I’m considering getting any one of these – Kawasaki Versys 650, Honda CB500X and KTM 390 Adventure.
BHPian sgmuser recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hi all,
I’m a sedate rider who puts lots of emphasis on ride comfort. I’m looking to get one of these (Kawasaki Versys 650, Honda CB500X and KTM 390 Adventure) for adv touring single-track roads, back roads and some significant highways (to reach those above tracks) too. Priority – Reliability and smooth/vibration-free ride.
I am restarting my biking after a long time – almost 20 years – especially with NO previous ADV experience. I am spoilt with smooth cars and I could not stop my expectation for at least similar quality/vibe-free rides on bikes.
I read lots of reviews and watched videos and understand Versys seems to be at the top of the list for trouble-free, smooth performance and good power when required – most importantly linear power delivery.
Honda offers the reliability which I need but I am yet to test ride. KTM is a single-cylinder affair but the most affordable in the list and could be a far easier entry point both in terms of power and price. I would like to avoid RE for now as I am not comfortable with their style of maintenance/handling etc.
What I need from you all petrolheads is whether my options are smart enough or not? Versys – is it a novice-friendly ADV bike? Which one gives what I want – Smooth/Linear power delivery/reliability/vibe-free ride?
Thanks in advance. I also have a fixation in my mind that the Japanese are more reliable so, I have to limit my option. KTM is managed by Bajaj so, easier to maintain.
Here’s what BHPian shancz had to say about the matter:
No experience with these but gathering from first-hand accounts here are some suggestions:
- Versys 650: all the pluses you mentioned but based on your height it might/might not feel that easy in city traffic. Weight is another concern.
- CB500X: Have heard only good things about it except the price and BigWing service coverage.
- 390 Adventure: will feel stiff to ride especially the rear, not sure if the 2023 iteration will have adjustable suspension and tubeless tyres for India. Vibrations are a personal benchmark so a ride across the rev range can decide that.
- VStrom 650 XT: should fit better than the Versys IMO but not sure about the service and support from Suzuki on their big bikes, someone experienced can hopefully answer this.
IMO the CB500X should fit your needs the best but the service center coverage and spares availability is something that you’ll have to check for your location.
Here’s what BHPian Nilesh5417 had to say about the matter:
Get the KTM – no-brainer IMO based on the fact that you are getting back to motorcycles after 20yrs. Not too expensive to buy new or maintain. Right amount of power, good amount of tech, lower heft, easy to ride on most roads except offr-oads and pretty nondescript. It’s not about affordability in your case, it’s just the fact that you have had a long gap with motorcycles so upgrade once you get comfortable with it. Else you will end up buying an expensive bike that you won’t be riding much – not that KTM is any less expensive these days.
Good luck with your hunt and happy riding.
Here’s what BHPian TheHelix0202 had to say about the matter:
If you can afford a bigger bike, go for it. The KTM is a great machine, but it isn’t guaranteed to be fuss-free. Since you have the big monies, go for either the ‘Strom or the Versys. There’s absolutely no comparison.
Here’s a wildcard entry: the Tiger Sport 660.
Here’s what BHPian aargee had to say about the matter:
Since your location states Oman, I’m not sure if you’re in Oman or India, regardless, my only concern is: you’re getting into riding after 2 decades, not undermining you, but requesting you to take calculated steps & understand what you’re getting into than taking a plunge, which is exactly what you’re doing by consulting with the experienced members here.
- If I were you, my approach will be, to begin with, either riding friend’s motorcycle or better rent out for the first few rides, much easier if you’re in Oman.
- If it’s India, then 100% MUST gain some familiarity before buying middleweights because Indian roads are not the same as they used to be even a couple of years ago & undergoing rapid changes almost every year & 2 decades sounds eternity.
- And to all the motorcycles you’ve chosen, although many might swear by Versys 650 & I’m very much in love with the {boring Japanese, like my CBR} motorcycle as well; however, DO NOT get carried over by the YT reviews as all of them state their own experience & watching many of them will shove their opinion on you.
For instance, almost all Interceptor reviews stated 2 issues:
- Wind blast
- Slightly forward-leaning posture
What I found was, they were not an issue at all for me. What the internet reviews didn’t say were:
- Nightmare of a puncture
- Practicality of finding a RE garage in any corner of the country
Point is: Get into action: mingle with the local RESPONSIBLE biking group to try & experiment with which one suits you the most; perhaps your opinion might change altogether as well or better rent out for few rides. Both these options are a little cumbersome unless you’re in one of the metros in India, but then, with TBhp in place, you should be able to find one eventually.
And, this is just a myth! The new J-Series engine from RE or the RE-Twin engines are relatively trouble-free; of course, RE has a long way to catch up with the Japs; but then, talking practically no one comes closer to RE (barring the nightmare of a puncture on RE-twin’s spoked wheels); and if you don’t like RE350, there’s CB350 {yet another boring Jap motorcycle}.
Keyword: ADV Tourer for someone who's returning to motorcycles after 2 decades