Big travel enduros put to the test at the 2014 Alpine Masters

Posted on by admin

Big travel enduros put to the test at the 2014 Alpine Masters

V-Strom 1000, 1190 Adventure, Tiger Sport, XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere

Suzuki V-Strom 1000, KTM 1190 Adventure, Triumph Tiger Sport and Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere – with each of the four travel enduros you can go on a relaxed and upright tour of discovery. The big MOTORRAD comparison test Alpen-Masters 2014 reveals which candidate is most convincing.

F.For many motorcyclists, the legendary Sella circuit is the culmination of the Alpine roads. And our test tour repeatedly keys parts of this scenic mountain world. Our travel enduro quadriga tower over high peaks. So many great sensations, such a good feeling! Later, on the Campolongo driveway, the road surfaces change in quick succession. Sometimes there aren’t any anymore, roads are completely washed out, a collection of bad gravel craters. Even in corners, deep holes alternate with long bumps. There’s no doubt about it: this is enduro land!

Alpine Masters 2014

This is how MOTORRAD tests

Triumph Tiger Sport without traction control

The wiry Triumph Tiger Sport is not a comfort litter. The shock absorber quickly pops out after compression. The opposite is done by the overdamped fork: It does not respond delicately, stuck, and lets the forehand move in furrows in the tar. When reaching for the snappy Brembo stoppers, the front folds in strongly. So better delay before the hairpin bends. At the end of an emergency stop – a marmot can scurry in front of the front wheel here at any time – the rear lifts off mightily for the last few meters. The tires, Pirelli Angel ST. Nevertheless, a traction control would bring more safety on slippery surfaces. A gear indicator is also missing. Regardless, as powerful as the growling, briefly translated 122-hp three-cylinder pushes.

A splendid drive with a wide usable speed range that revs up like a turbine. Very elastic, in case of doubt it can withstand a higher gear. Good thing, because the clutch and transmission need a little power. The hissing, long-stroke triple of the Triumph Tiger Sport spoils you with velvety running culture. Out of rolling phases he jumps forward quite impetuously and harshly. Valuable details such as the aluminum bridge frame and chic single-sided swing arm as well as a full 215 kilograms of payload contrast with sitting with legs apart with a sharp knee angle and poor wind and weather protection.

Enduro

Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport in the driving report

Mother cat with sharpened claws

read more

Tourer

Funbikes in comparison test

Ducati Multistrada 1200, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Triumph Tiger 1050

read more

Twin of the Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere with weak torque

The Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere enjoyed a strong facelift for 2014. For example with ergonomics (handlebars, extended handlebar brackets, bench), equipment (cruise control, LED indicators, richly equipped LCD cockpit with gear indicator and navigation bracket) and windshield – it can now be height-adjusted four times with a rotary knob. Furthermore, the engine should be strengthened with 112 instead of 110 hp peak power and more torque in lower gears. On the roller dynamometer, the 1200 series twin with a 270 degree crank pin offset delivers the beefiest torque of all four engines for up to 6000 turns. You don’t notice much of this here in the alpine mountains.

Yamaha still throttles away large parts of the full power in the first three gears. This would be the job of the two-stage traction control that can be switched off for off-road use. Especially since there is still the T mode with a gentler throttle response and softer power input than in S mapping. In it, the engine hangs harder and a little more directly on the gas. But as it is, the low-torque, hardly revving twin of the Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere appears sluggish. Large engine braking torque and a long gear ratio kill agility. Out of the hairpin bends, you need second gear, where the three other machines easily do it in third.

Enduro

Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere in the driving report

Unrestrained driving pleasure

read more

Super Tenere also suitable for little people

If you drive the moderately vibrating cardan Yamaha at high revs, its load change reactions at the corner apex are strong. Everything is accompanied by a trek-like chatter and puff from the XL exhaust of the Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere. Good-natured, but moderately handy, it circles curves. You can feel an immense 277 kilograms of the ZE version. For an extra 1000 euros it has electronically adjustable suspension elements: damping front / rear, spring base aft.

But despite further adjustment options, the shock absorber does not iron sharp edges and hard heels in the asphalt very smoothly and fishes out less than expected. The fork works better, more sensitively. The seating comfort turned out to be very comfortable at the front and at the back. The enormous range ennobles the Yamaha to a long-distance tourer – with a payload of just 193 kilograms. Even little people can get both feet safely on the ground in the height-adjustable saddle. The brakes of the Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere work great – confidence-inspiring, transparent, great in effect and controllability.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is stable

Again and again, the passes are still slippery in early summer. Meltwater and debris like to pose a riddle in terms of grip. You have to be on your guard. It’s good when a motorcycle forgives a lot here, is always open to course corrections. Like the handy Suzuki V-Strom 1000. It rolls smoothly, homogeneously and neutrally through the bends and gives a lot of feedback. The Suzuki is precise and easy to direct on its narrow tires (110 and 150) and hardly stands up on bumps. Only 229 kilograms make them the lightest representative of this test field – 800 travel enduro bikes are hardly lighter. The V-Strom is stable and yet comfortable. Your suspension setup fits! Only with very sporty driving does it seem as if the front and rear wheels no longer quite follow one line. Could be the Bridgestone Battle Wing.

The ergonomics, the narrow waist and the comfortably cut, tightly padded seat are particularly pleasing. The V-Strom can easily handle a passenger. Your handlebars are wide, the disc can be tilted three times by simply pushing against it and also – with a tool – adjustable in height. The large mirrors are practical, while the cast rims are used to asphalt. Bite-proof four-piston brakes work as good, predictable everyday stoppers. But downhill the ABS control behavior of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 reaches its limit. The rear wheel hops, takes off again and again, even with a passenger, the front tire whimpers. This irritates the driver and passenger. The spring travel of 16 centimeters for travel enduro bikes is more in the middle. Just like nowadays a displacement of 1037 cm³. After all, the 90-degree V2 comes out of the push quite well, with "only" 102 hp at the top it is trimmed for a lot of torque from below. You forgive the gently pulsating short stroke the little breather on 5000 tours and tough turning beyond the 7000 mark – we are here in the mountains, not on German motorways.

Enduro

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in the driving report

Low weight, powerful torque, easy drivability

read more

Enduro

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in the top test

Long range, high payload, low weight

read more

KTM 1190 Adventure ideally equipped for all adventures

There the KTM 1190 Adventure was still annoying with its tendency to swing at top speed, especially with loaded suitcases. But here, close to heaven, the Austrian is fully in her element. We are once again passing the border between the Italian provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol. Romansh meets ex-k.-k.-charm. Just like rapid driving performance to inspiring driving behavior. The lively Kati accelerates rapidly, catapulting man and machine out of the bends most quickly in second gear – of all 20 machines at the 2014 Alpine Masters! KTM has leased the term "turning joy":
Your 75-degree V2 is extremely hungry on the gas.

Click, click – stepping in the gears is child’s play, the clutch can be pulled with just one finger. Ride-by-wire, engine mappings and assistance systems up to ABS work together perfectly in the individual driving modes. Sporty late, the traction control intervenes, allowing easy slides. Purely motoric downsides are rare. Well, the engine chops under 3000 revs, needs slightly higher speeds. The sixth gear is recommended from 90 km / h. The fiery V2 vibrates strongly, hammers hard from the airbox. Okay, 6.2 liters of gasoline consumption on alpine passes are no glory. But the large 23-liter tank of the KTM 1190 Adventure straightens the range again.

Enduro

Ducati Multistrada 1260 S (2018) in the top test

Sportswoman among the travel enduros

read more

Enduro

KTM 1190 Adventure in the PS driving report

When sports motorcyclists want to sit upright

read more

The enduro resilient chassis brings lawn and travel under one roof, conveys an extremely high level of trust. The adventure, which weighs 242 kilograms, effortlessly rushes out of the field in a playful and precise manner. The tubular frame chassis copes well with interference pulses. The long-stroke, electronically adjustable suspension elements offer plenty of reserves for load and pillion rides. The fork has a wide adjustment range, but it should be more sensitive. The KTM seating position seems a bit inactive, with narrow handlebars not so much like an attack. The ABS regulates particularly finely, keeping the rear wheel on the ground at all times. Thanks to lean angle sensors, it works perfectly even in curves. The KTM 1190 Adventure is ideally equipped for all adventures.

Placement and conclusion

fact / Joachim Schahl

The travel enduros Suzuki V-Strom 1000, KTM 1190 Adventure, Triumph Tiger Sport, Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere in the MOTORRAD comparison test Alpen-Masters 2014.

Rationally, the Triumph Tiger Sport shows little nicknames, emotionally it can inspire. As a 2014 model, the Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere, especially the ZE version with electronically adjustable chassis, collects many plus points. However, it is heavy and still not very fiery.

With a conventional chassis and low weight, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is easy to drive. But the deserved winner of this strong group is clearly the dynamic KTM 1190 Adventure.

1st place: KTM 1190 Adventure

fact / Joachim Schahl

KTM 1190 Adventure.

more

  • superior driving dynamics
  • rapid performance
  • perfect electronics package
  • Chassis with a wide tuning range
  • best equipment
  • Unique ABS cornering

minus

  • hard vibrations
  • somewhat high consumption
  • mediocre braking distance
  • Pendulum tendency when loaded

2nd place: Suzuki V-Strom 1000

fact / Joachim Schahl

Suzuki V-Strom 1000

more

  • Weighs 229 kilograms
  • handy, stable and agile
  • to drive precisely
  • V2 engine powerful below
  • well thought out equipment
  • first Suzuki ever with traction control

minus

  • Motor not very easy to turn
  • slower driving performance
  • ABS should regulate more finely
  • long braking distance

3rd place: Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere

fact / Joachim Schahl

Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere

more

  • enormous range
  • very good seating comfort
  • easy-care gimbal
  • fine front brake
  • long suspension travel
  • very good equipment

minus

  • moderate payload
  • The engine looks quite tired
  • slack driving performance
  • Weighs 277 kilograms
  • not particularly handy

4th place: Triumph Tiger Sport

fact / Joachim Schahl

Triumph tiger sport.

more

  • Motor elastic, economical
  • great performance
  • strong brakes
  • large payload
  • high lean angle
  • valuable details

minus

  • Balance / reserves of the chassis can be expanded
  • Suspension strut without handwheel
  • rather sparse equipment
  • no traction controlle

Data and measured values

fact / Joachim Schahl

Performance measurement.

KTM
1190 Adventure		 Suzuki
V-Strom 1000		 triumph 
Tiger sport		 Yamaha XT 1200
ZE Super Tenere

engine

Two-cylinder Two-cylinder Three-cylinder Two-cylinder Displacement 1195 cc 1037 cc 1050 cc 1199 cc power 150 hp 100 hp 125 hp 112 hp Torque 125 Nm 103 Nm 104 Nm 117 Nm Weight (without case) 242 kg 229 kg 242 kg 277 kg Payload 198 kg 211 kg 215 kg 193 kg ABS / traction control

● / ● ● /- ● / ● Price without additional costs 13,995 euros 12,290 euros 12,190 euros 15,295 euros Price test motorcycle 15,395 euros¹ 12,540 euros² 12,190 euros 15,295 euros Consumption passes test 6.2 l / 100 km 5.5 l / 100 km 5.4 l / 100 km 5.5 l / 100 km theoretical range passes 371 km 364 km 370 km 418 km Passage in 2000 m above sea level,
50-100 km / h 6.8 sec 6.9 sec 6.4 sec 8.1 sec Pulling uphill with pillion passenger,
2nd gear, 25-75 km / h 3.2 sec 5.9 sec 4.5 sec 5.8 sec Braking distance downhill with pillion passenger,
2nd gear, 75-25 km / h 27.8 m 31.7 m 23.3 m 25.5 m

● = series; – = not available; ¹incl. Electronics package (1400 euros) consisting of: EDS, TPMS, main stand, MSC with C-ABS; ² including hand protectors (75 euros) and front spoiler (175 euros).

MOTORCYCLE Alpine Masters classification

fact / Joachim Schahl

The KTM 1190 Adventure made it to first place in the travel enduro category of the 2014 Alpine Masters.

engine

  Maximum
score		 KTM
1190 Adventure		 Suzuki
V-Strom 1000		 triumph
Tiger sport		 Yamaha XT
1200 ZE
Acceleration 0–140 km / h 20th 17th 15th 18th 15th
Passage in 2000 m above sea level 20th 18th 17th 18th 15th
Pulling through in 2nd gear uphill with a pillion passenger 20th 20th 14th 17th 14th
Power delivery 20th 18th 15th 17th 13
Response / load change behavior 20th 17th 16 16 13
coupling 20th 18th 15th 14th 15th
circuit 20th 17th 15th 13 14th
Gear ratio 10 8th 8th 8th 8th
total 150 133 115 121 107

Driving behavior


 Maximum
score
 KTM
1190 Adventure
 Suzuki
V-Strom 1000
 triumph
Tiger sport
 Yamaha XT
1200 ZE
Coordination / comfort
 20th 17th 16 12th 15th
Suspension reserves when loading
 20th 17th 16 12th 15th
Manageability on mountain passes
 20th 15th 16 14th 12th
Stability in turns
 20th 16 16 13 14th
Steering precision / feedback
 20th 15th 16 14th 13
Braking effect
 20th 17th 15th 17th 15th
Downhill braking / fading
 20th 15th 12th 15th 14th
SECTION
 15th 14th 8th 11 12th
Traction control
 5 4th 4th 0 4th
Righting moment when braking 10 8th 8th 7th 7th
No inclination when loading 10 7th 6th 6th 6th
total 180 145 133 121 127

everyday life


 Maximum
score
 KTM
1190 Adventure
 Suzuki
V-Strom 1000
 triumph
Tiger sport
 Yamaha XT
1200 ZE
Furnishing
 20th 20th 12th 10 19th
Luggage storage
 10 7th 6th 4th 6th
Range passes
 20th 17th 16 17th 20th
Payload
 20th 12th 15th 16 10
Loading handling
 10 4th 5 4th 3
Front / rear view
 10 5 6th 5 5
Ground clearance with pillion passenger and luggage
 10 10 10 10 10
total
 100 75 70 66 73

Comfort


 Maximum
score
 KTM
1190 Adventure
 Suzuki
V-Strom 1000
 triumph
Tiger sport
 Yamaha XT
1200 ZE
Driver comfort
 20th 17th 17th 14th 16
Seating comfort passenger
 20th 5 14th 13 16
Wind and weather protection
 20th 15th 14th 12th 15th
Smooth running engine
 10 5 7th 8th 6th
total
 70 52 52 47 53
  maximum number of points KTM 1190 Adventure Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Triumph tiger sport Yamaha XT 1200 ZE
Overall rating 500 405 370 355 360
placement   1. 2. 4th. 3.

Related articles

Related articles

Leave a Reply

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