[LiquidCool]

I found a showroom showdown between the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, the Honda CRF250 Rally and the BMW G310 GS. Since Canada MotoGuide haven't had a chance to ride all three in a comparison test, the next best thing is a spec sheet comparison. I personally think the G310 GS is the better street-friendly adventure bike out of the three, though I am a fan of that Kawasaki green.

SHOWROOM SHOWDOWN: VERSYS-X 300 VS. CRF250 RALLY VS. G310 GS

 

[EvryDayRide]

The Honda CRF250 reminds me of a KTM dirt bike more than an adventure touring bike like the G310 GS. The only complaint seems to be the buzzy feel on freeways, I assume that's referring to handlebar vibration which can be reduced or something you can live with in exchange for the GS' 28 Nm torque at 7,500 RPM.

 

[bmwrider]

I want to like the Kawi but all my experiences with them have been weird, starting with ergonomics and not only that probably the situation here, but it isn't appealing at all compared to the G310

 

[EvryDayRide]

I can't really comment on the Kawasaki since I've never really ridden on their touring bikes. But their seats are notoriously painful even with the Versys and that was make for long hauls. I assume theVersys-X 300's seat will be no different.

 

[SlickRick]

Maybe they offer different seat options that could be a bit softer?

 

[LiquidCool]

You would think so, but that's not the case with Kawasaki. I've only ever been on their sport bikes and it's a literal pain in the butt. I'd much prefer BMW factory seats as they're more comfortable.

 

[Sidewinder]

From what I remember going to motorcycle shows, I can agree that the Kawi seats really aren't that comfortable and are quite stiff. Me personally, I don't really mind but that being said, I don't have experience with long rides so I could be very wrong about myself

 

[bmwrider]

Even Honda is better, actually, more relevant and appealing to BMW guys is Yamaha. Ergonomics on those have been similar to BMW's. Plus they look better than Honda's. Not all current BMW guys can stomach the idea of getting a Honda.

 

[WoodWorks]

The Rally has much more appeal to me than the Versys-X. The Rally is an ADVENTURE tourer, whereas the Versys-X is an adventure TOURER. I'd feel a whole lot better on a Rally out in eastern Oregon, and a whole lot better on the Interstate on a Versys-X. Sometimes I have to ride the Interstate. But it's never high on my list of favorite things to do.

Here's hoping that the 310GS will be an ADVENTURE TOURER, good enough at both.

 

[EvryDayRide]

I think the GS will perform very similarly to the R model as they share the same frame, suspension set-up, including the 41mm inverted front forks and the directly mounted rear monoshock with the aluminium swingarm.