Menus
- Towards the sun
- Bikes come from Italy, Austria, Germany and Japan
- BMW R 1200 RS has the smallest tank
- The Yamaha stalks woodenly and numbly through the water
- The rain stops in Vogtland
- As safe as on rails
- Tempo 60 in sixth gear hurts Ducati and KTM
- KTM clutch a poem
- The Kawa gearbox is also convincing
- It rains the next morning, crap
- Sports genes of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S really hit the mark
- Super Duke GT shines when it comes to braking
- Time for a conclusion over the delicious dinner
- Equipment in detail
- Technical specifications
- MOTORCYCLE scoring
- MOTORCYCLE test result
- Prices and offers from popular sports tourers in Germany
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29 photos
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1/29
Experience German-German history: The heavily secured border with wall and barriers between East and West, Thuringia and Bavaria once ran right through the middle of the small village of Modlareuth.
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2/29
With the largest fairing, the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE looks dignified and elegant, especially in the noble silver matt lacquer. New in 2016: LED headlights, Euro 4 and sixth gear.
Thomas Schmieder
3/29
Live like in Canada: The “LeonWood” hotel in Senftenberg is the largest log cabin hotel in Europe and is made of round timber.
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4/29
The 502 meter wide lignite overburden conveyor bridge F60 is known as the “Lying Eiffel Tower of Lusatia”. Visitors can climb it up to a lofty 74 meters. Info: www.f60.de.
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5/29
Start free on (h) urgent asphalt at Schleizer Dreieck. Accommodation tip: The historic racing hotel “Luginsland” breathes history!
Thomas Schmieder
6/29
The small brewery in the hotel “LeonWood” in Senftenberg produces four different, very drinkable beers. Really delicious!
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7/29
“Handles”. The parallelogram kinematics of BMW’s windshield adjustment are clever.
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Clever: the Ducati sliding bolt.
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9/29
With the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 you can’t touch the windshield, but you can touch the knob on the excellent Ohlins shock absorber.
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10/29
The height adjustment of the KTM disc looks a bit fiddly,…
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11/29
…easy the electric of the Yamaha FJR 1300 at the push of a button.
Thomas Schmieder
12/29
Even better than riding a motorcycle! However, the Ilyushin “flies” in Reichenbach only on earth (www.barnath.de).
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13/29
Five correct numbers in May: The Yamaha FJR 1300 is worth the trip, the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 is ideally suited for the lawn – the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT can do both. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S impresses as a sublime sports tourer, and with the BMW R 1200 RS you are on the move in a casual, relaxed manner.
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14/29
The three-part FJR cockpit is also more elegant and beautiful.
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15/29
Sober and informative: the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT with a classic rev counter.
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16/29
The classic analog clocks of the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 are a boon.
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17/29
A rugged look meets a lot of (optional) equipment. Exclusive: Cardan single-sided swing arm and wide water boxer. Upside-down fork instead of Telelever!
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18/29
Precision tool with built-in curve radar: the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT drives extremely precisely, stable and handy. A thrilling engine in the top chassis.
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19/29
Pick-up bikes: The BMW rear is the widest with suitcases. But like the Yamaha FJR 1300 it offers a luggage rack.
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20/29
On the Yamaha and Ducati, the driver’s seat is height-adjustable in two ways (Ducati shown).
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Foldable luggage hooks on the ZZR recommend reserving the pillion seat for luggage right away.
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The KTM cases got tight.
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FJR with luggage rack and two-way height-adjustable driver’s seat.
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24/29
In near-earth orbit: Trimmed for high speed, you have to guide the powerful ZZR in curves with a strong hand.
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25/29
Over 26 million bricks form the Goltzschtalbrucke, which was completed in 1851 in the Vogtland district of Saxony, and is the largest brick bridge in the world. At a height of 78 meters, it spans 574 meters for two railway tracks.
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26/29
None of the other four drivers sit so upright and lofty. The white lacquer version with a red frame costs 200 euros extra. With equipment, the Italian tears the 20,000 euro bar. Uff.
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Fittings, great feature: the BMW R 1200 RS aligns the beginning of the red area with the oil temperature. It provides a lot of information in a clear manner.
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The purely digital cockpit of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S almost seems overloaded despite the TFT displays.
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We are neither on the North Sea nor the Baltic Sea. But at Geierswalder See, part of the largest artificial lake landscape in Europe in Niederlausitz.
Sports tourer concepts in a comparison test
Towards the sun
On the way in the Brandenburg Lausitz and in the Thuringian Vogtland. With the five great motorcycles BMW R 1200 RS, Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport, KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and Yamaha FJR 1300 AE!
PEtrus is angry. He’s in a really bad mood. And that in the merry month of May. But 2016 has little of spring, it’s raining cats and dogs. Our motorcycle quintet plows through real floods. Slice up and down for it. “Heavy rain event” is what meteorologists call it. The first cars have turned on aquaplaning and are dented against the guardrails. Perhaps you would need a boat patent rather than a driver’s license? Gradually our underwear gets wet, Gore-Tex or not. Why are we doing this Because we are looking for the sun.
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Sports tourer concepts in a comparison test
Towards the sun
1290 Super Duke GT and Yamaha FJR 1300 AE and thanks to a bridge day four days weekend. Something has to go there. But the whole country is under low pressure fronts, it is bewitched. According to the weather report, only in Niederlausitz, one of the regions with the lowest rainfall in the republic, should be the promised, dry motorcycle country. Hmm, we’re still only in Franconia. The temptation is great: drop anchor in one of the many brewery inns and enjoy the highest concentration of breweries in the world? No, hold out. Just fill up again, everything will be fine …
Bikes come from Italy, Austria, Germany and Japan
Five machines from four countries (Italy, Austria, Germany and Japan) represent different approaches to sporty touring: the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S wears an enduro-like habit with a beak. It has the widest and tallest handlebars including the longest suspension travel, a whopping 170 each at the front and rear Millimeter. 17-inch wheels with road tires make them a crossover concept. KTM created the second V2 sports tourer in a completely different way: The new KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is based on the famous power-naked bike called Super Duke R, only more suitable for touring. This is ensured by the tightly cut fairing, higher and wider handlebars, reinforced and extended rear frame, heated grips and an optional luggage system.
The BMW R 1200 RS stands for travel and sport. And thus in an impressive tradition, because in 1976 the R 100 RS was the first large-scale series motorcycle with full frame-fixed fairing. With its design (headlights), the current touring athlete borrows the look of the super athlete S 1000 RR. But used the active roadster R 1200 R as an organ donor, Touring writes in capital letters. The 125 HP water boxer is the weakest of the five engines. And the only one that is still homologated according to the outdated Euro 3 approval standard, recognizable by the missing side reflectors. After all, the R 1200 RS is even fully equipped, with extras on board for around 4000 euros, the cheapest of all five offers!
BMW R 1200 RS has the smallest tank
A look at the equipment list (see "Equipment in detail") is worthwhile for all candidates. This applies even more to the Yamaha FJR 1300, the traditional top tourer. For 2016 it received LED headlights including taillights, an anti-hopping clutch and – 15 years after the debut of the four-cylinder engine – a transmission with sixth gear. In addition, in the AE version tested here, automatically activated cornering lights including electronically adjustable chassis. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT also have both. But not the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 – despite the noble performance sports version. The poorest equipment contrasts with the most powerful drive. Typically a Japanese row four, with a full 1441 cubic meters. Grand Tourismo means here fast forward, fast forward.
BMW R 1200 RS and Kawasaki ZZR 1400 always have to go to the fuel pump first. The BMW is the second most economical machine after the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, and can be driven from four and a half liters per 100 kilometers. But it has the smallest tank, it only holds 18 liters. The long and wide fuel drum of the Kawasaki with a volume of 22 liters is in the middle of the field. The 200 hp grenade is thirsty and takes five and a half liters in roll mode. Power and fuel: nothing comes from nothing. Back into the wet gloves and the heated grips, which are very welcome at 11 ° C. Except on the kawa. Nonetheless, ZZR driver Peter keeps his good mood: “You can feel that you are alive.”
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The heavily secured border with a wall and barriers between east and west, Thuringia and Bavaria once ran right through the middle of the small village of Modlareuth.
Spray from the overtaken cars obscures the view on this spray tour. 1.83-meter-man Peter enjoys a lot of space on the Kawasaki ZZR 1400, but has to fold and stretch: the handlebars are far away, the bulbous tank spreads his legs quite a bit. The seating position looks old-fashioned, away from the front wheel. The elongated looking Kawasaki has the shortest wheelbase of all five machines. Optical illusion. Despite the steepest steering head angle with the smallest caster, the 1400 is perfectly trimmed for top straight-line stability. Your high-domed spoiler screen from the Baden window pope MRA is standard. It blows the airstream into the neck in a metered manner. Beyond 200, full ducking protects you from the thundering hurricane.
Stefan sits with his legs apart on the four-cylinder Yamaha FJR 1300 AE with a 25-liter XXL tank. But almost as upright and sublime as Sven on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. Stefan complains about the rather loud airflow that the Yamaha windshield produces for a touring motorcycle. On the other hand, only your windshield can be continuously adjusted electrically at any time. The other disks cannot be adjusted at all (Kawasaki ZZR 1400) or mechanically while standing. At least without tools. FJR driver Stefan can adjust the windshield precisely so that “the raindrops roll off the visor as if by magic”. The Yamaha also best shields legs and knees from the wind. In addition, flaps can be opened in the side panels.
The Yamaha stalks woodenly and numbly through the water
On the 80 centimeter low seat of the BMW R 1200 RS, it sits quite integrated into the motorcycle, but also a little passive. Editor Thomas would like to sit more front wheel-oriented, with more weight on the wide handlebars. All this is offered by the higher alternative bench alone. Although it can only be adjusted in two heights, the RS screen provides surprisingly effective protection even at a travel speed of 200 without turbulence. Compliments to the BMW wind tunnel. Tester Georg Jelicic drives the KTM, has plenty of space behind the voluminous, well-formed 23-liter tank. Georg’s shoulders on the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT lie quite freely in the airflow, even in the highest of seven lens positions.
Also applies to Sven on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. He enjoys her hand protectors with integrated indicators. Even if the unstable plastic holder just simulates high-quality aluminum. Various driving modes with softer throttle response (Yamaha FJR 1300 AE) and lower power output (Kawasaki ZZR 1400) ensure a good feeling in bad weather. The three Europeans offer special rain modes. Traction controls do not only help on flooded roads. You analyze precarious situations and make decisions at lightning speed. The control behavior of the Kawasaki with Bridgestone S 20 “E” appears somewhat diffuse. In contrast, the Yamaha irritated on their Bridgestone BT 23 “E” with violent slides on wet bitumen strips. The Yamaha stalks woodenly and numbly through the water.
The rain stops in Vogtland
You feel more secure on the BMW R 1200 RS, Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. With the Metzeler Z8 Interact (BMW), Metzeler Scorpion Trail II (Ducati) and Pirelli Angel GT (KTM) you are wearing test winner material from various MOTORRAD tire tests. The rain stops in Vogtland. Only the sky still has all possible shades of gray – like in the Loriot sketch: a greenish-pale brown-red-gray. Break at the Opel dealer Barnath in Reichenbach on the A 72. Here the 14 cylinders and 796 hp rated power of our motorcycle quintet suddenly fade: An Ilyushin Il-14 of the former GDR airline Interflug is parked on the car dealership site. Each of its two double-star engines had 14 cylinders, each with 1900 hp!
The completely restored aircraft is open to visitors and takes us into another world. We take a seat in the cockpit. That presents itself crammed with purely analogue display instruments and mechanical controls and buttons. Well, our motors have no shortage of adjustment options and power. The A4 before Dresden is pretty empty. Deactivate cruise control (except on the Kawasaki ZZR 1400) and raise the curtain: full throttle! Not that it is necessary, but it is better. The BMW R 1200 RS runs like clockwork with speedometer reading 238, factory specification is 228. Long caster and flat steering head angle make it stable.
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Over 26 million bricks form the Goltzschtalbrucke, which was completed in 1851 in the Vogtland district of Saxony, and is the largest brick bridge in the world. At a height of 78 meters, it spans 574 meters for two railway tracks.
The long-legged Ducati Multistrada 1200 S runs at a full 250 km / h. However, with suitcases, it swings noticeably and very easily at top speed in long curves. Sven says: “It’s even more pronounced in sport mode than in the more gently dampened touring mode.” Stefan also feels a slight tendency to stir on the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE, especially when the windshield is very high and steep. As a real gentle gear, the sixth of the calm and confident sounding Yamaha is translated to over 300 km / h. The speed drops again on inclines.
The real 169 hp KTM 1290 Super Duke GT doesn’t know anything. “Is sturdy at top speed,” notes Georg in the logbook, “like a board.” And that with 260 items with suitcases! A 1290 Super Adventure just dreams of that. Really fast, this Austria wedge. But even he cannot stand up to the low-slung Nippon arrow Kawasaki ZZR 1400. When a free path opens, it looks like a projectile is leaving a launcher. The following Georg is amazed at how the imperturbable Kawa pulls angry black lines even beyond the 200 with the almost narrow-looking 190 rear tire. Unbelievable. As if an afterburner ignited.
As safe as on rails
If you turn the fourth down fully, the only gear that has not been cut in power or speed, the gate opens to another dimension. The needles of the wonderfully classic round instruments only stop rotating wildly at the 300 mark and shortly before the 11000 mark. Endless thrust, the world becomes a narrow tube. ICE instead of regional express! As safe as on rails.
Conversely, the XXL four-cylinder of the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 runs wonderfully smoothly even at the lowest engine speeds and can be accelerated from 1500 rpm in sixth gear without complaint. Sounds quite quiet, but wonderfully muffled and sonorous from the Akrapovic titanium bags with the four outlet nozzles. An ode to Kawasaki’s strength and glory. The Yamaha FJR 1300 AE and BMW R 1200 RS can also handle just under 2000 revolutions. The “small”, moderately short-stroke two-cylinder boxer helps with a well-chosen flywheel against heels. An elastic twin!
Tempo 60 in sixth gear hurts Ducati and KTM
The two ultra-short-stroke V2 engines, on the other hand, don’t like low-speed at all. They show that in the endless motorway construction site north of Dresden. A speed of 60 in sixth gear hurts the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, at 50 km / h it seems to tear the engine housing with the loud rattle. The desmodromic, continuously variable valve control DVT is supposed to make the Testastretta more elastic and stronger. In fact, the 90-degree V2 climbs extremely powerfully from 3000 tours, below which the Ducati cannot be driven in upper gears.
But despite 2016 mappings: The torque output of the Desmo V2 has a deep depression in the middle. Somewhat synthetic, sometimes with a delay, the DVT engine depends on the gas. Remarkable: its real 152 hp. How wild and free the Italo-V2 turns and sprints, snorts and trumpets, that’s an experience. Only with an (L-) twin you would like a little more punch in the middle. This is where it counts! The 100 cubic centimeter larger 75-degree V2 of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT lifts 20 Nm more than the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S at medium speeds. From 80 to 180 km, even the BMW R 1200 RS delivers more rear wheel power than the Multistrada.
Thomas Schmieder
Live like in Canada: The “LeonWood” hotel in Senftenberg is the largest log cabin hotel in Europe and is made of round timber.
The long-geared Yamaha FJR 1300 AE only outperforms the BMW R 1200 RS at over 200 km / h. A positive side effect of the overdrive: Annoying, fine-pixel vibrations of the FJR four-cylinder engine at 5000 revs now occur at a speed of 160 instead of 130, so they are only relevant in Germany. For good pulling power you have to drive the FJR in fifth as always.
We have reached Lusatia: the main thing is dry, and in Europe’s largest artificial lake landscape. Where the fox and the rabbit say good night and the nightingale sings tirelessly. After a cold start the next morning, the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE takes the longest to turn down its idle speed. In addition, its hydraulic clutch only engages the last millimeter of lever travel. The boxer of the BMW R 1200 RS starts with an irritating rattle. Valuable sounds different. On the other hand, smart: the red area, which is lowered when the engine is cold, and which rises steadily as the engine oil temperature increases. The RS couples smoothly, but not extremely finely dosed.
KTM clutch a poem
Kalonk. The gear shift is violent when engaging first gear, the shift travel is long. BMW transmission as always? No. Because there is a second, completely different side: With “Shift Assistant Pro” for 410 euros, the gears on the BMW R 1200 RS slip smoothly and quickly without using the clutch. The helper even assists with downshifting, including double-declutching. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT also has a shift assistant, as the first KTM. It works conventionally only when upshifting. The KTM clutch with Magura hand pump is a poem. The long side stand is irritating when standing – the GT is fairly upright.
The Austria unit pushes enthusiastically. The first KTM with valve control is not rowdy, but sonorous. Cylinder heads from the Super Adventure and two millimeters smaller intake cross-sections make the high-compression V2 even more voluminous than in the Super Duke R. But no mistake: 56 throttle valves as in the Multistrada are good for top performance (169 hp!), But not for the flow conditions in the partial load range. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT have a lot in common. Their V2 engines, which are typical of the brand, hang in steel tubular space frames with single-sided swing arms and directly hinged struts (as is the case with the BMW R 1200 RS).
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We are neither on the North Sea nor the Baltic Sea. But at Geierswalder See, part of the largest artificial lake landscape in Europe in Niederlausitz.
LED cornering lights adorn the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, just like the new Yamaha FJR 1300. In addition, there is ABS that is suitable for bends and long 15,000 service intervals. The Multistrada and Super Duke GT have exclusive semi-active suspension elements at the front and rear. You should adjust the damping to the circumstances in a fraction of a second. With these multitool computers on wheels, everything is coupled with everything: throttle response, power output, ABS control behavior, intervention threshold for traction control, damping and spring base at the rear – in Enduro mode the Multistrada raises the rear noticeably.
239 kilograms make the 1290 KTM the lightest of the five sports tourers. The seven kilogram light, practically thought-out suitcase is already included. KTM is serious about touring. Including the case set (ten kilos), the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S is a full 20 kilograms heavier. The boxer of the BMW R 1200 RS gets down to business in a bulky way. He has to push a moderate 254 kilograms with the eight kilogram light suitcase. It is a fine country road engine, with more peak power than you need. If you stay too long in a gear, the RS cockpit warns you to upshift.
The Kawa gearbox is also convincing
The gearbox of the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 is a poem, the gears click in wonderfully smoothly. But in the lower ones the ZZR “1450” tears less violently than expected. Pure self-protection, this throttling in the lower gears. So the rocket can also be tame. The Ohlins TTX 39 shock absorber works superbly with a practical handwheel for adjusting the suspension base. It depicts the asphalt relief realistically, without ever being uncomfortable. This high-end spring element fishes out a lot. The kawa lies full and creamy on the street, appealing to stokers and connoisseurs. The stunner weighs 267 kilograms “naked”, but feels rather heavier.
We come through the cities of Senftenberg and Finsterwalde. While crouching on the Kawasaki ZZR 1400, Peter sees the least of the sometimes neat building facades, while crawling there is a lot of weight on his wrists. The BMW R 1200 RS is a real glider. Together with the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, it offers the highest level of suspension comfort. It puts everything away – cobblestones and deep manhole covers – without ever becoming spongy. The only downer: the RS is hardly the feedback world champion, despite the renouncement of BMW’s exclusive Telelever.
It rains the next morning, crap
The detour to the industrial monument overburden conveyor bridge F60 in the former lignite mining area is impressive. The colossus made of 11,000 tons of steel is a relic from the times before the energy transition. As a contrast program, we check into the largest wooden log cabin in Europe in the evening (www.hotel-leonwood.de). Here you can find delicious food and tasty, home-brewed beer – including a brewery tour by the master brewer. Top. All machines with a main stand can be easily jacked up, even by small drivers. Helpful when maneuvering: the particularly tight turning circles of the BMW R 1200 RS and Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. The next morning it rains, crap. There it is again, the anxious look at the rain radar on the mobile phone display. We actually wanted to continue to the border triangle around Zittau, to Poland and the Czech Republic.
But now the command is: “Forward men, it’s going back!” We dive under the clouds, drive into the Saxon and Thuringian Vogtland. Curves and sun are finally waiting here! Furthermore, the Goltzschtalbrucke as the largest brick bridge in the world. And Germany’s most voluminous reservoir near Saalburg. Golden yellow rapeseed contrasts with blue water. The center of Germany shines and blooms in all colors, it is warm, but not too hot. No wonder that May is considered the best motorcycle month alongside June and September / October.
Sports genes of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S really hit the mark
The BMW R 1200 RS leans playfully and steers lightly – in spite of the chassis geometry, which is calibrated for straight-line stability. What makes the 2015 Alpine Masters winner so handy? Balanced weight distribution, not too much mass and a narrow 180 mm rear tire (which, however, cannot save the handling on the one hundredweight heavier Yamaha FJR 1300). Above all, however, the RS benefits from the only crankshaft lying lengthways in the direction of travel. When the fearful nipples under the footrests scratch on the asphalt, you’re already on the wrong path. BMW can build chassis.
Ducati too. Now the sports genes of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S are fully effective. The Testastretta-V2 is inspiring, the driving experience behind the wide handlebars lying close to the chest is inimitable. There is always a lot of movement in the chassis in touring mode. Tip: shoot evenly around the corner while pulling. Because every load change, every gas-to-restart brings unrest to this lighter. The stilt tourer scurries tighter, calmer and calmer in sport mode through the thicket of bends. At least as far as the front is concerned. Sensitive drivers like Sven still feel the hindquarters and have to intuitively correct them very easily. Still, a real fun bike, this Duc. Its lean angle is enormous, but at some point it bends the gear lever.
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Precision tool with built-in curve radar: the KTM drives extremely precisely, stably and easily. A thrilling engine in the top chassis.
The semi-active “Skyhook Evo” chassis reduces the front dipping when braking. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT can do this even better with its shorter suspension travel in the Rain and Street modes – in Sport mode this functional anti-dive is switched off to make the geometry easier to handle when braking. It is a real curve artist, the KTM. The GT finds the right line when it comes to sleepwalking. Even with the coordination of its suspension elements, it manages the greatest balancing act between sport and touring: even the comfort is right. The KTM can travel and race. In addition to the highest payload, the sensitive traction control also contributes to this.
The same applies to curves on the Kawasaki as on the motorway: take a good look, grip firmly. Peter has to show the Japanese where it’s at. Of all the machines, only the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 needs to be driven quickly after hanging-off. The Yamaha FJR 1300 is of course completely alien to this. Your sovereignty reassures you. The Yamaha embodies the Queen Mary II rather than a racing boat. With two people and luggage (the rear suspension and damping can be adjusted to the load in no time) this is a real half-ton. One who rolls more heavily than the others and is the first to touch the footrests.
Super Duke GT shines when it comes to braking
For the Yamaha FJR 1300, sport touring means relaxed eating of kilometers, not a daring driving style. The great seating comfort also helps the passenger and the grandiose range of almost 500 kilometers. And the radiantly bright LED high beam including the particularly effective cornering light for complete illumination of the inner edge of the lane. Everything so safe here. With the exception of the clumsy ABS control behavior. Even under ideal conditions, the actually crisp Yamaha brakes open again and again for unduly long. The first class, adjustable Kawasaki stoppers, noble Brembo M 50 monoblock brake calipers, require a lot of manual force at the end of an emergency stop.
The BMW R 1200 RS brakes as easily as it drives. The grip on the hand lever activates all three discs, so full braking power; the step on the pedal delays backwards. Fine. The sporty Ducati Multistrada 1200 S does not show any weaknesses when it comes to braking effect and dosage. But the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT shines with the best transparency when braking and the finest ABS control. You can tell that it is the most modern construction. In the evening, in the Hotel “Luginsland” on the famous Schleizer Dreieck, we are surrounded by insignia from racing history.
Time for a conclusion over the delicious dinner
One of the best sporty tourers in the world is the BMW R 1200 RS. Does anything, a machine for everyone who doesn’t want to ride a travel enduro. Anyone who has ever driven a Honda VFR 750 F knows that. However, the RS doesn’t seem very sensual. The Kawasaki ZZR 1400 embodies another extreme. A rocket on wheels, made for life in the fast lane. The experience of distilled acceleration requires compromises in everyday life – and often a new rear tire. Long stretches of motorway for two with a lot of luggage are pure pleasure on the Yamaha FJR 1300.
The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S drives highly emotionally. The most highly engineered Ducati is also the most expensive in this test in touring trim. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT spans the arc between sport and touring. Only the best of everything. It’s hard to believe: In the increasingly specialized motorcycle market, such a motorcycle was really missing. We will set off again with all five at any time, towards the sun.
Equipment in detail
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In near-earth orbit: Trimmed for high speed, you have to guide the powerful ZZR in curves with a strong hand.
Board computer
| BMW R 1200 RS |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. |
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT |
Yamaha FJR 1300 AE |
Average / Current consumption |
x / – | x / x | x / x | x / – | x / x | Average speed | x | x | – | x | – | second trip meter | x | x | x | x | x | Ambient temperature display | x | x | x | x | x | Engine temperature | ° Celsius | ° Celsius | ° Celsius | ° Celsius | ° Celsius | Gear indicator | x | x | x | x | x | Fuel gauge / timer | x (bar) / x | x (bar) / x | x (bar) / x | x (bar and ° Celsius) / x | x (bar) / x | Range / travel time | x / x¹ | x / – | x / x | x / x | x / x | Board voltage | x1 | – | x | x | – |
Engine / chassis
| BMW R 1200 RS |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. |
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT |
Yamaha FJR 1300 AE |
Oil level check | electronic / sight glass | Sight glass | Sight glass | Sight glass | Sight glass | electronically adjust- barable / semi-active chassis |
x¹ / – | x / x | – / – | x / x | x / – | different engine mappings | x (two) / (four) 2 | x (four) | x (two) | x / x (three) | x / x (two) |
ergonomics
| BMW R 1200 RS |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. |
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT |
Yamaha FJR 1300 AE |
Disc adjustment | x (two levels manual) | x (four levels manual) | – | x (seven levels) | x (steplessly electric) | adjustable seat height | – | x (double) | – | – | x (double) | adjustable handlebar | – | – | – | x / (double) | x (triple) | adjustable brake / Clutch lever |
x / x | x / x | x / x | x / x | x / x |
Luggage
| BMW R 1200 RS |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. |
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT |
Yamaha FJR 1300 AE |
Luggage hook | x | x | x | x | x | Case system including holder | 605 euros¹ | 662 euros 4 | – | 779 euros | x | Rear width with suitcases | 1020 mm | 940 mm | – | 870 mm | 920 mm | Weight per case l./r. | 4.0 / 3.9 kg | 4.5 / 5.0 kg | – | 3.5 / 3.6 kg | 5.3 / 5.3 kg | Volume per case l./r. | 31/32 liters | 31/27 liters | – | 30/30 liters | 29/29 liters | One key system | Keyless Ride 260 euros | x Keyless Ride | – | x | x | Luggage rack | x¹ | 204 euros | – | – | x | Storage compartment in the panel | – | – | – | – | x |
Furnishing
| BMW R 1200 RS |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. |
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT |
Yamaha FJR 1300 AE |
Heated grips | 210 euros (two levels) ³ | 236 euros (three levels) 4 | – | x (three levels) | x (30 levels) | Cruise control | 330 euros2 | x | – | x | x | navigation system | 675 euros | 783 euros | – | – | – | Main stand | 135 euros2 | 216 euros 4 | 285 euros | – | x | Immobilizer | x | x | x | x | x | Headlight range adjustment | – | – | – | – | x | Board socket | x | x (one USB port, one on-board socket) | – | x (one) | x (one) | Single-sided swing arm | x | x | – | x | – |
| Shift assistant | 410 euros (up / down) | – | – | x (only high) | – |
security
| BMW R 1200 RS |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. |
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT |
Yamaha FJR 1300 AE |
Hazard warning lights | x | x | x | x | x | Daytime running lights | 295 euros2 | x | – | x | x | Cornering light | – | x | – | x | x | ABS / cornering ABS | x / – | x / x | x / – | x / x | x / – | Tire pressure control electronically |
220 euros³ | – | – | x | – | cranked tire valves v./h. | x / x | x / – | – / – | x / x | – / – | Steering damper | x | – | – | x | – |
¹ included in the touring package (1460 euros) consisting of: Dynamic ESA, Pro 2 on-board computer, cruise control, preparation for navigation system, case holder left / right, main stand, luggage rack; ² included in the dynamic package (600 euros) consisting of: Pro driving modes with dynamic traction control DTC, LED daytime running lights, white LED indicators; ³ included in the comfort package (410 euros) consisting of: tire pressure control, chrome-plated exhaust system, heated grips; 4 included in the touring package (950 euros) consisting of: 58-liter suitcase set, heated grips and main stand
Technical specifications
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The 502 meter wide lignite overburden conveyor bridge F60 is known as the “Lying Eiffel Tower of Lusatia”. Visitors can climb it up to a lofty 74 meters.
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.
MOTORCYCLE scoring
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Start free on (h) urgent asphalt at Schleizer Dreieck. Accommodation tip: The historic racing hotel “Luginsland” breathes history!
If you want the detailed MOTORCYCLE score, you can purchase the article as a PDF for download.
Max. Score BMW R 1200 RS Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Winner category Engine 250 185 179 209 199 179 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Sport Performance suspension 250 194 186 188 197 172 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT everyday life 250 185 183 156 179 207 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Safety 150 122 118 108 120 102 BMW R 1200 RS Costs 100 64 64 44 58 56 BMW R 1200 RS / Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. Overall rating 1000 750 730 705 753 716 Placement 2nd 3rd 5th 1st 4th Price / performance rating Best rating: 1.0 2.0 2.9 3.2 2.5 2.6 BMW R 1200 RS
MOTORCYCLE test result
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The trip with the FJR is worthwhile, the ZZR is ideally suited for grass – the KTM can do both. The Duc impresses as a sublime sports tourer, and with the BMW you are on the move in a casual, relaxed manner.
1. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT: This motorcycle breaks boundaries, cracks conventions: comfortable like a tourer, sociable like a naked bike, fast like a super sports car. The somewhat thirsty GT meets grand tourism requirements, is good for traveling and racing. Mild and wild!
2. BMW R 1200 RS: The versatile RS drives particularly well-balanced, if not super sensual: very handy, comfortable and powerful despite the weakest engine. Everything fits together perfectly. Surprise: a BMW is the cheapest machine on the test field!
3. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S.: Only when you give the Desmo-V2 the spurs does it kick properly. The most economical is also the least elastic drive. Even if there is always a little movement in the chassis, the expensive and fiery Multistrada makes your heart warm: highly emotional!
4. Yamaha FJR 1300 AE: Better than ever! The FJR drives particularly well on tour. With day-bright LED headlights, great seating comfort and the best wind protection, you travel great kilometer after kilometer. The engine became more economical in 2016, thanks also to sixth gear as overdrive.
5. Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Sport Performance: The ZZR shifts perceptions! Once in a lifetime you should have accelerated this motorcycle. Its natural habitat is the autobahn, solo on short trips. This is ensured by low payloads and insufficient luggage capacity.
Prices and offers from popular sports tourers in Germany
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Popular sports tourers in price comparison
Sports tourers are absolute multi-talent among motorcycles, which is why they are so popular on the used market. Regardless of whether they have their roots in the naked bike, supersport or enduro sector, they have one thing in common: thanks to their high level of comfort paired with enormous power, you can organize kilometer-intensive tours in your saddle, as well as curve chases beyond all speed limits. Here you will find offers and prices for real sports tourer icons in Germany: Prices of popular sports tourers Germany
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