Modern sport-touring bikes come in many shapes and sizes, with ADV-inspired pavement-pounders growing in popularity. With their sporty engines, good handling, roomy sit-up ergos, bump-neutralizing suspension travel, and cargo-carrying capacity, these bikes hold much appeal if you’re planning an extended tour, carving up the canyons, or running errands.
We've gathered two new arrivals in the category: the Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT and the Yamaha FJ-09. The Kawi is a freshly styled take on the Versys 1000 that's been bopping about the Alps since its 2012 European debut. The Yamaha FJ-09 is an all-new middleweight sport-touring alternative. Both bikes have sport-naked roots, in the Z1000 and FZ-09, respectively, lending each of these distance runners some sporting cred at an attractive price.
Executive Editor Andrew Bornhop joined me for a comparative romp on city streets, freeways, and mountain roads, plus a few weeks of commuting on each. At 6-foot-4, Bornhop provided insight into how well each bike is tailored for the big and tall, while several two-up rides with my girlfriend offered perspective from the pillion.
Interestingly, on the Cycle World dyno, Yamaha's 847cc inline triple produces a graph that could be a drop shadow of that of the more powerful Kawasaki 1,043cc inline-four. Both have linear horsepower plots and nearly flat torque curves across much of their 10,000-rpm rev range. The Versys holds a 10- to 15-horse advantage from 4,000 to 9,000 rpm with a similar boost in torque but spots the FJ (with $973.96 accessory side bags) 71 pounds, giving the Yamaha a discernible power-to-weight edge.
“This bike has spunk,” Bornhop remarked about the FJ-09. “The triple makes good power, and it feels always willing. Fueling, particularly at low speed, is way better than on our first-year FZ-09 long-term bike but not quite up to the smooth precision of the Kawasaki.” The Versys mill exhibits a liquid quality felt from the moment you release its light-effort slipper/assist clutch and glide away from a standstill. “Takeoffs are so easy,” remarked Bornhop, who added that the Kawasaki has a well-oiled precision in all of its controls.
The Kawasaki’s shift action is slick, whereas the Yamaha gearbox exhibits a positive, indexed feel when changing up or down through the gears. There’s a distinct difference in engine vibration as well. The triple emits a somewhat coarse vibe transmitted through the grips, which increases in intensity above 4,000 rpm. Thanks to rubber engine mounts and rubber-topped footrests, the Versys is notably smoother than its Z and Ninja 1000 stablemates, and it absolutely purrs like a kitten in the face of the growling FJ.
Both have selectable electronic ride modes, traction control (three levels on the Versys), and ABS. The FJ offers three throttle/power maps that can be switched on the fly. The STD map was our preference on dry roads, yielding full power output without the edgy response of the “A” map. Likewise, the Versys allows switching between Full and Low power maps while riding, though we found no need to do so, as “Full” provides superb throttle control.
While both bikes allow TC to be toggled off at a standstill, the only reason would be to unleash wheelie ability! Each demands a great deal of zeal to trigger TC while cornering on a grippy surface, even with the Versys set to its most sensitive level. With TC off, the FJ’s unfiltered engine response provides a spirited ride that’s very becoming of its light-mannered handling. “The FJ-09 is so much lighter than the Kawi, and it feels that way,” Bornhop enthused, adding that the Yamaha is more comfortable for taller riders because of its slightly greater seat-to-peg distance. He also praised the FJ-09 for its narrowness, its agility, and the “directness” of its controls.
While I agree, I find the Versys chassis feels more planted, bolstering rider confidence through flowing curves. This edge in stability, along with its superior cornering clearance, allowed the Versys to be pushed at a bit hotter pace through the twisties. Both bikes have neutral steering feel with very little tendency to stand up while trail braking into corners.
On the open road with suspension setting dialed for comfort, the larger Versys gets the nod. “It’s more dignified, more composed,” Bornhop said of the Kawi. “It’s like a mature horse, whereas the FJ-09 is a colt that can’t wait to run.” Backing that sentiment, my girlfriend found the Kawasaki’s spacious rear seat the more comfortable of the two, while the Versys also gets a unanimous vote for having the better windscreen and saddlebags, albeit ones that are significantly wider than those on the FJ. “If I were planning a long trip across the country or frequently rode very long distances, the Versys would win hands down,” Bornhop noted. “It has a more comfortable seat, better wind protection, and its engine feels more relaxed in all situations.”
While either of these jack-of-all-trades motorcycles provides the essentials for traveling, sport riding, or use as a daily mount, it comes down to one’s priorities. If less weight and ease of low-speed handling tops your list, the Yamaha FJ-09 is the one. If travel is at the forefront of your sport-touring needs—either through the mountains or over an interstate horizon—the choice is easy: the Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT.