Suzuki V-Strom 1050 or Kawasaki Versys 1000?

[@viktorbenedek868]

A owned a 2021 Versys. NO brake lever problems, very good brakes, very stable, no engine heat problems, windscreen is very good with a small mra clipon (188 cm). Overall a very very good bike. Not too exciting at lower rpm-s. I sold it because it was too refined :) And It was faster then the vstrom. I begun to miss the self healing paint on the Versys, when I bought my next bike which gets scratched by anything. Versys looked new after thousands of kilometers.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Sold it because it was too refined? Reminds me of monks that cause themselves pain as they're "not worthy". Strange reason to get rid of a bike.

[@viktorbenedek868]

@@VToldsMotoShow Now I have an Indian, worse in every way... but the feeling! :D Brain vs heart. Heart wins.

[@erocnw1341]

@@viktorbenedek868 I agree, brain vs heart. Some bikes can be refined yet not as fun to ride as other less refined bikes, which is why it's not a good idea to select a bike based solely on looking at specifications.

[@xpusostomos]

​@@viktorbenedek868​​​ To ask a stupid question, what about the feeling? Is it just the Rumble hog soundtrack? The image? Something else?

[@viktorbenedek868]

@@xpusostomos can not answer you short. Maybe all of the above and the very low seating position. But, since then I went back to pracicality :D

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

One additional significant difference - maximum payload: 1) Versys 1000 - 220 kg, 2) V-Strom only 198 kg

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks! No fat passengers allowed on a V-Strom 1050 then.

[@prabh8197]

Does that matter?

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

@@prabh8197 yes - because it is easy to exceed the weight of 200 kg if you take into account the weight of the driver, passenger, clothes and full luggage for a week trip (not to mention weight of crashbars, panniers etc)

[@prabh8197]

@jerzygroclinek5066 i had a bike( bajaj pulsar RS 200cc). Its payload capacity might have been 140-150 kg, but i carried more than 200kg of weight on that bike on multiple occasions. But I never faced any problem. So i dont think it matters that much. Here in india, most companies don't even mention the payload capacity of the bike in the specification.

[@ralphwarom2514]

@@prabh8197 :D hehehehhehe. A true man of the people.

[@chinmaykar06]

Dude, your reviews are the most honest I have come across, and I share almost all your opinion.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Oh, and this is the ultimate goal! I couldn't find any of such motorcycle reviews myself some time ago, was getting pissed off because of that, so I started making them myself. There's got to be this kind of perspective on social media.

[@keithsmith7855]

Thankyou for a great video. I have the 1050 and with some upgrades it is a capable, reliable, fun tourer and commute bike. GIVI Airflow Windscreen with Side Winglets Mirror Extenders, and change out the mirrors for Aprilia Tuono mirrors These two upgrades largely fix the buffeting issues on this bike. I took it to a specialist suspension shop and asked them to make it ride like a GS in Dynamic mode. With valving and spring changes in the front and a WILBERS fully adjustable shock in the rear, it does ride beautifully, just like the GS. The suspension is tuned to my weight and is just awesome. This is the most expensive change made but still very much cheaper than buying the more expensive bikes with the electronic suspensions. Chain drive is not as good as shaft drive, but Tutoro chain oiler largely makes the chain maintenance free. I like the low down torque of the 1050 it can pull away from traffic lights on hills with out the need to rev it. No vibration issues. Completely reliable and no issues at all with the bike, very happy. Where I live 1050 is 3 years warranty, Kawasaki only 2. I would think if these bikes are so reliable (which I think they are) why doesn’t these manufactures extend the warranty? BMW is 5 years! Would you consider taking some videos of you just riding in the countryside talking about anything and everything bikes while riding a particular bike. We watch your channel from all over the world and it would be very enjoyable to see what bike riding is like in another part of the world. Best wishes.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Wow, I'm impressed by the amount of dedication and effort that you've put into the bike, especially suspension. It makes me wonder whether the possible reason for manufacturers not setting the suspensions in the better way (provided that there is a "better" and "worse" setup) is only the cost saving. Still, they could offer "upgraded" suspensions designed by partner companies and using their components. On the other hand this would mean admitting to not-the-best design on their side. True about the automatic lubricating devices! I've had one myself and it did work. There's more mess but you're bothered only every 5000 km to fill up the reservoir instead of 10x more often ever 500 km. Love the point about warranty. It crossed my mind that it may be related to how much those companies earn and an overall financial risk. It may work for BMW if they sell more bikes with a better margin (I'm just guessing right now). But a very interesting idea! About riding and talking - I've never been able to do two very complicated things at the same time. Thanks a lot for the suggestion though! All the best!

[@keithsmith7855]

@@VToldsMotoShow good points. Thanks again

[@JPWest020]

It will always be the Suzuki for me.

[@majordelays4909]

If this detail about manoeuvrability and the versys resisting turning in, trying to straighten up, is accurate then the detail in this review is amazing. It’s the first review I have seen cover at this level of detail. Have a sub !!!! ❤

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yup, it should be pretty accurate. I've been on so many bikes trying to evaluate them, that seeing the differences, some ways of behaving become clear. I'm glad you appreciate me mentioning that in the review. Cheers!

[@tormodi5925]

I think the off-road capabilites of the V-Strom is quite a but underrated in many reviews. While it's of course not the best choice for the most serious and advanced off-roading it's still plenty capable. Whilst the Versys is a road bike. An upright sports tourer. I've tried both. Both are nice but I prefer the V-Strom and agree with most of the points in this review :)

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'm not sure about V-Strom itself being excited about offroading ;). I've tried that and was excited until I dropped it. The handlebar is too narrow for me and some extra suspension travel could be helpful. But yeah, it's likely a better choice for that than a Versys indeed.

[@stevenpearson5658]

Owned both. Prefer the Vstrom.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for sharing!

[@skyworks1621]

I just recived the updated 2023 regular Vstrom, and have to say that suspension is not soft and does not dive much ( maybe it also got updated for 2023 ). Only think I dont like is a hard seat that I will have to upgrade. Brakes, quickshifter are great.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Front suspension got manual adjustment for 2023. Diving... well... this would be hard for me to believe as nothing has changed in my perception of this behavior in a big V-Strom for over 20 years now regardless of a generation. I'd be interested in a quickshifter myself as many manufacturers still haven't figured them totally out. I wonder how Suzuki deals with it.

[@skyworks1621]

@@VToldsMotoShow quickshifter is really good. My KTM 1290 SAS did not like if I changed gear with same ot lower speed, Vstrom does not complain.

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

@@VToldsMotoShow the quickshifter in the new V-Strom 1050 was one of the best I've ever used - better than the Triumph Tiger 900 and 1200 and the Yamaha Tracer 9. The Quickshifter in Versys was the worst - it works below expectations

[@shengel4808]

Jak zwykle świetny materiał i porównanie!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Dzięki, dzięki! ;)

[@Nisotovski]

Vreat review as always ❤

[@dadrider3]

Versys for me

[@stefanferia5866]

I love the 2013 Versys 1000 design.Had one,and for me it is much prettiest than the next generations. About engine performance,sound and riding feelings the Versys wins easy against V Strom. I had great brakes system with the Versys 2013.Nothing to complain at all.

[@kannermw]

I just sold my 2018 VStrom 1000XT after 22K miles after purchasing 2022 Versys 1000SE LT+ this past fall. Loved the VStrom but it was seriously lacking the refinement of the Versys. Riding the two back-to-back the VStrom demeanor felt agricultural and crude by comparison. The gear driven cam sound is cool but the lumpiness of engine at low rpm can get annoying at times. By comparison the Versys is like a formula 1 car. Where the fun stops with the VStrom at about 6000 rpm the Versys is just getting the party started. It also surprised me with wife on the back under heavy acceleration it likes to wheelie, even with traction control level 2 enabled😮😂. Wife was not so amused, more like terrified and I am still questioning how that could even happen? In terms of handling I think Versys wins hands down. I can point it wherever I want in corners and keep a line. With VStrom I had to anticipate in sharp transitions like a roundabout and weight shift to make the beast turn over. The Versys 1000 suspension is fantastic and for 2-up riding combined with more space the Versys wins hands down. Value for dollar VStrom wins but with 1050 that price gap is steadily closing. Just wish Suzuki would bump displacement up to 1200 cc to get power more competitive and other goodies like adaptive suspension for ADV touring capability. They are kidding themselves with the DE version for off-road. IMO they are going wrong direction but I think it is due to delusional buyers thinking about unrealistic off-road adventures on a heavy pig.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I love the 1050 DE and wheelie on a Versys remarks. I read your insights with interest and I guess that in some areas it's up to our expectations of how we like things being done. Some would prefer hard and immediate power delivery ripping their wrists off while some will prefer is smoother etc. Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences with both a V-Strom line and a Versys 1000.

[@rafaelmolina123]

Beauty contest. V strom all the way bro.

[@davidmeadows5665]

Its no big deal adjusting the screen on the Vstrom as how often do you adjust it? I leave mine in the high position for most of the year and occasionally in hot weather in the low position. On either bike you cannot safely adjust the screen on the move so its just a matter of adjusting the screen before you mount the bike on the Vstrom. Enjoyed the vid by the way!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and it might work that way. I wouldn't even mention a difficult process of adjusting seat height as we usually don't grow nor shrink so much during a ride. However, about a windshield, I do like to adapt it to speed, place of riding and overall conditions from time to time and to me it just seems like not going after a well-thought-out solution. Mentally that may be annoying ;). Thanks for the input!

[@Potruni]

Hola amigo!! Solo pasaba para decirte que si subtitulas los vídeos en español tendrás muchos más seguidores y también mucha más gente contenta 😉👍

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Hi, thank you for letting me know. Do KZbin’s automatic subtitles with a translation from English to Spanish not work? They should be there in video’s settings after choosing auto-translate option. I hope this helps.

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

A czy próbowałeś regulować zawieszenie w V-Stromie - aby spróbować ograniczyć nurkowanie przy hamowaniu (np. czy dałoby coś podkręcenie kompresji) ?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Tym nie próbuję się bawić, bo zwykle wymaga to bardzo, bardzo wielu prób. W przypadku V-Stroma 1050, Suzuki mogło dopiero na 2023 r. wprowadzić większą kontrolę nad przednim zawieszeniem. Z jeszcze innej strony, kieruję się nieco zasadą, że producent w ustawieniach fabrycznych dobiera taką specyfikę, która uważa, że będzie odpowiadać największej liczbie użytkowników - podobnie jak z wyborem opon, tyle że nie wchodzą tu w grę żadne ewentualne dodatkowe koszty.

[@HS99876]

Good review, two different engines with different characteristics. Versys look so busy, too much fairings, bodywork, V-strom is nice and simple, cheaper to maintain too, less work taking off those fairings.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Very much so. Thanks for the feedback!

[@tarastaranukha543]

Haven't tested Versys. V-Strom has adjustable suspension. By default it is not ok for the biggest part of riders. It takes time to find best setup for the rider (weight, riding style, roads quality, etc.). Wind protection: if you're not going to use it off-road too much, just put Givi Airflow and be happy. Also standard seat is not really good for long trips. Heated grips: OEM one cost about 500-600 usd, which is super expensive. Oxford grips can be used instead. Heat controller will be as external wired module, but price is 5 times lover. So, if you don't have heated grips by default - buy 3rd party and save money for other accessories.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for mentioning that - it's useful!

[@pacomena5791]

I have the Bmw F750gs triple black, with all the extras, the bike is great, but I love the sound and the smoothness of the four-cylinder of the Versys, I would like to change it, but the comments about the weight and the heat that the engine gives off scare me , I only use it on the road and I'm 1.82cm tall, in my area there are no kawas to try, I don't know what to do…..🤔

[@viktorbenedek868]

Versys is a bicycle on the road. So easy to ride. No heat problems at all. No brake problems. I had a lot of bikes. Versys was the most convinient and versatile. There are a lot of misinformation in this video.

[@hewlett62]

@@viktorbenedek868 I totally agree, I'll add this: brakes? Excellent, I don't have any problem. However, I don't race with a fully loaded motorcycle (the bike plus me is 340kg and it's also about physics). Heat from the engine? Yes, if I'm crawling in city traffic and it's also a hot August, then yes - but what bike doesn't heat up? The BMW S1000XR, for example, is a nuclear reactor compared to the Versys in this respect. If the Versys is hot from the engine, I can sit back and relax thanks to the great seat. The BMW S1000XR? It's almost impossible there because of the interesting seat design and anatomy, where you sit "inside" like a bucket and it's very difficult to sit down. Well, impossible, to be precise. Riding the BMW S1000XR is like flying on an irritable hornet compared to the Versys, but I understand that it may be sexy for some and the factor-x is therefore "great". The Ducati Multistrada is a lot better than the BMW (both of the bikes mentioned have much more power than the Versys, and you have to rev the engines a lot more) than the Versys' rather lazily lumbering smooth inline four-cylinder. Yes, it can be said that the Versys doesn't have that x-factor of fun, I just don't buy Versys for that. It's often said that the Versys may be the most underrated bike in the segment, but those who have one usually don't want it any other way (and I've ridden both the Kawasaki GTR 1400, ZZR 1400, BMW S1000XR My22, Multistrada V4S Full My22, and the 2019 BMW K1600GT).

[@hewlett62]

so I don't forget: Versys has never, ever left me in trouble. It always starts smoothly, runs great and quietly and without vibration or roar with everything I load on it where I want and how I want. Given my build, the ideal seating position and leg angle on the Versys is knee high, which means it's possible to drive, if I want to, for long miles without any fatigue and it's only limited by range per tank, by fuel consumption. Shifts smoothly (quick shifter), brakes well, awesome wind deflection from the factory windscreen (rider 182cm, 90kg, broad shoulders - athletic build, airflow&buffeting&pressure behind the wind screen is due not only to the height setting of the wind screen, but also the build of the rider, passenger and whether he has a Top Case installed, Schuberth C4Pro helmet). There is no problem and the same was previously true of the Kawasaki GTR 1400. Same with the BMW K1600 and D. Multistrada can't be said, both bikes already had or have (BigK in particular) their quirks. If I had to say for myself any "complaint" about the Versys 1000 SE GrandTourer (2022)? The high beams were adjusted too high from the factory and had to be adjusted lower, at night I was shining them into treetops or on highway signs.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

If I were you, I'd get into a car or a train then and take a test ride outside of your area. Definitely don't take into account the words of those who need to boost their ego on the internet claiming that "their bike is the best". Yeah, everyone's mum is the best. And then you're unhappy and disappointed with a choice. Test it yourself keeping in mind all the points mentioned that may not suit you and decide if you can live with them or not. Or rather - if they are outbalanced by the stuff that you like. If so, then you've got your decision.

[@pedrosimoes6041]

All great videos. Thank you from Portugal. i will buy a new motorcycle on january, the heat problem on the Verys for me is super important, thats not so aceptable anymore with liquid coolings and aero dynamics tech... norden 901 also gives lots of heat... I realy think the V Strom DE will be the choice. Is it a red flag for you? Have you tryed the Norden? Thanks for your honest videos. Best Regards 👍

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thaks, I've tried Norden and can confirm that it becomes extremely hot just like the 890 KTMs that it shares its components with. I haven't tried the V-Strom 1050DE and I'm not sure I'll be going to. This regular 1050 is surely a capable motorcycle that can do a lot pretty well in my opinion. Not the greatest anywhere except for exhaust sound. To me that actually counts and with aftermarket exhausts, all big V-Stroms are my #1 pick sound-wise.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I test rode both. I thought there was something wrong with the V-Strom. There wasn't, it's just gutless.

[@houseofroos]

Brakes on the Versys needed bleeding, right?

[@kohinoore]

Both screwed with the design. Versys had near perfect one in 2015, that is second gen or mk2. Hard to say what the designer was bitten by after that. The best sound in the Vee is achieved with dual piping, like in first gen model. If remember correct, some time ago featured was a red sonoma Strom with two brothers exhaust, producing a pure symphony to the ear.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Exactly that about the design - I'm not a fan either and hope that both brands get back to the time of their better designers. That would be a very beneficial to the eye "step back". And also exactly yes - there are still videos of that particular V-Strom 1000 with Two Bros and that is one of the best-sounding machines on Earth I believe.

[@kohinoore]

​@@VToldsMotoShow they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but they probably forget to add that if that beholder likes freaky or even creepy designs, it's not necessarily good for public roads except maybe on Halloween ;)

[@maldridge7630]

In this "kattegury" i am glad you finally decided to test some real bikes of the Japanese variety...was getting a little tired of the euro trash you have been squating over for a couple years now... just saying 🤷

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Made me ask Google translate for a presentation of a proper pronunciation! Damn… And right, there is a full lineup of the segment now. During this season the mission is to screen all middleweight adventure bikes.

[@4tech69]

The verses is very stable and confident in high speed corners. Not just handling but breaking as well. The breaks are quit strong and progressive 'after 200 mils of so breaking on them". I'm not really sure how you found it otherwise. I suspect you had stock tires. If you were touching the throttle with the break lever. Then that leaver was terribly out of adjustment/ I really can't see how you could assume that was not the case and just pass that on as if that's the norm for the Versys.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

This Versys is my only reference point. I suspect that at least most of us try or daily ride only one bike and don't ride 4-5 different examples. This was a dealer's demo bike, so there's no reason for me to believe that it should be badly maintained. As for the front brake lever - regardless of its setting, I believe that being able to easily make it rest against a grip should never ever happen as this means that you cannot apply more braking power. So yes, I do assume that this Versys being... a Versys represents properly the model line.

[@al3d35]

Can’t beleive you still have a driver’s liscence driving so dangerously

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Clearly your definition of danger is different from reality and local laws.

[@enricohagn]

Buy a 50cc scooter...

[@u2walalang]

Versys slow i don't think soo the only faster than the Versys 1k is ducati multistrada v4s all other adventure bikes is under him if we're talking about speed

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Not sure what top speed of them is, if that's what you're referring to.

[@4tech69]

That's not true. KTM 1290, 1250 GS and Multistrada are all faster than the Versys.

[@duncanroe577]

Both are ugly bikes. Bmw S1000xr is a lot better looking.

[@rsktbier7507]

But much more powerfull, not a good comparison

[@hewlett62]

The BMW S1000XR is too radical. And much more expensive. It feels more nervous to drive than the Versys 1K SE Grand Tourer, and the engine is more aggressive, even biting. The front wind shield is (BMW S1000XR M-Paket variant) much worse and the comfort on the seat due to its odd shape? It really doesn't suit everyone.

[@hewlett62]

First, appearance is certainly a subjective matter. Most riders in this segment of motorcycles don't ride for looks (then I'd buy a Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak and definitely not a BMW). But I understand that looks can influence the decision. If you're going to ride 100km into corners, around a chimney and without panniers, then you'll have fun with the BMW S1000XR. But a serious two-day trip with all three suitcases, 500+km each day? Eventually if you go two? Versys 1000 SE GT. Or straight BMW K1600GTL :-) for twice the money.

[@duncanroe577]

@@hewlett62 I'm on my 4th XR. I do 15000 miles a year, mainly on twist roads. The Gen 2 is a lot more comfortable and less aggressive than the first models, however put it in Dynamic and it still goes. Me and her in doors do regular trips to Europe fully loaded. I'm guessing that the strange seat must fit my skinny arse 👍🤣😂. I've fitted Pirelli trail 2 tyres on it which has made the bike even more comfortable.

[@hewlett62]

@@duncanroe577 Great, yes, I'm very happy that the machine suits you - that's what it's all about, having a choice. I respect the machine itself, and by the way, if I were 30 years younger, then yes, I would go for it :-). Looks wise, it has awesome charisma compared to the Versys, for sure. A predator and a muscleman vs a serious gentleman. I acknowledge the completely native qualities of the S1000XR (many owners are enthusiastic and review positively certainly not without reason). That's also why I've already ridden it to give this one a chance). It's just not the machine for me personally :-) at 62 years old (but great, certainly superior physical condition). Some dissatisfaction with the BMW K1600 also plays a part, more generally BMW is no longer synonymous with impeccable German engineering and craftsmanship for me. It applies to cars too, we have two in the extended family - the 5 series and it's not a nice conversation piece by any means. But that's another story. Further, my posts are more meant as a non-comparison > comparison to the Versys 1000 SE. Fingers crossed and both wheels are still on the ground.