Comparison test: seven big touring enduro motorcycles 2018 (video)
Content
It is written: Petr Kavchich
a photo: Petr Kavcic, Marko Vovk, Matevz Hribar
video: Matevj Hribar
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Although we didn't get very far, in our comparison test we drove to the sieve, both on paved roads and on gravel. If you're still not sure if you can go on a motorcycle adventure at home, head to the country of Peter Klepek, where you will be welcomed with open arms and a warm smile. The bitter aftertaste on Kolpa will leave in your heart only a view of miles and miles of wire fence that serves itself and is a memory of paranoia and narrow-mindedness. But let's leave politics ... I have traveled a lot in Africa in my travels and you know where people are few, I felt the greatest hospitality and last but not least, it will not change much even if you travel through the Balkans to the East.
If this is not enough for you and you want to try the sand and mud under the wheels, I suggest you go to Kochevye deep into the local forests with a full tank of fuel and a little water as a reserve. If you spend less than an hour away from the lights of the city or the nearest village at night in the middle of the forest, you will only see black darkness, you will understand where the name comes from. Nomadic horn... Because it's dark here, as in the corner!
Under the guidance of a local resident, our former employee at the Auto store Marko Vovk, we safely crossed the labyrinth of rubble roads to the Kozac forest hut, which was equipped for everyone who wants a real blackout. No electricity, no telephone service. There is no running water, you can quench your thirst and wash yourself from a well next to a hut named after our second largest owl named Kazak, which reigns in these forests at night. We slept in the hay, wrapped in sleeping bags that we had to take with us. And there, far from everything that seems to us for granted, is your world. A natural world, a world where big ego is punished and obscenity doesn't pay off. In such large forests, you learn humility just like in the middle of the desert, because in an instant you realize how small you are and that there is someone stronger and greater in the forest than you. We did not meet a bear and a wolf, which are the largest predators in these forests, but, undoubtedly, we felt a kind of presence, as we talked about them all the time and were happy. Anyone looking to feel disconnected from all modern electronics and experience genuine contact with nature can also rent a Kozac hut or try their hand at family or business team building prepared by Marco and his team. When he is not in the depths of the forest, he can be contacted by phone. 041 / 884-922... I highly recommend!
Feel free to travel around Kolpa and Kochevsky Horn on the most modern motorcycles.
An experienced rider once told me in an enduro race, “You know, you have to be brave for enduro,” and you really need to get up the courage to ride a bike like ours on a big comparison test that weighs over 200 pounds. ., you drive off the asphalt towards adventure.
Choosing motorcycles, we tried to get almost everything new and relevant on the market at the moment. There were simply not enough of them Kawasaki Versis 1000which is already more like a sports travel model, and For Yamaha XT 1200 Z Ténéré, which for a long time practically did not change on the market.
Of course, the first and probably the most important question we asked ourselves and everyone who knew we were doing this comparison test was: is the BMW R 1200 GS the best? In terms of sales at home and abroad, it is the undisputed king of the class, but the competition has not stopped, so we were able to see an interesting showdown.
It's interesting how each manufacturer stakes on their trump cards, so in the end you can't say that any of the test bikes are bad or that they really have a big flaw. In fact, we have as many choices as we have ever had. This is noticeable only if you look at the prices. The Suzuki is half the price of the BMW Adventure, so it's not half as bad or twice as good as a BMW. As for the engine, Triumph stood out, the only one with a three-cylinder engine, so it gives incredibly smooth power, not to mention a fantastic and specific sound. The rest have two cylinders, of course the BMW boxer, where each cylinder protrudes to the side and, in addition to sound, torque and a very useful power curve, also gives it a recognizable appearance. Suzuki and KTM have classic V-twin engines, while Ducati uses an L-twin. Honda is the only company to use an inline two-cylinder engine in this class. When we tested in the heat of the summer, we also noticed some warming between the driver's legs in the V-engines, with the Ducati warming up the most.
Playing horses, torque and power curves
First of all, I should note that all rear wheel slip control systems and one has more, the other is less rich or successful adjustment of the engine power delivery with various modes of dialing using the buttons on the steering wheel. So, despite the rich "cavalry", they will take care of safety! When we headed towards Rybnitsa, it quickly became clear on the track who was stronger. KTM (160 horsepower) and Ducati (158 horsepower) are the kings of motor power, and anyone who says that this is still too little is either ripe for the race track or needs a sports bike. They are followed by the Triumph with 139 horsepower, then both BMWs with 125 horsepower, plus just under two horsepower added by the Akrapovic muffler they were equipped with. Then, well, then nothing. Suzuki can produce a modest 101 horses on paper, while Honda can produce an even smaller 95 horses. Is this enough at all?
Yes, none of the test drivers complained that they had to make any special effort to follow the rhythm of the group or overtake the convoy of cars. It was only when we tested these still safe limits in dynamic driving in one section that Suzuki and Honda began to show signs that their breathing was slowing down in long, very fast uphill turns. Otherwise, we as a group have always had enough power and torque to enjoy a smooth, leisurely ride as you get stuck in fifth or sixth gear and just enjoy the corners. Even when we were picking up the pace and being a fast biker group.
Perhaps a note on the area. On soil such as crushed stone, more than 70 "horsepower" is great and usually results in an uncontrolled and oversteering of the rear wheel to neutral. So there is enough power for the rubble on each of these bikes. And they all have good rear wheel slip control systems. So it's safe or pleasant when you turn off all the restrictions offered by the electronics. The discussion about how many "horses" will be enough on the field would be relevant only if we went to the Sahara or Atacama and there, on the endless plains at a speed of 200 km / h, squeezed into the sand. But nobody does that, especially when you go on a trip on a big enduro bike and a pile of luggage on a motorcycle. Then the priorities are different than in the race.
Interesting were our overall ratings, which determine the number of points in the transmission, which, in addition to power, also determine how much we liked the nature of the transmission, how the transmission works and whether disturbing vibrations occur. That they totally wowed BMW is confirmed by the fact that they only ran out of points by one point, only one less, followed by Triumph and then a little surprise, Suzuki and KTM, although the latter is the strongest (but also the most demanding). and with a little vibration and a gearbox that could shift to a softer shade). Honda and Ducati, in their own way, earned three points less. Honda, since it doesn't fly like the others and Ducati didn't wonder if there was enough power, we lacked a little more power and less vibration.
How do they ride?
These are big bikes, no doubt about it, and if you are having trouble doing it due to lack of experience or too short legs, it should be noted that sometimes it can be a problem to turn in place. When it is necessary to move slowly, planted from 235 kilograms (the lightest Ducati Multistrada) to 263 kilograms (the heaviest BMW R 1200 GS Adventure), in case of negligence or poor assessment of the situation, the motorcycle can quickly go off the ground. These masses are, of course, ready to ride on fuel and motorcycles.
What are the lightest and least demanding driving, if you are not quite tall, was shown by our Primoz Yurman, who drove the most relaxed Suzuki and Multistrado, and only the BMW R 1200 GS Rally was on the verge of acceptable for him then. All motorcycles allow you to raise or lower the seats. However, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports (due to its height) and the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (due to their weight and bulky dimensions) are the ones that should use the most bikes when it comes to slow riding on city or inclusion. spot. If you were to rate driving on the road, the Honda wouldn't win in the performance section, but because it's an adventure bike test that takes into account an extra score for big off-road enduro bikes, it beat out the BMW twin. and KTM Super Adventure 1290 S.
They are followed by the Ducati Multistrada, which shines on asphalt but loses out on rubble, and only with a dot behind it is again followed by the Suzuki V-Strom XT, which scored all points only for agility and weight, but otherwise it retains its characteristics. average values. As a result, they rate a reliable all-round adventure motorcycle. The Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT finished last here, although it received all points in directional stability and cornering. Gradually, compared to competitors, he lost in maneuverability, entertainment and off-road qualities. But as stated, the differences are minimal. All have good brakes. Some of them, like Ducati, KTM and BMW, even have above average brakes and mimic the brakes on sports bikes. For comfort, for the logic of things, they all received very good marks, since these are the most useful motorcycles for riding together. The most comfortable are Triumph and both BMWs, followed by Honda, followed by KTM and Suzuki, while Ducati is the most sporty here. However, we believe that if we had put the Multistrada 1200 Enduro side by side, the story would have been a little different and Ducati could have taken the lead.
Who evaluated and tested
The test group, in addition to me, which represents those who have a little more experience with the terrain and like to ride such bikes on gravel or off-road and most of all like riding the dunes in Morocco, included seven riders. Similar options, but with that nice supermoto streak and a real virtuoso on asphalt corners, there is also web editor Matevzh Hribar (both belong to the group of motorcyclists above 180 cm and have no problems with seat height). Our biggest and most versatile rider, Matyaš "bambi" Tomažić, has no issues with height either, but he has a keen eye for detail and how the bikes were assembled in the factories. His sharp eye was also indispensable in the assessments. We were also very interested in the opinion of our oldest participant. Dare Završan is a motorcyclist with the longest valid A-test among us and is receiving a well-deserved “retirement”, but he is happy to accept the invitation to test. Like Matyazh, he sits on any motorcycle without any problems. You remember Matevž Korošets as once an indispensable member of the car test team at the Avto store, but this time he was indispensable because he is mainly a representative of returning motorcyclists, or rather, a very large and important group! So all those who, due to certain obligations, have slightly frozen the status of a motorcyclist and are now increasingly returning to the wheel of a motorcycle. Rich in experience and great taste in motorsport, the team has been supplemented by Primoj Yurman, who is at his best on the pavement, but more and more often on the field, even if he appreciates the slightly lower seat on such tall bikes. The team was completed by the most adrenaline-filled Slovenian TV journalist David Stropnik. A versatile motorcyclist who is no stranger to adventure of any kind, be it mountain or desert expeditions.
FINAL ASSESSMENT *
You can read what each person thinks of each motorcycle in the Face to Face section and here is our democratic and final joint assessment. And yes, the BMW R 1200 GS is still the best!
1.BMW R1200GS (base model € 16.050, test model € 20.747)
2. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports (base / test model € 14.990)
3. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. (base / test model € 17.499)
4. BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (base model € 17.600, test model € 26.000)
5. Suzuki V-strom 1000 XT (base / test model € 12.390)
6. Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT (base / test model € 19.190)
7. Ducati Multistrada 1260S (base / test model € 21.990)
* The table with ratings will be published in the September magazine Avto magazine.
Face to face - personal opinion of test drivers
Matevj Hribar
It is difficult, almost impossible, to summarize impressions in a few lines. But I'll start this way: the relatively large volumes of units and, therefore, the performance of the test machines are not here because of the rampage, but mainly because of the comfort. The convenience is that the car can easily carry a passenger with luggage, it is easy to pass trucks and not sigh in a jar. Yes, at a lower cost, but... A liter of volume is a luxury.
Now a little about the machines: Ducati and KTM are great in many ways (both in terms of design and technology) and each has a slightly unique character of the perfect machine, but… With all that strong cavalry and perfect chassis, they make A motorcyclist on a sinful ride is more tiring. The key question is: do we really want this on a trip (for two)? The Africa Twin is a commendable project that has redefined the definition of "big enduro" or, better still, has retained the essence of this type of machine. But while I was screaming with the anti-skid control turned off, drawing long lines on the rubble, I was bothered (on the road) by small mistakes: the hard seat dangles slightly forward, the exhaust grille (still) hits the right heel, the steering wheel forces the driver into a position in which ( during acceleration), the abdominal muscles should be fully tensed (the back is even too straight), and the heating wire of the lever touches the thumb of the left hand. Little things, but they are.
The Explorer has a great engine that made it comfortable to ride Kolpa in fifth gear - under 2.000rpm - and it's an exceptional bike with (for me) only major complaint: it's pretty big, heavy up front. and between the boots is also the widest. Once, on loose ground, I goggled when I had to slow down and turn around; everyone else is better there, even the "fat" GSA, for which you have to be pretty damn clear why you're going to deduct the richer one. This is a car in which you will stop being afraid of plentiful dimensions only after draining the first fuel tank. Suzuki? The right car that you can feel comfortable with because you will experience Durmitor just as wonderfully as almost once more expensive BMW, but on the other hand, you should not be under any illusion that it is just as good. No, it's not - just like in 1998, the Kia Sephia wasn't as good as the VW Golf. They may be bothered by average (but not bad!) suspension and brake components, or generally very simple machinery, which, on the other hand, can also be of high quality. And the "regular GS"? No matter how I think, I consider it the best choice for most Uživajmo z velikimi endurami, doo customers: undemanding to drive, with an almost ideal device for this type of use, soft and easy to drive on gravel and much more. . Although… When you sit on him from KTM, you think that the boxer is tired somewhere… Do we understand each other?
Sorting from first to last according to subjective assessments is ungrateful, but still - this is how they sort from first to last solely according to the sensations that suit me the most. KTM, GSA, GS, Honda, Triumph, Ducati and Suzuki. And I do not rule out that if I had to shell out a euro, I would choose the latter or Honda and in both cases I will make some changes in the home garage.
Primoж манrman
When a Slovene crosses a puddle, say, the legendary Highway 66, or somewhere in Scandinavia or the Dolomites, he cannot help but admire the beauty and immensity of nature. But it doesn't have to be far: we have it all here at home. New dimensions open up before you as you ride your big adventure bike over beautiful asphalt past the Kočevska River down to the border, turn left before Kolpa and turn along the Croatian border to the road leading to Kočevje. It still goes along the “smoothed” road, but what if you get into a new world where it is dark as a corner. Kochevsky horn. Roads? Don't ask, rugged by heavy rain, big puddles and I, unaccustomed to such terrain, walk, walk and...survive. Oh! It works if you have a good car as well. I confess that I have all the limits in my head. Modern adventure bikes are machines built to push boundaries, but in a way that doesn't hurt. You're digging into a puddle, that's all. All of the test participants were seated relatively high, and those of us who are not older may have trouble choosing the right fit for us. But lowering the seats solves a lot. My winner: The BMW 1200 GS in absolute terms, and on the road (I can't help but lose my temper) it's close to the Ducati Multistrad, even though there were no bad bikes in the group. At the end I whisper: when we again drove on asphalt after driving off-road, I screamed. I came "home", to my field. But I will still gladly return someday.
David Stropnik
Interestingly, large SUVs are not really off-road. Even more "off-road" is the Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin with extended suspension, raised and wide handlebars, a suitable seat and, above all, a relatively low weight with "only" liter volume. Synonymous with the BMW R 12000 GS Adventure / Rally off-road bikes, it's heavier and more complex - with incredible electronic support. It has virtually no flaws and should not have any for its price. The "problem" is that it's too big for Slovenia, and few "like" adventurous drivers actually use it to travel "to the ends" of the world. It's the same with the Multistrado 1260 S, which has nothing to complain about in terms of power, electronics and design - except for the two-cylinder unusual nature of the transmission, which requires spinning at high speeds - where everything becomes literally stressful. As for the powertrain, the Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT shines, which thanks to its three-cylinder design ensures responsiveness at low revs and sharpness at high revs. But with the electronically controlled suspension, the Englishman also breaks into the over-the-top (Italian-German) class for 20.000 euros. At the other extreme, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is a proper bike that offers the fewest "gadgets" but seems too expensive for what it offers, even though it's the cheapest of the lot. However, this is the only possible choice for short and intact. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is a completely different story. It's a "hardcore" bike, light, heavy duty, and not at all like an off-road vehicle, but kind of a mixture of naked bike and supermoto. Which, of course, is not bad at all, none of these motorcycles, in principle, even see bad rubble.
Matevž Koroshec
If there were no restrictions, obviously primarily financial, then the choice is simple - GS. Well, not an adventure! This derivative is felt too strongly between the knees, which loses the proverbial good playfulness of "gees" and arouses the desire to tame it. I would put the KTM just below the top. Super Adventure S angers not only the appearance, but also the character. When or if you want it from him. The exact opposite of Triumph, which always convinces you of its sophistication thanks to its three-cylinder engine. Even when the throttle is fully open and the speeds are already high enough. Ducati is everything that is expected of him. The personified Italian - he came to us in a snow-white suit - loud and distinguished, whom the owner does not frighten, but feels much better on the pavement and in civilization. Those of you who aren't looking for or don't like it can find a great alternative in this company. The Africa Twin, on the other hand, only shows its true character when you're riding it over gravel, as the 21-inch front wheel on tarmac and twisty roads at higher speeds requires a bit more playfulness than the others. And then there's Suzuki. The most affordable and with the range of electronics it offers, the only one left of the old school. But make no mistake, the fun isn't half as much as the difference in price between this and "well, well," as well as what kind of stuff is found that could be a role model for everyone else. For example, a gearbox.
I dare to finish
I started the test with a Ducati and I have to admit that it was all too aggressive for my taste and my age, and I would also classify the Ducati as a road bike, not an enduro bike. On the transition, I drove a Triumph, which surprised me with its handling and steady acceleration typical of a three-cylinder engine. The next in line was the Honda Africa Twin, which I didn’t feel the best on due to the poor grip of the first tire on the asphalt surface, and I would also like to note that the front end of the motorcycle gives off a lot under braking. Then came the off-road exchange, where I had the opportunity to try out the KTM. Considering its size, weight and bulky appearance, I expected inconvenience, which reflected a little more respect, but after the introductory meters on the rubble, I already began to enjoy it. I was also surprised by the Suzuki with its very precise drivetrain, but it worked hard while driving and was still able to handle the corners. Also worth mentioning is the price, which is the lowest of all in the test. However, both BMWs were a pleasure from the test. The GS Rally 1200 impressed me right from the start, as I immediately felt at home and very comfortable on it, while the Adventure looks even bigger thanks to all the accessories and the larger tank, and its handling is no different from. GS. While these are great bikes, I would say price is the only downside to both. If you didn't have to look at the price when choosing, my order would be: R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, KTM, Triumph, Africa Twin, Suzuki and Ducati. But you need to understand that all motorcycles are great and this is just my personal opinion.
Petr Kavchich
The question of which one is bad or good doesn't matter, they are all good and I really liked each of the seven bikes. But if I had to put a euro on one myself, the decision would be crystal clear: my first choice is the Honda Africa Twin. Because everything works well, and besides, it rides great off-road. And I mean, not only on paved rubble, but also on cart tracks, even the mini jump harness survives well. First of all, as a fan of enduro, motocross and desert, the bike is perfect for my skin. It's above average, and when I lifted the front of the seat to line up with the back, it's the closest I can get to a Dakar rally stage. It's a sin to drive a Honda only on asphalt. It is also the second most expensive bike tested, with a very high level of build quality and equipment. For me personally, this is the most beautiful motorcycle that I have tested. It offered me enough on the road, but nowhere near as much as the BMW R 1200 GS Rally, which is still the best blend of the two worlds and reminded me how good it is. It just worries me that it's so expensive. Otherwise, I have no comments. It drives very well on gravel, and on the road it is no worse than it differs from the Honda. I put the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 XT in third place. Everything works reliably, Japanese predictable and reliable, it has enough protection from the wind and also enough power to enjoy it for two, and nowhere, except for the price, does it stand out excessively. If I think for the same money that I would pay for a BMW GS Adventure I will get two, you read that right, two Suzukis, I would rather invest that good 12k on some really long trips and experience foreign countries. In fourth place, which I chose, I put the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, which is too big for our roads. For me, this bike is already in the sports touring category because when you fill it up with fuel, it shocks the range displayed by the computer. Can you imagine driving 500 to 600 kilometers on a single charge? Fifth place is given to a sports bike without compromise, impressive in the corners. If we judged by the criterion who wins in the mountain passes, KTM would take the victory from me. In sixth place, I put the Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT, which is more in the touring category, and the “off-road” is more of an example. Finally, I would choose the Ducati Multistrado 1260 S. While driving, I only thought that I was completely wrongly dressed and I would have to wear a sporty leather runway suit.
Matyaj Tomajic
At the very beginning, I would like to defend Suzuki. In terms of electronics and all that it brings to the world in parallel on two wheels, the big V-Strom falls into the second category. In terms of performance, he turned out to be worse than the others, but his mechanics are really excellent. If you decide to buy money, I definitely highly recommend it.
KTM has a leading position in all areas, and given that this brand doesn't make beautiful bikes for my liking, it also convinces in terms of design. It has the most transparent and simple system for choosing all the options offered by electronics, but personally I do not really invest in it, since I do not deal with motorcycle settings after I find the right one. Engine, sound, ride quality and other characteristics are written on the skin of experienced and most demanding motorcyclists.
Twin BMW? Without serious comment, however, the regular GS rides better than the Adventure, which feels some extra weight up front. However, I have found quite a few in this group of motorcycles that, in addition to their determination, have even more temperament and passion. GS / GSA are best suited for breaking distance records.
Triumph, with its politeness and refinement, played the role of a gentleman's tie in this group. Audi A6, Mercedes E or BMW 5 if I translate this into the world of cars. It would also be a devilishly beautiful bike if we didn't "forget" to give it a tail shape. For those who appreciate flexibility and refinement, the three-cylinder engine is a great choice, and I was disappointed with its "quickshifter" that is more "shifting" than "quick". However, despite his superiority, he is not my winner, as I am really afraid of getting bored with him too quickly.
Only the best about Africa Twin. Its off-road potential is several levels higher than the rest, and on the road it is not so convincing due to its height and lack of power. I like the way she was naked on the test. No suitcases or other very useful covers. I also looked at her because of her past fame and the history that she successfully continues.
The Ducati Multistrada is the road bike in this version. My heart ached as all those beautiful details, Brembo gold jaws and alloy wheels, filled the dirt. Washed as soon as possible. I love her tone and a bit of a wild personality that can be tamed for a moment. Enamored? May be.
Ignoring the price lists, I order like this: Ducati, KTM, BMW, Triumph, Honda, Suzuki.
Video:
Read more:
- Benchmarking - 2012 Large Enduro Touring Bikes
- Benchmarking - 2010 Large Enduro Touring Bikes
- Comparative test - retro motorcycles 2017
