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

[langevag1]

kawusia najlepsza na swiecie

[BlinkyBillthekoala]

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

[d5nonac]

have you ever heard of a tripod or using

manual exposure?

[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.

[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!

[vasquez228]

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

[BarryEssex]

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

[996artichoke]

Wow columbia! Thats payback for all your cocaine labs!!!

[vasquez228]

@996artichoke

First off it's ColOOmbia you dumb ass. And secondly, it's a matter of import taxes, it has nothing to do with the cocain labs we use to make the drugs you consume.

[pataconaso]

@vasquez228 You should have told him to go suck it, what a hijueputa.

[pataconaso]

@996artichoke Dude, you are really stupid.

[996artichoke]

These are all great but very ugly bikes

[panasonichedgehog]

@996artichoke You should be able to relate then, its kinda that look other a mother could love just like you.

[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.

[GHOSTthaHOST]

Can you turn abs off?

[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...

[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 :)

[ronmann606]

I'm buying my first street bike and lookin for advice. I rode the 650 V-Strom and like the position a lot and kind of want to buy it. But I'm going to be riding NO dirt, or gravel roads ever. Does that make this a dumb choice? What has a similar riding position (also I'm 6'5") thats purely road oriented?

[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

[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

[truebluepat]

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

[checho1075]

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

[desireespbrysa]

ùngláublich_gÈbt_mAl_bÈÍ_gØÒgl­ê:_geldeasy_ëíN_võll_krAss

[LeoInterHyenaem]

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

[BritishRider]

Hey, can you suggest any alternatives to the V-Strom 1000? I'm after a budget tourer with a large engine. Thanks!

[yuvalnv]

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.

[z98908]

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

[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.

[zenrhythman]

Why do these Brit reviews always consist of jolly 50kmh rides around town? If you had riders that put these bikes through REAL tests, it would clearly show that the BMW is by far the best bike.

You might as well have been testing vespas. Get some real riders!

[musicofjamie]

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

[captainobvious9999]

Also, for anyone doubting the performance of, and what the Versys is capable of...you should check ot this vid. Very impressive.

6nDcOz7oOVM

or search key words: Versys Cadwell 650 trackday

[F0ckUtoob]

@captainobvious9999 Word! That's a GREAT video!

[captainobvious9999]

I actually like the styling of the BMW the best. Seems like the most negative comments frmo riders on them are abou tthe seat. The seat can be switched out...not a big deal. Price wise, its in a tough spot coming off the dealer floor, but used bikes are always easier. If I had to buy one from the delaer the price would certainly be a factor and could possibly rule out the BMW. I like the comfortable positioning on the Versys and the 2010 bikes have a bit better styling than before. Tough call.

[grfmoto]

V-Strom is sold all over the world and is a wonderful bike. Suzuki started to sell the DL 650 in Brazil last year only. We are still waiting for the competitors like Versys. We have here the BMWs but it is too expensive!

[kawasanyi84]

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

[omahas9000]

Thanks very much for all the input, guys!

[samxtx1]

I HATE ADVERTS

[cyrusdavirus007]

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

[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?

[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.

[mako7828]

@omahas9000 Im sure the braking is just fine, have a buddy who just purchased one I will be giving it a thourough thrashing in the comming weeks and will let you know, the steel braided brake lines are onl ysomething you will need as a serious track rider.

[Pwn00b]

@omahas9000 The BMW F800GS sounds like the bike for you mate. If you are interested in off-road riding stay well clear of the DL650 or DL1000, sure, these bikes can go off road, so can the Triumph Scrambler, so can an FZ1. The F800GS is a different beast to the F650GS, 20hp+ more power, more clearance and a 21 inch front so you would know what difference that makes. It also has twin disks up front, braded lines and Brembos front and back so it has substantially superior brakes to the two 650s.

[Pwn00b]

@omahas9000 In terms of Simon44s comments, I agree with all of them. The dual sport (DS) style bike is a lot easier and more comfortable to ride than a sport bike (SB), it makes it easier to tap the bikes full potential. Sure, a SB has more potential on road but you need much more skill to access that potential so for the average rider they will get more out of a DS (you need to be exceptional on a SB before you get ahead of an equivalent rider on a good DS).

[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

[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

[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.

[simon44]

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

[devno9904]

of course the V wins. its reliable comfy and fun to ride. the beemer has too many things to go wrong with it.the v-strom is a big monster

[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 ;)

[memoPFP]

V Strom for me!! very good engine! of course BMW is... BMW right? jaja and Versys well i´m not a big fan of its design.

[kevann1967]

i wouldnt have a bmw as long as ive got a hole in my arse to shite through , v-stroms a top bike but the versys is well funky

[Mrlogotobi]

@kevann1967

well-get a plug and ride a real good motorcycle :-)

[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.

[retardno002]

Yes I agree, BMW for me please!

[gotmildew]

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.......

[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.

[onefugowie]

HES ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!!!

[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.

[ninjansx]

I don't get it , he say the back brake is bad on what bike kawasaki or suzuki ?????

[ninjansx]

kawasaki #1

[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.

[LocustsAreSwarming]

even if they found it uncomfortable, a new after market seat or rear set adjusters and its good, the indicator switch could easily be modded with a little techy know how

[epicstove]

I have an orange 09' v-strom with TKC 80 tires and it get's more complements than any other bike I've ever owned, including a black CBR 600 RR.

[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)

[chregu30]

The V-Storm is not a toy, it's a real bike! ^^

The Versys is still not bad, but it will never have the success of the V-Strom...

[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

[dalotel]

@chregu30

I would not want to agree with a girl's opinion in this video.

[ILuvUMan7]

Funny how they forget to tell you how much more the BMW will cost someone.

I test drove a Versys. Too little of a bike for me.

Bought a 2007 VStrom 650 for less than any Versys I could find and couldn't be happier. Perfect bike for the slab and a great off road bike too. I'm not a hard core off road biker nowadays.

I also find the VStrom a great bike with 2 riders. I have no idea what the Versys would be like with 2 riders. Sure seemed a lot smaller to me.

MPG for me about 55.

[Viperlin]

strange, you must have not watched the video, clearly stated the BMW price

[Caltaz08]

@Viperlin I would have the BMW any day

[a6km]

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

[paolinospr]

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

[stromtrooper32]

I should also note the cons of the V-Strom:

Noisy engine! This thing has an UGLY sound... lots of mechanical ticks and clicks, and a boring exhaust note. It sounds very much like my John Deere lawn tractor, which is also a 650cc V-twin. Also, the chain on these bikes bounce constantly, and make A LOT of racket! I enjoy the bike much more with ear plugs and a full face helmet.

[MegaBufas]

oh my... sound is really important :/ might think twice before buy one...

[stromtrooper32]

I have an 07 DL-650 V-Strom. It's probably the best commuter bike I've ever owned, and it will handle well if you push it. I recently took it out to a local road course, and was surprised to find I could keep up or pass many others on sportier bikes, at least in the corners. Keep in mind that I'm 6'4" tall, so the size fits me well. I recently bought a speed triple as a fun bike, but will keep the "Wee" for a commuter. In that role, there is really nothing better. 53mpg, lots of room.

[cuckoo1121]

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

[ruuman]

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

[jssiler]

Purchased an '06 DL1000 V-Strom new in January '07 for $7,300. Average 41 MPG ... lots of local roads and some interstate. Guessing I would do better on interstate only.

[2Divljaka]

I own one strom 650 and im so happy with it that im never gonna change bike again! (well maybe for dl1000) heh. I have it for 3 years now and 25000km on it, never.. ever had any problems with it.

Some mite disagree with me tbh i dont care. I guess it all depends in what you are looking for in one bike, but then again what ever you ride its same wind that blows you

[oseano10]

It's easy:

-For beginers with time to go to the garage: BMW

-For curves and trips: Suzuki.

-For curves and city: Kawasaki.

[wirelessoptical]

what's the difference between "trips" and the city? Do you mean the sv650 engine has a better top-end than the ninja 650's engine?

[subocito]

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

[oseano10]

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.

[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.

[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...

[JUANDA010203]

that stupid

[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 !

[FishBoneSkeleton]

i had my bmw f 650 gs for about 3 weeks now. when i first got it the tail light was really bright. i got 700 miles on it now and the tail light is extremely dim, practicaly non existant. im taking it to the dealer on monday for my first oil change and to see whats up.

[FishBoneSkeleton]

i just picked up my f650 from the dealership and now the bike wont idle. back to the dealership we go.

[henrymarkstewart10]

test rode the f650, it is really sporty but slow :(

versys is ugly as hell

so the winner is the suzuki, no not the strom or storm lol

you actually want the sv650s

[zeak777]

down to earth for non-pro riders,5 star stuff...

[whodaphukarewe]

The BMW F650GS - great bike, super handling, great engine, most forgiving - but true, seat is uncomfortable.

[cronoxlr]

I test rode the f650gs at Daytona (at the dealer, BMW wasn't represented at the track) this year.

Mind you, I rode a 2009 Ninja 500r for too long (Tampa to Florida, no stops) and there was no comparison.

The only other BMW I have driven was a 1976 r75/6.

I loved the f650gs, I near crapped myself with excitement driving it.

[Hugo081]

Versys all the way,well balanced good service from kawi,and the most important awesome grin factor

[90onenight]

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!

[reneoberon]

I tried all three (BMW as last one) and went for the BMW. After 500 meter I knew it was the BMW I would buy. Everthing felt good on this bike.. the versys had too much vibes and the brakes felt not secure.The V strom is too much a big bike for me.Now after a year I still love the BMW; It's going to take me on a 5000 km trip to Yalta this spring.

[kawas007]

I had a Versys last year. Great bike, extremely maneuverable and low rev torque. Great for commuting. I did 600km/day rides and it's very confortable and great space for tall people (Im 6'1")

[JacoTricker]

i ride on Versys now, it's very good fun bike and more, you can go on it on a trip, you can ride smooth in the city traffic. Wheelies are very easy to make on it, and stoppies even with ABS is quite simple. I think Kawasaki has got a very good bike now. Cheap and good. but i think it should be test with Aprilia Shiver and Yamaha MT-03.

[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

[gothan3]

I agree. That is the best bike to ride long distance, short trip, or just city tour. Has exellent wind protection, is very comfortable. Perfect bike!!!!

[Pwn00b]

For the price....

[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!

[bigkostas]

versys best fun bike!!

[abairn]

Got a Versys as my first bike after my test and I love it, had test road a BMW and Versys before and the Versys won hands down. Not sure I'm a fan of the heavy looking strom, but never ridden one so can't really say..but the Versys rocks.

[gothan3]

Try v-strome. Is exellent!!!

[n8ckylim]

Versys up to Bangkok..

[stuartjamesgemmell]

Versys cheapest and best!

Hard to argue with that....

[BearGuardian]

I been driving a DL650 for a couple of months now. Its my first bike (ever, not even a 75cc before), and I have no complaints about its handling, even on hellish traffic. Engine is great for twisty roads (i live in Colombia, plenty of them), and even though its its HUGE at first sight, thats what keeps it comfortable. Thumbs up!

[cagonllare]

La mejor con diferencia la vstrom mierda pa bmw

[jssiler]

Our V-Strom DL1000 is great. It is my wife's moto and I take it out for fun and speeding around back roads. I like the Kawi and BMW but the DL1000 has great power, comfort and range. My wife and I are both tall enough to walk the moto around without issue. Like the guy below ... Just Ride!

[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!

[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.

[macacomanu]

The problem whith the kawasaki is thats really fuking ugly.

[fattrucker01]

nothing like driving some fat overweight dirt bikes on wet euro goat paths, UGHHH!

[stonesharve]

Hands down the Vstrom 1000 is the best

[giveaway000]

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

[louisvanschalkwyk]

I have a Versys and it Rocks! Been on BMW's a plenty and none blow my hair back like the Kawa. It doesn't claim to be an enduro and it isn't, dead right. Suzuki is good but very boring. Plus the mods on my kawa are sweeeet!

[emremarmaris]

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

[ajf306]

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

[cra83]

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

[safetybeeich]

the Strom and the Versys are endro's

I have had my Strom on gravel roads and pact trails. handles great.

[giodog2000]

Very good point . Can't wait to get mine : 6 days to go ;-)

[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.

[spice4free]

I love my Italian Racing Red Versys--even if it is Japanese

[roikrasny]

VERSYS IS THE BEST BIKE YOU CAN FIND

[GERMANPOWER90]

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.

[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.

[wtd22000]

Versys the best bike for the money. After owning bikes for the last 40 years someone finally made a bike that is near perfect. Thank you kawasaki!!!!!!!!!!!

[morfitude]

Versys is not on the same level until they offer ABS in the U.S.

[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....

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[versys23]

versys rules!

[coaking]

no1: GS (gelande strasse)......

[Alexandruioancuza]

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