"best value option"
Says a lot, it also doesn't say a lot.
3 grand price difference on base models, then with the packages on the BMW the gap likely sky rockets.
Value, duh.
Value is relative, really. If you got the cash to spare, the better bike is the better bike. If it's a stretch, then sometimes the cheaper bike is more than enough. Value also depends heavily on the actual OTD price offered, though Ride is pretty detailed and breaks down service costs, insurance, consumables, etc when looking at total operating costs.
I'm just passing on what these testers said, as I haven't spent time on either bike. They were very much coming down on the touring side of sport-touring in their priorities.
Breaking down their comparison, they surprisingly gave the Engine a slight edge to the Versys (easier midrange, , better low-rpm roll-on, less need to rev, and less buzzy, though the XR has way, way more power) and unsurprisingly ranked the Versys much better for Distance (better seat, better wind protection, better mileage). Standard equipment went to the Versys only because it was so much cheaper with all the boxes ticked, otherwise the fully loaded versions of each come pretty much with the same features barring the ESA option on the Beemer. Handling was split, with the XR getting the nod for spirited riding in the bends on smooth tarmac, and the Versys getting credit for being smooth and balanced, and better over rougher roads. The XR got credit for being 30 kg lighter here.
Purchase cost went to the Versys for obvious reasons, though BMW in the UK apparently offer some excellent financing options that narrows the gap somewhat. Running costs again went to the Kawi, with similar 4-yr depreciation, cheaper insurance, longer service intervals (valves being almost double), and cheaper major service. The only spot the XR was cheaper was a lower minor service cost. Worked out over three years and 15,000 miles (not km, they're British), it came to a fairly close 71.1p/mile for the Kawasaki and 77.5p/mile for the BMW.
Ultimately, the result comes down to what the testers rated as important. It's obvious from the above, they wanted a comfy touring bike that could do a bit of sporty riding, not a sportbike that was relatively comfy. It's also extremely detailed on running costs, but all using Brit data, so not directly comparable. They really highlight how you can get a fully loaded Versys for slightly less than a base XR, saying that compensates for the less sexy bike and smaller TFT dash. It's a nerdy spendthrift approach with a heavy emphasis on the practical, not on the passion...
