2012 650 Adventure-Touring Shootout: BMW G650GS vs. Kawasaki Versys vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS

[@stephenbushway9885]

I have an '11 Vstrom I've put 39k miles on in the past 3 years including trips to Labrador, Gaspe and Newfoundland. It's definitely the bike for long trips. Its everything people say about it. I call it my "magic carpet ride". I also just purchased an '03 F650GS thumper. Despite same displacements, I don't find that much overlap. If I want to explore local roads the choice is clear. If I want to take a weekend trip of 800 or 1,000 miles, the choice is also clear. My choices and options have opened up with the GS. I can't always pack up for overnights or longer and the GS always finds the road less traveled....the cost of both bikes is no more than a new Vstrom. Now, the farkles: that's another matter....

[@Sloppify]

For all around reliability, smoothness and comfort (and the best engine), the V-Strom is the clear winner. The Versys has a paint mixer for an engine and the BMW is a single cylinder.

[@rpiereck74]

I bought a V-Strom and could not be happier, it's an excellent bike. Mine is the 2015 XT ABS model.

[@mccurran76]

Great video! It's nice to see a review of the smaller adv. touring bikes.

[@Boothswelding]

I have a g650gs and I'm very happy with it,

[@billyrock8305]

Over 31,000 on the Vstrom battle tank. Gas, plugs and tires. Sherman tank best analogy.

[@bertito43]

I've ridden 60,000 miles on my V-Strom and never had a single problem with the bike. It is bulletproof!

[@ppger44]

Wow! I'm glad I bought the V-Strom last year for comfort and adventure riding.

[@themonkeykingkaiser]

Very good review guys. I've always had my eye on the V-Strom 650 and plan on getting one soon (will be my first bike)

[@gorannorman8841]

Doomsy +

[@snappcloud6157]

I went alone to Vietnam previous summer (2017) and drove a motorcycle for a month as 19 year kid (met great people on the way). What happend? It gave me vibes and determined now to get my motorcycle license. Pretty sure that the V-storm 650 will be my first motor. Will be planning a tour through Europe this summer with the bike if all succeed

[@Navroze]

I have the BMW650GS ABS and it pretty much does everything that I want it to..

[@mellingmichael777]

The more I learn about the V-Strom the more I like it, though it would be sweet to have a shaft-drive as an option.

[@rpiereck74]

I got a V-Strom and added an automatic oiler. The stock chain will last a long time if lubed often.

[@xwut1]

I just have owned Versys 2012 for 3 weeks. I m impressed riding first 500 km with 130 km/hour at 6000 rpm. It's fun.

[@MarkusReese]

Extremely true. ABS especially in low traffic, hilly terrain can make things more dangerous since the slippage on loose debris can result in a "brake failure". The good trail ones can turn this off, or worst case, usually somebody figures out a way to bypass or trick it.

[@spyros45k57]

I haven't ridden for 20 + years and thinking now on getting the new vstrom 650.Any suggestions ?

[@donbrady1793]

I haven't had a mo-cycle, in over a decade, and these bikes are making me miss my old bought-used GPz 750, something fierce..been on two wheels, in any case...I used to go camping offa that ride, crap heaped up behind me under a net.

[@Wabbit1961]

A true rider.

[@johnnyViDeO]

The V-Strom is just so competent and comfortable, gets 55 MPG, can go to Alaska and back, and the engine is bulletproof. Versys is weird looking.

[@poulhansen2415]

Can go to Alaska and back. Not from where i live.

[@williamwilson6499]

I picked up a DL650A and loving it.

[@PaisleeRyan]

I have the 2012 Suzuki DL650 and in the two years I've owned it so far have put 36,000 miles on it. I've ridden from my home in upstate NY to California (including an Iron Butt Association (IBA) 50CC (50 hours coast to coast, did it in 46 hours.) I then rode it home taking 12 days thru Mohave, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP, Glacier Point, Tioga Pass, Mono Lake, Lake Tahoe, Rte 50 (Americas Loneliest Road) crossing Nevada, took a 40 mile dirt road on the way to Zion NP, Grand Canyon NP, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, San Juan Skyway, sat in the hot springs in Ouray CO (unfortunately before they passed the new law, that would have been cool), Million Dollar Highway, Wolf Creek Pass, Great Sand Dunes Natinoal monument, dodge City Kansas hitting up the saloon in the Boot Hill Museum, Ozark mtns in Arkansas, Sun Studio in Tn, Nashville, Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, then home. An 8600 mile 17 day test ride. I have no complaints. My buddies on the Valkyrie and fully dressed Kawi 1700 each used $200-$400 more gas than I, both dropped their bikes on occasion and skipped the Dragon thru Skyline as they were exhausted and took the super slab home. And now as my 4 year old is riding her Suzuki JR50 I will be spending more time off road with the Vstrom. In 2016 I'm riding from Albany, NY to Yellowstone, hanging a right and riding to Prudhoe Bay Alaska, then home again on this bike - Who's with me?

[@PaisleeRyan]

Shit, this is Peter by the way, I didn't know I was logged in as Lori when I wrote the review. We live together and she rides a 2006 Yamaha 1100 Custom. She rode down the Blue Ridge and thru the smoky's on her bike when I rode my C90T when she was 5 months pregnant with our now 4 year old daughter. We ride, and don't let friends trailer their bikes.

[@petermotorcycle]

Yeah I'm the Peter part of this. You can find some of my videos on youtube from riding my Vstrom.

[@PaisleeRyan]

What are you doing?

[@sandymarks5367]

Just to be sure...you were on that long ride on a DL650 or a V Strom 650? I have the DR 650 and its thumper has great power but vibrates way too much for me. I'm looking to replace it with the V Strom 650.

[@petermotorcycle]

Sandy Marks I was on my 2012 VStrom DL650. It is great on logn rides as well as short. I ahve my next long ride planned for Summer 2015 - Upstate NY to HD Museum in Milwaukee, Mississippi National Recreation Area Minnesota, Theodroer Roosevelt NP, Glacier NP (Going to the Sun Road), Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, Beartooth Pass, Bighorn NF, Back Hills, Sturgis 75th annual, Badlands, National Motorcycle Museum Iowa, then home 5600 miles, 12 days 8 of us going on that ride. The Vstrom DL650 is a great bike, I really enjoy it, long rides or twisting back roads or dirt roads. as of 2014 I now have 43,000+ miles on this 2012 bike. I like the new updates on the 2015.

[@BoopSnoot]

V-Strom 650 ABS is a better comparison to the NC700X ABS. IMO ABS is so smooth now, it is a must-have safety feature, particularly for newer riders, and its not that heavy. Also, if you read reviews, one of the NC700X's big selling points (at least in Europe) is how super fuel efficient it is, and yet in testing its only 1MPG off from the redesigned V-Strom 650. The Versys by contrast doesn't get even close in testing, putting out high 40mpg range combined cycle.

[@mrlurchAU]

This would have to be the most unenthusiastic bike review ever.

[@worktravelvibe819]

Exactly

[@garmit61]

From the most unenthusiastic channel on KZbin. I’d be surprised if anything was planned

[@KorysRides]

Nailed the Versys guys. I've had one for 2 years and 19,000 miles. If you put Pirelli MT60 tires on it, it will be a little more dirt worthy. I have around 3000 miles of gravel and dirt on my V.

[@svendura1]

Nice testing, thank you for your work. I've been test riding the 650GS and there is one important thing to mention: It is a rather small bike for anybode taller than 1.80m. With my 1.83m it makes the bike look like a toy bike. Otherwise: Great engine!

[@CharlieBam]

Ten years later, this is my only complaint about the bike. Just a little too big for it.

[@BoopSnoot]

And the 2012 VStrom is NOT just a plastics change. Its an updated bike, no different than comparing a 5th and 6th generation Corvette. For example, Suzuki advertises a 10mpg+ fuel efficiency increase for the redesign. And just walking around it you can see it really doesn't share many parts. Unfortunately they shrunk the fuel tank capacity a bit.

[@rgod58]

PLEASE do a versys vs. nc700x review that would be a hell of a battle!

[@Bgeonl]

If you're still looking, there's one on motortrend's channel, with the addition of the C650GT

[@sabamacx]

BMW make fantastic all-rounders and touring machines -- comparisons reflect this.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

Agree with the review but I do like the F650 looks.

[@RJ-pk7sn]

Best short review I've seen

[@rolf-joachimschroder917]

There is a new Off-Road ABS in progress,BMW and Bosch work on it. In 2016 (ABS is responsible (? in EU) ABS in "on road mode" will work on road an most kind of dirt tracks. Unexperienced biker can use it anywhere. In "off road mode" the ABS works at the front wheel, while you can block the rear wheel for extreme downhill (for example). For a enduro, used on an off road, its a reasonable compromise. When you ride through the alps at a sunny weekend, you know why... Kindly excuse my poor english.

[@kannanjames2205]

Can you guys make a new video about 650 tourers ? Versys ,vstrom and any other options

[@unimike4637]

What about the G650GS vs the KLR 650?

[@O7ROADKING]

ya i was hoping to. i have had 2 KLR 650 and loved them but limited on the highway a 2 lunger like the Versys engine would put it in a hole new class. we can only hope they do it

[@TheEsse999]

I'm not sure if i didn't undestand well but the video says Versys haven't the ABS. In the European version the Versys 650 (my2012) has the ABS system as an optional for 800 euros.

[@stanziobro2830]

I owned a 2005 V-Strom. Comfy bike, but LARGE and bulky. Wheelie popper no doubt, but what they don't say here is that if you're not a tall rider then you should stay away from this bike as the seat height is for tall people. I'm 6'2" and throwing a leg over this bike compared to the others becomes a chore, especially if you have bags. The aerodynamics of the V-Strom suck on the highway. The windshield hits the wind like a snow plow (in any position) making the bike buffet side to side a lot. By the time I finished a 160 mile trip my wrists were sore from the constant minute adjustments required to hold a straight line. Believe me, the aerodynamics and most of this bike have not changed since its inception. I tried to take this out on a sandy trail and I about died. I turned around within 50 feet of my attempt, and that's after reducing air pressure in the tires. It's just too damn HEAVY a bike. The BMW had no problem, nor did the Versys. For being as expensive as it is these days (back in 2005 it was a good deal - not anymore) I'd say Suzuki is overweight, over-priced, and way outdated compared to the others in this compare. Oh and the nuts and bolts and header pipes started rusting quite quickly with the V-Strom. And that's from 99% city riding with the bike staying outdoors. Very cheap materials on the Suzuki.

[@superblastpressurewashing.7256]

I have the 650 2019 Versys and I love it..

[@silitonga24]

Troy Siahaan! Riding a BMW G650GS. Apa kabar! Saya orang Batak juga, dan punya 2012 BMW G650GS. I love it, as a female rider, short and petite, saya senang sekali naik motor ini. Salam dari San Francisco.

[@beneator3978]

what about klr 650 if you do more dirt riding you choose it and if ur more road you go for the versy's so talking bad about the versy's offroad capability's is because they have a more dirt oriented touring 650.

[@tomreuter2872]

but if you add the KLR you might as well add the DR650

[@n2dabloo]

+Tom Reuter Now you're talking about a true 50/50 bike! ;) I love my DR

[@twmclean1]

Now that Suzuki is releasing the new 2014 Wee 1000, I'd like to see a review comparing it to the Kawasaki 1000 Versys. That would be something of interest!

[@johna6968]

Yet my 07 versys has abs?

[@douglasandrade490]

It's Hard to decide but, I think the Kawasaki Versys is the most beautiful of them.

[@WoolyJumper5]

thanks guys, great piece..

[@leofrancosolighetto2038]

E una. Bomba. Di. Mto

[@jeffferguson7256]

I rode an 06 klr for 6 yrs. really liked the bike but ended up selling and buying a 2013 vstrom . and have never looked back. the vstrom does everything better than the klr except off road. literally twice as much power, it feels way more sophisticated than the klr and handles way better. i did like the klr for the dirt better though. the klr just feels like you are riding a farm tractor

[@SuperAviatar]

Whatever happened to the MZ / Rotax gadget.... I thought about getting one, decided it was a bit unrefined... and got a very used Supa 5 instead.... as a backup for my 1978 BMW R80/7.

[@bassdeere]

Love my new vstrom..starting to hit some off road trails FUN FUN....first grave road yesterday LOVE IT LOVE IT.......little hairy

[@johnnyViDeO]

V-Strom has the best history as well. Tough enough!

[@johnwillard6198]

I've owned the V-Strom put 26,000 miles on it and now I have a Kawasaki versys I actually prefer the versys,😊 I find that it has quite a bit more zip. I have a Dr 650 for the dirt

[@TheMotonp2010]

The F650GS, F700GS, and the F800GS are 800CC twins. The G650GS, however, is a 652cc single.

[@UncleWally3]

Not sure about US models, but in EU, Canada, etc. the ABS isn't optional - it's standard, and it cannot be turned off.

[@kurtsandberg7188]

Just bought 2015 650 vstrom 20k for £3000 FSH with panniers planning a trip to Scotland for 2 weeks next month very surprised by the engine its sweet very comfortable

[@alfa33dad]

Go the Vstrom! I have one but the K5 model and love it! After 14 bikes this one is a great all rounder!

[@TheMotonp2010]

Other than the price point, I don't understand why the G 650 GS was included in this group. The new F 650/700 GS is BMW's street oriented dual sport twin.

[@jdgperformance8688]

Versys does come with ABS in europe

[@TheMotonp2010]

True. It's good to see reviews on similar price point models as this video shows. There can also be interesting comparisons of motorcycles across price points that are mechanically more similar. Given that manufacturers wisely choose to make motorcycles that are not precise performance matches for the competition these dissimilarities in comparisons are inevitable. Thus endeth my unintentional hijacking of the comments to this video. Ride safe i64X. That's a cool motorcycle you have.

[@tassiespirit]

Ok, how about the old Yamaha TDM900 if they are mostly 'street bikes', for adventure touring then?

[@sporty05]

Not available in the USA....yet

[@bakeredwards]

The G650gs achieves great mpg too, good test.

[@brianmerrill6891]

The Versys absolutely does have ABS.

[@amigojefe7708]

Not in all markets...

[@NickoochPulver]

In Sweden, Europe, the Versys comes only with ABS. Funny how it can differ in different regions.

[@lewigimole]

I have a g650 xmoto, has around the same bhp and keeps up with my mates Daytona to 70 mph... after that I don't need anymore power

[@masterlauwers]

i have mu-y versys and i love its more a touring/ semi off road bike you can get very easely to you destination on long roads and light off road

[@Toriqparinggie]

i wanna ask, where is come from troy siahaan?

[@moaski]

What about the Husqvarna TR650 Terra or KTM 690 Enduro R?

[@jufexx]

Where is the Yamaha xtz 660 tenere?

[@gkalsfpasjs]

can they all cruise on freeway with 75mi/hr? or they are too light for that?

[@stanziobro2830]

Yes they all can. Read my post above. the BMW gets the best gas mileage, hands down. The 'lack of power' compared to the other bikes just means the BMW has more easily usable torque and power management = easier beginner bike and ultimately more fun to play with.

[@fabrycs]

+Stan Ziobro So do you think that the bmw is more fun? I like the sporty feel of the Kawasaki (new one btw) but i'm scared of how big it looks when I'm on it as a first big bike plus i struggle to put my feet down completely, while the bmw feels like my old 125, my only concern is that i won't have fun with it

[@Wabbit1961]

I think you answered your own question. But the BMW is going to be a lot more fun than your old 125. I had a 2006 (first year) Ninja 650r. The powerplant was fun in and of itself. Mine had a buzz coming from the dash that was a common complaint. The newer Versys do seem a bit more bulbous and bulky than the originals. You really should look at Versys forums and BMW forums to get better insight. Those forums address problems that are common for both, quality or reliability issues, aftermarket goodies, etc. Ultimately, all three of these bikes sell because they're in this particular niche.

[@Wabbit1961]

I agree with the assessment made on the video where they say the BMW is 50/50 street/dirt. The other two bikes are really just comfy road cruisers that, because they have a tall stance and wide bars, seem flickable. The BMW is almost like a trail bike.

[@Arltratlo]

+Hamin Choi i get a good and fast ride of my 2014 DL650 ABS... my max speed yet was 118mph.... but my regular travel speed is between 70 to 95 mph....depends on traffic... ( i a´m German, so i can drive fast, if i wish to do so ) Long distances is no problem at all, but i have a little helper on my gas handle, to reduce pain in the wrist ( i get it sometimes after 5 hrs driving) fuel economy is good, if u keep it slower...of course ...lol.. you can put alot things on it, without worsen the handling... My motorbike with the configuration now weights around 250kg...with boxes and myself its close to 400kg...it´s not to light....lol

[@twowheeldanger]

Is it priced the same?

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Nice review.....looks like V-Strom for me

[@82071411]

Nice review

[@CaptHollister]

The KLR650 deserved to be in this comparison. It is the true Swiss Army Knife motorcycle.

[@RimshotKiller]

True , it really is rather small...but the engine does its job pretty well, I did my drivers licence on the 650 GS ,and even throttled it runs pretty good. But the Versys somehow wins this battle for me, don´t ask me why though

[@binoyrakesh]

The Versys 650 is a softer, on-road variant of the KLR..

[@RaftGuidePhil]

Binoy Vudayagiri That’s not even remotely accurate. You can’t really compare the two engine wise. The Versys is so much smoother and faster.

[@JayBuccola]

Not even a little. It's an upright Ninja if it's like anything.

[@billyrock8305]

Vstrom is a battle tank. Easily the clear winner here. Swiss Army knife of bikes. And the worlds most reliable bike. My 10,000 km trip to the arctic circle was its proving grounds. Sherman tank. Period.

[@johnhudson9047]

bad analogy. Sherman tanks were pieces of junk. they were just pieces of junk that could be mass produced and could simply outnumber the enemy

[@bladerunner9717]

Sorry the versys wipes the floor with vstrom is more versatile and feels far more modern . The vstrom is a Dinosaur . have taken my versys to Italy and back . and did a fair bit of off road riding that the versys lapped up . I have owned a vstrom . and to be fair hated every moment of it

[@jigrodrigues]

@@bladerunner9717 vstrom is for cheapos

[@TheEsse999]

On the Versys, the abs is an optional in the EU region. I bought a Versys one month ago without abs, because i don't like it in a motocycle. In Italy and in the EU from 2016 all small new scooters must have the abs, in the 2018 all new bike must have abs. I'm against the abs because is very unsafe in my opinion.

[@creativeganesh]

why don't any one talk about owning one, and talking about Service interval, how much it costs to repair, the parts if u drop it, accessories, everything brand new is nice.

[@Hanibaltherogue]

Were are the Hondas in your shootouts? oO c´mon

[@reubenwells8674]

What's up. Top Notch. hungry science What's your opinion about that 1!

[@LASadvgrrl]

BMW 650 is you are talking about the GS which is now the 700GS is an 800 cc engine

[@r0b3r70nl]

I've got ABS on my '07 model as well.

[@Crazylalalalala]

this video seems to be directed at the American public. the Tenere 660 is not sold in the US only the super tenere is sold in the US. that would be my guess.

[@ChaplainC]

You managed to overlook the KLR650. I think this bike certainly should have been in there. Also the BMW F650, why not? why can't you put up a serious set of bikes for ADV if you claim an ADV review?

[@motorstorm2184]

Where is the KLR?!?

[@SJulianYZ125]

Yes and again I like the KLR...I have one, however for comparison purposes, the first thing which would happen if a KLR was in this bunch is that it would get crapped on for being down on power. Also again a KLR is true 50/50, these bikes are more or less 80/20 bikes.

[@imamparko]

troy siahaan, are you from medan ?

[@cdbg3]

miss the Ténéré XT660Z?

[@gooondie]

Tom's dyed hair is too much here 😂

[@CatSide]

I think of a V-strom or Bandit 650

[@kawboy187]

I thought the title said Adventure touring shootout?? Not One adventure tour bike and 2 road bikes???

[@JJjackassCraft]

the video is titled "2012 650cc adventure touring shootout" no mention of engine configuration. by all accounts the KLR650 fits that description pretty well. I think it should have been included.

[@F51-t2x]

The Versys have also ABS.

[@747anwar]

It would be nice if u considered ninja650 instead of versys,it comes with ABS

[@Xmichael666]

Check out stromtropper. Com. Dl650 (wee strom) owners have 100,000 + miles and plenty of long trips logged. The only complaint I have ever read was the front suspension. I know i love my wee strom!

[@nymetsfan912]

Just got the 2015 wee n can't wait to log some miles myself this season.

[@mrnicktoyou]

The best bike reviews I've seen so far are from the channel "gizmag" but, they have only reviewed a handful of bikes.

[@uriar]

nice shootout but too bad the Transalp and NC700X are missing.

[@smoguli]

Because it costs 2000$ more than the v-strom, which is the most expensive in this shootout. So not in the same category, price wise.

[@thebobhannah]

It's puzzling that they even mention that the Versys is not marketed as an off-road bike, but it "can do that too if you really needed to". Why have it in this comparison then? Although it lacks on power, the Kawy KLR would better fit into this adventure touring comparison in my view.

[@bignathan19]

In EU it's not a standard in all the countries. In Italy, for example, is not yet. I really hope it will be a standard even in Italy as soon as possible. We need it 'cause the accidents are really much. Here the people is crazy T_T.

[@SlayerofFiction]

while certain bikes are purpose built, just about anythign can be an adventuer bike if you really want it to be, how well it will hold up is another story.

[@Hundert1]

Wish the BMW had shaft drive. I'm not into exposed chain hazards, dirt collection, adjusting etc.

[@UncleWally3]

See January Cycle World comparison - V-Strom "wins" again. I've had two of them, now own a 2012 - best bike for the buck I've owned in over 40 years of a lot of riding.

[@ricecakeFTW]

Cool to see that they are riding in the canyons by my house :)