Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Triumph Tiger 800 - Comparative Review

The Triumph Tiger was our absolute favorite when we compared it against three accomplished adventure bikes in 2015 - the Suzuki V-Strom, the Benelli TnT 1130 Amazonas and the Kawasaki Versys 1000. The latter, however, is now joined by a 650cc variant and at its price, the Versys 650 questions the Tiger's supremacy. Shumi finds out how they match up. Watch the video and also watch this space for a link to a more detailed text review.

[@DirectorLJ]

Excellent Job. This reviewer is really good. He is involved and passionate while being very knowledgeable and makes the key points you want to know. Plus, he's fast while being very articulate. A+ job, keep them coming!

[@AndyPanda9]

I was just about to post the same thing - but I saw you had already expressed it perfectly. :) So I'll just agree with your post - This reviewer really does a great job here.

[@evanmcknight2566]

Just found this channel. What an excellent and balanced review. It may be 2018, but these are two bikes I've been very interested in. Thank you!

[@anthonyryan923]

Two excellent machines discussed by an excellent reviewer who knows what is important and what is not. Many thanks.

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

Versys owner here. 4:12....this is SO true. It is SO smooth at highways speeds. On my bike, there is a sweet spot that just happens to be at 65mph. It is shockingly smooth at 65.

[@AshwinT24]

Given the price, Versys makes a very good proposition. It's an all rounded package and is value for money.

[@mrmenan6450]

Great great review guys and i was waiting for this comparison review. well done guys

[@NigelGriff]

This was an excellent review, better than most English and American reviewers, subscribed.

[@itssanktime82]

Great review. I'd love to test both myself. The tiger is sexy, but the versys is so affordable and reliable.

[@shj2000]

Best deal in this country too! 2015 Versys LT owner.

[@welham161]

I love your review.Wanna know why.Because all of your videos focus on the technical aspect of the motorcycle(what i meant to say that you guys focus much more on the motorcycle).Even though your videos lacks all the BOOMS and fancy music I still love it because the aim of the videos= is to review the bike and not show you editing skills. Thank you. Great review,keep it up! BTW love that Arai Helmet.

[@rayb7414]

Having had a few Hinckleys they were not void of problems, I would get the Versys if only for upkeep alone.

[@DerekCollinsProject]

Great review. The Versys is the best bargain on the road today.

[@doulos77]

hands down

[@ChrisShockley]

Oh, I'm sold on the Versys! now I just gotta sell my Bonneville to pay for it :)

[@gmctech]

I don't know what you guys were smoking, but here in Canada the Triumph is $5000 more than the Versys as tested here .... no matter how you slice it the Versys comes out when comparing these two bikes with such a drastic price as tested spread. Anyone who'd she'll out 5K more just to have the Triumph name sure values something more than having money in their pockets.

[@floydverma]

+gmctech The price difference is CAD8000 approx in India. These guys must have been smoking some quality stuff to compare them..

[@rattan305]

+gmctech The unfortunate problem is that we don't have the BMW F800GS in our market and then both these bikes would have had a run for the money

[@gmctech]

Smoke Crack much? That's damn near $6000 more to get a bimmer that really only does about a 20% better job. I'd put my KLR up against the bimmer any day and equipped the KLR comes in at almost $7500 cheaper. Lol. Buy your bimmers and triumphs and I'll go anywhere you folks can go carrying just as much cargo on my Kawis and have money left over to buy RRSP's and Cuban cigars...

[@Cripit65]

+Rattan Gangadhar you cannot compare the bmw f800gs to the tiger XR models they are 2 very different bikes same with the versys both the versys and XR tigers are road bikes not true adventure touring bikes like the F800GS, put that bike up against Tiger XCA and what you get is bikes so close to each others performance that it comes down to what brand you prefer to own

[@adsf1956]

that's great in seeing this as I now have a 2011 Tiger 800 in the garage after trading in my 2008 Versys in on it - however we just did an interstate trip with my partner Lidia on the Tiger (and we have done 3 other long trips on the Versys previous years) and found that the Versys was a lot better tourer as a 2up bike - the rear end on the Tiger was great but wished I had the front end of the Versys! we were fully loaded up with all our gear and hope to enjoy more of the 800 as the years go by... thanks catchya Andreas (Adelaide South Australia)

[@ashishsinghal736]

Great review Schumi... always look forward to your bike reviews.

[@juliancain6128]

An excellent and detailed video, many thanks sir!

[@JohnMFlores]

Great stuff! I very much like your insights and ability to draw subtle but distinct differences between the two motorcycles. Well done! For the audio, consider getting a cheap lavalier mic and recording to your smartphone. It will do much better than any shotgun mic, especially considering your roadside conditions. Continue to record audio on the Canon 5D as well because you will need it for synchronization. Use Adobe Premiere or Pluraleyes (sp?) to sync the audio. That's a minor nitpick though - the shot selection and presentation are very good!

[@iamstrell]

Kawasaki, pls redesign your instrument cluster for 650 series.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

For 2017, the sportbike is going to be called a Ninja650 world-wide, and the naked version Z650 world-wide. It does get a thorough make over and shares the same gauges with the new made-over Ninja1000. www.hdmotori.it/wp-content/uploads/kawasaki-ninja-650-2017-19.jpg Question remains, will Kawasaki migrate over some of the changes to the Versys650? I sure hope so, especially the new gauges.

[@Agz292]

Yeh ur correct

[@akashp0577]

Hey strell 💗

[@buddhadevcool]

It's been 4years and guess what... They still haven't XD

[@albertpaul180]

@@buddhadevcool exactly 🤦‍♂️

[@jackkruese4258]

Very professional review. Greetings from 🇬🇧

[@stoneblue1795]

Great video. Like a cheap taco, the Versys just satisfies. Ok, that's actually a KLR 650 "line", but the same goes for the rather misunderstood step cousin of the KLR, the 650 Versys. Lots of first-gen Vers' around for less than the price of a KLR, and they "build" very nice into touring-moderate adventure bikes on the cheap. You can't kill the motor, and the six speed tranny is well matched.

[@emjay1672]

Mumbiker Nikhil and Aashish Chandratre just gave this same comparison in real time testing conditions! 😂

[@catcall569]

Awesome review. I have the 2016 Versys 650.

[@thomas7629]

The new Versys 2015 is simply excellent, Tiger is nice as well but it looks older compare to the Versys.

[@kjp6331]

I've owned both. The Tiger has more power, better riding position, better off-road abilities, and... gets better gas mileage!!! I got rid of the Versys and now own the Tiger. He is correct when he says you can't lean as far with the standard Tiger 800. The XC however, has better ground clearance. The Versys will beat the Tiger through the corners, and the Tiger will catch and pass it on the straights. For most of my riding, and especially off-road, the Tiger beats the Versys hands down. Large rocks make the Versys change course when you don't want it to or expect it to due to the 17 inch front tire. The muffler on the Versys is also there to be beaten up by any rock that rears its ugly head. For two-up touring, the Tiger wins again. The extra power makes it easier to carry the passenger and luggage up and down hills. But, is it $6000 better? For me it is.

[@mickeypopa]

What's your fuel economy on the Tiger? I get 4.3 L/100km on my 2017 Versys.

[@johnnygross4415]

$6000 difference, the versys put alot of smiles on my face!

[@maxpayne8304]

I´m not writing this to bash your comment, but I have never had any power issues riding up a mountain pass with pillion and heavy lugguage on my Versys 650 ´17. If I was gonna go more for offroad I think I would choose the Tiger, but on the street the Versys is top notch (for me). If I was aiming for a street friendly touring bike AND a extremely capable hardcore off-road bike I would buy the Versys and invest the 6000$ difference to the Tiger 800 on a used 250cc dirtbike to be honest. Both bikes, the Tiger 800 and Versys 650 are great bikes in their own ways, but that is just MY personal opinion :)

[@greggdixon]

I have owned both bikes. So I feel I can give an informed review2013 650 versys, and currently ride a 2016 tiger XC. The versus handles a lot better at slow speed such as mini roundabouts whereas the Tiger feels heavy and less manageable. But only at low speeds. Everywhere else the Tiger wins.

[@chrisw4215]

what about the position? which one better for long riding

[@madczechoutdoors1088]

I also bought an XCX about a month ago. Awesome.

[@magoomagoon]

Excellent review, have a thumbs up from me!

[@anand_keerthan]

In the beginning, it was popularly rumored that the Versys would be released along with Zx6R and few other Kawasaki bikes, but now we only have this. Just wishing that the in-line 4 supersports will be available in India before I grow too old.

[@TheTwinPost]

u mean an inline 4 600cc super sport right...?? coz litre class super sports bike are available in India.

[@antoniomartins9394]

I Prefer the Versys !

[@masterspin7796]

You do a good job with your reviews..

[@seanjohnston848]

Great review, very informative!

[@karsten-f5q]

Great review and I'm getting the XRT shortly

[@vedantgoswamichess]

Awesome production. One of the reasons I bought the bike and am happy for it. Amazing bike it is :)

[@Mikesbaron1974]

This was an excellent comparision.

[@dayvsea]

I think he's the best reviewer going..Knows just what we want to hear about, without the blather..

[@Mr67Stanger]

I agree with the verdict!

[@pavelmullo2326]

In Finland where I live it is not possible to compare this two together, because Triumph is like 6k euros more expensive compared with versus 650. Not fair to compare simply, Tiger has a lot more off road ability and much more other electronics as well as more power. I will take it anytime over Versus, but the price is again higher for Tiger.

[@veeraraghavansafety]

I did test drive if Tiger XRX and Versys today.. Back to back... Tiger definitely is better in all departments and I made my decision to buy it but things changed when I just gave a call to Kawasaki guy for test ride and oh man the Versys is armost 80% as good as tiger (not in off-road condition) and made me to think on my decision, with the price difference Versys was the winner for me...

[@hiron666]

I do not regret buying my XRX. Couldn't be any happier with it :)

[@jaskaranvisuals]

Seat height of versys is bit higher... Its difficult for a rider below 5'10" to ride comfortably... Although i am 5'8" and i got use to it after ridden it for around 300 kms... Everything else is epic about that bike... I hope kawasaki should provide a cruse control as well...

[@kevinmeercat919]

If yer below 5,8 you need to be on a scooter not a real bike .

[@SirThunderPants]

Just bought a Tiger XCX after having ridden the Versys and the V-Strom. There was no comparison.

[@abhiroy1993]

can please elaborate a bit as thinking to buy one of those bikes you mentioned. ty.

[@SirThunderPants]

IMO.. The Tiger's motor is much better than the other two. The ride comfort was the best of the three, and although I wasn't able to take it off road before buying it I can now tell you that it is vastly superior. Gets you there in comfort, then performs very well off road. Everything I was looking for. I hope this helped.

[@abhiroy1993]

JustSomeGuy So the extra ₹4.4 lac for the tiger is well justified I guess. Ty for the reply. It did help indeed. :)

[@ninjakat8922]

JustSomeGuy you got an XCX? The one with the 21 inch off road set up? and you're saying it's better on pavement than the fully adjustable Versys 650? The engine of the Tiger is better yeah (800 cc triple cyl vs 650 cc twin), but on pavement the Versys literally eats everything else in the middleweight category on twisties. The BMW F800GS twin and the Tiger XC are fantastic off road machines, but on pavement the king of the middleweight tourers is the Versys. Best of both worlds are easily the Tiger XR (19 inch cast front wheel instead of the 21 spoked of the XC) and the Vstrom 650. And all my opinions have come from test rides of all the models mentioned btw. Only middleweight tourer I don't have a valid opinion on is the Tracer 700, but I've heard the bike has fantastic potential once the suspension is changed because the stock one is way too soft (and not adjustable) for the sport oriented riding the engine and chassis pushes the rider to do. Don't know how true that statement is though because I've never ridden one.

[@Reapwhatsown]

excellent review. I own a VStrom DL 650. I wouldn't enjoy the Versys in the dirt.

[@Cupat1]

Very good review I'd be tempted with the versys but because I'm used to 1000cc engines I'd maybe swing to the triumph

[@stogierogy]

Thats why Kawi makes the Versys 1000 LT!

[@Cupat1]

Is it!

[@stogierogy]

Yes!

[@Cupat1]

Good!!

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

The Kawasaki will be more reliable from my experience with Triumph products

[@veereshsangolliV12]

i think sometimes shubi speaks too fast! i think its the excitement that gets him! anyways awesome review! but it would have been better if rishad was also speaking to the camera! would have made it more fun! and now the bikes, if the versys would have come with the optional extras that the offer worldwide then it would be the perfect i guess! but it definitely is brilliant as a entry level tourer! but the seat height is a bit intimidating i guess!

[@keltingr2612]

you can get 1.5x a Versys for the price of the Triumph Tiger

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

why would u want half a versys.

[@sanketrajbhoj3937]

Can you compare the 2018 models of the versys and the tiger with ducati 950..?

[@vinishshetty8055]

Don't go for tiger, my brother fell while on a ride and triumph Service in bangalore has no parts and the bike is in the service center all that got damaged were the foot pegs and the plastic tank cladding its been over a month now no news on parts and when we visited the service center to drop my street twin for first service i happened to see a lot of bikes laying around waiting for parts i would suggest kawasaki considering their service network and part availability.

[@jazzysaravana]

vinish shetty Damn, but it's the complete opposite story here in Chennai. Triumph here offers an awesome support but Kawasaki sucks big time!

[@Streuth22]

Good review, but comparison is needed also against the Suzuki V Strom 650 and Honda NC

[@Cripit65]

+Matt Abbott and the triumph tiger XCA is the real adventure touring bike

[@Streuth22]

It is the best of the bunch for off road!

[@Ashwin-zg7rt]

dear overdrive team, can you review the motoguzzi?

[@warrenhancock5742]

DO another one on the 2018 models. Don't know about the Versys but the Tiger has had a huge upgrade.

[@suyoghagir2936]

can you do a comparison between the Kawasaki 650 vs Ducati Scrambler

[@surly60]

Really? A naked parred down roadster. Mrs A faired long legged semi Adv/tourer. Incomparable really.

[@Begin4End]

both of my fav bike

[@mikeskidmore6754]

There are versions of the Tiger that has adjustable suspension engine guards heated grips heated seat and the XCa has 21" front wheel and better yet for off road riding ..

[@HighlanderJosh]

The Versys can't corner like a Sportbike... Hmm I've used this bike in corners and turns pretty well, keeping up with the sportbikes too.

[@jollibeetilao3604]

Im for the triumph.excellent engine sound.

[@abp422]

What if you have to choose between v1000 n v650?

[@Bulletizers]

What's that exhaust on the Tiger?!

[@jaikoparde]

do a comparison with RE Himalayan

[@charancherry1406]

When will Hero launch the new Impulse, any word on that ?

[@NikhilM4101]

Overdrive please link the gear used by the rider in this video including the backpack.

[@johnnygross4415]

where do you find a triump dealer?

[@786philb]

If you want cheaper and smaller, Buy the versys. It comes close. If you want more power and bigger engine and can afford it, Buy the tiger. I have the tiger. Great all rounder. Love it.

[@bdeligio]

Big video.....Big bike.....comparative is.....kawasaki versys 650 vs yamaha tracer 700...two best bike to buy!where is the best buy?🤔🤔

[@vikasthakur5990]

Aftersale service of Kawasaki?

[@rahuldeore49]

It's Mumbai-Pune highway

[@totalyo]

95cv vs 69cv? 10200€ vs 7600€? Trail off road vs sport touring? What next? Hayabusa vs bicycle? Are you serious?

[@shashanksingh5479]

I would buy a versys for its highway qualities cos for off roading i hv my splendor

[@TopperRico]

Great

[@JayLeon87]

Kawasaki parts are much easier to get rather than triumph..

[@johnnygross4415]

how many Triump dealers do you see in america. Kawasaki rules

[@85amitray]

Kawasaki has smaller wheel can be a little problem in offroad

[@Cripit65]

+Amit Ray both those bikes are more focused on road use not offroad something that really needed to be added to this review

[@exothermal.sprocket]

There's a Vstrom 650 for the bigger wheel.

[@samWorld496]

Junaid bhai voice 😉

[@Vegetakhan]

versys is more like sport tourer than adventure tourer. ADVs are supposed to be glorified dual sports. comparing versys with tiger is not doing versys any justice. imho

[@Savin.Shetty]

Nikhil n asish...mumbiker

[@hustleeveryday6582]

Prefer the Versys, but it seems that he owns the Tiger. Somewhat of a bias review.

[@salamance12345]

love the tiger.. but watsup with exhaust sound here, tiger don't sound this loud

[@anhay2082]

Why do adv biker always stand on the peg ? In case with a passenger, should she sit or stand ? =)))))

[@George196207]

Versys is NOT made for off road. Dirt roads yes with different tires but not trial ridding . Far as speed my Versys will break all speeding laws. Though if you have lots of cash a Tiger 800 is very nice three cinders and 150 more cc Where I live good luck finding a dealer.

[@texbacalian5036]

I will still buy the Versys because Triumph is low in durability.

[@Merkaba954]

I like your channel

[@pradeepgodavarthi8313]

Can versys do 150 to 180 max on good highways WITHOUT STRESS ON ENGINE AND RIDER for long rides like 800 kms ? i have that doubt also DOES IT SUIT 5'8 (height ) riders

[@HarshaGowda123]

yeah it can reach 150 160 easily and there is no problem maintaining that speed. and yes you can go 800kms in a day without a sweat

[@pradeepgodavarthi8313]

I m 5 '8 bro does it suit me... Do i have to tip toe.?

[@HarshaGowda123]

Yes it will suit you as the seat height is only 840mm

[@HarshaGowda123]

Tipping on toe is not required I'm also 5'8 and I can reach the tarmac easily (only left foot on the tarmac and right one on the foot peg )

[@ItsBingOo]

🐯 Tiger 💲💲💲👍👍👍👍

[@henrique0885]

I prefer Yamaha Tracer.

[@soneythomas3671]

Super

[@rabdeeps]

So many things wrong with this video. First off nobody in their right mind compares a 7lac bike to a 15lac bike. Second if u have the money to buy a 15lac + bike, u dont look back and chase 7lac bikes. This is a waste of my and every ones time.

[@4SMFLOW]

I bought a 2018 Versys. I kept it 7 months and then sold it to buy a used 2015 Tiger Xrx. Versys has many disadvantages and design issues. The center of gravity is so high that when you fiill up with gas the whole bike is shaking at the traffic lights. Of course this affects low speed handling as well. Engine is very outdated and with very bad torque in the low revs. Gearbox is very bad. When you are stopped and you shift down, the gears change with a huge delay.... The so called "adjustable suspension" is kind of useless too. Especially the rear shock.. Most japanese bikes are undersprung..this bike is oversprung.. The rear shock has a nasty bounce. The front fork is better. Positives are the brakes and the cheap maintenance costs...With Tiger i felt like riding a true motorcycle again especially after owning a 1200 GS for 11 years...The Vesrys was a total waste of my time and my money..

[@aroy8731]

Back when Shumi.was Shubabrata 😄

[@kingfisher111]

It's funny to see though, why Shumi always has the same answer for such comparisons. Problem is the comparison itself. Shud hav compared Benelli with Versys... Not tiger. Price shud be the key factor while making such comparisons.... Co that's always where Shumi ends.. 😂😂

[@ontheroad8149]

Himalayan vs 390 ADV.

[@jnana1985]

WTH!!!Riding at 30 kph in 6th gear????wth

[@soundarapandianelangovan7438]

In some angle he looks MS Dhoni

[@milindvengurlekar6720]

Mumbiker nikhil ko uskI TIGER XCA 22 MILEAGE DETI HAI

[@joaomario4725]

Lindas quero as duas pra mim elas são show

[@kevinmeercat919]

Crazy to have bikes like that on Indian roads . What happens when a cow or a goat wanders across the road ,. Save the real bikes for proper roads . /

[@eltavoflores6792]

the tiger

[@terminatorvloggerryn9834]

Tiger

[@vishalramachandran58]

The sound quality is very poor.. I cant hear a shit.. :/

[@chino-ir8sy]

VishaaL

[@commentguy7]

VishaaL ur face looks like shit

[@nithishmm3720]

versys.........