Hi guys, I currently own a 2015 Versys and I've put 8500 miles on it in 7 months and apart from the rubbish front screen I think it's the best bikes I've ever owned. It's been perfectly reliable, the luggage fits great, it's smooth and comfortable. I've previously owned the older Multistrada 1200 which was more sporty and better in the twisties but the engine was awful at slower revs (heard the new DVT engine is better) worst of all was the reliability of the electronic's package on the Ducati.... 7 warranty returns in 12 months. Just beware buying bikes with mega complicated electronics if you intend to keep them out of warranty.

Hi guys. 1290 owner here. I second about the shimie on the 1290 front wheel. Bought mine a month ago and it came with the front wheel spokes out of tune. Took me 20 min to correct that . Now you can turn on cruise control at 170kms/h and let go of handle bar. No shimie at all. Nice adventure review. (Y)

Guy in yellow just casually having a heart attack in the back.

@chtomlin

8 жыл бұрын

+Angel K.N Yes, that was so funny!

@BigbangBiker

7 жыл бұрын

this comment is even more funny :D

@frankrulesall

6 жыл бұрын

LMFAO

@paulgibson3292

5 жыл бұрын

That was the only good part of the vid

What I took away from this - not that I specfically needed a reminder - is that motorcycling is pretty damn amazing.

@rangeslider

8 жыл бұрын

+Aleksi Joensuu One of the few reasons being adult is awesome.

But... I don't want to go to motorcycle.com... answer my questions now!!!

Looks like you guys really enjoyed this!

seems too me, they are all great bikes, its what ever you prefer or can afford, but ended up getting the Aprilia capo, and very happy with it.

Guy in yellow killed it !!! Hahahahaha

I now have the Multistrada. This with out any doubt one of my favorite MC vids ever! Thanks

Glad to see John Burns every time!

I wish testers would include something like a 50 000 mile "total cost of ownership" estimate. It matters!

First of all, nice test, nice road trip. You guys are lucky. You get paid for having fun. Should redo this test today, with Africa Twin included, also some Yamaha Tracer 900 and or SuperTenere

I think that they just realized that all of these bikes are great. They all have plenty of power for all the touring and occasional hooning around. They're all comfy (save for the buzziness of the S1000XR), they are all capable of commuting with ABS and TC. I think what it really comes down to is indeed the rider. If you plan to go offroad, get one with a 19" front and make sure you are strong enough to pick it up on your own. Never hitting the dirt? Get one with a "de-tuned" sportbike engine and 17" front tire. One thing I can't stand about these reviews is they never take long-term reliability into account. Pick one that fits you and your budget and ride the damn thing.

Fantastic review and write-up. I recently purchased a 2017 Versys 1000 (with gear indicator) and am incredibly impressed by its capabilities. The price is also the most reasonable and within reach of sanity of the bunch. Nice work, Kawasaki. Nice work, MO!

William I own a 2015 Versys and it is a amazing, get one it's worth the money ,blood is green cheers ☺

if no one bike standing out... I say the cheapest one win.

Burns looks like he never quite pulled it all together. I like that.

I think for the money the Versys is hard to beat. I would just want ABS and traction control for a safety net and the Kawasaki has those at least.

@holdencaulfied7492

7 жыл бұрын

Yes and no. It's not a true adventure bike, has a 17" front wheel. It seems there is a subcategory of ADV bikes.. jacked up sport bikes e.g. multistrada, Versys, s1000xr. A 19" wheel is nice for jacked up roads i.e. real world riding.

Just watched this video. The guys in the background were awesome!

Funny how one of the guys commented about liking the old school Multistrada better. I have two of them. So much for checking out the new one.

A ride like that is on my bucket list. Really cool

great video - excellent review

"Don't ask the stupid questions in the Comments section?!" That's my favorite part of this.... Oh, all right...

I will stick with my 2011 DL650 ABS I did a 48000 miles trip on it loaded last year and it performed great.Comfy too, 50 mpg average and was riding at 70 - 100 mph.

watching this made having my morning poo way more enjoyable...

@flanners41

2 жыл бұрын

was just thinking the same......

The guys at the back are pretty funny.

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

8 жыл бұрын

+arun k.rajan No they're not. I thought they were irritating.

Love the guys in the background

all around all good. I would have liked to see the Super Tenere in that bunch and hear the comments against the rest of the bikes. I am actually shopping for banned venture bike (currently have a CBR1000RR ) and I'm leaning for the Superb Tenere or the new Kawasaki Versys 1000.... any thoughts? ?

"The winner is, whoever the rider is..."This is weak. Pick a goddamn winner and stick to your decision. Don't pussy out and say, well... these are all great bikes and you can't go wrong with any of them.

@kd221

8 жыл бұрын

+HueTubeR They get pay to say that LOL. They will lose their jobs if they pick out the winner.

@huetuber1204

8 жыл бұрын

Then this video is useless.

@surly60

8 жыл бұрын

You have to read the report and test cards on their site. Its quite comprehensive. 1st-4th. BMW 1000xr, KTM 1290, Ducati 1200 MS, KTM 1190. Me, I'd have the Kawasaki Versys and put the many $$$$ in my pocket for a huge trip.

@jonathansnyder8686

8 жыл бұрын

They're only saying that because it really comes down to personal preference. Each bike is nice, but each person will take away something different. After that it's up to the rider to get on a couple and feel the difference. Do you really want to buy a bike based off what a youtube video said?

Less electronics on the Kawa? Sold!

You might have missed to test the Honda VFR1200X crosstourer with these motorcycles. I guess it belongs to sport-adventure-turing class, and has the 1200 cc engine.

I've test ridden the XR. Such a sweet bike. Didn't feel a buzz in the handlebars or pegs. But I didn't do any highway riding. I will go ride it again. As I've been considering replacing my RT for the XR.

@AleksiJoensuu

8 жыл бұрын

+Bruce O. Test ride it for the exact riding you will be doing, same as any other bike. :)

@arihess6714

8 жыл бұрын

+Aleksi Joensuu Yeah Bruce, take it for a test ride, but not like the bozzos in the video did. Do what you normally do, take the bike to the centre of the city, try driving in jammed traffic, have a passenger, load it up with heavy luggage, move out to the motorway, try different riding modes, spend hours on the bike. Let's hear your opinion for the XR after that.

Hi buddies !! Wow process like result mightily after

To Motorcycle.com staff, would like to know how much damage to the crash bar/bodywork after it went down? anything outstanding? that crash bar seems really thin and I always wonder how much it would protect the bodywork. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like the big boy has handling issues that the other fellas dont. Maybe he needs to try the Boss Hoss?

I think they were harsh on the V-Strom. I've ridden it.. it's fast, smooth, tons of torque, light, you can actually take it off road because it's light, and you can find deals on them so they're relatively cheap. No deals on KTM's and Beemers. What's holding me back is lack of shaft drive and the looks.

So what's the verdict for 2017?

I didn't see any off road riding that my Goldwing 1500 could not do. I have ridden on a lot of gravel roads, dirt roads and paved roads with my Goldwing and these bikes shown are suppose to be more able to handle dirt roads than my Goldwing.... I just don't see the "adventure" side to them in this review... I was "stoked" when I saw all the bikes in this review lined up especially since I was looking to get one of them (leaning towards the Suzuki and the Yamaha -not here, I know). Now, I am thinking, I will just keep riding the Goldwing 1500 with its 133,000 miles on it...... It has yet to fail me and it has yet to fall down with me on it... So, it is a keeper.

I like the #of bikes, but a review like this would be better if you'd include some "alternative" bike. For example a 'Power Cruiser or a Street Fighter or a Standard so that someone could get an idea of how these might compare to "other bikes". IE: does an adv touring bike win out compared to everything or just other adv bike?

Thank you. I am sorry to talk you . The best bike is that bmw gs 1200 best bike ever even if you never go off road or camping . just the perfect every day funn best all around !

melons at 5:04! LOL!

Great video. Just amazes me how many of these experienced riders do not know how to position correctly for bends and leave themselves vulnerable to oncoming traffic!

Where is the Honda ?

Man some nice bikes but looks like I'll have to stick with the old KLR for a few more years (baring a lottery win, wealthy wife or gold find of some sort ).

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

8 жыл бұрын

+Darrin Archer A good decision. Nothing wrong with basic bikes. Is it reliable?

@The2guard

8 жыл бұрын

+Nime Oh yeah no problems ever.

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

8 жыл бұрын

Surprisingly none with my Buell Ulysses apart from a broken drive belt and a wheel bearing.

V-strom specs are incorrect

No Africa twin or Yamaha super Tenere? Personally I like the smaller lighter Tiger 800 because it's plenty of power 95hp and better off-road. No lack of competition in this class which means we all win

Some of these bikes aren't Adventure bikes, so not a good comparison. We have light Sport Touring bikes in here.

Non-conclusive 19 minute long clickbait for the article.

@tonyinfinity

7 жыл бұрын

If you're wanting 9 guys to come to a conclusion and pick one bike, you're crazy. Besides even if they did pick one, doesn't mean it's the bike for you. You have to just do research and pick the one that's right for you.

@Laudrengen

7 жыл бұрын

They could each pick their favorite.

@tonyinfinity

7 жыл бұрын

Laudrengen That's the whole point each guy couldn't even pick a favorite, they all like each bike in different ways. Opinions vary so much you can't even listen to someone else telling you that they like one bike more than the other. These days the bikes are so close in comparison, you really can't go wrong with any of them. Pick the things important to you and go from there. The fact that they talk about each bike and tell you their opinions on each is better than picking a "winner"

@Laudrengen

7 жыл бұрын

Listen. They can chose one. They don't so that their video caters to as many people as possible. It's annoying.

@tonyinfinity

7 жыл бұрын

Laudrengen What's the difference if they say the BMW wins at the end compared to telling what their personal plus and minuses are of each bike. Are you going to go buy the bike they say is the winner?

i like the review but the guys behind are just hilarious. ..

I personally am waiting to see the Africa Twin before I upgrade my machine. I'll still be sitting nicely on my KLR till then...even is she can't reach the high speed wobbles with my big ass and gear on it.

@AleksiJoensuu

8 жыл бұрын

+Patrick Grady Hey, if you have a bike that will carry your luggage and yourself on the adventure you want - You're all set!

@nickaltvater5592

7 жыл бұрын

I'm hanging onto my KLR650 as well until something comes along that I must have

The boxer engine is the best of any anyone out there . a real peach . even the old one . !! BMW r1200 rules . !!

Wicked. Hey there. venomous bless What do you think, guys.2. !!!

Hey, yo! Great Job! tenuous ignorant What's your opinion about that

What no Honda ?

you guys are so lucky, i mean even the most "expensive" bike is amazingly cheap !!! where i live the duck retails for about 45,000$ ... so for 21,000 i'd say it's the bargain of the century :)

Here in Brazil you get the Versys 1000 for R$ 53.450,00 and V-Strom 1000 for R$ 44.900,00! This changes things a bit, maybe?

the guys in the back, made this video.

Yup....BMW's are awesome until you have to fix them. Don't but a beemer unless you can afford to fix them when the warranty expires. (Speaking from personal experience.) :-)

You guys keep talking about the high price of the Vstrom, but they simply don't sell for MSRP. You can buy new bikes for $9k.

Super Tenere #1

There is a reason why the kawasaki versys is up front..is the best.

Missing out super tenere

nice Moonwalk ;)

Honda?....................Yamaha?..............they don't sell it in your's country's guys?...........nice video good job!!!!!

@The2guard

8 жыл бұрын

+all4bikes This was made before the Africa was released (I can't think of anything else Honda makes in this category of bikes) and as they said at the beginning, Yamaha wasn't willing to put in their Tegre (sp?) and again Y doesn't have anything else 1000cc + that belongs in this category -at least I don't think they do.

@nasos_kayak_fishing

8 жыл бұрын

+Darrin Archer ok i can understand about yamaha.but honda varadero? big history and good motorcycle!i would like to watched together with that motorcycles!in Europe and specially here in greece honda-yamaha is first in sales!

@The2guard

8 жыл бұрын

I will have to check the Varadero out. I'm not familiar with it. Thanks.

@justinhalsall4077

6 жыл бұрын

And don't forget the Honda crosstourer

eeeee it was tuffff

Here is a stupid question: instead of complaining of comments and trying to direct people to your website so apparently we can find out the winner, why don't you just say "we need traffic to our website so we can keep on producing these videos"? Because if you did just that, I would actually go and contribute to the website traffic, and click on a few ads too. Otherwise, couldn't care less which one of the nine bikes is the winner. I don't see a competition - no need for a winner. And anyone on their right mind has a pretty good idea which bike is which after all your comments during these videos.

@1compaqedr8

8 жыл бұрын

Yeah. These days it's better to be direct and straight forward about business and just tell customers what's needed. Magazines have a ton of competition, especially a small niche like motorcycles.

Odd the Super Tenere wasn't included , I guess so many sold that no one had one to spare for this test.

I like that rider side/weight was mentioned, as at under 130lbs, maybe 140 geared up, bikes handle much differently for me than for bigger folks. Maybe that's a good future video idea, to compare how bikes are with a smaller, maybe female rider vs a bigger 200lbs guy?

@aaronbehindbars

8 жыл бұрын

The MOrons have a good mix of various size testers - Kevin Duke, John Burns, Tom Roderick, and Sean Alexander - in that order from small and light to tall and heavy. Great idea to see them use that as part of their testing.

Did anyone see that guy faint?

10:56 comedy

Do all US motorcycles have limited engine power in comparison with the European? My Triumph Explorer XC har 137 BHP if I'm not mistaken. The bike I had previously BMW R1200GS had 125 BHP. I've driven the Triumph, BMW GS, the KTM and the Versys. Out of these four I have to say I like the Explorer best as a tourer.

@stefanpaterson6145

7 жыл бұрын

113.7 CO2 g/km, not sure what that is in miles.

@tiborttt1

7 жыл бұрын

No, U.S. bikes have the same power. Most U.S. magazines dyno the bikes and list power and torque at the REAR WHEEL, not at the crank. So the number is lower than that provided by the manufacturer ;)

@stefanpaterson6145

7 жыл бұрын

That would explain it, cheers!

i go adventure with my small cbr 250 bike :D

@AleksiJoensuu

8 жыл бұрын

+M Rizqi Fp And you'll have a grand time at it, and have a lot more gas money to spend on your trip, so enjoy yourself ;)

@rangeslider

8 жыл бұрын

+M Rizqi Fp Smaller bikes are an insane amount of fun too without drilling too deep into our pockets and not allowing us to do stupid speeds.

JB, You are Max Headroom.

@percussion44

7 жыл бұрын

That's what you get after a 45 year three blunts a day habit.

They were wondering if the BMW XR1000 was a lemon with all the buzzy-ness. It's not. Rode one the other day for an hour... buzzed the shit out of me. Phenomenal power, beautifully-finished & wonderfully tecnho-savvy, but the buzzy vibration, esp for the price, is a total deal-killer. BMW will fix that for next year (2017) I'm sure, but No Way on the 2016.

I'll ride by you on my 78 R100 and not fall in the mud. :-)

Disappointed Yamaha couldn't/wouldn't, whatever the case was didn't make a Super Ten available, I don't think it would've won the shootout but I think it would've acquitted itself quite well

@1compaqedr8

8 жыл бұрын

I was hoping to see the fj09 also.

I will stick with my honda cb 400

To bad the super tener isn't there . Yamaha would have won.

I can't afford any of them...

@AleksiJoensuu

8 жыл бұрын

+TheSuperMotoHooligan Then get a cheaper one! There's no shortage of smaller displacement bikes that will take you on the exact same adventures. Sure, maybe with less comfort and less straight line speed, but hey.

@ripmax333

8 жыл бұрын

+TheSuperMotoHooligan steph jeavons is traveling around the world on a CRF250L, you don't a monster of a motorcycle to make a great adventure .

@AleksiJoensuu

8 жыл бұрын

+ripmax333 Oh yeah. Many people choose smaller and cheaper options :)

"If you want the whole story go to motorcycle.com", why the hell would you make a two part video then?

I ride an Aprilia cap...I don't get the complaints about the cruise control?!?!?!?! Push the damn button, hold it in for a couple seconds then push it again for the desired speed....whats the problem?!?!?!

@dimosk7389

7 жыл бұрын

Amy Niehaus I ride a caponord too and I have no idea how to operate the cruise control. Ofc, maybe it has to do with the fact that mine is an ETV1000 2006 model hehe

WORTHY OF AN OSFAR. ! ABJECT PENITENT WHAT'S YOUR OPINION ABOUT THIS, GVYS !!

All the bikes are cool but I'd rather have a buell xb12xt.

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

8 жыл бұрын

+Zach Owens I couldn't agree more. I have a 2006 XB12X. I bet it handles better than any of these. It's lighter, simpler and looks better. Plus it's the most comfortable bike I've ever been on.

@holdencaulfied7492

7 жыл бұрын

You guys are morons. When I drive home from Tahoe after July 4th weekend, I love counting all the stranded Harley riders on the side of the road. Buy a real bike.

Looks like at minute 3 there is duck tape on the bike.

@SineOccasu

8 жыл бұрын

+Phil M. Yeah noticed that, on the Ducati I think of all bikes, wtf? haha

@nikos-giorgos

8 жыл бұрын

+Phil M. securing the camera maybe?

Problem of American Reviews, they don' talk about fuel Consumptions, did everything with one fuel Tank?

you have to wonder how reliable their opinion is if they think the aprilia has tricky electonics switching. i've only got 80,000 miles on mine. i'm thinking maybe they should stick to the track.

Suzuki V-Strom for me!!

Dudes, at 6000 rpms my Ducati is doing 175km/h, my average travelling speed is 150km/h so to avoid speeding fines but occassionaly I'd kick it to 200km/h where I can with no effort. Longest day on the bike I've had with luggages and passenger was 850km ride and spend 85€ on fuel for that - also longest one time ride 500km with only tank stops. After that had a shower and went for a nice dinner with my girl. With any other of these bikes I'd probably be dead from exhaust not to mention if I'd ever manage to cover such distances. I mean everybody knows by now which of the bike manufacturers sponsored this shootout, so bullshit aside put at least a "Sponsored by B..." logo up there to be fair.

@scotwilson4169

8 жыл бұрын

This guy may not be 100% English/American but he's 100% on the mark with the whole sponsor thing. You have to take these reviews lightly, and only make your decision to buy on your test ride experience, not on someone else who rides 200bhp superbikes as often as possible when they're released. How's that opinion going to related to something with 2x the weight and half the power?

@arihess6714

8 жыл бұрын

+Scot Wilson You should see me yesterday after I red the article review, because the above was only after watching the video part. This review couldn't be more desperate way from BMW for highlighting a poorly designed bike and try. BMW more than any other manufacturer should know that a good product takes time to develop and you can't just take one of your older models and after few modifications re-brand it to make it competitive with something that's been gone 5y development and has a wide culture of riders behind it. Could it be perhaps that the younger generation of German engineers will come to compromise the quality we've known and balance that with media BS.

Nine guys, each with one vote. Pick the best highway, the best off road and maybe the best for your money. Nope. Didn't happen. Motorcycle.com, you screwed up. Two videos and you told us sweet fanny adams. I'll keep that in mind when I'm cruising KZread. Goodbye.

just wait until u guys sit in the Honda africa ...

No super tenere?

Not a single Yamaha Super Tener? Not a "real" adventure bike comparison then was it. Seriously? a Ducati and a Guzzi, but no Super Tenere.

Burns is getting REAL stuttery

@Od_13

8 жыл бұрын

Yea

@rickchardet01

8 жыл бұрын

Yeah, seems it's gotten worse?

@michaeljolly8197

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Cuellar He still knows what he's on about, couldn't really care. Great guy all around from what I've seen and heard actually.

@rickchardet01

8 жыл бұрын

Michael Jolly Yeah ofcourse, he seems like an awesome fellow

@AleksiJoensuu

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Cuellar Perhaps, but does it matter in the least? Nope.

IT'S REALLY INTERESTING VIDEP HI, WHAT'S UP?% BAD PLOT % !!

vibration is sexe

BMW reliability????? I hear things.....

this is BS all cycle are good ???

you're #6! w h a t 's u p, g u y s0 changeable peace what's your opinion about thau

Interesting but too much electronic gadgetry on these bikes. I'd still rather have my Buell Ulysses, and I bet it handles better than any of these bikes.

@taylor2105

8 жыл бұрын

I'd like to see that comparison. That 1290 super adventure rails corners

@cuzimaluzer777

8 жыл бұрын

lol. ok

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

8 жыл бұрын

lol what?

@tiborttt1

7 жыл бұрын

I think you'd lose that bet. XR may have a little buzz in the handlbars, but it would eat that Ulysses for lunch ;)

@user-sw2lv3zp6o

7 жыл бұрын

The torque monster would prevail. XB12X rules.

The KawasakiKLR650 would have been a better choice than the Versys. Just sayin'. The key word to me here was "Adventure" not "Sport Touring."