Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

Posted on by admin

Menus

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes
Photo:

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

12th photos

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

1/12
Picture gallery, Alpenmasters 2016: Adventure.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

2/12
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally: precise steering feel.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

3/12
Honda Africa Twin: balanced and comfortable chassis.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

4/12
Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT: extensive equipment.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

5/12
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro: superior performance.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

6/12
For the first time, there are two winners in this category who convince in completely different ways …

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

7/12
… Here the Caponord Rally as a sporty curve hunter with a powerful V2 and full chassis for dynamic fans, …

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

8/12
… there the balanced and comfortable Africa Twin for tourist-oriented connoisseurs.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes
factstudio.de

9/12
Loud is out: noise is a huge problem. In the Alps, the noise could in the long run be the death of our beloved hobby. Driving bans are already being discussed in the Dolomites.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

10/12
The Alpenmasters 2016 final is in MOTORRAD 17/2016.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

11/12
The candidates: Easy Going: Suzuki SV 650, Naked Bikes: Triumph Speed ​​Triple S, Sport / Touring: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, Modern Classics: BMW R nineT, Adventure: Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, Honda Africa Twin, 2015 winner: BMW R 1200 RS.

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

12/12
Picture gallery, Alpenmasters 2016: Adventure.

Adventure bikes tested at the 2016 Alpen Masters

Caponord 1200, Multistrada 1200, Africa Twin and Tiger Explorer

Travel enduros offer the best conditions for tours and fun bends in the Alps. These four machines too? We test the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro, Honda Africa Twin and Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT.

Let’s recapitulate: Who is actually allowed to go to the Alpine Masters? Primarily dew-fresh material, of course, so the Honda Africa Twin and the are in the Adventure category D.ucati Multistrada 1200 Enduro already set. In addition, face-lifted machines get another chance, this year for example the Triumph Tiger Explorer, which has been heavily refurbished on the engine and chassis side. And the last starting place in this competitive group is the Aprilia Caponord Rally. It’s not exactly brand new, but for some inexplicable reason it fell through the rust last year. And before questions arise: The BMW R 1200 GS was again not allowed to go into the mountains because it narrowly failed in the final in 2014 in the KTM 1190 Adventure and has not done anything in terms of facelift since then. So maybe 2017, take a look.

Buy complete article

Alpen Masters 2016 category adventure bikes

Alpine Masters 2016
Ahoy, Pordoi!

Multistrada 1200 Enduro her nose full in the wind. The mighty travel enduro really serves everything that is conceivable in terms of modern equipment: semi-active chassis, DVT-Desmo-Twinspark-V2 with variable timing, impressive TFT noble display in the cockpit, plus a whole range of the finest assistance systems. A high-tech enduro that also shows off its gigantic top performance.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro appears subjectively heavier

The only question is: Do you really need such a technology and performance overkill in the Alps? The answer: in principle not really. On the other hand, the concentrated technology would not be a problem as long as it worked well and inconspicuously. But it is precisely in this respect that the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro leaves question marks. Why the complicated engine technology when the thrust pours over the driver in rough waves, when other twins develop more torque much more evenly without any frills? In any case, on the slimy, slightly damp hairpin tangle behind Corvara, the fun with the synthetic Ducati hanging on the gas is rather limited.

The semi-active Skyhook chassis with long suspension travel and plenty of movement ensures full comfort on the one hand, and swallows even the rough distortions on the Valparola without any problems. On the other hand, it does not handle the response to holes and cracks in the asphalt surface very well. One consequence of the long, soft design is also reduced stability. The massive Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro also looks subjectively 20 kilos heavier than the measured 277 kg, while the Aprilia, for example, looks 20 kilos lighter than its actual 267 kg. It’s a shame, lightweight construction used to be at the top of the specifications at Ducati. As hopeful as the big Enduro started, its weaknesses are even more evident in the Alps than in the flatlands.

Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT comfortable travel machine

As far as the engine is concerned, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT is in a sense the opposite of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro. Because unlike the V-Twin, the Triumph-Triple really depends on the gas, developing its power continuously and controllably in every situation. The narrow hairpin bends up to the Falzarego are a pleasure with the Triumph. And that despite the relatively high weight and the sluggish-looking vehicle front. This is less of a problem in individual bends, here the great drive dominates the action. Tricky alternating curves, such as those from Canazei to Fedaia, require a lot of effort.

The same applies to quick evasive maneuvers in the event that a marmot unexpectedly hops across the street. The Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT is certainly not a speedster in curves, but certainly a comfortable touring machine with the best wind protection, hence the highest score in the comfort section. In the end, Brexit is inevitable in this group, after all, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT can secure third place ahead of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro.

Honda Africa Twin vs. Aprilia Caponord

Victory is a tough fight between the Honda Africa Twin travel enduros and the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, every point counts. These two machines could hardly be more different. Despite the 19-inch front wheel, the Aprilia looks more like a sporty crossover machine. In the endless meandering down the Pordoi to Canazei, she lets every gourmet with fine lines click their tongues. One could now assume that this was due to a very sporty set-up of the semi-active Sachs chassis. But this is not the case, it even offers surprising comfort in spite of the not too generous suspension travel. While the competition still has problems with the design of semi-active chassis, Aprilia is spot on here.

In addition, the former Sport V2 impresses in the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally with its even torque curve and good table manners. The drinking habits are still typical of Aprilia: 6.4 l / 100 km are again a negative record at this year’s Alpine Masters. It would also be nice if Aprilia had saved this flap-controlled exhaust ball. But so far there are no point deductions for this.

The Honda Africa Twin appears completely different. It is cautiously quiet and is content with an economical 4.7 liters. There is certainly much less power for that. However, this is hardly noticeable in the mountains with species-appropriate locomotion. The Honda loses a few points when pulling through the mountain, but impresses with its smooth running and smooth torque curve. Amazing: Despite the clear performance handicap, the Africa Twin can even narrowly win the engine ranking.

The chassis is also understated, dispensing with any electronic frills. When switching from one of the high-tech machines to the simple Honda Africa Twin, you sometimes wonder what all the effort actually brings. There is little to adjust at Honda, but nothing is missed. The seating and driving comfort is great, the chassis copes well with rough terrain. 20 to 50 kilograms of weight difference to the competition are of course also a word. The group win would actually be a matter of form if there weren’t two Achilles heels: the Honda Africa Twin gives away eight points compared to the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally due to the tight payload of less than 190 kg, little for a travel enduro. And the Dunlop series tires are modest in terms of grip and steering behavior when leaning, especially in wet conditions and / or asphalt with little grip.

The bottom line is that for the first time at the Alpen Masters, two winners from one group go straight to the final. Incidentally, this also reflects the divided opinion of the test drivers, who either prefer one or the other machine. Let’s just take both of them with us to the finals – Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally and Honda Africa Twin.

1st place: Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally


The Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally lands in first place with its powerful and well-tuned engine. But not alone…

plus:

  • powerful, well-tuned engine
  • good draft, adult acceleration
  • light-footed handling
  • well balanced suspension
  • precise steering feel

minus:

  • highest consumption in the entire Alpen-Masters
  • loud exhaust noise
  • limited ground clearance

1st place: Honda Africa Twin


The Honda Africa Twin has other advantages, but also makes it to first place.

plus:

  • smooth running twin
  • moderate total weight
  • balanced and comfortable chassis
  • good seating comfort
  • low consumption

minus:

  • Standard tires suboptimal
  • Load restricted
  • somewhat sparse equipment

3rd place: Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT


The Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT takes third place.

plus:

  • gentle and low-vibration running three-cylinder
  • very good travel comfort for both passengers
  • good wind protection
  • extensive equipment

minus:

  • seems a bit sluggish and top-heavy
  • Long braking distances downhill, ABS regulates roughly

4th place: Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro


Third place for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro.

plus:

  • superior driving performance
  • extensive equipment
  • a lot of lean angle
  • very long range

minus:

  • uneven torque curve
  • synthetic acting throttle response
  • inactive sitting position
  • looks very powerful
  • Payload low

MOTORCYCLE conclusion

In this category there are two winners for the first time who convince in completely different ways: here the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally as a sporty curve hunter with a powerful V2 and full chassis for dynamic fans, there the balanced and comfortable Honda Africa Twin for tourist-oriented connoisseurs . The Triumph Tiger Explorer convinces with comfortable touring comfort and a posh three-cylinder, but gives away crucial points due to the roughly regulating ABS and the high weight. The highly traded high-tech enduro from Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro has to take a back seat.

1st place in the Adventure category: Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally and Honda Africa Twin

Alpen-Master-Rating

Maximum
score		 Aprilia
Caponord 1200 rally		 Ducati
Multistrada 1200 Enduro		 Honda
Africa Twin		 triumph
Tiger Explorer XRT		 engine 150 111 113 115 110 Driving behavior 180 136 125 136 123 everyday life 100 73 67 66 74 Comfort 70 53 53 56 58 Overall rating 500 373 358 373 365 placement 1. 4th. 1. 3.

General note on the 2016 Alpine Masters

Loud is out: Noise is a huge problem. In the Alps, the noise could in the long run be the death of our beloved hobby. Driving bans are already being discussed in the Dolomites. Manipulated riot bikes are to some extent to blame for this, but even series machines are often too loud today. Some manufacturers outsmart noise limits with exhaust flaps. MOTORRAD is thinking about evaluating the noise development at the Alpine Masters.

The Italians, such as the 959 Panigale or Caponord Rally, are often much too loud, but the ZX-10R or GSX-S 1000 F are not quiet either. Exemplary for example the Hondas and Triumphs. It’s a shame that a flap makes the Super Duke GT louder than the R version. Even if KTM is not a rowdy brother: That is the wrong signal.

Technical data Aprilia and Ducati

Here you can see an extract of the technical data. If you would like the complete measurement values ​​determined by us, including all consumption, torque and acceleration values, you can buy the article as a PDF for download.

Technical data Honda and Triumph

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *