We pit the BMW F650GS against the Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki DL650 V-Strom to see which is the best suited to new riders.
MCN test: BMW F650GS, Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki DL650 V-StromPosted by admin on Aug 10, 2010 | 27 Comments |
MCN test: BMW F650GS, Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki DL650 V-StromPosted by admin on Aug 10, 2010 | 27 Comments |
We pit the BMW F650GS against the Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki DL650 V-Strom to see which is the best suited to new riders.
@captainobvious9999 Word! That’s a GREAT video!
Also, for anyone doubting the performance of, and what the Versys is capable of…you should check ot this vid. Very impressive.
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or search key words: Versys Cadwell 650 trackday
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.
@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
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!
Versys messze megelőzi a Suzukit és a BMW-t !Nem lehet őket egy lapon emliteni.
Thanks very much for all the input, guys!
@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).
@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.
@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.
@Viperlin I would have the BMW any day
I HATE ADVERTS
What type of jacket is the guy in the middle wearing?
I’ve got 2008 Versys with full luggage and top box – fantastic tourer one-up with 600 miles a day capacity and 60 mpg at 80-85mph and 220 mile range. 2500 miles in two weeks touring France in two summers. Stunning – buy one and save mega money on mainstream ‘big badge’ tourers!! Light and flickable, commute, tour – it is THE bike! I’m 6’1″ don’t apply if you are 5’9″!!
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.
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 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
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
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.
The BMW was one of the most comfortable bikes I’ve ever been on. I dont know what these people are on about?
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
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
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.
Yes I agree, BMW for me please!
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
Hi bud would it be alright if i used some info from here to use on one of our blogs? cheers buddy.
No Problem – but please put a link back to us