuff.  I'm not a fan of hard side cases, so this is my option of luggage.

Yep, they're kind of like golf clubs - gotta have the right one for the job.  I'm very fortunate to have been able to put this collection of rideable bikes together and keep them together.

Basically I have the bikes to do just about any kind of riding that I choose to do.

I know there are a couple others out there that own multiple bikes of this kind, I'd like to hear your thoughts on them.

[Sly-one]

Hmmm, this could get real interesting!
 

[GTversys]

Money keeps me from having the bikes that I might end up with, ha. 

Sold my cruiser FXDX 95" HD, but rode it everywhere and mostly 2 up, even scouting in NM for elk up fire roads and switch backs of highly crowned 1 lane gravel switch backs.

Now run the big roads and twistys with the K1200GT, can cruise at 120+ but very nerve wrenching wondering where the next LEO is hiding!

The Versys, is way cool and lots easier to get out and ride, I mostly stay away from the slabs, but it will keep up with the bigger rides on the slab, just not as comfy or as far.  The BMW wins out on that deal especially 2up which is most of my riding.