My two cents have been riding over 50 years my. V-Strom may be my favorite motorcycle EVER a power commander cures the abrupt low end throttle response . My DL is comfortable for distance ( I'm 6'6" ) plenty spirited ( over 110 HP ) I have plenty of storage thanks to Givi saddle and tank bags and as you pointed out there is no need to sell a kidney if you break something. I also put a little over 5k on my Triumph Scrambler this year also a fun bike. Thanks for putting up with the ramblings of an old man..........
Glad to see the Suzuki win this one. With the 2018 styling update and addition of the lean-angle ABS it’s at the top of my list. I’ve always wanted a V-Strom and even the updates to the 650 are worth consideration.
Honestly, the Dugati and Suz wont turn heads so why buy something that is great to ride but is boring to look at. The BMW is the exception. The BMW has a great blend of tech and retro, AND it turns heads. When you park a BMW scrambler outside cafe amongst other brands guess which one will draw the attention....
Thanks for comment on the heat from the Multi..I’ve been researching it and no other reviewers cared to mention it. I’m on an FTR 1200 S and it friggin cooks my googs.
I hope they would make Dakar version of the G/S. Throw real suspension, high exhaust and some skid plate + engine protection. I mean Adv bike don't _have to_ look ugly :).
I don't find the BMW to be an oddball. For the type of off roading I do, it'd be fine and I don't need a 95% streetbike with 8" of travel. With a 29" inseam, most of this genre of bikes would require me to ride in platform soles. I do wish it had come with a fuel gauge and maybe a gear indicator. Not sure about the oil filter placement on the Beemer, but I do know the Suzuki places theirs in the worst possible place for off roading. Not sure what Sean was talking about as far as "buzzy." I've ridden a couple oil cooled RTs extensively and they were never what I consider buzzy. I like a little thrum with my twins.
The RT and NineT are pretty far apart in gearing and tuning. I rode the Urban GS to Laguna Seca and on a separate two day shootout, in addition to a couple of hundred normal freeway miles.... In SoCal freeway miles mean either lane-splitting at low speed, or sustained 85 mph for long distances. It is buzzy at 85 mph, annoyingly so after an hour at 85+.
I know it's an old review but that Suzuki engine is a jewel to ride; so precise, perhaps one of the very best engines ever. Have owned many bikes: different manufacturers, finally trying Suzuki this Friday (picking up 17 dl650)
67claudius I have the vstrom 1000 2016 and is a great bike. It is not the most beautiful but has a great motor. I put a no/off abs swicth and work excellent in off road. The suspension is not the best and the hight is too low.
@@zzxx33mh These bikes can actually hit over 200k miles. In Europe, they ride with wheels off of them. I had a really nice 04 and put 10K miles on it. Very, very enjoyable. Made my Speed Triple jealous. I'd pick the Suzuk more and more often. Just picked up a really nice 18 and it's an amazing do-all and will no doubt rack up the miles.
That Urban Gs is a great looking bike, and it has the best sound through stock pipes, but it’s got some obvious shortcomings. Such a pity they didn’t put on proper long travel, adjustable suspension
STEVE W-K I just rode it 250 miles yesterday all over Walworth County, Wisconsin. I have to say that it is a phenomenal bike. It’s big (I’m 6’2” 195 lbs). It’s relatively fast ( I can cruise at 90-100 ). It’s quick, with good acceleration. It’s got good brakes, good enough. It’s comfortable. It handles very well. It’s quiet. I bought a 2014 that cane stock with the side cases. I wish they were bigger, they will not hold a full face helmet. My riding buddy rides a Multistrada. Of course, it’s much faster and has bigger tires and brakes and bigger side cases. He can put a FF helmet in the left case. But I don’t fit on it and it’s not near as comfortable as the Strom. He said it himself. I bought it because I was getting the shit kicked out of me on my VTX1300C on the bumps so I wanted something with more suspension travel and compliance. The Strom has it, it’s very comfortable. It’s a great value, I would not hesitate to buy another one.
I'm starting to suspect we may need to begin putting flashing "It's a Joke!" graphics up every time we try to under-play the more subtle houmorous elements in videos. However, it's also possible that our entire Motorcycle.com staff collectively has a terrible sense of humor.
i don't know that the shaft drive is that much of an advantage anymore. I say that after riding BMW gs since 1989. I have not owned the new Oring chain bikes. But from what every one seems to say, 25,000 miles if maintained, everything replaced for under $250 if you do it your self... It is a big question in my mind for sure. The thing I am wondering is how loud is that oring chain after its gets mileage on it. In the 70's, i hated...just hated the non-oring chain noise. I also hated lubing it every week. I hated the mess. Are Oring chains like that these days?????
@@davidfalgout7304 No, they are way better. I, too, have owned a couple of shafties and really liked them, but I put on some serious miles with a DL1000 (new chain, sprockets the moment I bought it), and it was exceptional. Keep them clean, do a quick lube once in a while, no big deal. With today's lube, another big advancement is it doesn't spray all over the place!
My VStrom 1000 goes anywhere my GS buddies go. It does it for $10K less. Never understood why it gets no respect as an adventure bike, I just spent a week riding Alaska on a rented KLR and my VStrom would have done the trip just fine.
I don't know, I also went to Alaska and road my uncle's vstrom 650 while there and absolutely fell in love. Really considering buying one. Smooth as silk and pretty fair power (much more than a KLR anyway). My tiger was heavy as shit, nowhere near as good, same goes for the R1200 I rode up to the arctic circle, think that leaves the Africa twin and the F700/F800. Well F700's are rare as piss unless you buy new and the Africa twin is quite a bit more money. Think the Vstrom 650 is a great buy. The 1000, however, not-so-sure. Especially now in 2018, the 12.9 or whatever they're asking for it is insane, IMO.
MrSlowestD16 Both the 650 and 1000 are great now, both updated this year. In the past most people passed up the old 1000 for the 650 since the 1000 had nearly no advantage for the added cost. That’s not so true anymore. The 1000 has some serious hardware upgrades. And luckily you can get either one at a discount. They’re not popular I guarantee 650 or 1000 find the right Suzuki dealer and it will be thousands off.
F850GS should be an interesting bike, with all-new 270° firing order engine. Cruise control optional. CC would be a nice option on all these ADV-esque bikes.
+Motorcycle.com. when you guys compare prices, you should include an annual maintenance cost in the price of the bike. Things like post break in, first throttle body/valve adjustment, etc. I'm not 100% about these particular bikes, but I know when shopping for a sport bike, the maintenance costs on a Ducati far outweighed that of the Big 4, and it's enough to be a factor in choosing a bike.
That's a lot of information that's not given up front by the company which they have to collect. Besides, varies from person to person depending on how seriously you take the maintenance and how much of it you do yourself. Very hard to calculate overall. Anybody that knows these brands knows where the expenses is and isn't.
BMW 2023 GS Urban Changed the seat, changed the tyres better exhaust sounds even better, have ridden almost halfway around Australia and NZ on it will most definitely out last me.
The official dealer price usually differs a lot from what you end up paying, so in reality the stom comes a lot cheaper. try negotiating with a BMW dealer and they'll kindly direct you to the door out...
Price of the Ducati is $3000 (in Canada) more than the Vee, though I did not price the bimmer, I doubt they would be under $13000 here. So I would give it to Suzuki on price. The sitting position too is far more comfortable on the Vee. I recently tried the Ducati and didn't like the position of the foot pegs, and the power delivery comes on strong at higher revs but not as smooth as the Vee twin. Just my thoughts....
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Honest sensible opinions and fun footage. However if you can give me the name of the dealer who will sell me the Ducati for the same price as the Suzuki I will be amazed.
Motorcycling world, just admit it: these machines are some of the most versatile, well rounded, capable, comfortable, multitasking, do it all bikes on the planet. Every biker needs an ADV in their stable. Pick your percentage of off-pavement riding and buy an ADV. When you get older you'll get rid of the racetrack bike, the cruiser, the motocrosser, the 700 pound sport tourer and keep the ADV. Seems to me ADV bikes fall under 3 categories and the wheel sizes have a lot to do with that (and corresponding hardware and frames). 1) 17" sport tires for pavement bias; example FJ-09/Tracer 900, Versys 1000/650, S1000XR, Multistrada 1200, etc. 2) 17/19" tires for some off pavement capability; example V-Strom 650/1000, Multistrada 1200 Enduro, Tiger XR series, 1290 Super Adv S, etc. 3) 17/21" or 18/21" tires for pretty much a 50/50 pave/on-pave motorcycle build rough and durable for heavy beating around off pavement. example 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Adventure R, Africa Twin, Tiger XC series, etc. Going further into the dirt you get enduros. example KLR650, DR650, Tenere 660, WR250R, CRF250L, KLX250, etc. Further still you get trail and motocrossers. example YZ250X, YZ250F, CRF450, etc.
CaptainDangeax About the same years on this rock and had my Wee eight years; I tell anyone who’ll listen what a great bike she it, but she doesn’t include ABS which may be a necessary upgrade to a newer bike.
Vstrom is a rational purchase. It does everything well, but nothing exciting about it, or even to look at. The UGS has an amazing engine setup on basic, cheap suspensions. With proper suspensions, the UGS would be the winner hands down.
The town immediately adjacent to redlands and the bottom of the mountain, east highland, has a trail that can go all the way up to big bear, connect with big bear trails, and make it down the backside of the mountain to the high desert. Fun trails guys, and those bikes could make it. If it hadn't changed too much in a few years.
Took an R9T from Orlando to the Florida keys (about 10.5 hours south). The BMW was fun to ride, but that seat... after 5 hours in the saddle, my ass was complaining. X-/
Late to the show here, but I'm debating between the 650 and the 1000. What made you choose the 650? Would you still prefer it over the 1000 today after owning it for a year? Thanks.
Chris Kneifl Did you buy one? I’m debating on getting a 1000. It’s bigger and more solid and the most comfortable bike I’ve ever sat on. Had an old 650 strom and found the motor quite blaaaaaaand
@@chriskneifl3290 1000 all day (very late to the party...). The extra grunt is an absolute necessity if you're putting on real touring miles or have any kind of load/passenger. The mid range is just about perfect for passing, mountains, squirting around town.
I love that the brand snobs don't give the suzuki the respect it deserves. It means that people who appreciate a good bike can get one at a good price. I'd love to ride one back to back with my ktm 1050 adventure.
I think the right group for the upper middle sport tourer adventure class would be definetely multistrada 950,ktm 1090,Africa twin,Vstrom1000 and Versys 1000.My opinion is that BMW has not a candidate on this class.R1200 gs is a category up and F800 gs lacks of its weak engine.Maybe with the new model F 850 have a chance.The Triump 800 XRX is good bike but lacks of its engine too.
Cant rule out all the BMW's though, I agree if we are comparing upper middle then no 1200gs. But for example on my Alaska trip the F800gs was the number one bike I saw more then any other adventure bike. Versys is a good candidate too but its a bit sportier than the others.
You need more than 100 hp to make it good on the road??? That is just dumb, you don't need more than 50-60hp for a highway machine with plenty of get up.
Strange no comment on wind noise. I test drove a Vstrom 650 the other day and what struck me is the buffeting on my helmet at 90km/h only. I'm a relative tall guy @1.86m, so maybe the optional windshield would have solved that. Strangely I get no buffeting (except for wind noise) on my everyday naked bike, which is a BMW G310 R. Don't know if it's the helmet I use...
I had an R80GS with 32 litre tank. Great bike for interstate touring and fire trail exploring, camping. Shaft drive. No chain to adjust or oil. Later on I had an R100GS which overall I didn't think was as good an all rounder.
ktm with "R" at the end is Racing for off road, and "S" is i think Sport for roads. R has offroad tubed tires with spikes (and several other changes) and S regular tubeless with alloy wheel. So S would be exact model for this comparison. (S is for 1290, and 1090 has R version and road version is without letter S).
Great review guys. Can I ask how tall you all are, I think this makes a difference for the ride and how you look, for example if you really tall you’ll probably look silly on the BMW. Thanks.
BMW is definitely the odd one here. Its cool looking but not really what most adventure bike guys would like. I think Cafe racers would love it though! You have a sport bike, a Cafe racer and an adventure bike here.
This is an old video, I know. The Urban GS and Scrambler are the same bike. This guy rode his scrambler from Alaska to Argentina, and he loved it! He adores his bike, and is willing to put up with shortcomings, so for HIM, it’s a perfect adventure bike. th-cam.com/video/m_Mhy2HGvbc/w-d-xo.html
I keep seeing Ducati MSRP is 14.1k - so maybe not the cheapest of the group? Most expensive as usual? Great review, love these bikes, think I'd buy the vstrom but that price they're asking for it is too high, so I'd probably go multi.
After owning over 30 motorcycles and having purchased 16 new motorcycles in the last 10 years, I am financially secure and can purchase any motorcycle I wish up to $50,000. My dream bike right now is a BMW 9T. Beautiful state of the art simplicity in the perfect all-around motorcycle.
i don't understand it, how is the Multistrada 950 cheaper than the Vstrom 1000 in the U.S.? where do you get your pricing from? lol it's SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than the VStrom everywhere i look.
My two cents have been riding over 50 years my. V-Strom may be my favorite motorcycle EVER a power commander cures the abrupt low end throttle response . My DL is comfortable for distance ( I'm 6'6" ) plenty spirited ( over 110 HP ) I have plenty of storage thanks to Givi saddle and tank bags and as you pointed out there is no need to sell a kidney if you break something. I also put a little over 5k on my Triumph Scrambler this year also a fun bike. Thanks for putting up with the ramblings of an old man..........
Patrick Szabo I see another rambler an a scrambler
Do you have the 650 or the 1000? Thanks!
@@ScottMilnes1 110hp, he has the 1000.
Rambling is perfectly acceptable and to be commended 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad to see the Suzuki win this one. With the 2018 styling update and addition of the lean-angle ABS it’s at the top of my list. I’ve always wanted a V-Strom and even the updates to the 650 are worth consideration.
Yeah but why the heck compare it to the R nine T ??
These guys riffing on what to call the episode is probably the most genuine moment I've seen on this channel
“….Comparo!” 🤣
Nice comparisons. The more I learn about the V-Strom, the more impressed I become, even in 2022.
I just picked up a very nice 2018. Couldn't be happier.
@@allwheeldrive I pick up my very nice 2018 V-Strom 1000 this week.
Nice is the word
The cat video was great. Thanks for the rec.
Definitely go for the BMW as it has shaft drive. I owned an R80GS with a 32 litre tank. I wish I still had it.
Good for Suzuki. They've always been the value leader in my opinion.
Steve
stuff ...they make great violins too
I love the looks of the BMW! Really cool and different
Asad Siraj it's really eye catching..its beautiful retro..like been said it's for perfect urban..branded.
Yes and if you can afford the buy in price and the unreliability.
Honestly, the Dugati and Suz wont turn heads so why buy something that is great to ride but is boring to look at. The BMW is the exception. The BMW has a great blend of tech and retro, AND it turns heads. When you park a BMW scrambler outside cafe amongst other brands guess which one will draw the attention....
Thanks for comment on the heat from the Multi..I’ve been researching it and no other reviewers cared to mention it. I’m on an FTR 1200 S and it friggin cooks my googs.
Nice video... Wish you guys had thrown in the Triumph Tiger 800 as a middleweight adventure, the Urban G/S is truly oddball choice in this group...
I'd also like to see the Versys in this comparison, even though it is too cheap to be in this category.
I hope they would make Dakar version of the G/S. Throw real suspension, high exhaust and some skid plate + engine protection. I mean Adv bike don't _have to_ look ugly :).
I don't find the BMW to be an oddball. For the type of off roading I do, it'd be fine and I don't need a 95% streetbike with 8" of travel. With a 29" inseam, most of this genre of bikes would require me to ride in platform soles. I do wish it had come with a fuel gauge and maybe a gear indicator.
Not sure about the oil filter placement on the Beemer, but I do know the Suzuki places theirs in the worst possible place for off roading.
Not sure what Sean was talking about as far as "buzzy." I've ridden a couple oil cooled RTs extensively and they were never what I consider buzzy. I like a little thrum with my twins.
The RT and NineT are pretty far apart in gearing and tuning. I rode the Urban GS to Laguna Seca and on a separate two day shootout, in addition to a couple of hundred normal freeway miles.... In SoCal freeway miles mean either lane-splitting at low speed, or sustained 85 mph for long distances. It is buzzy at 85 mph, annoyingly so after an hour at 85+.
Thanks for the update. I don't tend to ride that fast for long periods, so I doubt it would bother me. My Triumph gets buzzy up there too.
I know it's an old review but that Suzuki engine is a jewel to ride; so precise, perhaps one of the very best engines ever. Have owned many bikes: different manufacturers, finally trying Suzuki this Friday (picking up 17 dl650)
I have the V strom 1000, great bike, but the Multistrada is really the most beautiful.
67claudius I have the vstrom 1000 2016 and is a great bike. It is not the most beautiful but has a great motor. I put a no/off abs swicth and work excellent in off road. The suspension is not the best and the hight is too low.
could you please share the components you bought for the abs switch and eventually the "how-to"? thanks a lot in advance
Disagreement here. I find the MS too hideous to even consider.
I have an 03 vstrom 1000 with 85,000 miles on it. Thing rocks! Lots of fun in the twistys because it handles well, with plenty of realistic power.
LocknessMonster707 wow..do you still have it..?!
@@zzxx33mh These bikes can actually hit over 200k miles. In Europe, they ride with wheels off of them. I had a really nice 04 and put 10K miles on it. Very, very enjoyable. Made my Speed Triple jealous. I'd pick the Suzuk more and more often. Just picked up a really nice 18 and it's an amazing do-all and will no doubt rack up the miles.
That Urban Gs is a great looking bike, and it has the best sound through stock pipes, but it’s got some obvious shortcomings. Such a pity they didn’t put on proper long travel, adjustable suspension
Every comparison review that I’ve seen on TH-cam says the V Strom is the best motorcycle in this adv category. Every one. I’m buyin it
Did you buy it? What do you think of it now?
STEVE W-K I just rode it 250 miles yesterday all over Walworth County, Wisconsin. I have to say that it is a phenomenal bike. It’s big (I’m 6’2” 195 lbs). It’s relatively fast ( I can cruise at 90-100 ). It’s quick, with good acceleration. It’s got good brakes, good enough. It’s comfortable. It handles very well. It’s quiet. I bought a 2014 that cane stock with the side cases. I wish they were bigger, they will not hold a full face helmet. My riding buddy rides a Multistrada. Of course, it’s much faster and has bigger tires and brakes and bigger side cases. He can put a FF helmet in the left case. But I don’t fit on it and it’s not near as comfortable as the Strom. He said it himself. I bought it because I was getting the shit kicked out of me on my VTX1300C on the bumps so I wanted something with more suspension travel and compliance. The Strom has it, it’s very comfortable. It’s a great value, I would not hesitate to buy another one.
Absolutely nice time with you. This is a good team for motorcycle comparisons ;-)
That first shot tho, Cars going backwards XD
I'm starting to suspect we may need to begin putting flashing "It's a Joke!" graphics up every time we try to under-play the more subtle houmorous elements in videos. However, it's also possible that our entire Motorcycle.com staff collectively has a terrible sense of humor.
Sean Alexander It still made me laugh, so you win. :)
You guys have shitzle senses of humour. You could get honorary Australian status if you keep it up. ;-)
First thing I noticed to
I make videos -- that shit is hootlarious. Drone was going up and they flipped the clip I love it.
Vstrom unsung and underrated turns to porn and comes out on top
Nice bikes, stunning scenery. Thank god we have motorcycles... a reason to live !
No mention of the shaft drive advantage - counts for me.
i don't know that the shaft drive is that much of an advantage anymore. I say that after riding BMW gs since 1989. I have not owned the new Oring chain bikes. But from what every one seems to say, 25,000 miles if maintained, everything replaced for under $250 if you do it your self... It is a big question in my mind for sure. The thing I am wondering is how loud is that oring chain after its gets mileage on it. In the 70's, i hated...just hated the non-oring chain noise. I also hated lubing it every week. I hated the mess. Are Oring chains like that these days?????
@@davidfalgout7304 No, they are way better. I, too, have owned a couple of shafties and really liked them, but I put on some serious miles with a DL1000 (new chain, sprockets the moment I bought it), and it was exceptional. Keep them clean, do a quick lube once in a while, no big deal. With today's lube, another big advancement is it doesn't spray all over the place!
My VStrom 1000 goes anywhere my GS buddies go. It does it for $10K less. Never understood why it gets no respect as an adventure bike, I just spent a week riding Alaska on a rented KLR and my VStrom would have done the trip just fine.
Chuck Beau Buck looool true
I don't know, I also went to Alaska and road my uncle's vstrom 650 while there and absolutely fell in love. Really considering buying one. Smooth as silk and pretty fair power (much more than a KLR anyway). My tiger was heavy as shit, nowhere near as good, same goes for the R1200 I rode up to the arctic circle, think that leaves the Africa twin and the F700/F800. Well F700's are rare as piss unless you buy new and the Africa twin is quite a bit more money.
Think the Vstrom 650 is a great buy. The 1000, however, not-so-sure. Especially now in 2018, the 12.9 or whatever they're asking for it is insane, IMO.
MrSlowestD16 Both the 650 and 1000 are great now, both updated this year. In the past most people passed up the old 1000 for the 650 since the 1000 had nearly no advantage for the added cost. That’s not so true anymore. The 1000 has some serious hardware upgrades. And luckily you can get either one at a discount. They’re not popular I guarantee 650 or 1000 find the right Suzuki dealer and it will be thousands off.
If you like motorcycle, you like motorcycle if you like rich people thats your thing...
F850GS should be an interesting bike, with all-new 270° firing order engine. Cruise control optional.
CC would be a nice option on all these ADV-esque bikes.
LOL i realized later at the start of this the cars were going backwards . I have the 2018 Vstrom DL love it !
+Motorcycle.com. when you guys compare prices, you should include an annual maintenance cost in the price of the bike. Things like post break in, first throttle body/valve adjustment, etc. I'm not 100% about these particular bikes, but I know when shopping for a sport bike, the maintenance costs on a Ducati far outweighed that of the Big 4, and it's enough to be a factor in choosing a bike.
That's a lot of information that's not given up front by the company which they have to collect. Besides, varies from person to person depending on how seriously you take the maintenance and how much of it you do yourself. Very hard to calculate overall.
Anybody that knows these brands knows where the expenses is and isn't.
I'd never buy a Ducati. The valve adjustement is as expensive as a full engine replacement on the Suzuki.
BMW 2023 GS Urban Changed the seat, changed the tyres better exhaust sounds even better, have ridden almost halfway around Australia and NZ on it will most definitely out last me.
I would like to see this again but with double the bikes.
Funny how they just put the drone scene at the beginning in reverse, i laughed seeing the car in the background going backwards😂
The official dealer price usually differs a lot from what you end up paying, so in reality the stom comes a lot cheaper. try negotiating with a BMW dealer and they'll kindly direct you to the door out...
What is this? I clicked a link for "Softcore 3-way" and it's a motorcycle video? ;)
I like these guys. Not pretense - just shooting straight.
V STROM!
Cars are going backwards at the beginning?
Suzuki all day. Well built, great dynamics, super reliable, cheap to own.
Dang John is sporting a Serious Jacket from Spidi.
Was hawkin' that piece of kit, too.
I wonder why someone didn't tell Scott that his face would be obscured by the windshield of the Suzuki during that entire part of the shoot?
smith jones if you feel cheated, you can print his picture and hang it on your wall.
Anyone noticed the car and van was doing a reverse @ the first minute??
I love my Vstrom 1000!!!
Price of the Ducati is $3000 (in Canada) more than the Vee, though I did not price the bimmer, I doubt they would be under $13000 here. So I would give it to Suzuki on price. The sitting position too is far more comfortable on the Vee. I recently tried the Ducati and didn't like the position of the foot pegs, and the power delivery comes on strong at higher revs but not as smooth as the Vee twin. Just my thoughts....
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Honest sensible opinions and fun footage. However if you can give me the name of the dealer who will sell me the Ducati for the same price as the Suzuki I will be amazed.
David Besant 😃..true said..
Motorcycling world, just admit it: these machines are some of the most versatile, well rounded, capable, comfortable, multitasking, do it all bikes on the planet. Every biker needs an ADV in their stable. Pick your percentage of off-pavement riding and buy an ADV. When you get older you'll get rid of the racetrack bike, the cruiser, the motocrosser, the 700 pound sport tourer and keep the ADV.
Seems to me ADV bikes fall under 3 categories and the wheel sizes have a
lot to do with that (and corresponding hardware and frames).
1) 17" sport tires for pavement bias;
example FJ-09/Tracer 900, Versys 1000/650, S1000XR, Multistrada 1200,
etc.
2) 17/19" tires for some off pavement capability;
example V-Strom 650/1000, Multistrada 1200 Enduro, Tiger XR series, 1290
Super Adv S, etc.
3) 17/21" or 18/21" tires for pretty much a 50/50 pave/on-pave
motorcycle build rough and durable for heavy beating around off
pavement.
example 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Adventure R, Africa Twin, Tiger XC
series, etc.
Going further into the dirt you get enduros.
example KLR650, DR650, Tenere 660, WR250R, CRF250L, KLX250, etc.
Further still you get trail and motocrossers.
example YZ250X, YZ250F, CRF450, etc.
48 years old, I can't imagine riding something else than my ADV, a 2007 650 V-strom ABS.
CaptainDangeax About the same years on this rock and had my Wee eight years; I tell anyone who’ll listen what a great bike she it, but she doesn’t include ABS which may be a necessary upgrade to a newer bike.
NIce video, The strange thing with the price, currently in Poland suzuki is cheaper about 2.8k dollars from ducati and about 1.8K from BMW.
Evans! You're doing well with your stutter! Congrats! :) Great vid
Jon C
Uhhhhh.... that's John Burns...
Great review!
Vstrom is a rational purchase. It does everything well, but nothing exciting about it, or even to look at. The UGS has an amazing engine setup on basic, cheap suspensions. With proper suspensions, the UGS would be the winner hands down.
Very weird comparison.... 😀 but very useful review, thanks !
The town immediately adjacent to redlands and the bottom of the mountain, east highland, has a trail that can go all the way up to big bear, connect with big bear trails, and make it down the backside of the mountain to the high desert.
Fun trails guys, and those bikes could make it. If it hadn't changed too much in a few years.
Took an R9T from Orlando to the Florida keys (about 10.5 hours south).
The BMW was fun to ride, but that seat... after 5 hours in the saddle, my ass was complaining. X-/
Nicely done video. Gave me a couple of haha's and one lol.
suzuki does a very good job, bike is so good i own the 650 2018 and tried the 1000 , i can swear , bests bike in ever rode
Late to the show here, but I'm debating between the 650 and the 1000. What made you choose the 650? Would you still prefer it over the 1000 today after owning it for a year? Thanks.
@@chriskneifl3290 for most people, it's less fuel consumption, more tank range and saves loads of money when you tour 50K miles over a few years
Chris Kneifl
Did you buy one? I’m debating on getting a 1000. It’s bigger and more solid and the most comfortable bike I’ve ever sat on. Had an old 650 strom and found the motor quite blaaaaaaand
@@chriskneifl3290 1000 all day (very late to the party...). The extra grunt is an absolute necessity if you're putting on real touring miles or have any kind of load/passenger. The mid range is just about perfect for passing, mountains, squirting around town.
@@SteveWKk Yes, I ended up getting the 650. Love it. The 1000 is great too. Can't go wrong with either bike.
Can get hard bags for the BMW?
good video i like all 3 bikes, ducati 950 is cool
Urban G/S for me.
V-Stroms get plenty of praise, & world wide admiration. Motorcycling is not a moron free zone. Ignorance does not prevent opinions.
I love that the brand snobs don't give the suzuki the respect it deserves. It means that people who appreciate a good bike can get one at a good price. I'd love to ride one back to back with my ktm 1050 adventure.
The heavy set guy was very articulate
I was actually waiting for that cat video. LOL
There must be another shootout with the bikes including Multistrada 950, KTM 1090 ADV, Tiger 800 XRX, Africa Twin, V-Strom 1000,
Agreed, but I think you can drop the Multistrada from that group. And maybe add a GS1200 adventure, or F800GS.
I think the right group for the upper middle sport tourer adventure class would be definetely multistrada 950,ktm 1090,Africa twin,Vstrom1000 and Versys 1000.My opinion is that BMW has not a candidate on this class.R1200 gs is a category up and F800 gs lacks of its weak engine.Maybe with the new model F 850 have a chance.The Triump 800 XRX is good bike but lacks of its engine too.
Cant rule out all the BMW's though, I agree if we are comparing upper middle then no 1200gs. But for example on my Alaska trip the F800gs was the number one bike I saw more then any other adventure bike. Versys is a good candidate too but its a bit sportier than the others.
Africa twin really looses out on the road to anything but the xrx. That sub 100hp and 21" wheel ruine the road fun.
You need more than 100 hp to make it good on the road??? That is just dumb, you don't need more than 50-60hp for a highway machine with plenty of get up.
Video of a guy sitting hiding behind a windscreen? Amateur hour stuff continues at motorcycle.com
MrBojangles Fort Nine makes better videos with a smaller budget.
@09:59 I'm always concerned if my bike will make my kidneys tired or not. Thanks guys!
Can you guys do a video review on the r9t racer?
Desert Sled beats the fenders off that BMW R nineT.
Am i high? Is the first 25 seconds of the video going backwards?
Jack S I didn't notice haha
It was strange seeing the cars going backwards :)
I missed that but you are correct.
Can you do review on vstrom 650 please
One Retro two adventure bikes.
Should've used the F800gs.
or the 1200
The old man interrupts a lot!!
Thanks 👍🏽
Anyone know what jacket that is that John Burns is wearing?
Strange no comment on wind noise. I test drove a Vstrom 650 the other day and what struck me is the buffeting on my helmet at 90km/h only. I'm a relative tall guy @1.86m, so maybe the optional windshield would have solved that. Strangely I get no buffeting (except for wind noise) on my everyday naked bike, which is a BMW G310 R. Don't know if it's the helmet I use...
Anyone know what jacket Burns has on here ?
I had an R80GS with 32 litre tank. Great bike for interstate touring and fire trail exploring, camping. Shaft drive. No chain to adjust or oil. Later on I had an R100GS which overall I didn't think was as good an all rounder.
The BMW IS AN OLD MAN’s CRUISER BIKE. It belongs on the road
you did adventure bike video without KTM 1090? retail price is $12,625 and it is the best in this group. down vote...
ktm640lc4BGD i think the ktm is more off road oriented than these three propositions
ktm with "R" at the end is Racing for off road, and "S" is i think Sport for roads. R has offroad tubed tires with spikes (and several other changes) and S regular tubeless with alloy wheel. So S would be exact model for this comparison. (S is for 1290, and 1090 has R version and road version is without letter S).
I can only imagine the ktm 1090 was not available has the ducati beat. Horse power and price
V Strom 💪💪
Great review guys. Can I ask how tall you all are, I think this makes a difference for the ride and how you look, for example if you really tall you’ll probably look silly on the BMW. Thanks.
BMW is definitely the odd one here. Its cool looking but not really what most adventure bike guys would like. I think Cafe racers would love it though! You have a sport bike, a Cafe racer and an adventure bike here.
My local dealership wanted $16,000 OTD for the Ducati.
You guys made a mistake though. Duc is $14k, not $12.7k... Unless you know something?
Randall Hanks Yeah no idea where they got that price. You’re right.
They’re lazy
For anyone with the V1000......how’s the windscreen buffeting?
Buffeting is bad but replace the screen with a Givi Airflow fixes that. I own 2016 model, awesome bike!
While we're both of those vehicles in reverse at the beginning of this comparison looks very strange they're backing down the hill
You guys get paid for this lazy effort of a review! Shameful world this is.
The jacket of the older guy please!??
Not sure why he keeps say'n they revised the Vee greatly in 2018, when in fact they did the major revolution this in 2014.
Too lazy to research
Suzuki vstrom, evolution, not revolution. That philosophy is probably why strom owners love it.
Uh the msrp on the duc is what now? $13,995 everywhere else.
Amazing. I love these dudes.
This is an old video, I know. The Urban GS and Scrambler are the same bike. This guy rode his scrambler from Alaska to Argentina, and he loved it! He adores his bike, and is willing to put up with shortcomings, so for HIM, it’s a perfect adventure bike. th-cam.com/video/m_Mhy2HGvbc/w-d-xo.html
I keep seeing Ducati MSRP is 14.1k - so maybe not the cheapest of the group? Most expensive as usual?
Great review, love these bikes, think I'd buy the vstrom but that price they're asking for it is too high, so I'd probably go multi.
Funny backwards driving cars at intro can ya'll do that on bikes?
Ducati Multistrada 950 base price is $13,995 not $12,799. Where did you get that price?
It sounds like the Scrambler Desert Sled would've made a better comparison to the R nineT Urban G/S.
These are 110 hp. 115hp. 112hp. Desert sled under 80hp
Chris Hart
Valid... The BMW just seems odd in this group when Ducati builds its own retro pseudo-enduro.
After owning over 30 motorcycles and having purchased 16 new motorcycles in the last 10 years, I am financially secure and can purchase any motorcycle I wish up to $50,000. My dream bike right now is a BMW 9T. Beautiful state of the art simplicity in the perfect all-around motorcycle.
Audio not syncing with video
I feel like the BMW doesn't belong in this video at all, it's a completely different type of bike. Should have went with an f800 or something.
No KTM 1090 R? your review is not complete....
I like GS Nine T !!!! the Best !!!!
4 wheels driving in reverse in that place :-)
You needed to add the Kawasaki Versys 1000 in this test. Very similar to both the Ducati and VStrom for $12,999 with included luggage.
chris sumner yes,the Versys should be there..
Comparing potatoes with apples and with bananas...
i don't understand it, how is the Multistrada 950 cheaper than the Vstrom 1000 in the U.S.? where do you get your pricing from? lol it's SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than the VStrom everywhere i look.
Lol see my channel for that cat video
When I was a kid we called them dual sport not adventure