Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

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Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2
Artist

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

46 pictures

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2
Jahn / artist

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The Diversion impresses with its pleasing driving characteristics. With more displacement and suspension reserves, the XJ would be overwhelming. But it doesn’t get off scot-free either: The inclination freedom with the load is too low. Nevertheless, the Japanese can prevail against the other three and wins in the all-rounder group.

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The K has plenty of accessories on board: ESA, cruise control, ABS, slip control, heated grips and a luggage system. Their in-line four-cylinder and their chassis inspire.

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Points are deducted for the draft and the sometimes edgy vibrations. A second place for the youngest in the quartet of athletes.

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She celebrates victory on the 2950 meter high Sass Pordoi. But even the most perfect motorcycle for the Alps cannot climb to the summit without help. She takes the cable car to the lofty heights.

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Then the road winds down to the valley in the direction of Corvara,…

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There are hardly any motorcycles that are as easy to drive under difficult conditions as these four all-rounders. The Triumph Bonneville SE, Suzuki Bandit 650, Yamaha XJ6 Diversion and Aprilia SL 750 Shiver GT (from left to right).

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Chest of drawers, seating position, agile handling and moderate dimensions – enduros and fun bikes promise maximum riding fun on winding mountain roads. The candidates (from left to right): BMW F 800 GS, KTM 990 SM T, Moto Morini 1200 Scrambler and Benelli Tre899K.

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All of this drives up the price. The price and the huge dimensions of this ship are then also the criticisms of the 1300. Nevertheless, she wins the tourer class.

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The Suzuki GSX-R 1000. Your pillion seat is the most bearable among athletes and the fairing offers a decent wind protection. For a 1000, it consumes little fuel. Their power delivery is a little too sharp for the Alps and the handiness has been neglected in favor of large stability reserves. The bottom line is that the Gixxers only make the last place.

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Twenty aspirants hope for the prestigious title. In the end there can only be one: the winner of the Alpine Masters, the King of the Mountains in 2009.

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…before discussing the first test results at the Passo di Campolongo (1875 m above sea level)…

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The 750 V2 in the Aprilia is really on fire. It also scores with ample suspension and damping reserves in the chassis and a high degree of lean angle.

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Extremist Benelli. On the one hand, there is an active seating position and precise steering behavior thanks to the front-heavy weight distribution.

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Like the BMW, the Harley-Davidson is an expensive treat. The Road King can only be enjoyed by the driver. The passenger has nothing to report on the sloping seat cushion. The monstrous American woman doesn’t like the high weight and the associated poor handling either. In order to catch the road cruiser, high operating forces on the brakes are required.

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The 600 engine with the extra shot displacement scores industriously in criteria such as load change behavior and power development. The driver can therefore concentrate fully on the course of the road. The Triumph three-cylinder spoils you with an impressive soundscape and is easy on the wallet with a low price. She comes in third. Why is it not enough to win? The seating position is extremely front-wheel oriented and the suspension is too tight for bad roads.

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Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, a short description of the test track waiting for the machines in the preliminary round. The finalists have to prove themselves on a slightly modified route. Measuring station: …

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…and at Passo Pordoi, the highest pass in the Dolomites (2239 m above sea level), to be crossed again. Here we go: 5 groups with 4 motorcycles each determine 5 class winners. These compete against last year’s winner BMW R 1200 R in the final round.

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On the other hand: The poor passenger comfort, the stiff clutch and the rough load change reactions. Fourth place in the enduro / fun bike quartet.

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The protruding handlebars, the enthroned seating position and the pleasantly soft throttle response of the cultivated V2 engine are the goodies at the King. In the overall standings she ends up in fourth place.

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Does R1 stand for rank 1? However. The Yamaha is the furthest ahead among the athletes and takes the win. The engine is powerful and has a powerful sound and its load change behavior is flawless. The chassis gives crystal-clear feedback and the ergonomics are more comfortable – but only for the driver. A passenger is wrong on the Japanese.

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On the steep driveway to the Fedaia Pass, the pull-through is measured with a pillion passenger.

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Pressure never hurts. The big bikes for 2009: Honda CB 1300, Ducati Monster 1100, MV Agusta Brutale 989 R and Yamaha Vmax (from left to right).

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Criticisms of the Italian: Gruff, indirect throttle response, less precise steering properties and strong righting moment. 3rd place for the Shiver in the all-rounder group.

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Great about the GS: Its low consumption and the powerful and lively engine. We didn’t like the rather hard and narrow seat and the reserves of the shock absorber when loaded. In total, the Bavarian wins against the Austrian and Italians.

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The Kawa, an all-inclusive offer at a bargain price. For a list price of just 7095 euros. This means that it only costs a third of the BMW or Harley. It has a lot to offer for this price. Handling and steering precision are extremely good, one finger is enough for the front brake and consumption is very moderate. The suspension elements reach their limits with the pillion passenger and the seating comfort could be better for both passengers. The in-line twin takes second place.

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The seat cushion is simply outrageous. Consumption and price go hand in hand. They are the highest among the athletes in the test.

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…inspires with every meter.

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The Monster shines with an elastic and powerful motor. Your front brake is too aggressive. She comes second in the Big Bikes ranking.

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The bandit captures points with the best engine in its group and its extensive equipment. It got its chassis from the 1250 Bandit. That’s why it’s very heavy as a 650. With less weight, more than second place would be possible.

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The bike from Mattighofen: A sporty and front-wheel-oriented seating position paired with the lively V2 engine are on the plus side. On the downside is the drive with tough load change reactions and the modest payload of 186 kilograms. The Supermoto tourer comes in second behind the BMW.

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Anyone who travels with a pillion on the Burgman can look forward to good handling. Both are happy about a relaxed seating position. The automatic transmission relieves the driver of stress. The suspension of the scooter reaches its limits early and the chassis looks idiosyncratic and restless on bumpy roads. The 2-cylinder comes in third behind the other Japanese in-line twin.

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It is not the points of the tests that count, but the evaluation of the motorcycle jury.

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The Falzarego Pass (2105 m above sea level)…

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Travel or speed, as a couple or alone – the gray mouse is transformed into a multi-faceted all-rounder in the mountains. The Honda CB 1300 wins the Big Bikes.

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Last place for the Bonnie. A thin seat cushion and little spring travel in the hindquarters rob you of comfort. Your handling on the other hand…

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Pure driving pleasure, with the engine as the dominant element in the Moto Morini. Smooth-running gear, relaxed seating position thanks to high handlebars, manageable handling and well-working spring elements bring sympathy. A classic scrambler forbids proper wind protection, luggage storage and passenger comfort. Too bad. The Morini crossed the finish line in third place.

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When the ramps get steeper, the hairpin bends sharper and the asphalt bumpier, fans of super sports enthusiasts and hang-off driving styles are in a hangover mood. Both of these do not quite fit in with Alpine roads. After all, MOTORRAD knows which racing replica is the most fun between the valley and the top of the pass. At the start with the athletes: Honda CBR 600 RR, Triumph Daytona 675 SE, Yamaha YZF-R1 and Suzuki GSX-R 1000 (from left to right).

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In the final, the five winners of the various categories, the Honda CB 1300, the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion, the BMW F 800 GS, the K 1300 GT and the Yamaha YZF-R1 will meet the previous year’s winner, the BMW R 1200 R..

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…is one of the few flat kilometers on the circuit.

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The seating comfort of the Brutale is only moderate. The driving behavior is precise thanks to its front-wheel-oriented seating position and its motor is powerful. Nevertheless, she has to be content with last place in the Big Bikes.

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…is outstanding and the throttle response is smooth. With it, every line seems possible, even in the most difficult, winding, confusing streets.

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The trip odometer has long since passed the 500 mark. Abolished? Not worth talking about. Still in the mood for five passes? Nobody contradicts. The test candidates for the tourers: Suzuki Burgman 650 A, Kawasaki ER-6f, Harley-Davidson Road King and BMW K 1300 GT (from left to right).

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The sportswoman with the smallest displacement impresses with a perfectly balanced chassis and everyday suitability that is excellent for super sportsman standards. The ABS is exclusive and gives you points.

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The finalists say goodbye to the new king. The Honda CB 1300 pushes the BMW R 1200 R from the throne.

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Flat land? The rock-strewn high plateau of the Valparola Pass (2197 m above sea level)…

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The fact is: Anyone who pulls the throttle on the Vmax is confronted with impressions beyond anything previously experienced. But it is also a fact that handling is sluggish due to the long wheelbase (1700 mm). Third place for the Yamaha in the test quartet.

motorcycles

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2
Mountaineer

In the end there can only be one: the winner of the Alpine Masters, the King of the Mountains in 2009. Twenty aspirants hoped for the prestigious title. After the preliminary decisions for tourers / sports tourers as well as athletes, there will be a showdown on the Pordoi Pass.

Peter Mayer, Gert Thole, Ralf Schneider

07/31/2009

The two uniformed Agip men at the gas station in the center of Canazei have lost their calm – although the bear is raging on their territory. A group of Munich Harley freaks with wild conversions has occupied a gas pump block. Across the street, a group of Austrians is filling their petrol barrels with fully packed BMW GS models, the remaining pillars have been conquered by a multicolored Italian sports group. And now the MOTORRAD test group is also turning onto the overcrowded gas station area. A very everyday situation for the staff: the Dolomites are firmly in the hands of bikers on these June days.

Why are so many motorcyclists drawn to this area? Anyone who asks this question has certainly not been there yet. And whoever goes into the curve area with the jagged mountain massifs for the first time will be immediately captured by the unique landscape, the varied road network, the diverse passes. And it certainly also plays a role that you can find great accommodation on almost every corner without a long search, where you can also eat and drink very well. Apparently the word got around, which actually has only one disadvantage: You are not alone there. But in June, before the big wave of travel, the streets are not so congested. Incidentally, you can also end the season there wonderfully in September, while tin caravans and coaches block the passes in midsummer.

Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

Tourer


Alpine Masters 2009, part 1

The best bike for the Alps

read more

Before the big storm on the mountains, there is enough space for this year’s Alpine Masters, in the second part of which (part one in MOTORRAD 16/2009) the tourers / sports tourers as well as the real sports machines are on, before the five group winners together in the final fight for the title among themselves with the defending champion, the BMW R 1200 R. After the points evaluation is decisive in the preliminary rounds, the jurors choose the winner in the final. A very special reward is waiting for him this year, he can take the cable car to the almost 3000 meter high Sass Pordoi, from where he can enjoy a wonderful view of the wonderful panorama of the Dolomites.

The test track


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2

This is what the test track looks like.

As is the old saying: if you step on the quark, it becomes wide, not strong. In a figurative sense, this also applies to the test round of the Alpine Masters. The tour selected by MOTORRAD compresses the entire range of specific requirements in the Alps into just 105 kilometers. Here, the strengths and weaknesses of the different concepts crystallize in quick motion.

Canazei, located directly at the foot of the Sella Group, served the MOTORRAD crew as the valley station. From there the tour starts in an easterly direction to the Fedaia Pass. With a moderate incline and open curve combinations, the Fedaia is also ideal for a technical introduction to the mountain world. Which is sorely needed. Immediately after the top of the pass, the road drops steeply, curvy and with initially mirror-smooth asphalt towards Cernadoi. This is followed by the first highlight of the round with the magnificent Falzarego Pass. The high plateau of the Valparola pass gives you time to breathe deeply for the initially ornate, later opening descent to Corvara. It is worthwhile to accept the increased volume of traffic from the winter sports resort. After the Passo di Campolongo, which can be quickly ridden, the Sella Loop is the culmination of the climbing tour, especially with the ascent from Arabba to the highest Dolomite pass, the Pordoi Pass with a total of 33 hairpin bends.

Tourer


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

The tourers: BMW K 1300 GT, Harley-Davidson Road King, Kawasaki ER-6f and Suzuki Burgman 650 A.

A travel machine for the journey, a fun bike for the switchbacks. That’s it. But how much driving fun is left when these two worlds are to be conquered with very different touring concepts: with a large scooter, a cruiser and two mid-range and luxury-class touring bikes.

Canazei! Arrived. Helmets off. We peel the earplugs out of our ears. The trip odometer has long since passed the 500 mark. Sleepy? Not worth talking about. Protected from wind and rain, sitting upright with half your household items behind your back – touring is like staying at home, only faster. Then possession can also be a burden. When serpentines are irritating, disguise and bulky luggage threaten to impede brisk progress.

Still in the mood for five passes? Nobody contradicts. The slowest determines the pace, the Suzuki Burgman drives up. In terms of performance, the large scooter moves with measured 37 hp on the rear wheel (factory specification: power on the crankshaft 56 hp!) At the lowest limit for the climbing tour, conceptually it ranks between the worlds. Provides the tourer with full weather protection and storage space as well as the city mobile with automatic transmission and access. This user-friendliness, which is quite charming in everyday life, requires some getting used to in the alpine environment. Especially in tight bends, the combination of small wheels (14 inches at the back, 15 inches at the front), the automatic delayed use of power at the apex of the curve and the lack of knees make the scooter wobble. Braking early and applying the gas before the bend smooth out the transitions, but ultimately scratch the pleasure concept with an indifferent driving experience. The transmission, which can be switched manually at the push of a button, does little to change this. After all, the pillion feels comfortable and in terms of points – read and be amazed – the Burgman even puts it Harley-Davidson Road King in the pocket.

Sounds amazing, and it is, if you use the Alpenmaster points assessment as an objective authority. The American fails miserably because of hard criteria such as times in the handling course, consumption or weight. However, in order to ultimately rehabilitate yourself in real life on the slopes of the Pordoi and Co. Perhaps it is this combination of protruding handlebars, enthroned seating position and the cultivated V2 engine that pushes the vehicle from the lowest engine speeds, which underlines this subjective assessment, which means: This is how a cruiser should drive. Regardless of the fact that the brakes require a robust handshake, that in view of the 373 kilograms of live weight, any objection to the subject of handling goes unheard and that the question of freedom from banking is out of the question with a Harley anyway. None of this is supposed to gloss over anything, but to explain. Make it understandable that driving fun in the Alps and this monstrous American go well together. Because the level of experience is shifting. Good vibrations instead of full throttle, enjoyable gliding instead of hard braking, relaxation instead of feeling for the limits. Only that despite so much opulence, the passenger comfort suffers due to the sloping seat cushion or the suitcases are quite narrow, the Road King is reluctantly forgiven – in addition to the exorbitant price of a good 20,000 euros.

Especially since it is for a third of this tariff Kawasaki ER-6f there. 650 series twin-cylinder, fairing, standard ABS, optional luggage system – everything included, everything on. For a list price of just 7095 euros. Very mundane: after scooters and cruisers, the Kawa is a motorcycle, even a completely normal one. One that does well on the autobahn and even increases in the meandering curves. The upright, relaxed seating position, the narrow rear tire and the short wheelbase let the travel flea wag joyfully through the hairpin bends, almost challenging to let the engine cheer in the ready-to-perform range from 6000 rpm. In addition, the power of one finger is enough for the front brake, the suspension swallows a lot and the engine with four liters of consumption hardly anything. Of course, in two-person operation, the fork and shock absorber reach their limits if the 74 hp unit has to be turned even more. The only drawback: The seating comfort for driver and pillion could be better. Not insignificant for a mid-range bike designed for tourism like the ER-6 f. Nevertheless, the balancing act has largely been achieved, the Kawa an all-inclusive offer at a bargain price.

What for the BMW K 1300 GT at least not in terms of price. But for 19,900 euros there is everything on the subject of accessories (ESA, cruise control, ABS, slip control, heated grips, luggage system) – and even more when it comes to driving performance. And as if the extremely strong and highly elastic in-line four-cylinder, with 165 hp, wouldn’t convince right away, this chassis also inspires. As if on rails, the GT can be braked far into the hairpin bends thanks to the non-submerged front, and the weighty queen of the autobahns (291 kilograms) proves to be a precise steering wheel on all radii of the narrow pass roads. Even the indifferent feedback due to the cardan reactions and the Duolever gives way to surprising trust after a very short time. Add to that a range of almost 500 kilometers, the outstanding ergonomics for driver and passenger and the fantastically functioning ESA, there is only one thing left to say: Chapeau to the undisputed group winner.

Noticed: Harley-Davidson Road King


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Jahn

Harley-Davidson Road King.

Harley-Davidson Road King
+ Driver’s seating position is comfortable
+ Pleasantly soft throttle response
+ Motor pushes from the lowest speeds

– Suspension struts overloaded with pillion rider
– Braking high operating forces
– Not enough lean angle, especially in bends

Noticed: Kawasaki ER-6f


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Jahn

Kawasaki ER-6f.

Kawasaki ER-6f
+ Handling and steering precision are extremely good
+ Consumption very moderate
+ Excellent value for money

– Suspension elements reach their limits with a pillion passenger
– Payload hardly sufficient
– Sitting comfort could be better

Noticed: Suzuki Burgman 650 A


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Jahn

Suzuki Burgman 650 A.

Suzuki Burgman 650 A
+ Relaxed seating position for driver and passenger
+ Handling is also good with a pillion passenger
+ Automatic transmission de-stressed

– Driving performance only moderate
– Chassis unconventional and restless on bumpy roads
– Suspension reaches its limits early on

Noticed: BMW K 1300 Gt


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Jahn

BMW K 1300 GT.

Winner: BMW K 1300 GT
+ Top comfort for driver / front passenger
+ Powerful engine
+ Brake nod before turning eliminated by Duolever

– Price stately despite the high equipment
– Feedback not very pronounced
– Dimensions too huge

Placement: Tourer


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

The tourers.

1st place: BMW K 1300 GT
2nd place: Kawasaki ER-6f
3rd place: Suzuki Burgman
4th place: Harley-Davidson Road King

Conclusion: tourers


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

To take up the question in the opening credits: They exist, the wanderers in two worlds. While Suzuki with the Burgman and Harley-Davidson have probably never asked themselves the question of the universal talent, BMW and Kawasaki show that comfort on the tour and quality in the serpentines do not have to be mutually exclusive. The driving pleasure that the K 1300 GT and the ER-6f – in addition to their touring qualities – offer in the Alps is something that even some specialized concepts have to measure up to.

Hangoff Hangover: athletes


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

The athletes: Honda CBR 600 RR, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Triumph Daytona 675 SE and Yamaha YZF-R1

When the ramps get steeper, the hairpin bends sharper and the asphalt bumpier, fans of super sports enthusiasts and hang-off driving styles are in a hangover mood. Both of these do not quite fit in with Alpine roads. After all, MOTORRAD knows which racing replica is the most fun between the valley and the top of the pass.

 

Head tester Karsten Schwers is standing on the side of the road with the 600 Honda, has a GPS antenna on his helmet, a pillion passenger in the cross and a 15 percent incline in front of him. He drives off carefully, shifts into second gear at 20 km / h and opens the gas. But the CBR 600 RR just creeps on with an asthmatic gasp with a lousy 20 things. Only on the third attempt and from 24 km / h does the small four-cylinder accelerate; However, it takes the longest of all participants in the 2009 Alpine Master to reach speeds of 25 to 75 km / h. The 185 hp Suzuki completes faster but hardly less embarrassingly GSX-R 1000 their measurement trip at the Passo di Fedaia.

Suzi has to triumph by 0.8 seconds Daytona 675 Give SE defeated. And even the most powerful super athlete, the Yamaha YZF-R1 is behind the Kawasaki ER-6f in the overall standings. Downed by 0.4 seconds. On the one hand, this is due to the long lower gears of the super athletes. On the other hand, there is a fundamental problem with high-performance engines: they need huge inlet cross-sections for good filling at high speeds. In the lower speed range, the inflowing mixture therefore only reaches a low speed; if the throttle valve is torn open, there is a risk of flow collapse, as occurred in the Honda and was imminent in the Suzuki. Well-coordinated ride-by-wire and double throttle valve systems, variable intake funnels, airbox and exhaust valves can alleviate the problem, but not eliminate it. And when such a high-revving powerhouse gets going, then right away. The area between too little and too much becomes narrow in the Kehrengarten or on narrow strips of asphalt that barely fit between the abyss and the rock face. The ascent on the Falzarego south ramp is a good example of this.

Noticed: Honda CBR 600 RR


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

Honda CBR 600 RR.

Honda CBR 600 RR
+ Chassis perfectly balanced
+ ABS exclusively from Honda, with fine control behavior
+ Everyday suitability for super athlete standards excellent

– Draft weak in height
– Quiet running, sometimes tingling vibrations

Noticed: Suzuki GSX-R 1000


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

Suzuki GSX-R 1000.

Suzuki GSX-R 1000
+ Consumption relatively low
+ Pillion seat most bearable
+ Cladding offers proper wind protection

– Power development a little too sharp for the Alps
– Handiness neglected in favor of large stability reserves

Noticed: Triumph Daytona 675 SE


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

Triumph Daytona 675 SE.

Triumph Daytona 675 SE
+ Engine terrific in sound and power delivery
+ Responsiveness smooth
+ Price cheap

– Sitting position extremely front-wheel oriented
– Suspension too tight for bad roads

Noticed: Winner: Yamaha YZF-R1


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

Winner: Yamaha YZF-R1.

Winner: Yamaha YZF-R1
+ Motor powerful and powerful in sound,
+ impeccable load change behavior
+ Chassis crystal clear feedback
+ Ergonomics comfortable, but only for the driver

– Pillion seat simply outrageous
– Consumption the highest
– Price also the highest

Placement: athletes


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

The athletes

1st place: Yamaha YZF-R1
2nd place: Honda CBR 600 RR
3rd place: Triumph Daytona 675 SE
4th place: Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Conclusion: athletes


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

The Yamaha YZF-R1 wins the high mountain course as superior as hardly any other super athlete before. The Honda CBR 600 RR saved second place despite its inferior engine and the excellent chassis. The charismatic Triumph Daytona 675 SE lands just behind, which is actually only to blame for the extremely unfavorable driver’s seat position. Unfortunately, the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 cannot develop its talents in the mountains. The powerful engine is too pointed, the chassis designed more for fast corners.

This is how MOTORRAD tests

Before going into the mountains, all test machines go through a special test program on the handling course; all values ​​are determined in pillion mode. As expected, the Harley-Davidson Road King brings up the rear in terms of driving dynamics, primarily due to the limited lean angle. Even the Burgman large scooter is a touch faster. The lively Kawasaki ER-6f is surprisingly nimble. The sports machines consistently achieve top values ​​thanks to the stiff chassis and almost unlimited ground clearance.

The test program is supplemented by special measurements in the Alps. Here the powerful BMW K 1300 GT has its nose ahead, even the lighter super sports cars cannot keep up. The engine of the Road King marches hard, but the long gear ratio and especially on the mountain the heavy weight is her undoing. On the brakes it is no worse than the super athletes that are difficult to stop downhill. The standards here are also set by the BMW, which remains steadfastly on course and keeps the rear wheel on the ground at all times.

final


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

Finale Furioso

Capricious weather, hot discussions, tight decisions: this year’s final of the Alpine Masters kept everyone involved in suspense. And chose a winner that not everyone had on the list from the start.

Everyone knows that: the alarm clock rings, you lie half asleep and hear this soft, steady rustling. Ringing in the ears because it was pretty late last night? Or is it rain? Better to turn around and take a nap. But when you blink through the gap in the curtain, you gradually get certainty: It’s pouring heavily, the opposite slope disappears into the clouds less than a hundred meters above the hotel, the streets shine in the wet.

A final in the pouring rain? Not a particularly pleasant performance. But the classic saying from enduro sport also applies to the Alpine Masters: The event takes place in all weathers. In addition, as is well known, hope dies last. So quickly sipped two cups of coffee, threw in a roll, quickly changed, and off you go. Lo and behold, the rain has subsided, but dark clouds are still wafting through the valleys in confused formations. The six machines definitely deserved a bright blue sky: All of them were fantastic motorcycles that were in a good mood in the preliminary rounds. First of all, the test group, which was initially complete, moves north from the starting point in Canazei to the famous Sella Loop. Careful because of the slippery, wet roads, which dry up quickly with increasing altitude. The scenic, varied route attracts with challenging switchbacks, easy turns, relaxing straights and reasonable grip. Especially in the dizzying curve combinations in the lower area before the fork in the direction of Pordoi you can get excellent impressions of the chassis and engine qualities.

At the Sella Pass, the sun squints carefully between the gaps in the clouds, and strong winds stir up the clouds. The group of five sits together for the first time over a cup of cappuccino. Before long discussions, everyone has to anonymously write the candidate on a piece of paper, who should be the first to drop out. Sven, who is the sixth driver to record, announces the result: one driver each has an XJ6 and a CB 1300 on the slip, but the R1 is out of the race with three entries, although all jurors are enthusiastic about the sports machine with its exemplary manners. With the fantastic “in-line V4” engine, the great chassis and the precise handling, the R1 is certainly the best athlete that has ever faced the Alpine Masters. “It hurts to be the first to throw such a great motorcycle out,” says Karsten, regretting his own decision. Kistijan is disturbed by the long first gear in hairpin bends, “but the engine is awesome. But it doesn’t work for two, and where should the luggage go? ”The ABS of the Honda athletes would also be on the wish list. Pere sums it up: “A great bike for a day, but still too extreme for a week.” From here on, the R1 is only allowed to follow the five remaining machines with a respectful distance. The crowd rolls down the Sella Pass and then turns right to the Passo Gardena halfway up. The route leads along the imposing rock walls with the Pisciadu waterfalls.

However, for which the quintet has no eyes, because the asphalt has been milled off in deep grooves in places here for the purpose of renewing the road. But that’s not even a problem for BMW’s K 1300 GT touring ship. You can’t see or feel anything from the front wheel, but you quickly get used to ignoring it completely. Halfway up a parking lot, a group of policemen armed to the teeth is waiting for bikers who take it all too briskly in the weekend traffic. Will they be executed on the spot? We are graciously waved through with a casual wave of the hand. A few more switchbacks, then we reach the second station. Something against hunger would be nice now, but the unfriendly service effectively prevents the test drivers from ordering solid food for the usual cappuccino round. Then the next decision on the Passo Gardena has to be made with a growling stomach. But where to put the cross? Where do those three votes that the R1 got in the last round go to? And has someone else made a decision? Obviously not, because the CB 1300 remains one nomination, the XJ6 now gets two votes instead of one, and the other two R1 votes are split between the K 1300 GT and R 1200 R. So the end for the second Yamaha, albeit only very close. Gert is particularly sorry, he even had the middle grader pretty high on his list: “It rides like a bike here in the mountains, everything is as smooth as butter and completely easy.”

Karsten comes out as one of those who voted out of the XJ6: “The four-cylinder is simply too lax for me, and with luggage the soft suspension always hangs deep in the ropes, there are no reserves.” swings ”, Andrea interjects. But it doesn’t help, from here on the XJ6 is also degraded to an escort vehicle. Directly after the top of the pass there is a great view of the wide valley towards Corvara. The road meanders down the pass in every imaginable radius. Meanwhile the sun is burning, the uncomfortable humidity of the morning is no longer an issue. The quartet is enjoying the day and slowly rolling down the pass to leave the Sella Ronda in Corvara with the goal of Passo di Falzarego. This is followed by a longer trip through the valley with wide sweeping curves, interrupted by smaller villages. Different qualities are required here than in the hairpin bends of the passes. Before Badia, the road branches off to the Passo di Valparola. While the asphalt quality usually decreases with increasing height, the pavement here gets better the more you screw yourself up. A true cornering paradise with smooth, grippy asphalt and huge 180-degree bends, where you can really kick the four machines off the ground.

“Mamma mia, the GT is out?” At the Passo di Falzarego, Andrea is disappointed when Sven drops the luxury tourer, having chosen the GT as his personal favorite. But in the end the great impressions on the last, well-developed kilometers didn’t help either, three out of five entries are a clear judgment on this lap. “It is surprising how easy the tanker is to drive, but the GT is still too big and heavy for me on the narrow mountain passes,” says Kistijan. “I get annoyed by the harsh switching noises,” notes Pere. Karsten, on the other hand, praises the short braking distances, “however, the pressure point sometimes becomes a bit spongy if you take it too briskly downhill.” The other two votes were won by the F- and R-BMW, ​​while the CB 1300 was surprisingly spared on this lap . Andrea changed his voice over to the F 800 GS at short notice: “The Honda convinced me up the Valparola with its silky-smooth drive, the long-legged GS rocks too much for me.” Okay, you can change your mind. Let go is the motto for the next stage. At least that applies to the first section down the Falzarego, which with its gentle, continuous gradient offers straight lines of northern German dimensions. As the front man, Karsten almost missed the junction to Passo di Giau, which you should definitely not leave behind on the left (or right).

The driveway in the forest is quite demanding, the change from sharp bends and wide arches as well as the changing light conditions require concentration, especially since the surface offers some surprises in the form of split, cracks and faults. At the top of the pass, the magnificent panorama of the Dolomites literally knocks the test riders out of the saddle. And finally there is also an inviting restaurant that offers an excellent sandwich with the less than imaginative name “Dolomiti”. Just the thing after seven hours without calories. The fact that the break at Passo di Giau lasts longer is not only due to the magnificent scenery or the excellent catering, but also to the fact that the first voting round does not result in majorities. Because one driver has opted for the F 800 GS, two colleagues each want to sort out the R 1200 R and CB 1300. The regulations did not provide for a stalemate. After short discussions, a runoff election must bring the decision. The decisive fifth vote falls on the R 1200 R, which means that the winner of the last two years is out. “The brake is difficult to adjust and bites too poisonously,” argues Gert. Pere complains about the dry clutch, which smells under load, and Karsten’s feedback from the chassis is not transparent enough. Admittedly, complaints at a high level, but one of them has to go out. For Andrea that would be the Honda: “In my opinion, too much mass and too little character.” But the CB can now compete against the BMW F 800 GS for the decisive shootout – high noon at Passo Pordoi.

Until that is achieved. but there is still a long way to go before the duet, which is followed by the entourage of eliminated finalists. First from Passo di Giau down into the valley, past a quiet place called Posalz – that’s really its name – then over the Colle Santa Lucia to Arabba, which would bring you back to the famous Sella Ronda. And on the gentle ascent to the Pordoi Pass come the final kilometers, on which any last doubts about the winner of the 2009 Alpine Masters can be cleared up. The curve carousel behind Arabba requires a lot of physical effort and concentration from the driver as well as easy handling from the machine. The partially polished asphalt does the rest to ensure that nobody gets bored. The highlight of the final round: two machines face each other on the Passo di Pordoi, only one can win. Sven collects the five ballot papers for the last time. The result is three to two, it never gets any closer. And the winner is: Honda CB 1300 – the King of the Alps in 2009. After the undisguised version in 2005 still failed wafer-thinly on the Suzuki V-Strom, the CB has now made it almost in the second attempt with half-fairing. Which is once again proof that it is not the spectacular models that prevail in the mountains, but rather the well-behaved machines that have no weaknesses, no rough edges. The strengths of the CB: a comfortable seating position for both passengers, a silky-smooth drive with lots of torque, great ABS brakes, the comfortably tuned chassis and neutral steering behavior, which quickly makes you forget the considerable weight. High up on the Sass Pordoi, the king of the mountains can hold court and enjoy a magnificent view of his territory: the Sella Loop, the Dolomites, the Alps. A kingdom for a year – until the next Alpine Masters.

The final round


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

The final round

It is the highlight of the Alpine Masters every year: the grand finale with the five group winners, to which the defending champion, this year the BMW R 1200 R, is allowed to join. After a week of hard test work, the decision is made, here the drivers choose the overall winner at the end of a long day. This year, too, the organization team has come up with a very special treat, namely a day tour over five of the most famous and beautiful passes in the Dolomites. Additional excitement also arises because the election of the winner for the first time takes place in a knockout procedure after a changed procedure: the test crew stops at each pass and selects a machine that has to be eliminated on the spot. Hard but fair. The test field is reduced from pass to pass until only two candidates are fighting for the title on the last pass.

As in the preliminary rounds, the starting point is the base station in Canazei in the Trentino region. From there, the tour first leads to the Sella Pass. Following the famous Sella Ronda, the next destination is the Grodner Joch, which is already in German-speaking South Tyrol. Via Corvara it then goes to Passo Valparola, which is picturesquely situated in the middle of jagged boulders, but the next decision is only made at Passo Falzarego, which is only a few hundred meters away. After that, the test field has already been reduced to three machines, so that a preliminary decision has to be made at the scenic Passo Giau. On the connecting stage to Passo Pordoi, the test team has the last opportunity to gather impressions of the two remaining finalists in order to choose the overall winner up there on the Pordoi Pass. For the closing ceremony, it will be transported by cable car to the almost 3,000-meter-high Sass Pordoi.

Scoring in the final


Alpine Masters 2009: Part 2


Artist

Overall winner: Honda CB 1300

Overall winner: Honda CB 1300

Sella Pass:
BMW F 800 GS: 0
BMW R 1200 R: 0
BMW K 1300 GT: 0
Honda CB 1300: 1st
Yamaha XJ6: 1st
Yamaha YZF-R1: 3rd

Eliminated: Yamaha YZF-R1

Gardena Pass
BMW F 800 GS: 0
BMW R 1200 R: 1st
BMW K 1300 GT: 1st
Honda CB 1300: 1st
Yamaha XJ6: 2nd
Yamaha YZF-R1: –

Eliminated: Yamaha XJ6

Passo di Falzarego
BMW F 800 GS: 1st
BMW R 1200 R: 1st
BMW K 1300 GT: 3rd
Honda CB 1300: 0
Yamaha XJ6: –
Yamaha YZF-R1: –

Eliminated: BMW K 1300 GT

Passo di Giau
BMW F 800 GS: 1st
BMW R 1200 R: 2nd
BMW K 1300 GT: –
Honda CB 1300: 2nd
Yamaha XJ6: –
Yamaha YZF-R1: –

Eliminated: –

Runoff
BMW F 800 GS: –
BMW R 1200 R: 3rd
BMW K 1300 GT: –
Honda CB 1300: 2nd
Yamaha XJ6: –
Yamaha YZF-R1: –

Eliminated: BMW R 1200 R

Pordoi Pass
BMW F 800 GS: 3rd
BMW R 1200 R: –
BMW K 1300 GT: –
Honda CB 1300: 2nd
Yamaha XJ6: –
Yamaha YZF-R1: –

Eliminated: BMW F 800 GS

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