MCN test: BMW F650GS, Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

[@ForceBass]

I bought the BMW 2 years ago... Im 20 years old and last year I drove from Mexico to Canada (10.000 KM) in just 3 weeks... The BMW never let me down and Im still riding it today, everyday to college even in bad weather. I have never had any problems with it.

[@bladerunner9717]

i have been riding bikes for 30 years and touring for 10 . i now have a versys , and its a dream , have been to Italy and back with no issues this bike is so versatile . and a very good touring bike

[@markdennis930]

So, this was a comparison of long-distance touring/adventure bikes, without mentioning touring. MCN seem fixated on fast/sports handling. Shame you missed the point.

[@LazyR]

Yup. I am getting rid of my DL 650 for (probably) an F650gs twin. For longer trips, and adventures the DL was soo nice though. * Fully loaded -> barreling with 140km/h over the freeway to get to the interesting bits faster, no problem! * Fully loaded hitting the twisty pavement, no problem! I even like the handling better when it is loaded, much more stable and still very quick. * Fully loaded doing an occassional green lane, no problem. Reason for the swap is because I would like something lighter and slightly more dual sport worthy for my short local rides. But the V-Strom is being sold short in this review absolutely. PS: Ground clearance on the Strom ridiculous? For your legs maybe, not for the bike :P

[@keithmason3461]

Should have compared the suzuki sv650 against the kawasaki versys 650 (apples vs apples) Suzuki v Strom vs BMW gs650 would have a better comparison.

[@pedrolg]

It's easy: -For beginers with time to go to the garage: BMW -For curves and trips: Suzuki. -For curves and city: Kawasaki.

[@LYAL650]

05 V-Strom rider , great commuter and have had some fun weekend trips on it. It a real good value. The Kaw looks fun and the Beemer should be capible , I dont think you can NOT have fun on any of these bikes! JUST RIDE!

[@RobertBrumley60]

Not every bike has the same opinion and not everybody is the same. Personally I am 6' tall and over 230lbs and the V Strom fits me the best and so does it's price.

[@jklas4591]

I am 6'4' and around 260 lbs. V-strom is perfect.

[@natural9743]

V-STROM NO DOUBT

[@paolinospr]

i've had a versys and i sold cause vibration. Now i have a v-strom and it's very better.

[@MrTommm1]

You get a lot of bike for your money with the v strom, a very capable every-day jack of all trades bike that wont punish you in any way.

[@sjjw91]

Was this filmed on a phone? C'mon guys, step it up

[@pataconaso]

I agree with the guy, The V-strom is Big, but awesome and great for touring and long travels. The Versys is cool, like a street bike you can use for long travel, looks so sporty, and the BMW... forget about it. MCN as usual, making so good videos. Keep up guys.

[@sagalout]

The Versys feels nothing like the 650R. It might be fundamentally the same engine, but its reworked to feel much stronger in the midrange and much smoother. Plenty of power too - I came from a Blackbird and am not missing the extra HP at all. I have a Versys and love it. I also like the BMW (mate rides a 1200GS). I prefer the looks of the Versys, but the build quality of the Beemer. Haven't tried a 650 Strom but didn't like the 1000 at all - too big and heavy to be proper fun.

[@simon44]

After months of debating which bike to go for I bought the V Strom. I thought it would be huge, very top heavy and scary to drive. Boy was I wrong. It is NOT top heavy even when full of fuel. Its alot less intimidating then I thought it would be and the engine has plenty of power (especially torque). Brakes are only ok and yes the back brake is better than the front but their not too bad. At the end of the day if they can lock your wheel what more can you ask for. Very happy with it

[@RiackBlack]

i rode the BMW for about 4 month and it was a really god and reliable bike. i can recommend it to anybody who is looking for a comfortable but also aggressive bike. because of the parallel twin engine it's very aggressive in the lower number of revolutions, top rate at ca. 3.000 - 4.000. my english is not tha god, so sorry about it ;)

[@corentinoger]

Just a technical remark : the video is distorted, you should put the tag : yt:stretch=16:9 in the tag area so the video expands to 16:9, instead of being condensed to 4:3

[@shiftyshamsk]

I'd get another kawasaki. 2 year's ago I purchased a 1997 Kawasaki Gpz500S with 24k on it for £1350. Its now done 30k. I used it for weekdays commuting, weekends for touring. Recently i got caught in a massive thunderstorm for over an hour, with floods on the motorways. I literally couldn't see. Roads were gridlocked. But i filtered, and it got me 2 hours and 100 miles miles home. This bike is testament to kawasaki build quality. Its 26 years old. Will still do over a ton and still does 200 miles on £20. I can fix and service it myself and parts are still reasonable.

[@nueveymedia]

In Colombia we have to pay 20.000 USD for the F650GS, 14.000 USD for the Versys and 12.500 USD for the V-Strom 650...

[@kj7687]

The Versys is the weekend play bike/fun touring bike. The V-Strom is the hard-core, super-reliable commuting king that you can put a good solid eighty thousand trouble free miles on! I'd have to say the strom is probably a better bike in terms of quality and reliability. But the "nicer" bike is definitely the Versys.

[@GeezerWithaGrudge]

I test rode the Versys for MMM last year. It's a fun bike, with good power, and it's comfortable for around town. On dirt roads, it was ok but not particularly planted feeling. Great commuter bike. I've only ridden the BMW for one short test ride. Nice, but overpriced. It's very much like the Yamaha 850 TDM from a few years back (92-93 in the US). I like it, but I wouldn't trust it away from an urban setting.

[@xwut1]

I've just got Versys 2013 in Thailand. I just made 130 km/hour at run-in stage and never have any tour. It's the best for me because no sale of the 2 left in Thailand.

[@kildareman051]

I have a V-Strom - Brilliant bike, fast ,comfortable, 250 miles + tank range (without being careful) & handles really well. I've tried the GS & it's an impostor, trying to live off the GS name. Very cheap looking & feeling bike, with no off road capability at all. Not riden the Versys, but then not seen any on the road either. See plenty of V-Stroms though.

[@CampervanKevin]

Well I owned a Vstom 650 and put on about 12,000 miles. Great bike, smooth power- not one complaint. Bike was thrown out of bed of my truck when truck was hit- totaled it. I thought I would try the Versys. It has good power..couple of bugs-buzzy fairing, bad mirrors, seat slides you into tank. I have only put on 500 miles so far. 2 bikes, 2 different "styles" I dont regret buying either. I like them both. Both did well on dirt roads. I think Vstrom more comfortable, Versys more fun.......

[@omahas9000]

Thanks very much for all the input, guys!

[@omahas9000]

Boy! Is it ever refreshing to read simon44's comments! I have very little street experience. After years of only owning off-road only bikes I bought a new 2008 Honda XR650L & have put 2,500 mi on it, nearly all around town. That's the extent of my street experience. I've been considering a Strom due to the V-twin engine, I love the sound of V-twins. I wonder if a change of pad material might influence braking, and also perhaps stainless steel lines?

[@simon44]

@simon44 BTW I'm coming from Sports bikes such as the Kwak ZX6R 636 and VFR VTEC and I find the V Strom alot more fun then both of them. The handling is surprising and I enjoy the B road twisties alot more than I did with the sports bikes. The sound of the V Twin is excellent too. Even though I've dropped from 125bhp to 107bhp and now onto 67bhp with the V Strom I'll just say that torque is alot more fun than sheer power and this bike has plenty of that. Its certainly put a big grin on my face

[@harryWRC]

The V-Strom is a very good bike. My dad has one and it's great. It's got power, it's qomfortable, cheap and (for me at least) the most beautiful from these three...

[@ForceBass]

I never said said that the BMW is the best one nore that the others are bad... I just commented about an expierience I had with the BMW. And it is true that taking good care of a bike is the most crucial part of loving your bike. Nice tour you did there! Sadly I didnt have the time to do such a long ride. :D

[@simon44]

I've had two Kawasaki's and one Honda and the Honda gave me nothing but trouble. The Kawasaki's make solid engines and i've never had an issue in the 4 years i've been riding them. The only thing I would say is the gearbox gets the odd false neutral but its a very small price to pay. I havent tried the Versys but after months of reasearch into my next bike I think this is the one i'll go for next.

[@ForceBass]

Yeah well but since im still 20 (was 19 when I did my tour from Mexico to Canada) and I was moving from mexico to Germany so I didnt really have a lot of time... It's true the first few days are the toughest... after that the days just keep passing and the 4 weeks we rode were over in no time... But it was an inolvidable expierience and I hope I have the chance to do even longer tours in futur, sadly college is pretty time killing hopefully after college

[@pedrolg]

Subocito is right. Well, I'm not talking about the engine, they are all very similar, Kawa is a little more "active", by the way. I mean the geometry of the bikes. Versys is incledible in intense curve and easy to use in city. Strom is really good in curves, but most of all, it has a really good avility for luggage, more steering stability and hight speed composture. And all this with a good rider position. But versys is very nice to handle with engine stopped. I really like both.

[@sh0ob]

I have 05 DL-650 for 2.5 years now and have test ridden Versys. I also have GS 1200 '04. V-Strom is fantastic bike but i agree that Versys is more fun to ride, however for 2 up and long trips Strom definately wins the comparison. The chain noise must be due to unadjusting and if you change the pipe you will get a sweet v twin sound. More stable than GS1200 for over 100Mph, very light and manuverable in town (central London)

[@VouDouLouYT]

Is it normal for the f650 to have a lag between applying throttle and acceleration?

[@barryfrancis7421]

''The ground clearance was better so I could paddle it backwards better'' obviously a term that she'd heard in the office at her new job. Pointless.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

"Difficult to maneuver" in points of handling for a small person is a valid point against the V-Strom. The lower BMW is simply more handy. Valid point.

[@sosmannz]

So what are they like on the gravel? I reckon the Versys will suck big time with that 17" front rim

[@bladerunner9717]

try looking at Versys off road ....... think it handles gravel quite well LOL

[@semelton1]

I ride a vstrom 650 every day for the past 2 years. No mechanical problems. The engine is smooth. Handling is great. Riding position is perfect for me, 6' 200 lb. The front brake is weak and I am thinking about aftermarket to beef it up. I would buy a vstrom again.

[@checho1075]

V strom 650 the best dual bike, cheap, comfortable and powerful

[@safetybeeich]

the Strom and the Versys are endro's I have had my Strom on gravel roads and pact trails. handles great.

[@motokev]

i have a V-Strom 1000, and LOVE IT. Its just a great bike to ZIP AROUND on. VERY VERY comfortable, but it is a tall bike. The 1000 produces about 105 Hp. My only complaint is the rear brake.

[@jeriksson7686]

Been on my Versys for over 10 years. Every time I look for a replacement I end up with a Versys. So I stick to mine and my savings goes to travelling ✌️

[@ruuman]

well I paid 5k GBP for mine and get about 50mpg from my v-strom. Great commuter and touring bike

[@w3media]

I agree with zenrhythman. The Versys may be a great little bike, but if you included some off-road touring in this test, suddenly you'd have a totally different outcome. For long distance, dual-purpose touring I'd take the V-strom any day. The BMW is is also a good bike, but the Suzuki is cheaper & I'd wager more reliable too and it will go anywhere you can take the more expensive adventure bikes. Brits seem to only test on tarmac - and 2 of these bikes can do so much more without any mods.

[@kildareman051]

I've riden my V-Strom Green lanes and loose gravel without too much difficulty. Never done any serious off roading so I can't comment. But I'll reiterate that the new "F650GS" is a cheap bike with a high price, and that's before you start adding any extras. The V-Strom is a solid bike, not plagued by any of the problems of the old 650GS (head bearings anyone). It might have fallen out of the ugly tree but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@rgod58]

What many people don't realize is that the BMW in this video is actually an 800 as you heard him say. The main difference between the F650GS and the F800GS is the forks on the 800 are inverted where the 650's are conventional

[@d5nonac]

have you ever heard of a tripod or using manual exposure?

[@cra83]

i hear that! Mine's going off road when it arrives!

[@cyrusdavirus007]

What type of jacket is the guy in the middle wearing?

[@truebluepat]

Cool video, thanks. I rode two of them and I will take the bmw anyday. feels more solid.

[@waitingforacentury]

Too bad the testers aren't in favor for the V-Strom. Gonna buy one after the winter season.

[@MechVince]

Versys felt a little cramped for me and the BMW was out of my price range. I have ridden the V-Strom for months now and love it more every time I put my leg over it. They are right, it is a workhorse and that's why I got it, Strom all the way!

[@Terraceview]

seems the Versys is a very good bike, thinking about buying one

[@Sloppify]

The reviewer is correct in saying that the V-Strom is more of a workhorse (the 2nd generation Strom is even nicer). But although the Versys might be more fun to ride, you can't put a center stand on it, and it's got a paint mixer for an engine. I rode one and the mirrors shook uncontrollably at all speeds, didn't like the clutch and it topped out at 180 km/hr. The V-Strom might not be as exciting a ride, but it's far smoother and a far superior engine.

[@cuckoo1121]

Can someone write their prices & MPG !! Anyone???

[@simon44]

The BMW was one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever been on. I dont know what these people are on about?

[@dxh24]

I don't agree with the first guys opinion on the Versys... i agree that it's my favorite, but on my 2010 the gearbox isn't "stiff" at all...but hey i guess it's all matter of opinion Also for potential buyer 2010 they made cosmetic changes as well as made rubber mounts for the engine, so there isn't the "vibey" feel as stated in the review...2010+ is the ideal bike if you can afford it :)

[@dorianprats]

Nothing like V-Strom. I´ve tried all kinds of bikes, includes Versys, BMW 650, 1150 and GS 1200 R (Great bike) But nothing like V-Strom DL 650

[@MannyzWorld]

Bring back that mic Michael!

[@roikrasny]

VERSYS IS THE BEST BIKE YOU CAN FIND

[@vasquez228]

Versys is the best! You will never regret getting it!

[@jfchester69]

I just don’t get the comment about the seat height. Prior to 2012, Versys was 25mm higher than the 2 other ones and obviously the V-Strom is not a 2012. I think this review sounds too subjective and not based on any facts, just personal feelings. While I would recommend any of these three bikes, if you want to make a choice out of those, just get to the nearest dealers and try it for your own and don't let these guys influence your choice.

[@simon44]

I dont get how they found the BMW so uncomfortable. I test drove it and found the comfort the best part about it. The worst was the snappy throttle and akward indicators.

[@TheGREENLASE]

@pataconaso >HAVE EXTENSIVELY TEST-RIDDEN THE 3 OF THEM PLUS THE HONDA TRANSALP SO IT GOES 1]BMW 2]TRANSALP 3]VERSYS-VERY NICE SUSPENSION 4]V-STROM-TOO BULKY AND UNEASY FOR EVERYDAY USE!

[@Caltaz08]

@Viperlin I would have the BMW any day

[@Audi30V]

I have a F800S, I have ridden the 650R ninja and Kowasakis twin is awful!!! Lots of vibrations, very putsy sounding. It sounds/feels like a single at idle. My 800 is smooth and has a nice smooth sound. I have seen the 650GS and it looks good, not cheap. The kow however is goofy looking, like its confused or something. You can still see bits that are identical to the ninja version. The zuki is a good bike, been around the block a few times, wonderful v-twin. For me, its BMW, V-strom, Versys.

[@CaptainDangeax]

Hi all. I bought a v-strom last year, after a SV650N, which was too small and too uncomfortable for me. I looked at the Versys, but she appeared to be a toy. I also went to BMW, but the price... I also rode a 500KLE years ago, good bike but fragile engine and a wood seat. And a Transalp, the frame wasn't rigid. I commute every day with my V-strom, and the next one will be the same for sure !

[@subocito]

I think that city is like commuting and trips is more like touring.

[@cozmo1589]

MCN cant make their minds up. On their website, they cant sing the praises of the Suzuki's V-Strom high enough, both the original and the new V-Strom models are raved about by their motorcycle reviewer and given the highest of scores.

[@dxh24]

@ronmann606 I own a 2010 Versys, basically the opinion in the motorcycle community is, if you want to go offroad at all, get the V-strom, if you want a solid road oriented bike, go Versys. I couldn't be happier with my Versys. The V-strom is more ideal for offroad because the tires are bigger like a dirtbike so you have more options for offroad tires...whereas the Versys has a smaller wheel that favors the road. Try and test ride a Versys, i've ridden the Suzuki as well an i preferred the Versys

[@pancho0022]

I think the bmw has the best looks and this 650gs doesnt have so much off road capability but i still thinks its better than the v-strom But the f800gs and the xcountry or xchallenge or even the one my dad has the o5 bmw 650gs dakar has more off road capability then the v-strom.

[@mshl8188]

BMW may not be the best rated by MCN, but I am confident that BMW will perform far better than versys and would lead ahead in terms of handling and built quality. Suzuki thought is the competitor of BMW.

[@stonesharve]

Hands down the Vstrom 1000 is the best

[@sagsxr]

I regularly get about 300 miles to a tankfull of gas, on the VStrom.

[@jimirbon]

as an owner of vstrom i never got 482.8 klm which is the equivalent of the miles you said. You either mistaken or know some secret that no other v strom owner knows.

[@jerrettkw]

I have a vstrom 650, ride it every day, I love it, and it is a "work hourse", but i am 6'5 265 lbs, so I have to have a big bike just like this one, I would like to ride the Versys, and I don't make enough money to look at a bmw

[@mmodnao]

The brakes are fine stock. This is not a sport bike, I'm sure you'll be fine with the regular brakes. My CBR brakes faster but that is to be expected.

[@musicofjamie]

@zenrhythman Because thats what the average British rider does and MCN is catered towards British riders.....

[@n8ckylim]

Versys up to Bangkok..

[@chezdez102]

Because here in England we have speed limits. Also i don't think that the police would be to happy with motorcycle journalists thrashing bikes around on camera.

[@versys23]

versys rules!

[@hankgs]

BMW for me, the Versys is too buzzy; V strom lack the throttle/torque compared to the 800/650GS...PLUS there is unlimited aftermarket goodies you can buy to upgrade and personalize the BMW with.

[@emr4748]

If u want an undure bike the best one is BMW. Do u know why? Answer is simple Stability - Confidence degree - quality of items...

[@stuartjamesgemmell]

Versys cheapest and best! Hard to argue with that....

[@a6km]

bmw and uncomfortable ? what ? im not really sure if i believe that, bmw's have the reputation of very very comfy bikes ...

[@alinn.4341]

No body comments how these MC specialists talk about the twin BMW ? its a single cinder Rotax engine...

[@orenovadia6590]

No, it's a twin for a time bmw had a g650gs twin

[@MattPerry]

It is twin with 800cc. 71 hp. 2008 until 2012 the gs 650 are like this.

[@PurpleBull]

I go through "detox" if I miss more than a day of not riding!

[@ajf306]

The BMW is an enduro bike, they didn't test it offroad. Oh right, the other 2 bikes can't be used offroad.

[@Alexandruioancuza]

There's no Enduro-Touring like BMW! Plus, they're not tha uncomfortble...

[@cra83]

The BMW is "uncomfortable"?! I do a lot of miles on mine and even with the lowered seat it's still comfortable. If you want armchair-like comfort, go for a bloody cruiser! I suppose it's all relative to the individual but if my bony arse can put up with it, i'm sure most other people could!

[@Mechkiller1982]

@chregu30 Of all the bikes I have ever owned, including 2 vfr vtecs, I make more progress on my wee than any other bike. And I have the most fun on it

[@xrsv]

Versus is rubbish...????? The upside fork is rubbish?? Dear zad3103elle, I think we should gather some money and buy you a town mate 50 that will suit you perfectly....

[@stinkycheese804]

These are touring adventure bikes, primarily optimized for longer distance road use. The Versys with its short wheelbase and rough performance fails at this. Yes it's fun for a short drive but you get a standard or sport for fun short drives, not a Versys and with the right tires for that fun short drive you totally lose trail traction. The BMW is a non-starter, far too little bike for the money and definitely not something a beginner should choose - nor are any of them for that matter, but for a smaller or less experienced rider it has two things going for it, lower center of gravity than V-Strom and not such a significant height to length ratio as a Versys. Essentially the V-Strom is the only one of the three suited to the category. The other two are not something you'd want to ride for more than an hour or two at a time. If shorter distances and more off-road are what you want then get something more like a KLR 650.

[@TheCaretaker555]

sorry mate your totally wrong..i have toured europe on the versys with full luggage and clocked up over 10,000 miles and it handles and rides superbly

[@stinkycheese804]

Sure, and I could have toured the countryside on roller skates, but that doesn't make it the ideal method of travel. The fact is, this is a sub-optimal bike for that and I explained why. If you pick the wrong bike for the job, well that's on you. Yes it will do the job fine, but not as well as other choices. It's a good all around bike that excels at nothing.

[@bladerunner9717]

Have to agree with RHT i have been riding bikes for 30 years and touring for 10 . i now have a versys , and its a dream , have been to Italy and back with no issues this bike is so versatile . and a very good touring bike

[@darrenp1711]

Hello from 2023 👋

[@williamchristensen5286]

The comparison is not objective in my humble opinion. These are trail bikes and they should be sturdy, reliable. Japanese engines a good but work on high rpm, bmw does not! that makes a big difference whil being off road for what they are designed!

[@bigman-adv]

Versys has terrible brakes, hard gears but it is your preferred??? What gives? And I don't even own any of them, just came in to see a review before I buy. That's stupid.

[@dersonne]

hahahahaha I though the same thing, but them I just remember when I was visiting UK and they really ride in that side of the road as long as Australia india and japan.

[@Cupat1]

Opinions are like arseholes.....we've all got one

[@giveaway000]

it wasn't a 1000cc on test you div!

[@niamhsdad1960]

That Kawasaki sounds and vibrates like a ditch pump. Suzuki is a great bike let down by poor build quality and cheap materials. Beemer for me.

[@kawasanyi84]

Versys messze megelőzi a Suzukit és a BMW-t !Nem lehet őket egy lapon emliteni.

[@nikoskaras6313]

suzuki v strom is best and yamaha tdm

[@7ru]

...well worst bike ever built aside from it winning not only this comparison but Motorcyclist Magazine's 2008 Motorcycle of the Year award. Aside from that, yea, what a piece of crap. (lol. joking) As far as these three though, my opinion for what each is best suited for: Versys: Everyday / City BMW: Distance / Adventure Touring V-Strom: Distance / Everyday Versys is the best looking and probably the most fun to ride.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

The Versys has the worst design of the three. Looks almost like a crosser.