Rich Niches: 2019 BMW R1250 RT vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT SE+ Luxo-Adventure Tour-Off
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2019
- The BMW R1200RT has long been a perennial contender for our Best Sport-Tourer award. It's follow-up, the R1250RT may be more impressive, receiving a larger engine displacement and BMW's Shift Cam variable timing system.
Meanwhile, Kawasaki also stepped up its game, with the Versys 1000 LT SE+ receiving bunch of high-tech upgrades like a six-axis IMU, corner management and self-healing paint.
Which bike is the better sport-tourer? Let's find out.
Read the full comparison review here: www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs...
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The music is annoying and drowned out the presenters at times 👎
I gotta chime in just in case it hasn't been brought up enough. Whoever edited this, kill the stupid music.
KittyCatCuddlinKevin I
Drop the background music with lyrics, super annoying when trying to hear what you are talking about in the video.
Did you guys mention that the RT is a shaft drive and the Versys is a chain? I couldn't tell, there was an impromptu blues/jazz session in the middle of the review.
I like the Kawasaki but would never consider an old fashioned chain drive touring bike over smooth, dependable clean shaft drive. Old fashioned Harleys have at least used belt drives vs chains for over 35 years.
Not your best work. Please DO try better next time. You didn't say anything about how the engines feel in use, vibrations, bag quality, how well the wind protection works, service costs... It was just kind of sparse.
Yes Jeremy. Exactly what i was thinking. I had a Z1000 and it was a bit vibey. Ok around town but on a trip I'd get tingling hands, which would last a few hours after the ride. Evans intimated that the BMW would be better for extended cruising, without specifically saying why....smoothness (bars, pegs and seat) at expected highway speeds, degree of wind buffeting (with the windshield just below the eyeline, versus fully up if it starts raining), that hard to quantify feeling of "being in the groove", enjoyability character of the motor, its range and economy, etc, etc. I rode a 1190 KTM and WP suspension's ride was "velvety" really beautiful...does the bmw give that feeling...to justify the big$?
Great video but please next time keep the background music much quieter and use a song without any lyrics. For someone who is hard of hearing like myself, it makes it much harder to understand what the presenters are saying. Thank you!
Even those of us not hard of hearing want to lose that background music while the presenters are speaking
kill the music... but bring me a Kawasaki 1000 LT SE+
Picked up 2021 Versys this year and have almost 5,000 miles since August. It’s all day comfortable, suspension works well and there is plenty of power to have fun with. Really happy with my purchase.
Having owned a 2016 Versys(purchased new in June, 2017) for over 3 years and almost 34,000 miles, I can tell you the more I ride my Versys, the more I love it. This second generation Versys is a no frills sport touring MC. It does not such features as cruise control, heated grips, electronic windshield & suspension, TFT display, shaft drive & heated seat, but it does deliver excellent handling & ride, a wonderful sounding and responsive if not a hyper HP engine, excellent ergonomics, comfortable seat and Japanese reliability. I've added a Puig windscreen, digital gear indicator, Givi 57 Liter top case, Kawasaki auxiliary running lights and power outlet. The remodeled Versys of 2019 does include almost all the features listed above with the exception of a shaft drive & heated seat.
A couple of additional comments: The Versys is rated at 120 HP, not 107 as stated in the review. I haven't owned a chain drive MC in many years, so buying chain drive MC was a concern in terms of maintenance & life. I'm happy to report that maintenance has been minimal (I adjusted the chain 4 times in 33,000 plus miles not including 2 rear tire replacements) and as mentioned I got over 33,000 miles on the original chain., which was just replaced a couple weeks ago. I also went down one tooth on the new rear sprocket to lower highway speed rpm. I did maintain the chain by cleaning it with kerosene & lubing it every time I washed the MC.
Several comments were made on comparing the BMW with the Concours. The Concours, though a wonderful MC, hasn't had any significant upgrades in several years. I hope Kawasaki combines the Concours and Versys by adding 20 HP, shaft drive, heated seat & electronic windscreen or at least a one hand manual windscreen ala Yamaha.
The reliability of Kawasaki vs BMW is no contest. For those of you who read the Consumer Reports review of the reliability of MC's sold in the US a few years ago know that the Japanese held onto the top 4 spots: Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki & Kawasaki. BMW was the next to last lowest rated MC above Can Am. In terms of being able to enjoy your MC purchase, BMW's are notorious for their reliability & expensive repairs.
Lastly: Bang For The Buck. A BMW RT1200 is $21-24,000 as outfitted by most owners. I bought my Versys in California for $10,500 out the door. I've put close to $1600 in accessories as mentioned earlier. I know the new Versys will run you $16-21,000 depending on the model, but are you willing to spend that kind of money, just to own a BMW? For some people yes.My decision was no.
And as most commenters mentioned, deep 6 the music while the journalists are talking. It adds nothing to the review.
Took the base model 2019 Versys 1000 out for a test ride, I'm still not sold on the looks but my god is it a nice bike to ride, fitted me perfectly (5'11" 230lbs) could enjoy that ride all day without even the slightest of complaints.
Hmmmmm, Japanese reliability Vs. BMW’s repair costs once the warranty is over. The BMW is probably a great bike when you’re a magazine journalist and don’t have to pay for anything but for those of us in the real world, I’ll take the Kawasaki all day long.
There's some truth to that. BMWs will hurt you if they shit the carpet out of warranty. If you are going to buy a beemer, get a model that has been in production at least 3 years. By then they've worked out most of the kinks. Never buy a first year model of BMW. It's asking for trouble. I went from owning 4 kawasaki's to a BMW, which was a 5th model year. Are kawasaki's more reliable? yes. Are they are as well balanced in terms of functionality, no. the beemer is better thought out, meaning the whole package works together better. It just does. I'd like to try the new Versys though and see how they've improved. over the long haul, Japanese bikes are a better value though.
@Ticky Tocky That's what BMW would like.
True
The inline four engine from ninja certainly superior in many ways to the BMW boxer. I own Vulcan S for about 16 months covering 36,000 km Including long distance touring, commuting and go to grocery’s. I am very satisfied with the Kawasaki machines reliability and low cost of service. BMW may shine its a luxurious brand in a IMAGE. But Kawasaki stands for its practicality and affordable cost in product lifetime in REAL world.
@@BoZhaoengineering Eh. I would rather take my RT on a long trip than you're Vulcan S any day. The boxer has very tractable power across a broad range and it gets decent mileage. I can go over 300 miles on the highway on a tank of gas. I also have top case and panniers that are quick detachable and airtight. I've owned 4 Kawasakis, but they don't make anything I want to run out and buy now.
Why the hell is the music just as loud in the mix as the two people trying to tell us about these bikes?
Kind of a strange comparison. I would have imagined the Concours 14 and FJR1300 ES would've been a little more apples to apples. I will say the new decked out Versys is probably the better value/cost, though.
Those are dead bikes. They don't make them in Europe anymore, and they're just selling different paint jobs in America.
Buy a versys and pretend it is an RT the whole time you own it. Nope, that’s not what I think of as value.
I’ve owned a Concours 14 and I’ve ridden the RT. They aren’t even in the same class. The RT handles and rides 100 times better.
The concours is probably a more direct competitor.
I was hoping for Versey vs Yamaha Tracer 900 GT shoot out. Maybe a Suzuki V-Strom, but that may be more of an Adventure Bike.
Exactly what I was thinking. And the Connie is shaft drive as well.
Maybe 13 years ago. I'd like to compare one to my k12gt which is probably more of a competitor than either of these fancy pants new fangle dangle bikes.
I can’t wait for the Tiger vs Goldwing video. Hopefully the music will be louder. 🙄
The more I watch this channel, the more I like it. The guys are all seasoned experienced riders, but moreso, they actually spend a fair amount of time on each bike to learn its' character. That's a good blend; riders who know what they're doing, taking the time to form real opinions.
The sportiness of BMW's big bikes, both RT and K families, is one of the best kept secrets in motorcycling. Many people look at the spec sheet and dismiss these bikes because of the weight needed to make a competent trans-continental tourer. However, BMW makes the best chassis in the industry and instilled pure magic making the RT and K bikes FLICKABLE, TOSSABLE, LEANABLE touring bikes that are absolutely sporty. Go try one and see for yourself.
I hate to admit it, I try really hard not to be a BMW fan, but the K1600 my dad bought handles like an absolute dream. People compare the Concours 14 (I owned one) to the BMW RT, and they aren’t even in the same category. The RT handles 100 times better.
Thank you for doing this. It has been a long time since you have had a review video out. Good to see you both. (btw, yes, to what everyone has said about the background music)
A potentially interesting video, but unwatchable with that background music!
Whats the musical for?
I have a 2017 Versys 1000 LT and had tried out a 2015 or maybe it was a 2016 RT but found the Versys more fun to ride. Maybe the newer RTs are different. Would love to know the difference between the 2019 and 2020 Versys 1000 se lt but can't find a comparison yet. Finally, I suggest dropping the background music on the vid, it was annoying trying to listen to the talk while that stuff was going on in the background. My two cents worth. Thanks.
Poor comparison. And with the music it was almost unwatchable.
Do not EVER have ANY music on your videos! Please, and thank you! JFC!
Great video.. but, as mentioned by others, distracting music.
Re-edit, please, so we can all hear what the presenters are saying.
Superb video love it..... You guys are doing great job keep up the good work 💯💯
You should make music louder so we could hear only song instead of guys talking
Love the videos, keep'em coming
Had to stop watching. Thought I was on the set of 12 Years a Slave.
The music was distracting and unnecessary.
A slightly off comparison. Like comparing an apple to an orange.
RT should be compared to the sport tourers like the Concours (ConKOUR), FJR etc.
Versys compared against the multistrada, etc
If this is about touring bikes, then how well do they compare as touring bikes? Do they offer good protection from the elements? Most important, what about the bags as to capacity and ease of loading/unloading? How about a bit of noise about service intervals and cost for such services? I can go on.
I've always had big twin cruisers. I'd like to enjoy a fast sporty bike without the crotch rocket sitting position . Looks like the Versys 1000 might be the answer for me. Would love to enjoy a Japanese 4 cylinder and be comfortable at the same time
Wow, the music was so good! I mean, I've honestly never heard anything like it. It needs to be louder so I can hear it over those two motor mouthing twats.
I thought it was great too. Turn it up, turn it UP!
Hahahahahaha
How can I find the background music? Good comparison in my opinion!
I saw a Versys 1000, fully tricked out, parked on the streets of NYC this past weekend and it got my attention. Might be one to consider in the future if I ever decide to part with my bulletproof V-Strom 1000. The Strom sure has been reliable and nearly maintenance free.
As t high speeds plus 100mph which one feels more stable?
HaD the first RT in late 1997, and now have a 2020 1250 RT. I am thinking of changing to the SE. Beautiful and a bit lighter..it is a very tough decision! Which would you buy??
Glad to finally see new content. Video looks good. Terrible job with the harmonica & vocals while John and Ryan are speaking.
Best comparison review ive found between these two bike
That Kawi all day!! Such a good bike!
For the price you can't beat it. It have its little brother, and even it makes for a great little sport tourer. Corners like a super moto, comfortable enough to ride for 500+ miles in a day. And the 650 at least has the power to do 80+ on the highway all day long.
Ruined review by dopey music In background
Why did you choose a song where someone sings in the background? There were points where I couldn't hear your comments on the bikes.
great video, but please get the exposure right and maybe get rid of the music
Didn't check all the comments, but has anybody else pointed out that the reason they keep talking about the Versys being "taller and more upright" is because the Versys is NOT a sport tourer, but technically an ADV bike, in this case on street tires. These guys are reviewers who need to mix categories just to invent content. Why not compare the ADVs to each other and the Sport Tourers to each other? Both manufacturers have excellent examples of of both categories.
At 6’3” the fact that the Versys is not a leg cramper is the main reason it is one of the few sport touring style bikes for us long legged guys who maybe don’t want to go to a trendy “adventure” bike. For real adventure I will stick to my WR250R. For eating road miles, I would love a Versys 1000.
Great stuff, thanks!
I would think the Concours 14 would be better suited to go against the Bimmer don't you think?
Stop the back ground music
I currently have a 2017 versys 1000 LT. I still can't decide if an extra $5k+ is worth it. For 18k I could look at an r1200GS or triumph(If we go by electronics). I do like how the versys 1000 has a 17in front wheel. All the touring capabilities and the nimble sporty handling.
where is this video made?Seems nice to ride there.Thanks from Belgium!
Yo guys , I’m keen to see just like everyone else the review from u guys about the 2020 Yamaha r1. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Love the looks of the Rt . Shaft drive is so nice .
Perfect! I have a 2014 BMW RTW with 30K miles and I was thinking about replacing it with the 2021 Versys Grand Touring LT+ model. I ride a combination of sporty roads and longer highway trips. I'm a moderate to conservative style older rider (almost 40 years riding experience). I like the shaft drive, heated seat and hydraulic clutch on the BMW, but like the looks, 4 cylinder motor and TFT on the Kawi. I would love to get some feedback here! Should I get the new Versys?
I owned a 2013 Versys 1000 and was seriously considering the RT as a replacement. Did some test rides on the RT, just loved it what a great bike. I also loved my 2013 Kawasaki Versys 1000 but Kawasaki pre -2019 was not offering the features I wanted on a motorcycle ie; Cruise Control, Electronic Suspension etc. I was about to pull the trigger late 2018, early 2019 on an RT then Kawasaki introduced the SE. Sold. I would have liked a shaft drive but o well I rarely ever have to adjust the chain and carry a small can of chain lube along for longer tours. The Kawasaki 1000 SE Versys for me is great bike, lots of fun in the twisties and great on a long tour. All day comfortable and no issues with the bike mechanically.
I don't think this is a valid comparison. The BMW S 1000 XR would be the direct comparison to the Kawi, while the Concours would be the direct comparison to the RT. Apples and oranges.
The Versys and RT are closer in terms of power, but the XR is closer in terms of actual style of bike. The Versys is more multistrada than luxo-barge. The XR just has 50hp on the Versys, most of which you will never use on a public road. The Versys is right at the upper limit of being able to use most of the power on a road vs a track.
How about a Versys vs Concours comparo?
Awesome vid
I was the first consumer in North America to drive the new Versys 1000. Pretty cool experience.
Having owned an 07 RT for 12 years, and currently, a 2017 Versys 1K, I feel this is a fair assessment. The BMW is the better long hauler, but the Versys is nipping at it's heel. As for sporting, I feel the reverse is true.
Is the RT worth the extra $6,000? Only you can answer that.
Just bought a brand new leftover versys 1K SE LT+ for 5K off MSRP. It's got everything the BMW has except the shafty. If people think BMW name and shaft is worth 7K then have at it.
I love the look of the bmw , but when i hopped on i felt a bit crammed. My knees had more of a bend and I was leaning forward. I felt encapsulated. I myself really do enjoy my 2019 Versys 1000. I'm looking for something new, bur can't a bike that I prefer.
Does the Kawasaki 4 cylinder smoke the boxer?
Get rid of the music. 🤮
The bike model names remind me of Hickory NC, where they give roads names like, "North 1st Street Road Southeast" 🤣
great tune!)
Great review! The thing I think you missed is that for folks like me that look at 3+ year old bikes, the cross country reliability of a 3 year old Versus compared to a BMW or Triumph (which I love) cannot be compared. Also for me in my 50s, my legs cramp if bent too much on a long ride. This upright position makes it better for my back and legs than a FJR or 1200 1250 RT. Used 1000 LT SE plus will be as reliable as a new bike at a fraction of the cost. Used Japanese stand out for this reason. Also the prices drop quicker with the Japanese bikes making it an even better bargain.
The music was completely fine for me! Don't know what you're all complaining about.
good review but still my kawasaki concours with the 1 inch back and 2 inch bars raiser change the way of the riding position i have and upright position now still cant beat my concours
I would have gotten a concours, but the position is too sporty for me. Even with the risers and peg lowers, it would be about what my 2009 RT is stock if that and with the RT I had to put in risers and peg lowering kit. I wish they went more touring oriented with the concours.
hmmm. Was thinking of finally losing my 2002 connie, and looking at the versys 1000. If the Versys had a shaft drive I wouldn't even have a hesitation. My knees are just too cramped on the 10+ hour days..
I've got a Z900 right now and the engine is a peach, but I'm almost certain that the versys 1000 will be my next bike so I can comfortably trek farther distances.
Ist "a peach" positive or negative?
Is your sound editor deaf?
I have always loved your review but 4k would be better. I like analog tach plus tft
Wouldn't the GS have been a more obvious comparison to the Versys?
Pluses and Minuses on both bikes but bottom line is - Scales tip to the BMW R1200 RT (with a sprinkling of bias thrown in for this opinion). If used as BMW primarily intended as a relatively lightweight touring bike, its hard to beat the RT package. If you can afford the hefty buy-in, you won't regret the comfort, convenience, handling and power of the RT. Especially with the new and improved engine modifications. Good video review except for the background music. Thanks! Cheers. 🥂
If you plan to hang onto the bike off warranty and rack up a ton of miles, the Versys will be much more reliable and cheaper to maintain. The R1250s are prone to electrical problems, and the prior R1200s were prone to the final drive rusting out. The Versys series in general are known to be bulletproof and one of the most reliable bikes out there.
@@mrvwbug4423 I do plan on keeping the bike so we'll see what happens down the road a bit. I have a 2018 RT so I am hoping I don't experience the final drive rusting out any time soon. This bike will more than likely outlive me so any problems will probably be passed on. As for the Versys longevity, I don't doubt that fact at all so for all that own one... Ride On.
I’m beyond shock that no one has shot a video on the following models except for the one video online but it’s not in English. It would be nice to see the Kawi Versys vs the SDGT vs the 1000 XR or 1250 GS. vs the Multistrada. Riders buying these bikes are always comparing these models and then making a decision but like I said there’s only 1 similar video online but it’s not in English.
Include info on service intervals and service costs.
The Versys will be Kawasaki standard. 7500mi oil change, 15k valve check.
Yep and the RT won't get out of the shop for less than $800-$1,200. I just had 7600 service on the vesys for $119.
Finally a Motorcycle.com video worth watching! About time is all I have to say.
When I bought my new Vstrom 1000 XT 3 months ago I saw the Kawa for the first time in the shop and I liked it. I would go with Kawa over BMW because it looks sportier and more adventure looking like, BMW more like cruiser.
The seat is adjustable on the RT and there are three seats. Low, standard and tall.
grrr annoying back ground music.
The LT SE+ looks fantastic, the price tag under $15k for a left over sometime next spring will be really tempting I bet. Wish they would have given the same treatment to a C-14. What a fantastic bike that would be. The 1250 is nice but I’d just grab the 1600 and be done, demo’s under warranty for around $20k in my area.
You just need to take out a second mortgage to do a valve check on a K1600
Versys lt se+ found for under $14k already, need to get out on a test ride.. 1/1/20
Versys any day for me :)
Bike missing in the mashup is the Honda Goldwing
good comparison ... i been eye balling these both and either would be great.. i've always loved the R series even owned a few.. seems like kawasaki really nailed it with this bike and the 1000SX... smh .. why can't i just buy all of them ?!?!?
Sound is terrible. Then you add music. Thwn it be omes a comp- -
Good video but annoying music
I think the music is alright, it is just too loud...
Regarding the bikes, I would have picked the H2SX not a Versys....
No way..173 hp vs 124 hp and no comparison in comfort. My ZX14R is more comfortable than the H2SX . The RT is a dedicated touring bike and very good at it. The H2SX is more sportbike than sport tour with a rock hard seat (still a nice bike in it's own right).
My life’s ambition is to a video with John Burns.
I liked the video but don't like what they did to the Versys. It should be an oversized KLR.
Why do they add music to these presentations? Real motorcyclists do not really want to hear music in the background.
If the Versys were shaft driven it would be the clear winner. But if you're into long distance touring, you don't want to be cleaning the chain every single day. The Japanese seem to be completely oblivious to this. Honda had the Deauville and the ST Pan European but now the only shaft driven Honda bike is the Goldwing ... which is as big as a house. Perhaps a little reluctantly, for this reason, I would go for the BMW.
I'd buy the Kawi over the BMW "IF" it had a shaft driven system over the old chain driven. Far more durable...less maintenance...and the up keep of it's shaft drive is just easier to maintain, but that's just me being lazy I suppose.
I'm with you! I'm looking after a shaft driven mc but I don't like 2 cyl motorcycles. So the only 3 or 4 cylinders motorcycles with shaft drive are FJR 1300 and Triumph Tiger 1200
They want $25,000+ for the BMW and I got a new 2019 Vesys 1000 for 16,800 out the door and love the bike.
It would have been nice to hear what the road test jockeys were saying about the 2 motorcycles but unfortunately some buffoon decided to to overlay the video with that awful drawling music .What on earth were they thinking ? supposed to be a motorcycle comparison, if wanted to listen to R+B (or whatever it was) I would tune in to a radio station that plays that sort of shit. Rant over now 🤭.
Why the versys, the bmw should have been compared to the fjr 1300 and the concourse. And what the heck is with the music WITH lyrics!!?
The C-14 hasn't seen an update in over a decade. The FJR competes more directly with the RS, not the RT. The S1000XR may have been a more direct comparison to the Versys.
I don't think they got the weight on the versys right
We need the Honda VFR 800 x in the US.
The Versys is an Adventure Touring bike and the BMW here is a Sport Touring bike. They don't really look similar and have dissimilar missions. Although the BMW has shaft drive, that's a potential weak link. The Kawasaki has chain drive which will work quite well if you properly maintain it.
Correction it’s Adv touring vs just a touring bike.
BMW gives the sport touring to its 1250 RS and 1000XR
For those that state they should have compared the FJR and Concours , the FJR is being discontinued and Concours has not been updated in years. Both are sports touring bikes and very long in the tooth. BMW has and will continue to improve and release new models of the RT. The platform has been tuned to perfection.
Man I didn’t even know it was being discontinued.. that pretty much ends the big touring bikes
Did I hear all that right? The Kawi was optioned with everything and was about 18k. And the BMW practically cannot be found for less than 23k.
So, the BMW costs about 33% more. You guys seemed to prefer minor aspects about it a little more. Is that where you would spend that extra $5k - $8k? That’s a LOT of extra money, man. You could get a whole extra bike for that.
UNWATCHABLE- kill the MUSIC
These are 2 different markets. Should have had the H2SE instead of the Versys.
Yeah let’s replace one bike with another bike that’s a different market too! Makes perfect sense! -Sigh- BMW only recognizes the 1250RS as sport touring... the RT is part of their touring lineup ...
So it would be the 1250RS vs h2Sx
Can you please turn up the background music next time? It needs to be louder. 🤣
No apostrophe in "..its follow-up..." "It's" means "it is". Sorry but this mistake does annoy me.