When the Yamaha Raider Motorcycle is compared to the Victory Kingpin 8-Ball and Kawasaki Versys, the Yamaha Raider comes out on top. The Victory Kingpin 8-Ball is a black motorcycle with much style. It does trade some of its practicality for the great stylish look. The blackened Kingpin 8-Ball is set low with fins, black wheels and steering bar. The Kingpin 8-Ball looks like it could be in the movies since its black styling gives it much presence.

The 692 pound Kingpin 8-Ball is a big bike but not a monster. It can be handled on the road relatively easily for a few hours. The single rider does feel some windblast on their body and legs, which can feel as though it is pushing the rider's feet off the foot boards.

The seat is well padded but small. There is no passenger seat which means that all Kingpin 8-Ball riders go solo on their bike trips. There is also a noticeable lack of accessories for the Kingpin 8-Ball. Riders may want to carry a backpack since the bag that is available is small.

Also, dealer support for the bike not as prolific as it is for other motorcycles. Before you buy this bike, you will need to find a dealership for parts, maintenance and repair in your area or later, you may be kicking yourself when the nearest dealer is several hundred miles away and you can't ride your bike.

Kawasaki describes its Versys motorcycle as the "Jack of all trades". The name of Kawasaki's Versys is meant to represent two words: versatility and system. The name may point out the main problem with the Versys. The bike tries to be something to everyone and may lose some desirability in the effort. For instance, the look of the bike is like a cross between small sport bike and a larger motorcycle. The result is a shortened vehicle that looks like just a day tripper and not a long haul motorcycle.

The Kawasaki Versys weighs only 454 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight turns. The bike is not designed for off road trips and is more suited to rides in town instead. The thinly padded seat is placed 33.1 inches above the ground which may make it inaccessible to short legged riders. The thin seat can be uncomfortable to stay on for hours at a time. The small windshield is functional for the driver but the passenger will be subjected to windblast since the passenger sits well above the driver.

The Yamaha Raider motorcycle offers style, ease of use and practicality to its owners. The bike has a customized style that makes it appear that it is ready to blast off with its heavier front end with a high mounted gas tank and smaller back end with low profile rear tire.

The Yamaha Raider weight 792 pounds and is a comfortable ride from all aspects. It is a big bike with a powerful engine that revs to its owner's delight. The Raider is ready for rides in town and has some off road capabilities. The Raider can be used for long distance trips with its thickly padded seat with passenger room. Owners have a full line of accessories for customizing their bike. The Raider is customizable, powerful, useful in different situation when compared to the Kingpin 8-Ball and the Versys.