2026 Honda CB1000GT vs Kawasaki Versys 1100: Who is the King of Sport-Touring?

Comments · 16

• BR

  @brybrem1 · 4 months ago

  I do quite a bit of European touring, but that only really accounts for a few weeks a year. Most of the time it's shorter rides - don't get me wrong - a decent day out will be 400 to 500 miles (for those that know, I live in North Wales and will be having fish and chips in Tenby for lunch 😊). My bag is the twisties. I think  when you're choosing a bike, you should aim for what you do most. I think you can tour on anything - the most miles I've done in a day was 1,145 miles on a 2007 Speed Triple 1050 when we did the four corners for McMillan with no real aches or pains. I've travelled to the South of France and the Italian lakes on two different Speed Triples and had no issues (apart from finding decent luggage, which, thankfully, Ventura provided). For me proper touring is such a small part of what I do in the average year it's relatively irrelevant. Due to the above I'm going for the Honda. I appreciate we're all different and I wouldn't presume to say that you're wrong for choosing the Versys - it's a very capable bike, just different (I took one out and wasn't inspired, which I think you need to be when spending the stupid money that we do on these big boys toys) but I just thought that I'd share my tuppence worth. Sorry if you've read this and it's irrelevant to you.

  7

• JO

  @josephlarmor550 · 7 months ago

  Nice review, thank you. I bought a Versys 1100 last year and went touring in France. It really is a supremely comfortable long-distance machine.<br><br>I will be interested to see and maybe ride the Honda. But it does look more sport-orientated, with less wind and weather protection. I also note that the upswept exhaust eats significantly into the pannier space on that side.<br><br>On the Honda website, I see that it is possible to add a bigger screen and extra fairing sections for more weather protection, and a top box. That does bring the price towards the Tour/Grand Tour versions of the Versys. Honda are obviously aware that some riders will require a more touring orientated specification. Also, you didn’t mention the cornering lights on the Versys GT, which may seem gimmicky but are very functional.<br><br>Regarding the electronic suspension, including the Showa “Skyhook” system, as you say that is only available on the SE version of the Versys. <br><br>But the Skyhook system is only really a benefit if riding two-up with luggage, and the same goes for the electronic suspension. I actually changed from a Versys 1000 SE with all these options, to a Versys 1100S with standard manually-adjustable preload. As a solo rider, I have noticed no change in comfort or handling. And I saved £2000 towards my next European trip!

  11

• MD

  @mdf1951 · 3 months ago

  When Honda gets the oil consumption problem worked out and this bike comes to the USA, then I will compare and let you know.

  1

• PH

  @PhilDunlop-g9y · 1 month ago

  Would you recommend a belly pan for the Honda gt

• BR

  @brodjaga-of8uk · 6 months ago

  отличное видео &nbsp;, я в декабре тоже купил Kawasaki Versys 1100s в черном цвете &nbsp;. последний был в салоне , &nbsp;стоил 14990 евро . сделали скидку и он мне обошелся в 13800. желаю всем хорошего сезона .

  5

• SE

  @sepetcioglumoto57 · 5 months ago

  Honda 1000GT ancak Suzuki 1000GX in rakibi olabilir. Hiçbir zaman versys in konforu, sürüş kolaylığı olmayacak😉👍

  7

• FA

  @faminem · 10 months ago

  No. Versys GT has the Showa EERA suspension too.

  4