Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Yamaha Tracer 700 Review Road Test | Visordown Motorcycle Reviews

Which do you prefer out of the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Yamaha Tracer 700 and do you agree with our verdict? Tell us in the comments below.
Visordown Motorcycle Reviews: Which motorcycle is the best in the middleweight parallel-twin powered sports tourer category - the Yamaha Tracer 700 or the Kawasaki Versys 650?
YAMAHA can’t do anything wrong with its MT bikes. Everyone seems to get excited about a new addition to the range, or a derivative of it.
The Tracer 700 brought the prospect of a fun and affordable sports-tourer, like the Tracer 900 but based on the MT-07 instead of the MT-09.
In the excitement of the launch in June, we almost forgot Kawasaki had come up with virtually the same idea 10 years earlier.
We put both to the test in this review.
Read our full review here: bit.ly/2yBGAKp
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[@VittorioSergi]

I'm beginning to really take a dislike to these journalists wanting every damn bike to have concrete hard suspensions, it's a damn touring/commuting bike, it has to be comfortable before being sporty

[@volt8684]

Entitled people who have forgotten reality

[@OneFreeMan17]

Agreed. Same with cars, absolutely despise how stupidly stiff suspensions are.

[@glyngreenwood8377]

my second versys,what an improvement, had over 30 bikes 40 yrs riding,best bike ever ? oooh yesss,absolutely love em

[@saitamathehero7028]

Glyn Greenwood As simple as that. Versys it is for me then. Thanks!

[@truthoverall3893]

@@saitamathehero7028 Do it. My 2016 Versys 650 is the best bike iv'e ever owned, despite having the lowest price tag of the bunch.

[@davidv7978]

Tracer wins: engine power Versys wins: everything else 🤔... I choose the Versys

[@fingerhorn4]

Versys wins anyway because you do not need the "extra" power. Both bikes have more than enough on a public road.

[@jharrissocal]

I've had my 09 Versys for 7 years and its very reliable and cheap to maintain. I have no complaints.

[@roy_2470]

Hey, a bit late here, but as I currently own a '17 versys with 46k km on it, i am wondering what your experience is with reliability. I have yet to do any work on the bike apart from regular maintenance. Idk if you still own the bike after 13 years, that would be amazing tho!

[@winksta0]

The versys also has much better luggage options with quick release panniers requiring no ugly brackets,it also has a 21ltr fuel tank,the Tracers is only 17ltrs.

[@ninjakat8922]

And the versys has remotely adjustable preload suspension, on the Tracer as soon as you load it you'd be forced to use all the travel compated to the Versys where you can just up the preload a few clicks.

[@sebbwebbo7557]

and the payload is much higher on the versys..

[@flippy66]

@@sebbwebbo7557 Is it? Doubtful. And do you really need the full payload of a bike?

[@TheCaretaker555]

having owned several bikes over the years and two MK1 versys i now ride a Versys GT 650 2017 model this is by far the best out of the bunch for solo camping trips around europe , it is completely different from the previous models and a joy to ride and own ....just hope they bring out an 850 or something like that ....

[@felicio1384]

...better comfort, better brakes, better suspension, overall build quality... I am glad i bought a versys

[@mattyoz0]

Yep, good choice.

[@EinkOLED]

My 2008 versys felt like a better bike than the tracer, I felt relieved to get on my old and trusted ride.

[@ervil1521]

Caveirao 1384 Yes me too. My versys is a dream bike. Good power, enough for me.

[@davidv7978]

Me too😉

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

Lower weight, better engine performance, lower price and more agile. I'm glad I bought the Tracer

[@turbo311]

That's interesting because there's another review from the U.K. that had these two plus three other bikes and the Versys was the unanimous winner.

[@JojoCrazyCat]

Everybody thinks different. Not everybody wants the same bike.

[@s.p.9582]

Another solid comparo. Great work Visor Down team (and Steve). Always appreciate the concise, informative and humorous video reviews! :-) I'm a Versys 650 LT owner in the U.S. We don't have the Tracer 700 here, but if we did, I'd still prefer the Versys for it's suspension and load capacity. I imagine it might haul a bit more than the Yamaha? I'm talking pillion, top box and panniers. The FJ-09 (MT-09 Tracer) is limited in that area; compared to the Versys 650, so I suspect the Tracer 700 may be as well. Most likely irrelevant if you're not riding two up, with loaded luggage. Both are no doubt, very useful and extremely capable bikes. Buyers today are spoiled with awesome choices! ;-)

[@thomaskouzinas1150]

I hear more negative comments regarding the Tracer but its the overall winner. Confusing conclusion.I think the Versys seems to kick more goals than the Tracer other than the size & weight issue. It also has rubber mountings to minimise, eliminate vibrations and has adjustable suspension. It also has a 10+ year history of reliability and proven track record. The Tracer may be newer and sexier in appearance but it still is a close 2nd to the Versys 650 in my view. If both had a 19" front wheel and used spoked wheels they would be better bikes akin to the V Strom 650 for off road use. Ride them and let your heart decide. For me Versys 650. Cheers. Grumpy Old Geezer.

[@gurnstein]

I don't understand the logic of being critical of something because it's dated unless the modern version of it actually an improvement. How is a digital LCD tachometer better than an analog dial, especially if the LCD display is so small as on the Tracer. For me the small cramped LCD display was one of the worst items on the Tracer and though not a deal breaker it is a major put off. I want a tachometer that I can take in at a quick glance and a clock face is perfect for doing just that.

[@aarnoarnold1973]

Absolutely. Analog tachs are so much quicker to read.

[@bikingwithgrantygrant779]

I think analogue rev counter looks much better. The Mt dash in my opinion, looks like one if those nasty digital dash readouts you buy for your sports bike after you have smashed the fairing up and decide to street fighter. I prefer digital speed, fuel and trip, analogue rev counter.

[@dumptrump3788]

+1 I HATE digital instruments, unless they mimic analogue dials. We are told that digitals are "modern" because it is easy & cheap for the bike makers to use them, but analogue dials are far superior. It would be easy to make a TFT with analogue option. I almost bought the Royal Enfield because it offered traditional instruments....but it was just way too too small for me, but when I test rode my next bike I kept wishing it had the traditional dials, the old speedos are really easy to read, especially when accelerating.

[@gkmc107]

Well said👌👌👌💪💪💪💪

[@delcoleman7121]

Hey Bikee4, don't nuke us yet, I've just traded my TDM 900 for the 2017 Versys 650. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it at the London Bike Show. So far, I think it's brilliant.

[@stamK.]

Del Coleman how do you feel regarding the power/torque from the TDM 900 to the Versys 650?

[@billgoldbergmania]

I stood at the dealer to buy one or the other last year, but the Tracer looks much better and the engine sold me completely, a fun little bike to commute and a blast in the twisty roads. I was surprised by it's top end, it's has some real punch for this class, not as much as the old 600 4 cyl bikes but still plenty.

[@bangocat]

Obviously your review leans towards the Yamaha... you don't even mention that the Versys suspension is adjustable, front and rear. If I had to choose between slightly more power with a soft non-adjustable suspension or one with a fully adjustable suspension I would pick the fully adjustable suspension. The extra power will do nothing for you if you don't feel confident in the corners! Versys by far is the better bike and it's not just me saying so almost every comparison it's in it wins. I have tried both and bought the 2016 Versys 650 LT. I like the Yamaha for lighter weight, front brakes (4 piston), and how the engine makes use of it's power but clearly the Kawasaki was the overall winner in my book, it wasn't even close.

[@pg88corfu]

Hi there Carl ! As you mentioned the Versys 650 is a good alternative. The Visordown guy said it has better suspension (quality and longer travel) and better overall braking (more initial bite although it has a two piston caliper VS tracer's 4 piston calipers ) . It made me rethink of the better bike, as i like the Tracer 700 due to its feather-weighted & balanced chassis(i'm a 5'7'' guy and those 20kg less for me to handle is a bargain :P). Honestly i find also the gear lever more clear and with the better feel on the Yamaha , but i think the Kawa hits it with its better build quality... Can't decide yet and would appreciate your advice !!!! What else did you find better on Versys in more specific ? May God Bless you and take care :) ;)

[@stamK.]

I am on a KTM Adventure 990 2008 now and looking for something more calm (and cheaper on fuel) for long and short distance rides. What consumption do you have on the 2017 Versys?

[@HazardSports]

pg88corfu so did you buy the Versys?

[@papashuk26]

Carl Shelton - did you also look at the V Strom 650?

[@Lord-Archer]

Carl Shelton Yes..you’re right...

[@delcoleman7121]

Hi Stamatis, my Versys has just 1000miles on the clock and I've been gentle with it so far, but a few times I have taken it to 7000rpm I have been surprised at how much torque it has for a 650. The acceleration seems almost identical to my TDM which was a heavier bike, but overall this is an ideal bike for touring the green lanes of England and the highways of Europe which I will be doing soon. Remember this, no bike is perfect, but this Versys ticks most of the boxes.

[@ninjakat8922]

Del Coleman my local dealer and dear friend once said that if he had to own just one bike (as a dealership owner he has plenty) that'd be a Versys 650 and I remember him saying what you just said "it ticks all the boxes one could want"

[@ninjakat8922]

Honestly the only thing that you cannot do properly unless you get some mods (tires, skid plate and radiator cover mostly) is off roading. I plan on getting a versys myself (currently own an F650GS, the single cyl one) and my first mods are going to be TKC70 tires (brilliant tires, have them on my GS and they work both on road and off brilliantly, until you encounter mud that is.) with a nice skid plate and radiator guard, just to be able to do some occasional off roading without having to worry too much.

[@ervil1521]

Del Coleman Yes , i agree with you. After 6500 tr, is a torquy bike. The same like the tracer 700.

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

Should have taken it to the red line at least once before the first service.

[@21785345]

I just bought a 2017 versys 650 over the Yamaha. The gear indicator is now integrated in the dash instead of the optional gear indicator on the side, but nothing else changed, but that's what I wanted. The Kawa has a more linear power delivery while as the Yamaha has a very torquey low end. I prefer the linear power because in traffic, I found that the Yamaha is a little too aggressive on the gas which is fun in the twisties and if you're going on a sporty ride but absolutly not in traffic. Price wise, the Kawa wins again in my book, for 8,5k euros with all the extras such as luggage, fog lights etc. but that ofcourse is my personal opinion. To each their own!

[@cijetovina]

My train of thoughts as well! As a beginner need a tolerant and well-behaved bike both on the road and in traffic. I'm certainly not a racer, but I don't mind speed or acceleration and I'd like the bike to be willing to go for a bit of mischief if I occasionally choose to do so ;) Ground clearance advantage is much welcome too in a small village, the bike might even have to cope with a ride on nearby forest roads. As far as I can tell, that makes the Versys an ideal companion, I'm looking forward to buing it till July if the situation allows O:)

[@jackwednesday]

But.................I'm paid by Yamaha

[@nimitz42]

I've got the 2016 versys in orange awesome bike!

[@flyingsausage6552]

Nimitz42 same as found the tracer a bit small wanted something lighter weight than my old varadero xl 1000 getting fed up with lardy bikes Versys is a winner in my book love it and mines orange it's the fastest colour

[@S.E.2062]

Nice choice! "Candy Burnt Orange" still looks lightning fast on my 2007 V (though worn out as I tossed it around a bit + clocked 96000 km on it). Happy Kwack ridin´ y´all! CU @ versysforum.de

[@thedesertexplorer8337]

I own an 650 (2010) and want to upgrade to a higher Bike (1000 Versys is a bit too much) wish Kawa could come up with a 800 versys (that would be great!) who agrees???

[@VolodymyrPavlyuk]

I had a 2010 versys 650 and did almost 100k km on it with no issues. During that time I dreamed about versys 800 with 19 inch front wheel, slightly better suspension and better brakes. But that didn’t happen so last year I sold the versys last year and bought 2016 bmw r1200gs. It’s sad that kawasaki didn’t want to develop the versys into a modern middleweight commuter/tourer

[@guellerbuergyat]

I rode the Tracer 700. The engine was awesome, but the bike overall felt like a toy and the suspension was way too soft IMO. If you push the limits of the engine ,the chassis feels cheap

[@MakTheSank]

For a touring bike the versys makes more sense, but i would still choose the tracer 700. Can't beat that engine .

[@andreasfrederiksen4065]

The suspension of the Tracer is probably fine for most riders, but if you want to tinker with your bike, it would be fun to invest in aftermarket suspension and stronger brake pads. I'm still not sold on the windshield though, I think it looks horrible AF, same with the Tracer 900. On bikes like the Versys 650 or the 2017 V-Strom 650, the windshield somehow looks more integrated to the front of the bikes.

[@chrisredfield3240]

The screen on The tracer looks like a Doritos

[@RyaNewGame]

Totally agree, on the Versys looks so neat.

[@6panel300]

I know that road very well. I shall be riding my tracer up and down it daily when I get it in a couple of weeks. My reason the tracer wins is height, as I'm 5'6" I found the versys a liitle to tall for comfort when stationary. Plus I prefer the display, it looks like it was designed rather than a mish mash of old and new parts from the drawer of spare parts in the shed.

[@thresh86]

Excellent review, as always but could you record more of the engine sound ? MT-07 sounds really good with a throaty midrange due to more induction air than exhaust.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Versys650 has a 180° firing order and the Tracer has a 270° degree firing order (identical to an L-twin). That's the difference in sound and torque curves. The Tracer tends to be less vibration prone.

[@MrRGM10]

thresh86 mt07 sounds better . sounds sv650

[@chrisredfield3240]

The 180 degree crank makes the worst sound. At least a 360 sounds like a bmw boxer engine. A 270 sounds like a v twin

[@mikem6915]

Bought a `15 Versys 650 with 8500km on it to get my mc licence on. Hope it goes well!

[@JojoCrazyCat]

I like that Tracer. I might trade my MT - FZ - 07 for the Tracer. To much wind on the Naked MT, FZ, 07

[@reptilesgamers00]

Did you ever take it for a ride? Thinking about getting a bike for the street and work commuting. I'm looking for an mt-07 with wind protection this looks like a good candidate.

[@EinkOLED]

As a vesys owner, I was disappointed with the tracer. It has a much lower seating position with cramped leg position exposing my legs to the air low, the suspension is very firm, normally I glide over them on the versys, but on the tracer it could not soak up any of the pumps. The indicator controls are hard to reach, and the layout is not user friendly and the engine does not sound as nice as the versys. However it accelerates much quicker and goes around corners nicely. I just don't think it is an ideal commuting bikes for tall people.

[@DerpEye]

I own a 2013 Versys, and even with ABS, it's somehow almost 40kg lighter than the newer one, even thou it shares mostly the same parts.... I rode the Tracer 700 and it feels a bit more sportier and angrier (well it comes from the MT07). The Versys , even in the older version, has adjustable suspension and comfier seat.

[@benjamincs1]

I get annoyed at MCN always focusing on speed/aggression. There are plenty of us for whom this is not concern No1!

[@GIGABACHI]

I never thought the Tracer was a looker but compared to the Versys it looks like an Italian SuperModel.

[@unclejane7453]

Nonsense.

[@triv7252]

No, subjective.

[@rench55]

Would have liked to hear about the differences in the luggage systems between these two bikes. They are considered "sport-tourers" after all...

[@Fortemagno]

I choose the Tracer 700 but the Versys is not bad.

[@ervil1521]

i try this too bikes , the versys is better..

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

try a dictionary ''too''

[@filoIII]

@@Darkest_Soul_187 Use proper capitalization and punctuation.

[@prof.2248]

versys 650 140-180 km/h 14.5s Tracer 700 140-180 km/h 8.9s ! Tracer version GT definitely

[@rohzpopper4922]

Performance tuning is not suitable for adventure bike. Fuel consumption, comfort and durability is a must for endurance. Ride fast in adv bike. Fuel economy is crap. Or you'll break a bone, the adv trip is over ! This is not a sport bike review

[@tallchap30]

I have had both bikes and the tracer is a much more fun bike to ride and is more agile . the screen also offers better wind protection for a tall Rider.

[@filoIII]

Not a CHANCE the Tracer is more agile in the twisties than the Versys 650.

[@stephenedwards1278]

Which one do you advise as a 1st bike fo a 40+ rider ?

[@sparkythewildcat97]

neither. My vote is NC750x!

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

They both look as good god but I find tracer to be more comfortable and coming form ER6N which was uncomfortable as fuck I picked tracer. Also that little extra power it has was also a factor for me.

[@garmit61]

There's n need to get off to alter the versus screen. You just need to reach around the screen. The tracer has a great engine and the delivery is much smoother than the 900 version but it's so small it's cramped. I couldn't do more than about 50 miles on it without needing to get off and stretch my legs. My Aprilia Falco has more leg room.

[@pdive01]

When is the Tracer or FJ-07 coming to the US???or is it ever???

[@BB-1990]

The XSR 700 is available as an 18 model. They have not updated the 900 models yet, but i think it will be coming since the XSR is now here.

[@ndperson1]

I am jealous of you European guys. I would really have the the option to check out the tracer 700 and the xsr700. In the US we don't get them, which really doesn't make sense for me, especially when it comes to the xsr700 cuz to me it makes more sense for that type of bike than the xsr900.

[@kgsz]

How much would import cost you? Would be that even possible?

[@ndperson1]

kgsz not sure how much it would cost, but I hear it is a massive pain and then insuring it is difficult sometimes

[@ΣωτήρηςΜαυροδήμος]

1:38 versys with Yamaha logo ...

[@rickgarcia8481]

Lol, other than the engine.. The guy preferred just about everything else on the versys. Sounds like he prefers a sport bike.

[@SenanuKAnku]

Put yamaha engine into the versys and u hve a perfect bike

[@motorcuyollari]

Tracer 700 perfect...

[@erik6554]

wye to headlamps and only one on not good for wiseb.

[@phnx4life]

Your review is based more on subjectivity. .

[@filoIII]

All the Yamahas have going for them is the low-end grunt.

[@hershchat]

For my money, Versys wins

[@xxxx711]

La meu Canal coloquei Sera o Fim da Versys???????

[@yanshin86]

Paid by Yamaha? Versys win in most categories.

[@vasanttes287]

Best bike Yamaha tracer!

[@ProvokerZ]

Such a biased review lol

[@filoIII]

Yamaha has poor suspensions and small gas tanks.

[@Forever18358]

Tracer vercys in rakibi olamaz