Comparative test: Sport Touring 1000

With these four beauties, it's appropriate to ask if they can be the perfect bikes and if they offer a magical compromise between comfort, sport frame and suspension strength, engine power, powerful brakes and, just as important, price. Price, of course, also matters.

And this is where it gets a little stuck. Three Japanese rivals, the Honda CBF 1000 S, the Suzuki GSF 1250 S Bandit and the Yamaha FZ1 Fazer are priced in at least roughly the same category, only the only representative from the old continent, the German BMW K 1200 R Sport, is prohibitively expensive. As if the men in Munich don't care that those who want modern technology and exclusivity will pay more for the R Sport than, for example, for the Suzuki Bandit.

But so that we do not turn somewhere among the philosophical serpentines, let's better turn to the facts. The cheapest one is Suzuki, this one will cost you 7.700 euros, which is definitely a fair price for which you will get many bikes and the biggest engine among the test four (1.250 cm?). The most expensive (barring the extremes) is the BMW, which in the base version costs 14.423 euros, and accessories (as BMW should be) cost no less than a scooter with an engine capacity of 50 cc. In the meantime, in the struggle for demanding, quite numerous, but also a few conservative buyers of motorcycles, there are two left. Yamaha costs €9.998 and Honda costs €8.550.

So it's best to clarify right away: BMW is expensive, incredibly expensive, we have to agree with that. It's so expensive that most Slovenian motorcyclists will skip it when making their garage candidate list. However, we are no longer so convinced that at least some of them will not dream of a Bavarian carcass: “I would like to try at least once to see if these 163 “horses” really suck…”

Yes, BMW is the strongest, and this is also very clearly visible when driving. In fact, it's very close to the K 1200 R, the fiercest roadster that has absolutely no wind protection compared to the Sport. This is the hemisphere that separates them, everything else on them is the same.

So there is no lack of adrenaline. With a decisive puff of throttle, the BMW of the Quartet also roars savagely from the thick exhaust pipe. The driver, along with the entire mass (not only the strongest, but also the heaviest), was shot until the next turn. But shoot for real! We've always loved that simple brutality on this bike. The moment when the acceleration is so strong that you can hardly understand what happened. It probably won't be superfluous to point out that the rear tire suffers a lot, and if you look at every euro or how you invest it, this is not the right rocket for you.

The K 1200 R Sport is also the heaviest, as the scales show 241 kilograms. Damn, how nice it would be if the ego could be redeemed, because at BMW it grows faster than the value of the best investment funds. The motorcycle just caresses the man's soul!

The Yamaha is also quite wild, capable of developing 150 "horsepower" at 11.000 rpm, and at 199 kilograms dry weight it has a very interesting kilogram-to-horse ratio. In the tradition of her family (the engine was borrowed from the R1), it "explodes" only in the upper half of the engine speed, while BMW, for example, enjoys flexibility in the lower speed range. This character will appeal to all fans of supersport motorcycles with an R at the end of the name. To master the Yamaha, you need to have a little automotive knowledge or things can get out of hand quickly.

Also in terms of design, the Yamaha is the one that most people are most likely to turn to. Sharp and aggressive lines are a reflection of the current fashion orders in the world of high-speed engines. Otherwise, does Yamaha suffer from a troubling ignition sickness that manifests itself every time the driver opens the throttle? then he chuckles lightly, instead of the four-cylinder clinging pleasantly under gentle acceleration. But this is supposedly a completely curable disease, it is enough to carry out only a minor “chip tuning”. Any better craftsman will correct this mistake for a reasonable fee.

Suzuki and Honda are betting on other cards. It was Bandit that got a new liquid-cooled unit this year, which we can't blame. It's flexible and strong enough for both leisurely and slightly faster rides. Weighing in at 225 kilograms, it's not too heavy for the average rider, and with 98 horsepower at a quiet 7.500 rpm, it's aimed at quiet riders. If athleticism isn't at the top of your list, then Bandit can be a very serious candidate for victory.

The Honda engine has only two "horses", but it is extremely flexible and has a lot of torque in the low to mid range. At 220 kilograms dry weight, the Honda is the second lightest bike in this comparison test, and is undoubtedly the lightest bike in the hands while riding and when moving slowly in a crowd. Honda has managed to create a very balanced and controllable bike that does not require much knowledge from the rider to ride smoothly and safely.

Suzuki, for example, could not hide its years in frame design and cycling, although after BMW this season it is a newcomer. With polished bikes like the other three, it was the most bulky. On the other hand, Yamaha is very restless, and above all, does it have an annoying feature? the front end pulls out of the corner and requires a determined and experienced rider who is familiar with the laws of motorcycle riding. Not recommended for newcomers to motorsport. However, it is also true that in addition to BMW it offers maximum sportiness, and driving in a racing style (with a knee on the pavement) is not difficult for it.

A feature of its kind is BMW. Heavy (compared to competitors), it is incredibly light and manageable in the hands. The adjustable suspension is also very good, it can be changed from standard to touring or sport at the touch of a button. Futurism? No, BMW and its advanced technology! Yes, and that's where the huge price difference lies. Right now we're just waiting for rear wheel spin control, ABS is something that's a daily occurrence when we're talking about this class of bike.

And a few words about the passengers. This one will be the most smiling on BMW and Honda. Suzuki wasn't feeling bad either. Only the comfort of the Yamaha is a bit lame. Honda and Suzuki have better wind protection, while BMW still protects the driver in a slightly sportier stance. Here Yamaha is again in last place.

In addition to the fact that all four have reasonable mileage and a reasonably large fuel tank, and that they fully live up to their reputation as a sports traveler, we have also established the final order. A testing team of six versatile drivers (from very experienced ex-riders to this year's rookies with fresh driving exams) found the Honda deserving of the top rating, and then things get a little tricky. Suzuki is really cheap, Yamaha is the most beautiful, BMW is very good, but so very expensive ...

The order (order) must be! We ranked the BMW K 120 R Sport in second place, closely followed by the Yamaha FZ1 Fazer and the Suzuki GSF 1250 S Bandit in fourth. Otherwise, there are no losers among them, any tester will gladly ride with each of them in his personal life.

Petr Kavchich

Photo: Gregor Gulin, Matevž Hribar

1.Mesto: Honda CBF 1000

Test car price: 8.550 EUR

engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 998 cc? , 72 kW (98 PS) at 8.000 rpm, 97 Nm at 6.500 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Frame: single pipe, steel

Suspension: classic telescopic fork at the front, single shock with adjustable spring preload at the rear

Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 160/60 R17

brakes: front 2 spools with a diameter of 296 mm, rear 1 spool with a diameter of 240 mm

Wheelbase: 1.483 mm

Seat height from ground: 795 mm (+/- 15 mm)

Fuel tank / consumption per 100 km: 19 l / 4 l

Weight with full fuel tank: 242 kg

Guarantee: two years without mileage limitation

Representative: Motocentr AS Domžale, Blatnica 3a, Trzin, phone: [phone], www.honda-as.com

We praise and reproach

+ price

+ motor (torque? flexibility)

+ undemanding to driving

+ usability

+ adjustable driving position

– some short-term fluctuations at 5.300 rpm

2.mesto: BMW K 1200 R Sport

Test car price: 16.857 EUR

engine: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1157 cc? , 120 kW (163 hp) at 10.250 rpm, 94 Nm at 8.250 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Frame, suspension: all-round aluminum, front duolever, rear paralever

brakes: front 2 spools with a diameter of 320 mm, rear 1 spool with a diameter of 265 mm

Wheelbase: 1.580 mm

Fuel tank / consumption per 100 / km: 19l / 7, 7l

Seat height from ground: 820 mm

Weight (without fuel): 241 kg

Contact person: Avto Aktiv, doo, PSC Trzin, Ljubljanska cesta 24, Trzin, phone: [phone], www.bmw-motorji.si

We praise and reproach

+ power, torque

+ acceleration, engine maneuverability

+ high-tech equipment (adjustable suspension, ABS, duolever, paralever)

+ ergonomics and great comfort for the passenger

+ stability at high speeds (quiet up to 250 km / h)

– price

- very long, which is felt at low speeds

– Mirrors can offer slightly better transparency

3. mesto: Yamaha FZ1 Make

Test car price: 9.998 EUR

engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 998 cc? , 110 kW (150 PS) at 11.000 rpm, 106 Nm at 8.000 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Frame: aluminum box

Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: front adjustable telescopic fork USD, rear single adjustable shock absorber

Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 190/50 R17

brakes: front 2 spools with a diameter of 320 mm, rear 1 spool with a diameter of 255 mm

Wheelbase: 1.460 mm

Seat height from ground: 800 mm

Fuel tank / consumption per 100 km: 18 l / 7 l

Weight with full fuel tank: 224 kg

Representative: Komanda Delta, doo, CKŽ 135a, Krško, phone: [phone], www.delta-team.si

We praise and reproach

+ aggressive and maximally sporty look

+ capacity

+ price

– seat ergonomics, uncomfortable on long trips

– suspension is not precise enough, rough engine response to the addition of gas, demanding driving

4nd place: Suzuki Bandit 1250 S

Test car price: € 7.700 (€ 8.250 ABS)

engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 1.224 cc? , electronic fuel injection

Maximum power: 72 kW (98 hp) at 7.500 rpm

Maximum torque: 108 Nm at 3.700 rpm

Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Frame: tubular, steel

Suspension: in front of a classic telescopic fork? adjustable stiffness, rear adjustable single shock

Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 180/55 R17

brakes: front 2 discs ø 310 mm, 4-piston calipers, rear 1 disc ø 240 mm, 2-piston caliper

Wheelbase: 1.480 mm

Seat height from ground: adjustable from 790 to 810 mm

Fuel tank / consumption per 100 km: 19 l / 6, 9

Color: black red

Representative: MOTO PANIGAZ, doo, Jezerska cesta 48, 4000 Kranj, tel .: [phone], website: www.motoland.si

We praise and reproach

+ motorcycle power and torque

+ wind protection

+ price

– Gearbox could be better

– the passenger is poorly protected from the wind

• Basic data

  Test model cost: € 7.700 (€ 8.250 from ABS) €

• Technical information

  engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 1.224,8 cc, electronic fuel injection

  Torque: 108 Nm at 3.700 rpm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: tubular, steel

  brakes: front 2 discs ø 310 mm, 4-piston calipers, rear 1 disc ø 240 mm, 2-piston caliper

  Suspension: front classic telescopic fork, rear single shock with adjustable spring preload / front adjustable telescopic USD fork, rear single adjustable shock / front classic telescopic fork - adjustable stiffness, rear adjustable single shock

  Growth: adjustable from 790 to 810 mm

  Fuel tank: 19 l / 6,9

  Wheelbase: 1.480 mm

  Weight: 224 kg

We praise and reproach

windshield protection

motorcycle power and torque

capacity

aggressive and maximally sporty look

stability at high speeds (quiet up to 250 km / h)

ergonomics and passenger comfort

high-tech equipment (adjustable suspension, ABS, duo-leveler, paralever)

acceleration, engine maneuverability

power, torque

adjustable driving position

utility

undemanding to driving

motor (torque - flexibility)

price

the passenger is poorly protected from the wind

gearbox could be better

the suspension is not precise enough, the engine's rough reaction to the gas addition, demanding driving

ergonomic seating, uncomfortable on long journeys

mirrors may offer slightly better transparency

it is very long, which is felt at low revs

price

some transient vibrations at 5.300 rpm