We had a Versys 1000 and my misses hated it. We dropped the versus a few times, crap suspension and top heavy. We swapped for a S1000XR and we love it. So much better.
Love these pillion reviews! I have a 2015 Versys - bought it when I was a pretty green rider for 2 up. My other bike is a 2018 Street Triple RS and when I'm on the Versys I just wanna be on the Street Triple. Totally agree with the reviews as the Versys feels more like a Buick with a big engine. Super comfortable, and doesn't feel as happy when pushing or railing the corners. My wife even prefers to ride 2 up on the Triumph for the sporty riding we prefer - although we don't tour on it. Last week I rented a BMW XR for a 2up tour after a short demo ride. This was soooooo much more our jam. We loved it! Just going to take a Multistrada for a spin to see if that gives the bimmer a run for it's money. I think that is more an apples to apples comparison, so hope to hear John and Helen's review in the future!!
@@bucephulus4600 Got the XR and I love it. The Multistrada I road had some issues and I was already smitten with the XR so prolly wouldn't have been swayed anyway.
Good to see a pillion review. Got a Tiger 1050 and do lots of riding with wife on the back, she insists on top box, we did road trip round Belgium earlier in the year. Have thought that BMW was probably the next bike for me but was disappointed with fuelling, I fact although my Tiger is 10 years old in feels all round better then the Beemer
I've got the high "comfort" seat from bmw as an extra. Can't comment on the stock seat as I've never ridden with it but the seat I have is very good. My partner however (not much junk in her trunk) doesn't find it comfortable for all day riding. Easily remedied with an airhawk.
Loving the pillion reviews! It's hard to find reviews like these. My wife wants a big tourer and that's not really what i'm looking for myself. Is there any chance you could do a pillion review on the kawasaki concours 14? Thanks again! Great job!
XR was the go to for me had I not bought my 20 H2 SX SE. The 1000XR is a great bike however I am very happy w the route I went as I do little two up riding, for the days the wife wants to hop on back which is rare due to past MVA and messed up back and shoulder area, the collector 96 ZX11 w backrest works out perfect:) and she scoots along damn fine as well
What a great few videos of the XR. I have had two, still going strong, currently live in Germany but return home to March next year, would love to hook up.
This may come down to rider/pillion preference: why does she use the grab rails rather than holding onto your hips/waist when on the back? When I was growing up, I always found using the grab rails wasn’t as secure feeling as holding onto the rider.
I ended up getting the new KTM Super Adventure S over this, love the 1290 V-twin, power and torque everywhere. My wife liked the passenger seat a little more as well. This bike was a close 2nd but was not a fan of the primer grey color that they had at the dealership...
BIG 👍 UP! The pillions perspective it fab. As Mark below says can you please do a comparison between the S1000XR / Duke Mult 1200/950 and Kwaker V1K SE! Thanks
Why do they put pillion seats in the clouds ? My wife doesn't like bikes with high pillion seats. After I recently passed my "A" test, I bought a modern classic Triumph with a nice flattish seat. She finds this pretty good. It wasn't the only reason for getting the Triumph, but it was one of them. With a high pillion seat I guess there is the possibility of more suspension travel, and the pillion can possibly see over the riders head. Then there are the disadvantages. The extra pillion weight higher up affecting handling in corners and getting on and off the thing. Some of them almost need a step ladder !
Congratulations on your purchase!. A T100 is definately a bike I'd love to own one day. I think that the more you ride and share time together on the bike will tell you what is great and what you missing, for instance if you have it for short trips, I'm sure does the job but don't discard bigger bikes and more capable engines, just because of the seat, there are many great bikes with great seats, try other bikes with her if you can.
I really like the xr, and woukd choose it over a versys (which I also rate highly) but whenever I watch reviews particularly comparing xr to versys, it's as if the reviewers are trying desperately hard to convince themselves that the more sophisticated /faster /fashionable bike (xr) is what they prefer.
ruclips.net/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/видео.html Try this one then, as I got accused of desperately trying to convince myself it was the Versys that was better. Spoiler alert, they're both different bikes. John
@Graham We only did it once, and that was because every time I posted a video about the Versys, loads of people would say 'why have that when you could have an XR?' I was all set to buy the Versys after having it for a year, but then after testing the XR I bought one of them instead. Here's why: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/long-term-test-bikes/kawasaki-long-term-test-bikes/kawasaki-versys-1000-2019-six-months-later-long-term-review
Its a old video,i don't know if you will answer but i have a question: would you recomend this for euro trips with a pillion and bags, 1000km+ days if you maybe have a better seat on it?
Yes, and that was my intention until I chopped it in for a GS, which my wife finds comfier, and that isn't quite as tall for me. I do miss the noise and attitude of this though. Cheers, John
Thanks for this! I am looking for a bike for riding with a passenger, around Europe, also doing some light off-roading. Any advice regarding what to look for? Thanks!
Great review, just picked up a Triple Black S1000XR myself, in part thanks to your reviews! What top box is that, is it the BMW 49L "Large Top Case"? Thanks!
Thanks and excellent choice! Sorry, I couldn't tell you what box it was besides it being a BMW one. We did buy an S1000XR in the end too (also a Triple Black), but I've got Givi Trekker luggage on it, which I've used on a few machines before. I don't think it was the 49L though as it didn't seem that big. Can't promise though, sorry! John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-luggage/tested-givi-trekker-motorcycle-luggage-review
Thanks! Sorry, I'm not sure what size that box was as we borrowed it at the last minute from Sycamore BMW (formerly Balderstone). Now we've bought one, we have a Givi Trekker top box one, which takes 52 litres. Cheers, John
Ha! No - that's just the workshop tag that was on the key when Balderston BMW lent us the box. It wasn't keyed to the bike so I didn't want to take the tag off and lose the key. Then I forgot to take it out for the video (and Helen moved after I set the phone up on the tripod, so I wasn't monitoring it while we chatted). John
Well, I sold my MT-10 to buy the S1000XR. The Yamaha is an awesome bike, but the S1000XR is just a better at everything for me. Definitely. a bike I'd prefer to go long distances on, and great for fast rides on twisting roads. John
It's the tag on the top box key as we borrowed the box from Sycamore BMW - the loan bike didn't come with one, but my wife prefers to be pillion with something to lean on. John
Chukky aka Ian 🤣 And much slower than the XR If someone had a superbike before and want a do it all bike buy the S1000 XR 🏁🏁👌🏼 much more fun also with two up riding.
You can watch the comparison with the Versys 1000 here: ruclips.net/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/видео.html&lc=Ugzsggr7OcpL0pcRzZN4AaABAg
This is great. Pillion comfort so often ignored but makes a massive difference to how useful a bike is to many of us.
Thanks, appreciate the pillion reviews, I do all my riding 2 up but from most reviewers you'd think no-one does.
We had a Versys 1000 and my misses hated it. We dropped the versus a few times, crap suspension and top heavy. We swapped for a S1000XR and we love it. So much better.
I really liked that you are touching this topic, very few motorcycle channels cover this... Thank you
These reviews are so useful. My wife is quite tall and the staggered seat heights are a real pain for us.
Love these pillion reviews! I have a 2015 Versys - bought it when I was a pretty green rider for 2 up. My other bike is a 2018 Street Triple RS and when I'm on the Versys I just wanna be on the Street Triple. Totally agree with the reviews as the Versys feels more like a Buick with a big engine. Super comfortable, and doesn't feel as happy when pushing or railing the corners. My wife even prefers to ride 2 up on the Triumph for the sporty riding we prefer - although we don't tour on it. Last week I rented a BMW XR for a 2up tour after a short demo ride. This was soooooo much more our jam. We loved it! Just going to take a Multistrada for a spin to see if that gives the bimmer a run for it's money. I think that is more an apples to apples comparison, so hope to hear John and Helen's review in the future!!
Which way did you end up going?
@@bucephulus4600 Got the XR and I love it. The Multistrada I road had some issues and I was already smitten with the XR so prolly wouldn't have been swayed anyway.
Enjoy your videos very much made me go out and buy a learner bike
She said it’s not as comfortable as the other bike but the performance, curb appeal, and badging made a difference!
Good to see a pillion review. Got a Tiger 1050 and do lots of riding with wife on the back, she insists on top box, we did road trip round Belgium earlier in the year. Have thought that BMW was probably the next bike for me but was disappointed with fuelling, I fact although my Tiger is 10 years old in feels all round better then the Beemer
Excellent review, the pillion perspective is very helpful; thank you.
Please do the same on a Ducati Multistrada.
Great video! I know they are very different but would love to see a comparison between the XR and the 1250 GS.
I really enjoy watching your video. Do keep up with doing review for pillion point of view. I hope to see more pillion review from different bike.
Nice review. I hope you'll put a pillions perspective on every bike you do even if it's not a tourer. Cheers from Melbourne.
I've got the high "comfort" seat from bmw as an extra. Can't comment on the stock seat as I've never ridden with it but the seat I have is very good. My partner however (not much junk in her trunk) doesn't find it comfortable for all day riding. Easily remedied with an airhawk.
This is a good perspective. Enjoyable show.
Thank you for the pillion review,very helpful.
Great pillion review 👌 I think the XR gives you the best of both worlds, wear as the Versys is great for comfy touring and that’s that. 👍🏍
Loving the pillion reviews! It's hard to find reviews like these. My wife wants a big tourer and that's not really what i'm looking for myself. Is there any chance you could do a pillion review on the kawasaki concours 14? Thanks again! Great job!
Thanks for the view on the pillion would love to see one on the bmw r1200 gs from a pillions view.
XR was the go to for me had I not bought my 20 H2 SX SE. The 1000XR is a great bike however I am very happy w the route I went as I do little two up riding, for the days the wife wants to hop on back which is rare due to past MVA and messed up back and shoulder area, the collector 96 ZX11 w backrest works out perfect:) and she scoots along damn fine as well
Supurb bike also for two up riding 👌🏼🏁 Nice review 👍🏽
What a great few videos of the XR. I have had two, still going strong, currently live in Germany but return home to March next year, would love to hook up.
This may come down to rider/pillion preference: why does she use the grab rails rather than holding onto your hips/waist when on the back? When I was growing up, I always found using the grab rails wasn’t as secure feeling as holding onto the rider.
I ended up getting the new KTM Super Adventure S over this, love the 1290 V-twin, power and torque everywhere. My wife liked the passenger seat a little more as well. This bike was a close 2nd but was not a fan of the primer grey color that they had at the dealership...
BIG 👍 UP! The pillions perspective it fab. As Mark below says can you please do a comparison between the S1000XR / Duke Mult 1200/950 and Kwaker V1K SE! Thanks
What about a review halfway in between power Z1000SX?
Great vid mate 👍🏍
Thanks!
What top case is that? Is the backrest comfortable for her? sorry if these were answered in the video
Can someone tell me what make is the versas that keeps getting mentioned
It was a Kawasaki Versys 1000 that John ran as a long term test bike. ruclips.net/video/SbOeBi9sq9s/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Why do they put pillion seats in the clouds ? My wife doesn't like bikes with high pillion seats. After I recently passed my "A" test, I bought a modern classic Triumph with a nice flattish seat. She finds this pretty good. It wasn't the only reason for getting the Triumph, but it was one of them.
With a high pillion seat I guess there is the possibility of more suspension travel, and the pillion can possibly see over the riders head. Then there are the disadvantages. The extra pillion weight higher up affecting handling in corners and getting on and off the thing. Some of them almost need a step ladder !
Congratulations on your purchase!. A T100 is definately a bike I'd love to own one day. I think that the more you ride and share time together on the bike will tell you what is great and what you missing, for instance if you have it for short trips, I'm sure does the job but don't discard bigger bikes and more capable engines, just because of the seat, there are many great bikes with great seats, try other bikes with her if you can.
@@Chijousaikyo I actually got a Speed Twin :) (not the biggest seat in Triumph's Modern Classics, but big enough )
@@karlosh9286 Fantastic Bike, I'm sure you will enjoy it very much. Ride safe and don't forget to use protective gear at all times. Cheers
@@Chijousaikyo cheers :)
This vs 1250RS?
I really like the xr, and woukd choose it over a versys (which I also rate highly) but whenever I watch reviews particularly comparing xr to versys, it's as if the reviewers are trying desperately hard to convince themselves that the more sophisticated /faster /fashionable bike (xr) is what they prefer.
ruclips.net/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/видео.html Try this one then, as I got accused of desperately trying to convince myself it was the Versys that was better. Spoiler alert, they're both different bikes. John
@@bennettsbikesocial thank you, Yea I know they are, but it's you guys who are always comparing them. Still love the videos though.
@Graham We only did it once, and that was because every time I posted a video about the Versys, loads of people would say 'why have that when you could have an XR?' I was all set to buy the Versys after having it for a year, but then after testing the XR I bought one of them instead. Here's why: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/long-term-test-bikes/kawasaki-long-term-test-bikes/kawasaki-versys-1000-2019-six-months-later-long-term-review
Its a old video,i don't know if you will answer but i have a question: would you recomend this for euro trips with a pillion and bags, 1000km+ days if you maybe have a better seat on it?
Yes, and that was my intention until I chopped it in for a GS, which my wife finds comfier, and that isn't quite as tall for me. I do miss the noise and attitude of this though. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial thank you mate!
Thanks for this! I am looking for a bike for riding with a passenger, around Europe, also doing some light off-roading. Any advice regarding what to look for? Thanks!
Super helpful!
Made me laugh at the end, I started a RUclips channel about motorbikes and it’s really harder than you think to film yourself 😂
Great review, just picked up a Triple Black S1000XR myself, in part thanks to your reviews! What top box is that, is it the BMW 49L "Large Top Case"? Thanks!
Thanks and excellent choice! Sorry, I couldn't tell you what box it was besides it being a BMW one. We did buy an S1000XR in the end too (also a Triple Black), but I've got Givi Trekker luggage on it, which I've used on a few machines before. I don't think it was the 49L though as it didn't seem that big. Can't promise though, sorry! John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-luggage/tested-givi-trekker-motorcycle-luggage-review
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks for the reply!
Good review of the bike ,just wandering what size capacity of the top box? Thanks
Thanks! Sorry, I'm not sure what size that box was as we borrowed it at the last minute from Sycamore BMW (formerly Balderstone). Now we've bought one, we have a Givi Trekker top box one, which takes 52 litres. Cheers, John
Have you done k1600 2up review? Would love to see how would you 2 would compare the experience to s1000xr.
Not yet, but will aim to do one. Cheers! John
Great review, as ever, random question, is that the price tag dangling off the top box?
Ha! No - that's just the workshop tag that was on the key when Balderston BMW lent us the box. It wasn't keyed to the bike so I didn't want to take the tag off and lose the key. Then I forgot to take it out for the video (and Helen moved after I set the phone up on the tripod, so I wasn't monitoring it while we chatted). John
Try an XR with the HP seat on, far more comfortable and much nicer for a pillion.
I can only assume this is a 2020 model ?
It's a 2019 model - the video was posted 12 Aug 2019. I did buy one.
Is it better than the MT-10 from a pillion point of view?
Oh yes, without a doubt! John
Bennetts Bike but from a drivers point of view ? For mountain and long drives ?
Well, I sold my MT-10 to buy the S1000XR. The Yamaha is an awesome bike, but the S1000XR is just a better at everything for me. Definitely. a bike I'd prefer to go long distances on, and great for fast rides on twisting roads. John
A bit showy offy, dont you just love it!
How tall are you?
5'10"
Just confirmed my teachers remark that I'm easily distracted.
Is that a label or leaf waffing about under top box.
It's the tag on the top box key as we borrowed the box from Sycamore BMW - the loan bike didn't come with one, but my wife prefers to be pillion with something to lean on. John
Thanks for the video! Hi John how much tall you are? Your inseam? Thanks!
Hiya... I'm 5'10" with a 32" inside leg. Sorry - I do normally say in the video.
Dude, let her talk.
Dude your girl is cool, you should marry her!
She is definitely the pretty one in this family, no? ;)
From 16600 Euro......
Get a GS, so much more comfortable than both of them😆
Chukky aka Ian 🤣 And much slower than the XR If someone had a superbike before and want a do it all bike buy the S1000 XR 🏁🏁👌🏼 much more fun also with two up riding.
You're both crazy! The K1600 is IT.
@@user-cx2bk6pm2f 😂😂Great bike but, if i wanna relax i sit on my sofa at home. Not on a sofa with 2 wheels.