Great do-it-all bikes do battle on the gruelling MCN250
Yamaha’s new Tracer 700GT takes on the Kawasaki’s Versys 650GT
When you think of adventure-touring you immediately conjure up images of BMW’s legendary R1200GS or Ducati’s innovative Multistrada Enduro; tall, heavy and complex bikes for experienced and wellheeled riders only. However, I’ll let you into a secret. We’ve just tested two adventure-tourers that cost less than £9000; half the price of a top-spec Ducati Multistrada Enduro and both have proved themselves just as capable on the challenging MCN250 test route.
First up is the Kawasaki 650 Versys, the third incarnation of a popular and enduring allrounder that was last updated in 2015. Aside from a much-needed
facelift, it benefited from higherspec suspension, a small hike in peak power and new creature comforts such as an improved seat, a manually adjustable screen and a larger 21-litre fuel tank. As we move into 2019 the Versys remains virtually unchanged since 2015, despite the recent updates Kawasaki made to their Z650, the bike on which the Versys is heavily based. But as Kawasaki dealers up and down the UK will inform you, the Grand Tourer offers you a lot of bike for your money.
The GT Versys is priced at £8649 and for that you get handguards, fog lights, a 47-litre top box with inner bag, a tank pad, a GPS bracket and a full pannier kit, again with inner bags. Sadly for me testing in midDecember, the extras budget didn’t run to heated grips, which aren’t even an option on this model. There’s no hiding the fact Yamaha’s Tracer 700GT is newer than Kawasaki’s Versys 650: it’s only been in production since 2016
‘As soon as I throw my leg over the Versys I feel at home’
(though its 689cc parallel twin first fired up in 2014, housed in the revolutionary MT-07), whereas you can trace the Kawasaki’s motor back to the ER-6n in 2005. Priced at £7999, it comes with a high screen, colour matched, 20-litre panniers and a comfort seat to cater for the extra miles GT riders theoretically add to their day. And it looks great, much more than an sub-eight grand motorcycle.
At this point I’ve a confession to make. I owned and rode a Versys 650 through winter just two years ago, and loved it. Comfortable with a friendly power delivery, excellent fuel economy and range, I considered it a hugely underrated bike, so I couldn’t wait to pilot one around the MCN250, despite the wintry conditions.
As soon as I throw a leg over the Kawasaki I feel at home. The clocks, with their clear analogue rev counter, huge gear position