to the forum Fitz, as mentioned above both models are great, reliable, bikes in their own right. Just perfect for touring the beautifully scenic Emerald Isle. Let us know which one you finally decide best suits your needs. Either way you won't be disappointed 

The OEM chain on my Versys went 30K.   And Rob's complaining about the care (or lack thereof) I give it...   

I typically use some PTFE type dry lube to reduce (supposedly eliminate, but don't count on it) the amount of debris sticking to it and causing the wear described above.  I spray the chain after every long day on the bike (anything over 100 miles or so, which basically means almost every time I take it out...   ).  Seems to work pretty well.  The V-Strom's chain is at 33K and still looking OK.   

Gustavo

  to the forum Fitz.   Either of the Versys models will do you proud. Both are bomb proof, both are as reliable as an axe, and both are blessed by being built by a Japanese company. There are no issues with either bike, so you can rest easy about both of them.

I have recently moved from a big Versys to the smaller model, and although my main reason for the change is a health problem (wonky arms ), I have also come to understand that I don't need 100 BHP in order to thoroughly enjoy the kind of biking that I do.

If you lead  bike tours in Ireland, I presume that you take your clients on the quieter and more secluded routes. In which case you are unlikely to need any more than the little v will give.

I suggest that you test ride both bikes, then decide which one will best serve your needs.     
      good luck Geoff

Another 'nothing to worry about' post.

Happens on mine on short runs too.

Castrol Red Rubber Grease is what I had recommended to me, available on Ebay for not too much money and seems to do the job. Cheers, Onslowe