The versys will perform well for what drewpy likes to do. It's basically a SV650 and performs like one. You will probably want to do suspension upgrades, but that is a must for most bikes.

I don't think the change will be as drastic as going from a 600 to the versys. The buell low end will be similar with versys just missing some horses.

The Versys is actually a really great bike. USD forks and better damped shock differentiate it from the Ninja 650 and SV650. It has a good bit of torque in the useable street rpm range, but won't have the top end rush of the 1125 Rotax. It handles well, but is in no way a sportbike. Not that it wouldnt keep up with em on most highways. It has a ton of user friendly assets, good upright ergos. You'll gain dirt road prowess but not really off road ability. You'll gain chain maintenance so if long trips are your bag maybe keep the Buelll and get some luggage.

Getting off my vfr and on my er-6n is a completely different world in the power department.

Even with me being a lightweight, once you get to a 100, it seems to hit a wall. I've gone a little faster, but that's about it. I know you're not getting a versys for speed, I was just stating the power. I don't know if the versys EFI/ignition is setup up different from the 650r/er-6n's. I'm sure the gearing is different.

yeah, i am going to try and get a test ride sometime in the next couple of weeks and try it out

you may want to look into the wee strom 1000s

If it's a 1k then it's a Vee. The 650 is the Wee ;)

I've heard nothing but good about the versys. The local Kawi dealership won't allow test rides or I'd try one out. I've been dying to take one for a ride just to see what it can do.

This is prolly the best statement here, the Vstrom 1000 will still have most of the power of the buell, and be as capable off road as the verseys, That being said, the verseys is an excellent bike competent, comfortable, and an all around do everything bike.

I think that you are gonna miss the power and handling of the buell though. You could prolly get a decade old lightly farkled KLR for 1500. Grex paid $1500 for his and is also keeping the busa, I paid 2500 for mine (half his bikes age and many aftermarket parts) and am keeping my cbr.

If the storms weren't so ugly, I'd recommend one.

They kinda grow on you though...

Hell the versys is a ugly piece of shit. most adv bikes are fugly.