Kawasaki Versys 1000 or Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?

A direct head-to-head comparison of a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 in an SE version.
All views are my own and are based on my personal experiences with these motorcycles.
In the end of the day, use this video as an indication as we’ve all got different preferences and you should test both of these yourself before purchasing either.
Stay tuned and subscribe for next large adventure bikes comparisons on the channel.

[josephlarmor]

I see a lot of adverse comments about the weight of the Versys, but I’m 68, 5’9” and I’ve never had a problem in 4 years of ownership. Don’t forget that weight also = stability on long-distance high-speed touring. I tested a Tracer on a windy day and was nearly blown off the road when I overtook an artic and emerged from its slipstream. The Versys on the other hand is always steady as a rock.

[technoaddict]

I’ve had a Tracer 9 for a while, then traded it for a Versys 1000 LT SE+. The Yamaha CP3 engine was more exciting for sure, but the Kawasaki is better everywhere else (ergos, comfort, front end stability, wind protection, …). To me, it feels like a way more premium and « mature » bike. I do not regret my swap and would not go back.

[JKL]

I haven’t ridden a Tracer, and have no interest, but have had several well handling bikes (several big BMWs, KTM, Guzzi). In the curvy mountain roads of West Virginia the Versys 1000 SE LT+ is a very nimble and great-handling bike. Not understanding at all the statement that the Versys 1000 doesn’t like to turn; mine loves curves. It’s the best overall pavement riding experience I’ve ever had. Also handles hard pack gravel very well. Versys 1000 is a very light, comfortable, and well-balanced ST bike; I wouldn’t want anything lighter for Interstate use. Agree that Versys needs TPMS, but the 4-cyl trumps any concerns—great engine, especially if you like I-4 engines for touring.

[igniscer]

The versys 1000 is a far superior touring motorcycle.

[dryogi]

Based on other reviews, the Versys is better than the Tracer. The Tracer is still a good bike but can't beat the Versys.

[danielbukowski]

Drove 4250km through Europe this summer on my T9GT.. GrossGlockner, lake Bled and drove through Zakopane to Krakow, Warszawa, Gdańsk, Swinoujscje, Sassnitz and back to Sweden.. I have barely any complaints.. A softer seat but other than that, I L.O.V.E my Tracer.. I used to own a 1260S Multistrada which I unfortunately had to sell a year ago.. Compared to that, the Tracer doesn’t feel much slower.. The Multi was more comfortable but on the other hand fuel consumption… Fuel is expensive these days and I averaged ~4, 7L/100km throughout the 4000+km which the Multistrada doesn’t even come close to if you still want to enjoy the ride.. Haven’t driven the Versys but the T9 is so much fun, I wouldn’t trade that for a bit more comfort..

[hardcore]

I own 2 Kawasaki Versys. A 2016 purchased new in 2017(over 60, 000 trouble free miles) and a 2020 Versys with all the electronic & suspension upgrades. My brother owns a 2021 Tracer base model and we've ridden together on numerous occasions trading back & forth. Both are fun MC's. The Tracer is lighter, feels more nimble but is a bit more cramped(I'm 6'2"), less wind protection, harder seat and vibrates more as the revs grow. I'd recommend either MC depending on your size. Both of us replaced the stock windscreens for taller-wider coverage. You can't go wrong with either.

BTW-Something is wrong with your Versys front brake. They either need to be bled or adjusted. The brakes on both my Versys are excellent. I would say the Versys would be the more comfortable sport touring MC especially if you want carry a passenger. The Tracer would be the more nimble corner carver for the twisties. Again, both MC's are excellent.

[Pramix]

Versys has much more Touring capabilities, and is more comfortable.

[wanderlpnw]

I've owned the versys for a while. I test rode the tracer. They are both very close, I feel. Versys feels a little more premium. The tracer is lighter and more nimble. If someone asked me which to buy, I'd ask them which you could find for cheaper. The versys goes for way under sticker price here in the US.

[bigg]

Ergonomics, for me, is most important for long days of riding. 6’1, 34” inseam.

Thought the Tracer was the bike for me right up until I sat on one. It is compact bike/rider position for a taller rider.

7k on my Versys 1000 and could not be happier with the bike.

Touring, twisties, day rides….do it all with a huge grin on my face. 👍

Never had the heat issue from my bike and have sat in traffic on 90+ degree days multiple times. Hell yes, it’s hot, but not heat from the bike.

Agree with the seat observation. Fixed that with a Holeshot Corbin seat, amazing.

Ride what u like, like what u ride and, ride safe!

[ashraffendy]

The older I am, the more that I'm leaning towards comfort & stability. Power? Versys can do that too, albeit a bit linear compared to funky T9. Now I just wanted to leisurely cruising + enjoying the view. That's all to it.

[maldridge]

I have a 2021 MT09 SP and a 2020 Ninja 1000sx.

I chose the MT09, vs Tracer 9, because of the single headlight design (which needed to be upgraded because the headlight is weak, to say the least). Another reason was the upright position.

Both were essentially new models.

I gravitate more towards the MT09 due to the fun factor, but its engine noise and vibration will get annoying quickly.

Yamaha Quick shifter lever design is low budget, designed by their vindictive mother-in-law, it seems. 😮

So I cut the shifter, extended it by 1/2" and re-welded at a 20° lower angle; and then there was magic 😊

Both have cut cost, a lot 😠. But to tell you the truth, the Kawasaki is a better bike in its build quality and ergonomics.

Yamaha already has had 3 recalls 😢 I find it delicate and fragile compared to the Ninja. The cruise control is moody ( Latest recall fixes that with a redesign of wiring for the O2 sensor 🙄)

I installed a Ninja 1000 windshield on the MT09, which totally transformed it 😊 ...for those who say I should have gone for tracer 9 instead, need to be further vaccinated 😂

Ninja 1000sx with OEM saddle bags is a "sport tourer", which it is not due to the seating position, making it unbearable after an hour of riding and you are almost ready to cry...

MT09 on the other hand is more comfortable, but It rattles too much. It is light and buzzy and that can be annoying. However, I can ride it for 4 hours, no problem, but the next day I want a break 👎

Ninja commands the road but kills your legs.

My verdict: Kawasaki is better built

[fabulouspanda]

The Versys has traction control which is a deal breaker for me, it's a life saver.

[staceejaxx]

I love the tracer 9 gt style and sound. Good thing yamaha listened and put a good tft dashboard on the GT+

[johannesmaas]

regarding the front break - adjust the lever so it is further away from the grip. Once correctly adjusted there is no issue. Front break is amazing on my MY2023 SE

[SuperEgle]

Dude about the front brakes, you can change the handle, I did a test ride. The brakes of the Versys are pretty good. They use technology from the racing Kawasaki bikes.

It's not a weak front brake... It's how you moderate your handle and use it😂

[tomg]

Good info.
Thanks for the english in your reviews. Both bikes are very good, flip a coin and no one would be unhappy with either.
Leg room, Kawasaki.

[MasterTorque_vyn]

I prefer The Tracer 9. Its really capable at anything the versys 1000 can do. Tracer 9 suits me better, because its lighter nimble, cheaper to maintain and better on fuel economy. Tried attach 3 fully loaded box with passager on both bike the Tracer 900 feels more stronger at low torque more instant power and more capable when you go uphill. But both bikes are AWESOME highway highspeed cruise. 👍

[sadmaneldivan]

It’s a one sided video, I wish I sensed an objective video. But the comment section backed up versys nicely 😎 Of course it is YOUR thoughts since this is YOUR video and YOUR effort. But again, I wish it wasn’t crystal clear that you were this fan of T9.

[ridewherever]

My frustration with Japanese bikes is that they’re always lacking. That’s either in paint/body work, features or performance. It seems you never get all three in one bike.