Alpine Masters 2005 (2nd part)

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Alpine Masters 2005 (2nd part)
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Alpine Masters 2005 (2nd part)

There can only be one

After 11,800 test kilometers, unwound around the Stilfser Joch, the winners in the individual categories of the Alpine Masters have been determined. Now the five candidates have to face another strict jury as part of a concept comparison. Because in the end there can only be one: the King of the Alps.

he sun is low in the east, just peeking out over the jagged peaks of the mountain silhouette. Five men and five motorcycles stand at the highest point of the Stilfser Joch, Italy, 2758 meters above sea level. Starting point for a two-day tour over larger and smaller passes, through wide and narrow valleys, past glaciers and alpine pastures. Two long days on fast and narrow slopes to choose the winner from the winners. Because only the elite qualified for the final. Motorcycles in the first part
of the great Alpine Masters were at the top in their division (see box on the right).
But unlike in the first part, where in the tough competition within the group, only points decided about victory and defeat, the competence team now makes the judgment, it is not just numbers or measured values ​​that count, but rather subjective driving impressions. Now it has to be shown whether a naked bike has the best conditions for driving pleasure in the
Alpen will tell you whether the enduro will convince the test team due to its broadest field of application, or whether the tourer is the ideal companion in the mountains. Or even a vigorous athlete provides a surprise?

est prospects ?? Tour with an overview
Much in life is a question
of perspective. Fast curve sequences, high speeds ?? the driver’s field of vision is inevitably limited to a narrow area, namely the slope. The alpine tourist is quite different. They want a broad panoramic view in order to be able to enjoy the magnificent mountains. But also to be able to see the flow of traffic as far as possible in switchbacks. It helps enormously to sit upright and casually on the machine. Enduros generally have an advantage in terms of overview, because the driver sits because of the
wide, high handlebars are fundamentally upright. This is also the case with the Suzuki V-Strom 650, which offers a wonderful view and overview, especially in front of the many switchbacks. The posture is loose, casual, and comfortable, just
on gravel roads bothers me that the small paneling together
Disk obstructs the view in front of the front wheel.
Upright posture with unbeatable comfort for driver and passenger? The BMW R 1200 RT tourer also offers the best views of the Alps, plus an extensive entertainment program thanks to electrically adjustable windshields, cruise control, radio and CD. However, the view ahead and, above all, what is happening in front of the bike is severely restricted by the cladding.
The Honda CB 1300 provides the best overview for the Alpen Masters finalists. Its driver can look forward not only to an unrestricted field of vision, but also to excellent ergonomics. Everything fits: handlebar offset and position, seat height, footrests, comfort. The second naked bike in comparison, the K 1200 R, is built differently: the rider sits more stretched out, leans further forward and is not quite as relaxed as the Honda rider.
The worst all-round visibility in the alpine meandering
has, also due to the principle, the GSX-R pilot. Driver of
Super athletes are clearly orienting themselves forward, preferring to aim for the next curve than looking over it
Let the Alpine peaks wander. And the 1000 Suzuki can’t serve comfort, at least in the mountains.

the heart ?? the motors
A racing engine is built for racing, a touring engine for touring, the alpine engine … Oops, does that even exist? Perhaps not the alpine engine, but a requirement profile can be formulated: It should run as smooth as silk, work without load changes, spontaneously on the gas
walking and not noticeably losing strength at great heights. In addition, deliver its power harmoniously and evenly and have plenty of torque ready even in the lower speed range. Instead of aggressiveness, sovereign nonchalance is required on mountain passes. And a suitable one
Gear ratio so that even the tightest hairpin bends can be mastered without clutch assistance.
Five men, one opinion: The four-cylinder Honda CB 1300 is close to the optimum. Its 118 hp act confidently in every situation. Need an example? Hairpin, 40 km / h, first gear. For the Honda this corresponds to 3600 rpm, 105 Nm torque and 40 hp. The four-cylinder of the Suzuki GSX-R, which is much more powerful in the upper speed range, produces 3000 rpm, 74 Nm and 23 hp in the same situation. In addition, the Honda unit hangs smoothly on the gas and consistently converts every turn of the gas handle into thrust, without ever being biting or aggressive. The super athlete must
on the other hand, be circled around the bend with a slipping clutch. And then it doesn’t even happen in first gear
especially because it is translated far too long.
In terms of performance, the BMW K 1200 R is also in the premier league. It spoils you with a lot of power and shows off great pulling values, but there is still a lot missing for perfection. First of all, the engine pushes a little further when the throttle valves are closed. And secondly, he accelerates quite abruptly, jerks all the way down, and the load changes in the drive train. If you want to drive a clean line with the K, you have to use tricks. For example, you can brake at the rear in turns or roll around with the throttle grip slightly on. A real challenge for less experienced drivers.
The BMW R 1200 RT, on the other hand, surprises in a more positive way
Regard: Although the torque and power curve present themselves like a mountain-and-valley track and the RT is the heaviest of the comparison with 272 kilograms, the boxer is a lot of joy. Clutch fumbling? Superfluous. Force? Enough even on the steepest ramps. If the vibrations were a little weaker and the gearbox would play better? every now and then the second gear flies out ??, then that would be
Travel steamer at the forefront of the test crew’s favor.
And would perhaps displace V-Strom from second place in terms of engine feeling. Yes, the little 650 stands by
very popular with all drivers. Despite a meager 69 hp and a comparatively moderate 61 Nm at 7500 rpm. This two-cylinder is a treat. How greedy he is on the gas. How cheeky and happy he turns it up. Or how silky smooth he can purr. In addition, there is a gear ratio that is almost optimal for alpine conditions. Whether leisurely hiking or sporty curve wagging? the Suzuki-V2, like the four-cylinder of the CB 1300, has both on it.

man and machine ?? the feel-good factor
There are motorbikes that are forgiven for all quirks because their special character creates an emotional bond. The best bike for the Alps should, however, have few properties that take getting used to and be easy to move by different riders right away in order to be able to meet the demands of the mountains stress-free.
From an emotional point of view it is GSX-R 1000 safely
special experience. This sheer power seduces, creates
but also respect. A hammer part. Brakes? Easy to dose, no diminishing effect. Give in? also great. But real well-being does not want to set in the winding mountain world. Bullets like the GSX-R are clearly designed for speed and high-quality country roads. The steering stop is small, the convenience due to the short one
Low suspension travel, enormous weight on the wrists downhill. Because of the forward-facing seating position, the 1000cc Suzi demands more than the other four unconditional trust in the front wheel.
The K 1200 R is also appealing because of its extremely powerful engine. Its power is not quite as homogeneous as with the super sports car GSX-R, but with its head held high. And then: first turn on the right? what happens up front? The idiosyncratic front wheel guidance of Bavaria has to be felt for a few hundred kilometers
leave to feel something like feedback. In addition, there is a wobbly straight-line stability at speeds between 50 and 70 km / h, a hooked transmission, clearly noticeable load change reactions and a rear brake that is difficult to dose. Feel good? Goes, but takes time.
Feel good and R 1200 RT means: in one with the
Playstation-linked, fluffy sofa that is tilted and inclined depending on the angle. Driving RT is limitlessly different. Somehow isolated and still fully involved.
The feel-good factor is not only high due to luxury and wind protection, but the chunk can also be folded down loosely, reacts surprisingly handy, precisely follows the ideal line and even cuts a good figure in alternating curves. In addition, for a surcharge? by the way, just like with the K ?? Adjust the easy chassis to any driving condition and route at the touch of a button. It only becomes uncomfortable when you no longer roll but have to turn the thick ship or move it on coarse gravel. The bench is high and wide, the two-stage adjustment does not change anything. Drivers who do not have a standard of guard have a hard time with the RT in the mountains. And as for the feeling of being part of the RT: Well, high weight, high seating position, insulating cladding ?? for many no
Problem, but not everyone will be happy with it.
With the CB 1300 that could work better. The naked Honda is an all-rounder. The engine pushes, the brakes are first class, the chassis set-up is perfect, the harmony between body and machine almost
Perfect. However, with one small drawback: In everyday life, the high weight cannot be ignored. While driving, the 266-kilo chunk of pounds conceals its pounds very cleverly. However, if you stop and have to maneuver or even push the CB, muscles are required.
Whoever sits on the nimble V-Strom 650 does not have to sweat when pushing or turning maneuvers. Not even if the next gas station is a few kilometers away. Invisible curves, tightest hairpin bends, sometimes steep uphill and downhill, leaves and pebbles on the road, even still wet ?? an easy exercise on the extremely dynamic and easy to dose under all alpine conditions
Brakes equipped travel enduro. The small V-Strom conveys trust and confidence to everyone from the first meter. Something that works both in the mountains and everywhere
is more important than optics, performance and luxury in the world
Abundance. And one cannot argue about the design of a king of the Alps.

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Alpine Masters 2005 (2nd part)

Alpine Masters 2005 (2nd part)
There can only be one

The jury: Siegfried Guttner

The racing veteran gave himself up on the racetracks in the 1970s
World fierce duels with
Greats like Phil Read. He hates hanging-off, favors the ease of being and claims to have calmed down with age. In other words: Today he not only enjoys slopes, but also landscapes. His driving style: round and even.

The jury: Rolf Henniges, 40

Test editor and travel freak. In his first life he was a globetrotter on various enduros for six years. Despite his enthusiasm for powerful engines, 34 HP bikes can also convince him. Henniges loves strolling on the country roads as much as the quick chase over paths of the second and third order. His driving style: prudent, sometimes brisk and playful.

The jury: Daniel Lengwenus, 42

As a MOTORRAD action team tour guide, he has never counted his two-wheeled kilometers, but estimates them to be over a million. Absolutely nothing to disturb you. Regardless of whether it’s a KTM Superduke or BMW
R 1200 RT, Lengwenus circles curves with almost identical uniformity. His driving style: balanced, rounded, experienced.

The jury: Sebastian Schmidt, 26

The ex-paratrooper and soccer freak is a business student and occasionally gets up quickly
the racetrack or leisurely on a long tour with the
Girlfriend on the go. On the motorcycle side, he hates nothing more than load changes and loves
all machines with a sporty touch and more delicate
Disguise. His driving style:
ambitious, relaxed, partly sporty.

The jury: Gert Thole, 49

Has practically been riding cross and supermoto since learning to walk. For the MOTORRAD test boss, nothing is worse than missing the ideal line. His preferences: extreme switchbacks, worst road surface, steepest climbs. Thole favors spontaneous throttle response, resilient chassis and superb handling. His driving style: sporty, casual, acrobatic, tends to be quick.

The ratings: Siegfried Guttner

Siegfried Guttner
For me the V-Strom is the end-
most weighed among the finalists.
It is very easy to steer through all kinds of curves and you can drive for hours without pinching your bottom. The engine is tried and tested and provides enough power to drive even more powerful motorcycles uphill
to hunt. The brakes are great, the ergonomics are perfect for my stature. The only drawback: You crouch far from the handlebars. Second choice
would be the BMW R 1200 RT. Although it is powerful, it can still be driven playfully and is very comfortable. third
becomes the less comfortable Honda. Then comes the GSX-R, which for me as a racing veteran is still worth a sin. And that, although the seating position is not at all what I would like for the Alps. The last will be the K 1200 R. Your front wheel gives no feedback,
she drives stubbornly and the engine sometimes cuts out in hairpin bends.

The ratings: Rolf Henniges

Rolf Henniges
If there can really only be one, then I choose the Honda CB 1300. The fat four-cylinder hangs so spontaneously on the gas, pushes so incredibly, runs so smoothly? it hardly gets any better. Despite the slight overweight, the CB is handy, precise and can almost be turned on a manhole cover. Second choice: BMW R 1200 RT. Surprised,
how this monster can be peppered through the mountains. In addition, there is low consumption, perfect weather protection, the electrically adjustable, but surcharge-based chassis and the perfectly functioning seat and handle heating ?? a living room with engine. Third will be the Suzuki V-Strom 650 ?? there is simply not enough happening. The
K 1200 R lands in fourth place. The reason I prefer it to the GSX-R: its upright sitting position. For me, experiencing an Alpine tour means not only driving dynamics, but also sightseeing.

The ratings: Daniel Lengwenus

Daniel Lengwenus
How much motorcycle do people need? And very important here: How much of it does he need in the Alps? What I definitely don’t need is clear: panels, adjustable windows, radio, CD, overweight, insensitive steering dampers like
with the K 1200 R and small Lenk-
impacts. What you need in the Alps is child’s play of handling, a motor with powerful pulling power and an upright sitting position that not only makes it easy for you to see the hairpin on the top right, but also allows you to take something of the Alps home with you to take: namely impressions.
My favorite is clearly the Honda CB 1300. That‘s right
everything. Second, despite a completely messed up design, is the Suzuki
V-Strom. With it, even the Stelvio Pass becomes child’s play. On the indifferent driving behavior of the K 1200 R.,
the chewing position on the GSX-R and the excess weight of the
I can do without the R 1200 RT.

The reviews: Sebastian Schmidt

Sebastian Schmidt
First of all: In this ranking, the evaluation of the design is left out. So if only driving characteristics count, I won’t get the
Suzuki V-Strom 650 over. This motorcycle simply works like a dream. Close behind: the Honda CB 1300. A motorcycle that also looks like a motorcycle and has almost no weaknesses. I place the R 1200 RT in third place. If you get this monster the first
Once you drive up a pass, you are surprised that the
Boxer BMW is not only great for driving on the motorway, but is also neutral and flawless in hairpin bends
can be piloted. The emotion factor gives the GSX-R fourth place. I like their sound and the challenge of facing an athlete in the Alps.
The K 1200 R with its constant brake booster whirring and the indifferent driving behavior ends up in last place for me.

The reviews: Gert Thole

Gert Thole
I’m confused. I actually like machines with real steam and lots of character. Therefore, a wallflower like the V-Strom 650 should be at the very end of my scale. The fact that I even put the Enduro at the very front speaks all the more for the qualities of the little Suzuki. Simply because life is so easy with her. That their modesty also has a certain
Uneventful due to, well, you have to live with that. I actually only put the gentle, sovereign CB 1300 in second place because of the lack of wind and weather protection. The R 1200 RT is just behind for me. Because of its wide range of uses, you are always well dressed with the luxury tourer. For a long time nothing comes after these three. I can think of too many criticisms of the K 1200 R. I prefer a thoroughly honest super athlete like the GSX-R, although such a grenade looks pretty out of place on alpine passes.

Conclusion

End, done, the winner is certain: Die
small V-Strom, although rather inconspicuous and not exactly powerful, triumphs?
due to its phenomenal balance and the lively, robust engine. And finally, what matters most in the Alps:
Trust. Because no matter how tricky or stressful the driving situation was? on the
V-Strom 650 every driver felt comfortable.

What happened until now

The Alpen Masters is the most complex
Test that MOTORRAD has ever carried out. In the first part (see MOTORRAD 19/2005) 20 motorcycles were on
a 64-kilometer lap around the Stilfser, peppered with a wide variety of hairpin bends and curves
Yoke tested and according to a special 500-point evaluation corresponding to the requirement profile in the mountains
judged.

Five motorcycles from the Tourer / Sport categories qualified for the final-
tourers, naked bikes, athletes and enduros /
Fun bikes. Because the group of naked bikes was the largest with a total of eight representatives, two representatives were allowed to move into the final. Only four motorcycles competed in the other three classes. Among the tourers / sports tourers, the BMW R 1200 RT clearly has its equipment,
Comfort and driving dynamics set apart from the competition. In the enduro / funbikes category, the versatile Suzuki V-Strom 650 succeeded in ousting the favorite BMW R 1200 GS. The athletes are represented by the extremely strong and handy Suzuki GSX-R 1000, and in the Naked Bikes, the first-placed Honda CB 1300 and the BMW K 1200 R qualified for the final round.
Valued purely by facts and figures
actually all clear. Then the BMW R 1200 RT would have the edge with 366 points. In the second part, the concept comparison, it should be about more: namely about the subjective weighting
which is particularly important on mountain roads
Criteria. For example, hard load changes are a real knockout criterion for many. And
For most drivers, easy handling is essential. Therefore need to
the five candidates for the final are selected by a jury
face five fundamentally different drivers and prove them again in the curve carousel of the Alps.

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