I'm shopping for a new to me commute bike and the mk3 Versys 650 is on the list.
I had a 2011 Versys for a while. It was my 1st ever new vehicle, and I put 57k mostly commuting miles on it. It was a great bike for going places, but had some shortcomings for me as a commuter.
I've been searching the site, and it looks like most of that is resolved in the 2015+ model (suspension, fuel tank range). I'm pretty impressed with the fuel economy numbers I see here, and with the larger tank, I think the range will be fine.
I didn't see discussion of the braking. The brakes felt a little weak on my 2011. Reviews said they're better on the 2015, but it still uses single sided calipers, and I have no idea how much better. Some of you have had both. What do you think?
Also I read a comment about some updates for 2016, but didn't see the details. I wonder what difference it makes if I get a 2015 instead of a 2016.
Can only speak for 2017 bike but tank range commuting for me is 350 miles comfortably ( mostly dual carriageway and taking it steady ).
The brakes aren't pin sharp but I don't want that on a commuter anyway. They will lock the front if asked engaging the smooth ABS.
Suspension is good, seating position and general comfort good. Screen much better with a deflector on the top as it reduces wind blast considerably. I use a small 'Puig' clip on that is about 1/3 the size of a helmet visor.
Had quite a few bikes and I'm pretty happy with my versys 1,500 miles down the road.
Niggles ?
Have to dip my chin a fraction to read the clocks and it doesn't like 30 mph above 4th gear but hey, its a 650 not a 1200.