Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way
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Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

26.05.2022 /

That's why this mid-range enduro touring bike or, more accurately, touring sportbikes in some cases represents a price-performance compromise that's enough to ride perfectly together when you go on a longer ride. ... Therefore, this time too, we tried to assess as best as possible what it feels like when you are traveling alone or in pairs. Matevж and Mojca Korosec carefully recorded how they ride motorcycles and what they do when there are two of them. Is there enough room for the passenger, can she grip the handles, the seat and pedal position are at least as comfortable for her as for the driver, and last but not least, what about the aerodynamics in the back seat? When it comes to price, the real buying opportunities start here when you are willing to pay ten thousand for a new motorcycle.

Basically, however, the equipment is scarce, you won't believe it, the cheapest. BMW F 750 GSwhat is worth 9.700 euro... But the one we had in the test costs a whopping € 14.905 and if you look closely you can get the best motorcycle funding in our country. BMW has the most sophisticated offer here. Yamaha best price compromise, regular price 10.650 euro and the good price is why Tracer is so popular with us. To follow Honda VFR800X Crossrunners, which, in principle, does without suitcases and fog lights 12.690 eurobut when you equip it for travel, as we did during the test, that price ceases to be so competitive as you will have to deduct € 15.690 for the motorcycle. When we look at the price, we don't scratch behind the ear Triumph... That being said, we can thank the British for preparing an excellent package, as it Tiger 800 basically the most equipment and the most modern technical candies, and yours will be for 14.590 euro.

It also boasts solid hardware as standard. Ducati... The cheaper of the two Italian motor-aristocrats will set you back. 14.890 euro and thus are among the pure "dukatists". If it were not the most expensive, in our opinion, something would be wrong - of course, we say or MV Agusti Turismo Veloce 800... An artwork on two wheels costs money 17.490 eurov, but if you are looking for the best deals for this Italian beauty, it is worth looking at the event in Avto hiša Šubelj, where the only showroom of this prestigious motorcycle brand in our country is located.

Short trip or trip? Anyway!

This time we hit the road out of a desire to thoroughly test motorcycles on rural, winding roads. Therefore, after sharp turns, we went to the country of Martin Krpan and freshened up on Lake Blok, as well as through the famous turns leading through Rakitnoe, returned to the capital. We deliberately avoided rubble. After passing the joint tests, we all agreed that we did not need larger and more powerful motorcycles of this type on the road. Each of them has enough power as well as driving comfort. But we also found that they offer a lot for their money.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

For those looking for a rational motorcycle purchase, this segment is the right choice. Sure, big touring enduro bikes offer a bit more, more power, more torque, more comfort, even more accessories and electronics to help us out, but at least for the most part, a much lighter wallet. Just because we're talking middle class doesn't mean you can't travel the world on motorcycles if you want. Packed suitcases and gas. But they have one really big advantage over their older brothers. In this class, they all feature lighter handling, and none of the test drivers indicated that seat height was an obstacle. As such, they are less demanding to ride and therefore great for getting into motorcycle racing a little more seriously, even if you're new to two-wheel company.

Is there enough power?

They all boast good drivetrains, enough power for dynamic driving, and each engine differs from the other in its characteristics. Looking at the numbers, it is clear that Yamaha is the most powerful, as the excellent inline-three is capable of 115 horsepower with a constant power curve and good torque. It is followed by Ducati, which squeezes 113 "horsepower" from the only twin-cylinder with L-shaped cylinders in the test, and at 96,2 Nm of torque no one will complain about acceleration. The only complaint was a bit rough work and vibration at maximum load. The third, however, even though it hits with fantastic sports sound the moment you go through with it, is the 110-horsepower MV Agusta. This beast is not for everyone. Firecracker for experienced motorcyclists who know how to master a sports bike. However, it is also the most demanding and, despite its capabilities, received the lowest score due to its wild nature. There was also some vibration under load. Basically, it's a lightweight upright superbike.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

That power is more than just a number on paper has been convincingly proven by Triumph and BMW. The GS received the highest ratings, although it only has 77 "horses" which are the most useful and cultivated. The 853 cubic foot twin-cylinder engine has a continuous power curve throughout the rev range and 83 Nm of torque (putting it in third place). Well, the Akrapovic exhaust system definitely contributed something, which helps the engine breathe better and increases usable power and torque where the driver needs it. We were also very impressed with Triumph's inline-three, which has everything you need for an enjoyable and dynamic ride, although it can handle 95 "horsepower" it has a good gearbox and no annoying vibrations. Honda has basically left us even warm with its V4 engine. Regardless, VTEC technology is great, but the three-cylinder engine proved to be more usable power and, above all, better torque. Nevertheless, the smile will be wide when all 107 "horses" are released.

Driving performance and comfort

In running, MV Agusta was the most impressive, scoring just one point less than the maximum number of points. It convinces with its directional stability, cornering stability, agility and fun. She lost one point in weight. With a minimal lead of one point, it is followed by BMW, which is a big surprise. On paper, or even when you look at it, you don't see it, but in practice it looks like you can dynamically start from corners with a lot of confidence. The only one that came close to being number one in performance was Yamaha. The reason why she is not the first in this field is that she has received a very good rating everywhere, only excellent in terms of entertainment.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

The other three are very similar to each other, but Honda excelled in stability when shifting from corner to corner, losing points due to the factor of pleasure and agility. The Triumph convinced us of its agility, weight and agility, and its highly comfort-oriented suspension paid for it with a small loss in speed and cornering stability. We gave Ducati the most points in terms of driving pleasure; it lost directional stability, maneuverability and weight.

While they say that each eye has its own artist, we of course also appreciated where they put more effort into creating the image. Here we paid attention to detail, thoughtfulness of design and quality of workmanship. Ducati, Triumph and MV Agusta were the most convincing and proved that European manufacturers are in the top position in this class, followed by BMW and both Japanese representatives.

In terms of comfort, we can say that everyone was pleasantly surprised, and in terms of its sporting philosophy, MV Agusta stood out the most, losing the most points here. The most comfortable were Triumph and Yamaha. BMW could have competed with them, but lost a point in wind protection. We only awarded Ducati and Honda one point less. Honda lost because of a somehow unsuccessful driving position (knees high and forward), and Ducati, due to its somewhat wild nature, pretty tired the driver and passenger. But the differences here are small, if you are, say, smaller in stature, MV Agusta will look like a cast, and for anyone over 180 centimeters tall, there will be more comfort on the rest.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

The most motorcycle for the money

As we mentioned in the introduction, this class is very interesting in terms of price. And when you add up the cost of maintenance, fuel consumption and the sales and service network, the picture becomes clearer. We put the Yamaha Tracer 900 in first place. We have two bikes in second place, followed by the BMW F 750 GS and the Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, narrowly behind Yamaha. To make it easier to distinguish between the two, we can also say that Triumph wins in terms of comfort and long-distance suitability, while BMW wins in terms of performance and agility. It was also close between Ducati and Honda. The Multistrada received a slightly better rating and scored where we rated power and driving fun, and the Honda in terms of value and wind protection. As a result, we were left with MV Agusta Turismo Veloce. Compared to others, he lost the most in the cost of work and comfort. However, if this is not an essential argument for your decision, it can achieve the highest scores in terms of appearance, entertainment, performance and equipment.

Comparison of medium-sized enduro motorcycles

Matevž and Mojca Koroshec

Just a few years ago, when I was asked if this class of motorcycle was powerful enough for a dynamic ride for two, I answered no. It would have been so many years ago, but today the picture is completely different. BMW also proves in this class that everything is clear to them. The F 750 GS is light, clear and energetic, playful. So much so that I recommend it to everyone. The problem with the Bavarian usually arises when we look at the price list and start compiling it according to our wishes. The Ducati price list says that this is the weakest option in this case, but 113 “horses” is a lot. If Ducati also signs under them, this is a real guarantee that they are thoroughbreds. And if I add to that that the rear passenger is well taken care of, you can't miss this bolognese.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

Crossrunner is a typical representative of the Japanese school. A force corrected bike as expected from Honda overall with a comfortable but still too flexed position for both knees on both seats, good finishes and an engine that hides two characters. A bit too quiet in the low to mid range and the one you need all the time at higher revs when the VTEC comes alive and breathes all 16 valves. Turismo Veloce is a misleading name! So on MV Agusta 'Turismo' you'd better ignore it and focus only on 'Veloce' (fast). The seat is aggressively upright, sure to impress those who would like or need to transition from supermoto to touring enduro on 800cc paper, but you can easily write the number 1000 on the fuel tank and no. one would mochilo. A separate seat for the passenger is also commendable.

The tiger is a wild cat, but the one that also sounds like the name Triumph is simply aristocratically smooth. For those who are looking for a motorcycle for comfortable “cruising” for two, advanced yet predictable technology, eschews off-the-shelf products and knows how to appreciate the heritage that this brand carries, this will be the right choice. . You will have to take into account some little things, for example, poor heat dissipation or heat retention by the motor unit in the leg area, but true fans of such products will still not pay much attention to this. Still haven't found your favorite? Then yours might be the last one. When it comes to value for money, performance, comfort and driving pleasure, it is second to none. Yamaha did well with the Tracer, no doubt about it! However, something else needs to be mentioned. The Tracer is not only a good "package" that will serve you well, but with its three-valve engine, it gives you something that is a rarity, not a rule, on Japanese motorcycles. And this is character and soul.

I dare to finish

I started a one-day enduro test in Notransk with the MV Augusta, which pleasantly surprised me with its high power and, as a result, good acceleration, but the vibration of the motorcycle worried me. I wouldn't class the Ducati as an enduro bike for its ride quality, but I was impressed by its looks. In the Triumph, I would like to point out that it transfers power evenly across all rev ranges, which is made possible by the three-cylinder engine. This is very pleasant for the driver, as driving is less tiring as a result. Honda mainly impresses with its appearance, it is also difficult to highlight any serious negative features. In terms of price, though, I would highlight Yamaha as you get the top price at the time of purchase. Most of all I was struck by BMW, which differed from competitors in terms of driving characteristics. However, I believe that extra power can come in handy when riding with a passenger.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

Petr Kavchich

When I consider the Euro, which is, at least in my opinion, one of the most important arguments here, and when I think about what each of the bikes has to offer, Yamaha is the most compelling. It is not perfect, but for the money it is excellent, as evidenced by the excellent sales figures in our country and in other European markets. I can only congratulate Yamaha for building this sporty travel hybrid based on the MT09 engine. I would put Triumph in second place. The Tiger 800 convinced me with its comfort and versatile three-cylinder engine as well as the sheer amount of standard equipment. I would put the Ducati very close to it, which is incredibly similar to the more powerful version of the Multistrade in terms of character and performance.

The BMW F 750 GS is in fourth place for me, although I could also have won. But predictability and correctness of driving, unpretentiousness and good torque, as well as surprisingly good brakes did not overcome the feeling that they did not put enough effort into the details and "makeup" of the engine. What’s more, I don’t forgive him for a well-functioning but seemingly outdated and inconspicuous front fork that seemingly put him in a cheaper class. Turismo Veloce is an MV Agusta in every sense of the word, worth every look you throw at it and it's a feast for the eyes. However, I wouldn't have one for every day, because I would probably get poorer from all the speeding tickets. It just constantly invites you into the intoxication of speed. The Honda Crossrunner is a super proper bike, comfortable for two, powerful enough and with maximum wind protection, but without major modern improvements, it ended up on my list at the end. I can't blame her for anything in particular, but nowhere did she shine bright enough to impress me. Of course, this does not mean that I would not have it in the garage. If I were looking for a motorcycle for long trips, for many kilometers, I would be convinced by the notorious reliability, versatility of use at a good price and comfort.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

Matyaj Tomajic

Unlike the larger models in this class that we've compared to each other before, there's a bit less difference between the bikes in the mid-range category. A three-cylinder engine from Yamaha, Triumph and MV Agusto was raced in this comparison test. The most noble and convincing three-cylinder engine comes from Italy, the Japanese are very determined, and the English are traditionally refined. The roar of the twin-cylinder engine in the Multistrada is typical of Ducati and I personally find it the most convincing of the group. BMW is still the best master in terms of flexibility throughout the rev range, but I remain convinced that the more powerful version of this engine (F850 GS) will impress me much more.

The Honda V4 is great, but it requires more spin than the rest for fast movements. There is no shortage of comfort and space in this category of touring enduro bikes either, only in Yamaha I was confused by the proximity of the driver and passenger pedals. When it comes to comfort, Honda would stand out best in this group in a positive way, mainly thanks to its plentiful wind deflector system that does not fail even at the highest speeds. And for some reason we return to the fact that winners and losers are determined not by their mistakes and advantages, but, first of all, by what kind of motorcyclist you are. If you like to travel far, BMW, Triumph and Honda are the best options. Here are Italians for "lipstick" and "print". Yamaha can do it all, just don't be too picky. The beautiful MV Agusta and the slightly less beautiful but rugged Ducati fascinated me the most with their perfect chassis and sportiness. The difference in price, performance and agility of the two-cylinder engine speaks in Ducati's favor. For the soul, however, I would definitely choose MV Agusto.

David Stropnik

For example, the big Triumph Tiger is a nearly perfect bike in my eyes, and the smaller 800cc XRT doesn't quite fit it. Aggregate characteristics and ride quality are also excellent here, but some little things, such as swelling of the plastic edge into the knee and “warming up” of the tubular frame, are annoying. The same can be said for the smaller Multistrado 950 touring, which is also very hot, but above all too wide for this size (volume) and with unpleasant vibrations at high speeds. The BMW F 750 GS, despite being a completely different inline-twin engine design from the 1200cc R GS, shares no flaws with its big brother. Of course, it has a less adventurous image, as well as a high price for which it offers a lot. The exact opposite of this is the MV August 800 Turismo Veloce.

Comparison test: Honda VRF800X Crossruner, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 800 XRT, BMW F 750 GS, Yamaha Tracer 900 // The middle way is the best way

A visually fantastic bike with extremely attractive components, from the drivetrain to the brakes, but it looks like manufacturers would never get on it. The riding position is, to put it mildly, uncomfortable for my height (especially the seat and handlebars) and for its price the motorcycle has too many drawbacks and drawbacks. In that regard, it turns out to be the Yamaha 900 Tracer, which seems to offer the most for its money and cannot be blamed for anything other than perhaps the suspension. But the truth is, for most riders of this type of motorcycle, it won't get in the way. The same can be said for the Hondo VFR 800 Crossrunner, which is a versatile and driver-friendly passenger with a convincing sound, but somehow doesn't give off an SUV feel.

Milan Fire

Each in his own way left a mark on me, and together we drew it during the day. At the last stop, we flirted with the chosen company and knew that there would be an interesting discussion of what someone sees and how everyone evaluates the information collected and the sensations that we record. Due to the look and playfulness that MV Avgusta made on the first impression, it distracted almost many people from the professional path, I also caught myself and saw how she seduced me for a moment with her charms. After careful consideration, review of notes, and when the mind puts everything in its place, you will come to the final picture that I painted today: Yamaha Tracer 900 is an advanced and improved engine. It is very convenient for both everyday use and for long trips on any surface. It boasts a pleasant appearance. It offers all the pleasure and comfort required by the modern driver. He placed BMW in second place, followed by MV Agusta, Triumph, Honda and Ducati.

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