Kawasaki Versys 1000 or Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?

[@technoaddict2056]

I’ve had a Tracer 9 for a while, then traded it for a Versys 1000 LT SE+. The Yamaha CP3 engine was more exciting for sure, but the Kawasaki is better everywhere else (ergos, comfort, front end stability, wind protection, …). To me, it feels like a way more premium and « mature » bike. I do not regret my swap and would not go back.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I also believe that the word “mature” can be the right one here in terms of the Versys 1000. Being the top of the line model in the manufacturer’s range helps it too.

[@merismehic9194]

Which one is better for city driving, i dont care about power that much but i like a nice soundung exhaust

[@Maximius38]

Yamaha is famous only in preteens world lol, scooters and the MT07!!! it's a reliable brand, but it's not my cup of tea....

[@paulfarcas1514]

​@merismehic9194 I'm at 1500km on a Versys 1000, and city riding is way easier than you'd expect. Would not trade this for a Tracer at any point. Also, I only had that 5000 rpm vibration for the duration of the brake in period, after the first oil change it went down significantly, so better respect the brake-in rpm limits.

[@PointsOnly]

That CP3 engine gets HOT also

[@josephlarmor550]

I see a lot of adverse comments about the weight of the Versys, but I’m 68, 5’9” and I’ve never had a problem in 4 years of ownership. Don’t forget that weight also = stability on long-distance high-speed touring. I tested a Tracer on a windy day and was nearly blown off the road when I overtook an artic and emerged from its slipstream. The Versys on the other hand is always steady as a rock.

[@JKL246]

I haven’t ridden a Tracer, and have no interest, but have had several well handling bikes (several big BMWs, KTM, Guzzi). In the curvy mountain roads of West Virginia the Versys 1000 SE LT+ is a very nimble and great-handling bike. Not understanding at all the statement that the Versys 1000 doesn’t like to turn; mine loves curves. It’s the best overall pavement riding experience I’ve ever had. Also handles hard pack gravel very well. Versys 1000 is a very light, comfortable, and well-balanced ST bike; I wouldn’t want anything lighter for Interstate use. Agree that Versys needs TPMS, but the 4-cyl trumps any concerns-great engine, especially if you like I-4 engines for touring.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Hmm, Versys 1000 being light sounds to me like quite of a big statement. In terms of eagerness to turn, I noticed that you mentioned BMW motorcycles and I think that usually the best way to clarify things is by the way of comparison to some others. So if you've ridden BMW motorcycles that are different than the ones with a boxer engine, then likely they weren't so amazingly better in terms of handling. If they were ones with an "R" in the beginning of their names, then it would be a confusing judgement to me as at speeds, the control over a Versys 1000 seems very, very different to me than in all those. R1XXXRT or R1XXXGS would be good ones to have a comparison with.

[@kenp4464]

Most of his vid is gunning thru city traffic and filtering. The Versys handles great if he ever went on some roads to actually enjoy the bikes.

[@oztheglitch]

he is comparing 2 bikes. one is modarately more nimble how is this so hard to understand

[@ashraffendy2010]

The older I am, the more that I'm leaning towards comfort & stability. Power? Versys can do that too, albeit a bit linear compared to funky T9. Now I just wanted to leisurely cruising + enjoying the view. That's all to it.

[@dryogi4055]

Based on other reviews, the Versys is better than the Tracer. The Tracer is still a good bike but can't beat the Versys.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I've got no idea what other reviews compare exactly and I'd stand by an opinion that when doing certain type of riding or simply to people who like riding in a specific way, Tracer can be better. For a twisty road, I'd take the Tracer 10 out of 10 times - just as an example. So it always depends.

[@igniscer1]

The versys 1000 is a far superior touring motorcycle.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I do also think that when it comes to long distance touring, it should do better due to the position on it, wind protection, high speed stability and some other elements.

[@wanderlpnw]

I've owned the versys for a while. I test rode the tracer. They are both very close, I feel. Versys feels a little more premium. The tracer is lighter and more nimble. If someone asked me which to buy, I'd ask them which you could find for cheaper. The versys goes for way under sticker price here in the US.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I think that the premium feel may be a difference here in fact. I'd also say that it favors the Versys significantly if one cares about it.

[@staceejaxx3071]

I love the tracer 9 gt style and sound. Good thing yamaha listened and put a good tft dashboard on the GT+

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Right, I also feel that the next good move will be to introduce it in the regular Tracers 9. Just like Apple does with the last year's iPhone pro - the following year, all the good stuff lands in the regular iPhone. Let's hope Yamaha follows.

[@tomg6284]

Good info. Thanks for the english in your reviews. Both bikes are very good, flip a coin and no one would be unhappy with either. Leg room, Kawasaki.

[@johannesmaas4080]

regarding the front break - adjust the lever so it is further away from the grip. Once correctly adjusted there is no issue. Front break is amazing on my MY2023 SE

[@hardcore88]

I own 2 Kawasaki Versys. A 2016 purchased new in 2017(over 60,000 trouble free miles) and a 2020 Versys with all the electronic & suspension upgrades. My brother owns a 2021 Tracer base model and we've ridden together on numerous occasions trading back & forth. Both are fun MC's. The Tracer is lighter, feels more nimble but is a bit more cramped(I'm 6'2"), less wind protection, harder seat and vibrates more as the revs grow. I'd recommend either MC depending on your size. Both of us replaced the stock windscreens for taller-wider coverage. You can't go wrong with either. BTW-Something is wrong with your Versys front brake. They either need to be bled or adjusted. The brakes on both my Versys are excellent. I would say the Versys would be the more comfortable sport touring MC especially if you want carry a passenger. The Tracer would be the more nimble corner carver for the twisties. Again, both MC's are excellent.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

This is impressive distance for any motorcycle to go totally trouble-free. I'm glad you got a very well-built Versys. Let's hope that the second one follows that path too.

[@dazadorph45]

Well I own an Yamaha mt09 tracer 2015 and a Kawasaki versus 1000 se gt. I use the tracer for solo rides and commuting but when I need two up with luggage I use the versus. The tracer is not great for two up due to pillion space and the tracer becomes top heavy when two up which effects its handling bit the versus is totally opposite. The versus is great for touring two up but the tracer is happy solo touring but two is a no go for me.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks a lot for mentioning that. I know that quite a few riders are very interested about how motorcycles perform when ridden with a passenger so I'm pinning your words to the top. Cheers!

[@Pramix]

Versys has much more Touring capabilities, and is more comfortable.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That in general may be right.

[@fabulouspanda6684]

The Versys has traction control which is a deal breaker for me, it's a life saver.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Wait, what do you mean?

[@fabulouspanda6684]

Traction control can save you in slippery conditions, I accelerated too quickly into gravelly corner once and when the rear wheel started sliding and a low side seemed inevitable the traction control stop-starts power and the bike righted itself on its own! It was like magic. Don't know you need it until you do. Quite rare on bikes but the Versys has it. They call theirs KTRC. Can't do a wheelie when it's turned on, but you can turn it off!@@VToldsMotoShow

[@fabulouspanda6684]

Oh my bad it's the Tracer 7 that doesn't have traction control, the 9 has it! I almost went for a Tracer 7 but got the Versys 650 for the TC.@@VToldsMotoShow

[@danielbukowski]

Drove 4250km through Europe this summer on my T9GT.. GrossGlockner, lake Bled and drove through Zakopane to Krakow, Warszawa, Gdańsk, Swinoujscje, Sassnitz and back to Sweden.. I have barely any complaints.. A softer seat but other than that, I L.O.V.E my Tracer.. I used to own a 1260S Multistrada which I unfortunately had to sell a year ago.. Compared to that, the Tracer doesn’t feel much slower.. The Multi was more comfortable but on the other hand fuel consumption… Fuel is expensive these days and I averaged ~4,7L/100km throughout the 4000+km which the Multistrada doesn’t even come close to if you still want to enjoy the ride.. Haven’t driven the Versys but the T9 is so much fun, I wouldn’t trade that for a bit more comfort..

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad to hear that you like the Tracer. If it does everything that you'd like it to do, then it's truly awesome.

[@maldridge7630]

I have a 2021 MT09 SP and a 2020 Ninja 1000sx. I chose the MT09, vs Tracer 9, because of the single headlight design (which needed to be upgraded because the headlight is weak, to say the least). Another reason was the upright position. Both were essentially new models. I gravitate more towards the MT09 due to the fun factor, but its engine noise and vibration will get annoying quickly. Yamaha Quick shifter lever design is low budget, designed by their vindictive mother-in-law, it seems. 😮 So I cut the shifter, extended it by 1/2" and re-welded at a 20° lower angle; and then there was magic 😊 Both have cut cost, a lot 😠. But to tell you the truth, the Kawasaki is a better bike in its build quality and ergonomics. Yamaha already has had 3 recalls 😢 I find it delicate and fragile compared to the Ninja. The cruise control is moody ( Latest recall fixes that with a redesign of wiring for the O2 sensor 🙄) I installed a Ninja 1000 windshield on the MT09, which totally transformed it 😊 ...for those who say I should have gone for tracer 9 instead, need to be further vaccinated 😂 Ninja 1000sx with OEM saddle bags is a "sport tourer", which it is not due to the seating position, making it unbearable after an hour of riding and you are almost ready to cry... MT09 on the other hand is more comfortable, but It rattles too much. It is light and buzzy and that can be annoying. However, I can ride it for 4 hours, no problem, but the next day I want a break 👎 Ninja commands the road but kills your legs. My verdict: Kawasaki is better built

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I enjoyed reading it and... now I see who's the author! Always knew we had a special bond ;). Good job with the mods, seriously, if they work so well in the case of a quickshifter and the windshield, then perhaps the patented solutions could be sold to Yamaha. Unlikely but still - congrats! I've heard about some Tracer 9 recalls. On the other hand, I appreciate it that they watch, listen and improve motorcycles that are already on the roads. I wish for example KTM would do that with their faulty indicator switch on '22 1290 Super Adventure. I took a closer look at the 1000SX a few months ago when dealing with a Versys 650 and despite the sales person's claims, I also believe that there's a purely sporty and so to me uncomfortable position to be taken on it. I'd actually cry so thanks for the warning. It's now crossed on my list of "interesting" ;) Hopefully both Kawasaki and Yamaha will up their game in the segment of middleweight and heavyweight adventure motorcycles as this would make it so much more interesting.

[@stoggy4839]

You have a 2021 mt09 and a 2020 ninja 1000? LOL, i don't believe you. the quick shifter lever is the shifter lever. You can adjust the angle with the set screws. If you wanted a longer one just buy a longer one, they aren't expensive. You are a moron. But maybe someday you will own a motorcycle.

[@julescesario7384]

Year 2023 Tracer 9gt+ has TFT screen

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yes, it does and costs as much as a Versys 1000 SE. GT stays in the lineup as it is for now. Hopefully will get that dash soon too.

[@violetjames7534]

What windshield would you recommend for the Tracer 9 instead of the stock one?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I think it would be best to see reviews on a Tracer 9 owners forum if there’s any. That’s what I’d recommend.

[@violetjames7534]

@@VToldsMotoShow thank you! Great video btw. Very detailed. Cheers from Indiana, USA.

[@lold6130]

MRA make very good windscreens.

[@bigg2768]

Ergonomics, for me, is most important for long days of riding. 6’1, 34” inseam. Thought the Tracer was the bike for me right up until I sat on one. It is compact bike/rider position for a taller rider. 7k on my Versys 1000 and could not be happier with the bike. Touring, twisties, day rides….do it all with a huge grin on my face. 👍 Never had the heat issue from my bike and have sat in traffic on 90+ degree days multiple times. Hell yes, it’s hot, but not heat from the bike. Agree with the seat observation. Fixed that with a Holeshot Corbin seat, amazing. Ride what u like, like what u ride and, ride safe!

[@mikescott9213]

Versys is much more comfortable

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I also agree with that.

[@MasterTorque_vyn]

I prefer The Tracer 9. Its really capable at anything the versys 1000 can do. Tracer 9 suits me better, because its lighter nimble, cheaper to maintain and better on fuel economy. Tried attach 3 fully loaded box with passager on both bike the Tracer 900 feels more stronger at low torque more instant power and more capable when you go uphill. But both bikes are AWESOME highway highspeed cruise. 👍

[@sadmaneldivan8479]

It’s a one sided video, I wish I sensed an objective video. But the comment section backed up versys nicely 😎 Of course it is YOUR thoughts since this is YOUR video and YOUR effort. But again, I wish it wasn’t crystal clear that you were this fan of T9.

[@tomtrener]

i wlasnie te dwa rozpatruje po moim z900 :) dzieki za zestawienie

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

which one did you get?

[@SuperE4gle]

Dude about the front brakes, you can change the handle, I did a test ride. The brakes of the Versys are pretty good. They use technology from the racing Kawasaki bikes. It's not a weak front brake... It's how you moderate your handle and use it😂

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I beg to differ and repeat that this should've never happened ;)

[@ronpeck1488]

I had a 2019 versys 1000, only motorcycle I owned that I hated (mostly transmission). Bike only needed 2nd and 6th to ride, but when I was in the 6th, I was always thinking it should have another gear. Missed more gears in 15 minutes of riding than any other bike I owned in its existence of ownership. Other than that, handlebars were a bit too straight for me, but that subjected!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Your recap made me laugh a lot - I love it. Thanks for sharing as it's a useful long-term ownership insight. Cheers!

[@SickBikeDude]

My frustration with Japanese bikes is that they’re always lacking. That’s either in paint/body work, features or performance. It seems you never get all three in one bike.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Try a ZZR1400

[@tomaszwojdasiewicz3761]

Ile ma Pan wzrostu? I czy kanapa była obniżona? Zastanawiam się nad tym motocyklem ale mam 172cm i

[@tomaszwojdasiewicz3761]

…martwię się ze Versys będzie zbyt duży

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Mam 183 cm wzrostu. Kanapy standardowe w obu motocyklach.

[@nemerkha]

Tracer, any day.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Versys every day

[@pacomena5791]

V-Tolds, something happens in this video that cannot be translated into Spanish, neither on the mobile nor on the computer... please repair it. thank you so much.🙏

[@VToldsMotoShow]

KZbin sometimes gives us an option of translating the subtitles and sometimes not. There's no reason for it and it doesn't depend on any settings on my side. But it annoys me too. I've investigated it already a while ago but no one seems to even mention it on the internet. Very strange...

[@pacomena5791]

@@VToldsMotoShow Ok, thank you so much. 👍

[@jjanderson1884]

Couldn't find your review for Tracer 7..

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yup, I haven’t ridden the 7.

[@tsbmill]

What about handling and comfort when 2up?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I guess it depends on a passenger. 50kg or 100kg? It might be not relevant for anyone to reliably answer.

[@chinghuahee6171]

Kawasaki all day long

[@Vanity7k]

Hi, great comparison! how tall are you?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks, I’m 183 cm or 6 feet tall.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

6 , ft

[@tomg6284]

The super Trenere is cheaper than the tracer 9 here in southern cal. I would get it instead.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I likely would too but Super Tenere is not available on the market for a few years. Would make sense to make sure that what you're seeing is a new motorcycle.

[@darrinfry1]

⁠@@VToldsMotoShow super tenere is still available in North America. I think Europe is the only place it isn’t available, I’m assuming due to euro 5 emissions standards

[@BlazinBlades]

I’ve ridden both bikes The Tracer 9’s engine is more exhilarating, price wise the GT is about 2500 EUR cheaper than the Versys SE here in Israel. I would put that money towards replacing the stock Exhaust and gaining a good 4 cm of ground clearance.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ah, on Tracer 9 since the muffler is underneath the bike's body, right?

[@BlazinBlades]

@@VToldsMotoShow Yes 👍

[@BlazinBlades]

@@moonchipss Go figure… I was referring to the Yamaha accessories homologated Akropovic.

[@aaronhammer9131]

Im not sure how you could have gotten it so wrong. :( The versys is untouchable by the Tracer 9. I've been riding for almost 40 years and the Versys 1000 is my favorite bike in the stable. I hvae frinds that have tracer 9's and they are jealous of my versys and wish they would have made a differetn choice on their bikes.

[@williamrae9954]

Suzuki GX 1000 going to clean up here...two ugly motorcycles, wouldn't piss on a Versys if it were alight!(ex-Tracer 1st Gen owner, never gelled with it,moved to a Tracer7, so much lighter).

[@VToldsMotoShow]

You just made me more curious about that GSX.

[@rorito1977]

Chociaż daj nasze napisy

[@VToldsMotoShow]

KZbin powinno je wygenerować po ustawieniu tłumaczenia w opcjach filmu.

[@kellyd1910]

They're all inferior to the bmw s1000xr

[@Dra60oN]

Comfortwise and stabilitywise not

[@dadrider3]

Versys is a bike. Tracer is a half-bike.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That’s brutal, mate.

[@your_royal_highness]

Versys is a heavy bike at over 565lbs. I’ll take my R1250RS over both. I’m also interested in the Moto Guzzi V100S

[@VToldsMotoShow]

V100S may be interesting and I myself would like to try it next year just to see what they've come up with.

[@ManNew659]

555 The r1250gs is a choice. 😂

[@benkelly2190]

🥱

[@stevec6427]

It's a good choice if you don't mind the enormous size and weight. It's 40kg heavier than the Tracer 9 and less good on a twisty road because of the tall suspension and 19" front wheel. The S1000XR is more of a competitor to these

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about those twisty roads. Tracer 9 would be doing very well out there but one might feel even more confident on an R1250GS out there. It may also depend on one's preference here but I feel I would be able to tackle turns on a GS faster.

[@awakeadventurer9198]

Watch out for seasoned GS riders on twisty roads...I've had a '15 R1200GSA and now a '21 R1250GS. I have very fast friends on bikes 150lbs lighter, and I'm right with them. The GS is deceivingly awesome. It is heavy but the boxer twin holds weight very low so it swings side to side beautifully. The tele-lever front suspension is dreamy. The high torque motor has great power at all times right up to its end at about 135mph. I have surprised every group I've ridden with(straight line speed and twisties), and most of them are on sport bikes or multistradas. That all being said, the actual weight issue still wears you out sooner in the day. But man I love being able to ride home 50-120 miles in comfort, ease, and fun. But the weight is the main reason I'm here looking at sport tourers. Looks are the second reason. I was a die-hard sport biker before I got on a GS and fell in love in 2015. I want to be excited by the way it rides, sounds, AND looks. I love GSs but they are fugly. The new 1300 is hotter looking but not it for me right now.

[@awakeadventurer9198]

I have a 63 year old friend who rides faster than anybody I know especially on twisty roads. He's been on these bikes for more years than I've been riding. When he turns it all the way up on Angeles Crest Highway(he basically lives there) I just let him go😎🌄 He hangs off and it looks like hes going to drag his side case!

[@d.d1654]

Napisy są i po ukraińsku tajwański ale polskiego brak!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Są też po polsku w tym samym menu - generowane automatycznie i tłumaczone z angielskiego. Jeśli funkcja jest dostępna, to jest masa tych języków do wyboru. Powinno być OK.

[@danutzblaga]

Tracer is the Best!

[@tonysheehan1981]

Your videos are informative and articulate, yet your riding is some of the most disrespectful I have ever seen. Come to England a ride like that and enjoy a few years in prison. You don't always have to filter through traffic, you can sometimes be patient and wait.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Cutting people off, bad parking taking two spaces or showing a middle finger are disrespectful where I live. If filtering traffic is disrespectful to you, then motorcycle videos and the whole topic may indeed be painful to process. And no, people buy motorcycles and scooters to get through traffic quicker and not block others. As far as I am aware, England is one of the most well-used to motorcycles countries in Europe. Maybe you mean some other England then.

[@tonysheehan1981]

It was more the sheer speed in town that my focus was on. I still like your videos though @@VToldsMotoShow 👍, keep them coming.

[@rsg1459]

Bro try TIGER 900 gt pro... IT IS A REAL TIGER in this jungle

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Fine, here's the Tiger 900 GT Pro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6qThXudhr18n9k

[@DARKKNIGHT-ed8jm]

dude please make shorter videos. first 2 minutes are too much unnecessary infos. thanks

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I appreciate the feedback and thanks for sharing. I may add a disclaimer about me not owning either of these. I believe it's important to know. Cheers!