Kawasaki Versys SE vs BMW S1000XR comparison review 

Beautiful video bro. I have XR and choose it over Versys because of less weight, more power (I'm riding two up often and with luggage I wanted the bike to perform always well, XR is even more agile I believe, has more electronics (the feature of electronic suspension that adapts itself without rider touching anything, XR also is a brand new model while Versys in this shape exists for some time now, also that windscreen fixing on Versys is not very nice... I would have liked Versys more if it had more HP, honestly. I didn't really get why Kawasaki decreased the power from the engine that usually has around 140hp (I had z1000sx and loved it) to less power on a bike that's meant to carry passenger and 3 cases with luggage. But I didn't take a test ride so I can't complain too much in power department. 😀 Overalls I'm very happy with my XR, the only thing I wish they improved more is seat softness/thickness (my butt is skinny) and I can say there are some mild vibrations in mirrors at some specific speed (my 2021 model has it at 100km/h, 6th gear). Thanks for a beautiful video, enjoy your day. 🙏

Nice review, I would pick the kawasaki any given day.

Team Green for me. It's more relaxed, but has plenty enough power for my needs, costs less both in purchase price, servicing and parts, and is significantly more reliable than the Bavarian Motor Works machine.

Only 5 sleeps until I collect my Versys 1000 SE GT. I like both bikes but have gone for the more pillion friendly bike, as my lovely lady joins me on 75% of my rides. Can’t wait to collect it. Good days ahead!

I'll take the Kawasaki thanks. I don't need mega performance on my touring machine. I want comfort, reliability, reasonable servicing costs and good weather protection. Appreciate the comparison.

I went with the Versys. Given my age, I no longer have any desire for a 160 HP motorcycle. For every mile I spend having fun in the twisties, I spend 1,000 miles on boring straight highways. I’ll take comfort over thrill any day.

I'm surprised that so many people in the comments love the Versys. It really must be a decent ride

I went with the Versys 1000 SE myself :) - Great video, thank you!

Bought the versys just before the covid restrictions, love it heaps, just a warning folks, double check that your panniers are correctly fitted, they can come off, i will use a cable tie as backup in future

Having owned two BMW GSs, I'd be reluctant to go for another BMW machine. I've had problems with both, particularly the second one (which I still have) and although the dealer warranty is superb, I simply would not consider not getting the extended warranty (£400). I love your style of review and the production is great but no-one mentions reliability across the genres. I rode an 1000SX recently and loved it. I'm sure the Versys would tick all the boxes for me, albeit slightly less 'exciting'.

There is no best bike, there are just wishes and needs from the users, and each machine answers them differently. We can add-up critical factors to these as well. For me comfort, including for the passenger are important, possibility to fit a top case is critical, storage space very important, as well as riding range with a full tank. So I went for the Versys 1000 SE Grand tourer. Awaiting its delivery.

Great comparison video mate! Really enjoyed it!👍🏼

Just bought new Versys for $21kAus on road. Big diff in price to the Beemer. Loving the Kwaka heaps so far.

I like to do 2 - 3 week two up holiday trips with all the camping gear and my Versys SE is perfect for that.

Both beautiful looking machines I imagine the kawasaki makes more sense being the most comfortable in the test as it is built for touring which means long journeys.

Hi ! I’ve a versys 1000, here in Argentina, and she gives me only pleasure ! I tell you ! Is the motorcycle tourer for so long, even in our really different changing roads like broken asphalt and mud. So anything else... Kawasaki mechanic reliability.

I ride for one reason - to have fun. I purchased the 2020 BMW XR and it is the most FUN bike I have ever owned over the course of 50+ years of riding. Better bike than all of the GSA's I've ever owned. Reviews don't do it justice... split personality bike that is smooth and silky below 6k RPM, but turns into an unbelievable rip roaring machine above 6K. Fun, fun, and fun. And well built. Recently went on 4,000 mile ride through western states to Colorado and back, is comfortable when wanted and FUN when wanted. Did I mention fun?

Excellent review, well done. Entertaining and accurate. Bought the Versys and love it.

Great review! If I didn't have BMW dealer friends, I would probably go Kawi. Luckily, I used to see BMWs for a living, and have lots of connections in that world. Cheers from Indianapolis, US.

I'm a Kawa fan, have always been BUT; DAMN, that BMW is an absolute amazing beast! WOW!!!

Great review - subscribed!

Wow.Lovely comparo.Very balanced, its amazing how you didnt allow the Spec sheet to decide the winner.

Love your video cob keep up the good work.

What the hell!?! This video quality and scripting is amazing! I'm so glad I came across it 👀 this is like Zach and Ari/Fortnine quality. It made what should've been a boring, usual review to hilarious and informative entertainment🌝

I enjoyed watching that. I recently bought a 2023 Versys 1000, and while I have had many bikes over the years.......its simply the best for me!

Kawy's new looks always look like the zinogre to me. That plus the price is a good combo for me.

Awesome review! Thank you

very entertaining, the Aussie humor is a great added feature

Excellent review, team green for me

awesome review gents!!! the 2021 versys just got announced btw

They are both great motorcycles. One needs to ride both of them to find out in which direction the heart goes.

got the verys 1000 se last week, great bike and really fun to ride - saying this coming from a MT 09. I am riding a bit more relaxed at the same time enjoying this big chunker.

Thanks for another succinct review that again covered aspects that others haven’t. Drive Mag Riders mentioned instability at 160 kph. Did you notice any? Looking forward to seeing what the 2021 Versys offers.

Love the video, I own the 2019 Versys 1000 and I had the headlights lowered to not get flashed by every second car. still get flashed by every fourth car. Annoying. But Love the bike. as i bought it in 2020 i received the top box 3 months after the bike and had to fit it myself so at least i know it wont fall off. i am surprised at how lite it feels. i usually get 390km's per tank but only have to put around 16lt of fuel in so i would get more but don't like going to low. love the windscreen too.

Cut me in two and you’ll find Kawasaki written right through me but when I had to chop in my Z1000SX (cos ‘er indoors found it sooooo painful on the back) my first port of call should have been the Versys. Sadly though the lack of HP meant I had to go to the XR. It’s a great bike but when Kawa bump the Versys power up to comparable levels, I’ll come back to the green bike.

I would buy the kawa just because of my daily routine. I live 50km from my work.

It should be Ninja 1000 Sx vs 1000XR

Great review! Love the style. I ride Kawa Versys 650LT and love it. Throttle a bit jumpy. Looking to upgrade and this video helped me and confused me :( How was the throttle response on these bikes? Rider confidence comparable in the twisties?

Good review. I rode a mates 2017 Versys today and loved it except for the screen but it appears the later model SE comes with a more suitable touring screen. I currently have an aging Honda ST1300 so looking for a younger replacement. Looks like the SE might be the go. Also from Qld.

Maybe the middle of the line up 2021 Versys 1000 S is the better price/performance buy over these top of the line machines.

Review trk502 binelli please

Very nice Presentation As for me i'll go to versys 1000 se i love it that was great motorbike for adventure & off roading here in our Province boracay Philippines... thanks tc!pls.

Excellent video....

Tried them both...bought a ZZR1400 instead....

Go for the standard V1k with an update to the suspensions still you save about 6000 for gas.....

Is the handlebar buzz on the S1000XR at the same frequency as the engine RPM or at twice that? If it's at twice the engine RPM it might be secondary vibrations caused by the secondary imbalance inherent to the four-stroke inline 4. I'd pick the Versys 1000, though the handlebar vibration isn't one of the reasons. I don't need or want 160+ HP on something I'm going to commute on and I want something more manageable. Basically the BMW is trying too hard to be a sport bike; its engine is still focused on power (Kawasaki has a smaller bore and longer stroke allowing them to get slightly better low-end torque) which might be one of the reasons it's hard to tame.

Versey is my next bike.

Leg room is something no one talks about. As a tall block sitting on the XR was the end for me . i really wanted one till my knees said nope you do not.

I have the Versys and if price isn't a factor, I would buy the Versys if you do mountain riding with its low end power and BMW if you're in the low lands.

As the bikes are very similar, the deciding factor would probably be price for most people. That would give the knod to the green monster, lol

Brilliant video. Funny and informative. So cool. Just too fast on the editing. Way too rushed.

How about the stress factor comparison relative to maintence and potential for expensive repairs? Japanese vs Europe romantic....have to say my mind would rest easier with the Kawi...especially with the power difference because more power all things equal equates to more mechanical stress (and therefore more mental stress if you ask me)

Is it Australian Model ? The Versys 1000? Is it a SE or S ?

Kawa any day...Bulletproof reliability.

Iwould buy the Kaw because of the lower cost, and it comes heavily loaded with extras.

They are both great but to kit the BMW even close to the Kawi you're gonna drop another $3,500. Also it's almost without question the BMW will be less reliable. Also if you are considering the Versys, I would say hold off for the 2021 to drop before you make your choice. The 2021 is Fantastic!

kawasaki for sure

Just bought a 23 XR. It truely is the hooligan of the bunch that you occassionally take a rider with. If anyone is looking for a longer-distance tourer, I would imagine the GS vs Versys would be a closer comparison....

how about KTM SAS1290 vs S1000XR ?

Really good comparison. Such an underrated channel (༎ຶ ෴ ༎ຶ)

I have the bmw and totaly love it it is a very good touring bike , a little dr jekill and mr hide below 6000 rpm smooth above a monster, did long days in the saddle and to me it is the perfect bike

Definitely the Kawasaki Versys

Great comparison. Can you maybe compare the Versys 1000 SE to Yamaha Tracer 900 GT? I am considering one of the two as my next bike coming up from a V-Strom 650.

And is the 22K$ plus price for. Kawasaki Versys basic S justified?

Great video and thank for your work and thoughts. There is nothing like German engineering! The XR is THE bike for me

Kawasaki ❤️❤️❤️

I don't own either, but judging by the video, I prefer the Kawasaki..

Had both bikes. The XR has far more power, better e-suspension, better quick shifter and, in general, better components. The Versys is far more comfy and more long range touring, especially if riding with passenger. It all comes down to what type of bike you're after and what's the scope.

Hey 6T! I see you're a local Gold Coaster aswell! I'm just starting out my RU-vid journey and do reviews of any bikes I can get my hand on and make motorcycle content here on the Coast too. Would love to connect with you sometime and go for a ride or pick your brains on content creation. I've joined your channel and would love if you took the time to have a quick look at mine and let me know what you think. Cheers!

I prefer the kawasaki, much better looking specially the color is nice. Japan 🇯🇵 ❤️

I demo rode the kawi with a passenger it was very comfortable for both rider and passenger. If it was 160 hp I would definitely buy one. Guess I'll wait for the versys h2.

please I have one question, I'm 5'9 am I able to ride the XR 1000?

the XR is an unbelievable motorcycle. I can't believe how far we've come in 20 years. I don't know how you can improve on the XR.

Excellent! Thank you! BEEEEEEEEE EMMMMMMM!

the price makes the choice

The XR comes with a choice of seats. I chose the comfy seat and have traveled many 400 mile days on my XR (and several 500 mile days). I now have over 24k miles on the beemer. I can’t imagine trading it for the Versys. And when you want to ride sport, the beemer is far better than I would have thought.

Team Green!

I don't know if this is the fair comparison or not, given s1000xr takes engine from s1000rr and Versys takes it from Ninja1000 and not ZX10R

I'll buy XR next year, BMW has great APR promotion going on.

Picking up a brand new 2020 versys 1000 SE LT+ in a week.. I'd never consider a bmw where I live, due to maintenance availability and costs. And I'm not into very high speed thrills... high is ok. I want a bike I can sit upright and hammer down the miles. And if I feel like running half way across the country to visit friends and family I wouldn't need to drop an extra $6000 for the bags/ top case.

inline 4 liter engine :D

Similar features, K is more comfortable and cheaper to boot. Versys for me.

The XR is for those that prefer more "sport" in their sport touring. This bike is made to go fast,, BMW has the gs for those looking for more comfort and not as much top end power.

For me, this comparison is al little bit apples and oranges. The Kawa is a sporty touring bike. The BMW is a real sportsbike on stilts.

All rounder Motorcycle SUV it appears

A few more seconds in the editing of the text you show would be nice

Kawo is anyday.

Kawasaki #1

xr for power & speed.. v for leisure

I own a staffordshire terrier, but i like the kawasaki more.... Im confused now

I've been in love with my XR for 40k miles over the past 2.5 years. Been everywhere with her and STILL growing into the bike! XR > anything else.

I had two bm´s a 1100 gs and a 1150 rt...speaking of expensive when it became really specific but bro.......the versys really calls to me.....just love the garf .....but the bmw.....just puts a smile on the mouth kkkkk great review. Ride well cheers from Portugal

Neither. I went and tested them both, and bought a Kawasaki ZZR1400 instead.

I wanted a Japanese bike, for sport touring and a little off road capable (just making my way to a camp site). Never tried the versys but Honda and Yamaha left me cold. I then tried a BMW, I really liked the look and wanted that to be my bike but my final test was on a Ducati multi strata. Then my wife and I tried the four again. We went with the Ducati. I am so nervous about the beauty braking on me.

Nothing compares to the reliability and drama-free ownership of a Japanese bike. No American or European bike can beat that. BMW is overpriced btw. In terms of performance, both bikes perform really well. The vast majority of the riders in North America won't pass the 130 km/h or 80 mph on the hwy. Therefore, comfort and reliability are critical. BWM is not a bad bike but Versys is the winner. Thanks for the video.

I spent 2 years on a Versys and 4 on an XR. The Versys doesn't even come close to the XR. The Versys is top heavy and unstable and has crap suspension.

Team Green🏍

touring with two - Kawa! Race alone - BMW!

Parking your dot on the seat lol

Great review! The longer i ride bikes the more bikes i like to own.... i just cant decide so i ad more and more in the garage :) bmw s1000xr is on my waiting list, i own the littel broter of the kawasaki versys 1000.... one day i will have all my deam bikes lol