Travel enduro comparison – grand finale
BMW R 1200 GS in comparison test
You can no longer drink from buckets, German filter coffee has disappeared from most cards. Mallorca is more impressive on a motorcycle than in a Ballermann. Even more so to the final of the big travel enduro comparison test.
D.he first two stages of the largest MOTORCYCLE travel enduro comparison test of recent years are behind the nine machines. The fact that the field of multitools has meanwhile expanded and split up to such an extent is due not least to the attractiveness of this motorcycle segment. Continuously increasing market shares force manufacturers’ development efforts.
Travel enduro comparison – grand finale
BMW R 1200 GS in comparison test
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Five heavily renovated travel enduros
With the BMW R 1200 GS, the Ducati Multistrada, the KTM 1190 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport and their sister, the Tiger Explorer XC, at least five of the two-wheeled SUVs have been heavily renovated or completely redesigned for this season. In addition, reoriented concepts give this category a boost. The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 and – contrary to all marketing efforts – the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring with 17-inch front wheels are clearly committed to asphalt use, which is already predominant in practice.
With varying degrees of success. The more sporty than universal Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport suffer in the combined MOTORRAD 1000 points for their courage to fill the gap with the red lanterns. The elaborately developed, carefully equipped and modified for 2013 with Skyhook chassis and double ignition, however, landed third on the podium, behind the completely redesigned BMW R 1200 GS and KTM 1190 Adventure. The Triumph Explorer XC, equipped with spoked wheels and various accessories, only has to admit defeat in fourth place. Followed by the quartet of Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere, Honda Crosstourer, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Moto Guzzi Stelvio, which has not changed for this year.
Artist
One at a time: ascent to the Mirador del Mal Pas on the Formentor peninsula.
But does the balance of power change if neither guarantee nor inspection intervals or measured values count? When only the core competencies of these machines, the travel, country roads and off-road qualities come into focus? And are these skills evaluated in a catalog of criteria stored for the respective results? A tour to Mallorca should give the answer. Although the Germans’ favorite holiday island initially provides a surprise itself. The diversity that the almost 400-kilometer lap has to offer from the motorcyclist’s point of view is overwhelming. After rolling in on the roads of the south with little traffic, at least in the preseason, the driving experience in the northern part of Mallorca, the Tramuntana Mountains, is downright euphoric.
The often very well paved ascents and descents – for example to Sa Calobra, around the Puig Major or the steadily ascending and descending coastal road to the west – mix an alpine driving experience with a Mediterranean look. The only restriction: hosts of racing cyclists – there should be around 100,000 between March and May – require consideration and alertness. Which, by the way, should not only apply to tours in Mallorca. In this sense: Vamos, Amigos – let’s go!
Travel rating
The route is the goal? Last but not least, the distinctive travel qualities have contributed to the popularity of the travel enduro segment. In fact, the long-distance qualities of travel enduro bikes are hardly inferior to those of specialized tourers.
Hopefully the weather forecast is correct. From tomorrow it should be nice – on Mallorca. Here, shortly before Orange, the evocative name of the southern French motorway suggests no improvement. Because on the Autoroute du Soleil, the motorway of the sun, it is raining. For hours we have seen little more than the spray from the trucks, sitting motionless on the travel enduro bikes with necks tucked in. Although it could have been worse. For example on athletes, naked bikes or cruisers. When the wind is constantly tugging at the helmet, it tries to push the moisture through every pore, no matter how small, in the driving suits, and gradually pulls the heat out of the body.
Wind protection, weather protection
Artist
The blue sky was still missing at the beginning of the journey.
In comparison, we feel as cozy on the travel enduro bikes as we do on big tourers. The towering windows of the mighty machines parry the low pressure attacks with flying colors. If you can, you have locked the signs in the highest position. Klaus on the Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, which has been heavily revised for this year, has the worst cards. Despite the touring screen (surcharge: 219 euros), the front of the Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport only keeps the roughest away. And protective hand shells cost another 99 euros extra.
Sven on the Kawasaki Versys 1000 is also suffering. The original screen, which can only be raised with two knurled screws while stationary, is quite small, a retrofit label is not available, and neither are hand shells. Fortunately, Karsten on the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser and Winfried on the Honda Crosstourer installed the discs in the highest position beforehand. Although they had to fiddle around with tools, the high retrofit plate on the Honda Crosstourer (159 euros) was particularly impressive. Just like the rest of the Neuner group. Whether behind the touring window of the KTM 1190 Adventure (119 euros), the wind deflector of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V or the dainty-looking shield of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring – behind all three it is well protected.
Sitting comfort, fuel consumption
Artist
Motorway: a necessary evil, especially when it rains – and yet one of the domains of travel enduro bikes.
But Helmut and Stefan can grin the broadest on the BMW R 1200 GS and the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC. The windshield of the BMW R 1200 GS is a success and – like that of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S – can be easily adjusted with one hand while driving, while the workplace on the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC slows down the hurricane just as effectively. Or let’s say the rain. Because it still patters as if from buckets. Not changeable. Let’s just appreciate the comfort these machines offer us. The seats alone. Cuddly, cute.
The quartet of the BMW R 1200 GS, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, the Triumph Explorer XC and the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere offers deluxe armchairs. Not too hard, not too soft, not too wide, not too narrow. Suitable for endless wrinkles. The comfort in the saddles of the Honda Crosstourer and Kawasaki Versys 1000 goes almost as far, while the upholstery of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and the KTM 1190 Adventure is a bit more spartan. Both would probably offer more fluffiness with accessory benches (Ducati: 201/126 euros, KTM: 237 euros each). Only the driver of the Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport has to be humble again. The narrow knee angle suits the sporty corner wetz, but not for the motorway.
His passenger is not doing much better. Passengers prefer to reside on the generous Pullman pillion seat of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V. You may be lured by the dresser upholstery of the BMW R 1200 GS and the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC or you may be satisfied with the passenger seat of the hardly less comfortable Honda Crosstourer, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere. Compared to so much opulence, even the generally spacious, but tighter pillion seats on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring and KTM 1190 Adventure lose their appeal.
Winnie stabs past the group on the Honda Crosstourer. The signal to refuel. The fuel stop also has something good. It’s dry for a few minutes. And what is now indicated will be confirmed by the consumption measurement at the end of the Mallorca tour: Compared to the standardized, moderately driven MOTORCYCLE consumption lap, the engines consume a good liter more fuel per 100 kilometers with a load and under constantly changing driving conditions. The relations are nevertheless preserved. The most frugal is the BMW R 1200 GS with 5.9 liters, and the thirstiest is the Honda Crosstourer with 6.9 liters. In terms of range, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V with its huge 32-liter fuel drum still sets a lonely record: 478 kilometers!
Main stand for chain maintenance
Before we jack off the motorcycles, a quick check. The drive chains of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, Kawasaki Versys 1000, KTM 1190 Adventure and Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport have been washed sparkling clean by the rain. As a Kardan fan, Stefan on the Triumph Explorer XC only gives the quartet a pitying look. We know what he’s thinking. In addition, because of the exhaust collector, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 doesn’t even have a main stand, and it costs extra on the Honda Crosstourer, the KTM 1190 Adventure and the Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport.
Seat height, handling in city traffic, suitcase volume
Moto Guzzi: With a tank capacity of 32 liters, the Moto Guzzi covers 478 kilometers. After Malle, it is enough to refuel twice.
We exchange the motorcycles. It’s amazing how noticeable every centimeter of seat height is. While – despite the height-adjustable seats of the BMW R 1200 GS, KTM 1190 Adventure, Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V, Triumph Tiger Explorer XC and Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser – the majority of long-legged giant off-roaders for the ascent need a touch of sportiness, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, which are just two centimeters lower, feel like minibikes compared to the rest.
Only a few more kilometers to the ferry port in Barcelona. The traffic squeezes through the Catalan metropolis, and we get through the lines of cars. Again, every centimeter counts, this time in width. With the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere, the greatest safety distance remains. Her suitcases are only 90 centimeters wide, but with a capacity of 61 liters they are only sufficient for narrow holiday luggage.
The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport is the most bulky. The uncomfortable combination of the widest suitcase (106 centimeters) and the smallest capacity (56 liters) demonstrates once again that travel is simply not the Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport’s forte. More like those of the Honda Crosstourer, KTM 1190 Adventure and Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200, which shine with huge – in the case of the Honda Crosstourer and KTM 1190 Adventure, still narrow – suitcases. By the way: The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 was delivered without a case for the test, the experience with them from previous MOTORRAD tests was adopted.
Simply ingenious: the Vario cases of the BMW R 1200 GS, which can be extended by 55 millimeters. Nowadays, the boxes can be attached and removed in no time for all systems. Only the locking of the Yamaha cases turned out to be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Incidentally, the stowage boxes, which are actually indispensable for this motorcycle species, are only supplied as standard on the Ducati Multistrada. The surcharges are sometimes considerable.
We line up between campers and trucks in the queue for the ferry. One thing is clear: The strengths of the more sporty-oriented trio of Ducati, Kawasaki and the Triumph Explorer are not on the long tour. Here the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 amazes (large luggage volume, huge range, good weather protection), the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere impresses (first-class seating comfort, low-reaction cardan shaft), the Honda Crosstourer shines (beefy engine, lots of storage space), the KTM 1190 fascinates Adventure (large suitcases, stable chassis), the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC remains true to itself (silky-soft engine, successful wind protection) and ultimately the BMW R 1200 GS prevails (adjustable ESA chassis , high-quality luggage system, impressive driving stability). It has stopped raining. A hint from Peter? Hopefully.
Travel rating
1. BMW R 1200 GS
2. Triumph Tiger Explorer XC
3. KTM 1190 Adventure
4. Honda Crosstourer
4. Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V
4th Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser
7. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring
8. Kawasaki Versys 1000
9. Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport
Off-road rating, weights
Artist
Trial tour: Detour to S’Algar Bay near Portocolom. In all honesty: that would also work with road machines.
Where the asphalt ends is far from over for travel enduros. Off-road capability is also an important element in the universality of these large motorcycles. What’s going on with the big ships? And especially with which one?
The exit ramp of the ferry descends with a creak. Behind the port buildings we can already see the imposing cathedral of Palma de Mallorca. Obviously it was a sign from Peter last night. Not a cloud in the sky, a warm wind – precision landing. But where exactly? Johannes Pfaff could know. Sven, our power vacationer, knows the German owner of a motorcycle rental company on Mallorca. Course southeast. 40 minutes later we invade Felanitx at Mallorquin Bikes. Owner Johannes is sick of his socks, but from now on we have a guide.
Do you want to go straight into the area? Before we can say no, Johannes turns onto a dirt road with his BMW F 800 GS. We follow and ponder. What can such warhorses be expected to do off the road? At least seven hundred pounds in weight, at least 12,000 euros expensive – no parameters that encourage a trip to the sandpit. Nevertheless: Hosts of globetrotters have proven what is possible with these travel enduros in the field. Johannes knows the network of local gravel roads like the flowerbed in his front yard. But do the limits have to be explored so quickly? The ground is stony. If you are not careful, a boulder will quickly throw your front wheel off track. Driving standing gives a better overview.
The slim knee joint of the BMW R 1200 GS and the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere is immediately noticeable. In general, the Super Tenere comes closest to the driving experience of a rally motorcycle. The worldcrosser positions his pilot nicely balanced and neutral. Did ex-Dakar winner Peterhansel try it out during development? Maybe it seldom needs support. We do. Even with the slightest list, the big bikes can only be held with a lot of force. Or not at all anymore. Winfried on the Honda Crosstourer, Sebastian on the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 and Stefan on the Triumph Tiger Explorer get queasy just thinking about it. An impressive 40 kilograms lie between the three heaviest at around 290 kilograms (including suitcases) and the three lightest, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 (250 kg), the KTM 1190 Adventure (252 kg) and the model athlete Ducati Multistrada 1200 S (245 kg) ).
Ground clearance, rockfall protection, spring travel
Artist
Palma Cathedral: The 700 year old building is fascinating – especially when the darkness fades out all other impressions.
The path tapers to a narrow path interspersed with stone steps. Ratsch – metal on stone doesn’t sound good. The Triumph Tiger and the Kawasaki scrape over the cliffs with the exhaust collectors. The Ducati also claps the ground early. The curse of the 17-inch wheels – and the conceptual orientation. Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport have little to do with dirt. And the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring also feels uncomfortable on such slopes, despite all marketing efforts and "Enduro" adjustment options for the electronic chassis. None of the three have engine protection anyway. Like the Honda Crosstourer, which – like the Moto Guzzi Stelvio – is struggling with its pounds even here. They have to open the field for the top quartet of BMW R 1200 GS, KTM 1190 Adventure, Triumph Explorer and Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere without envy. Sufficient ground clearance (record holder: BMW with 20 centimeters) and sturdy aluminum engine protection plates (at KTM only as a retrofit part for 247 euros) indicate who’s serious about the terrain. Do you need the more pronounced elasticity of spoked wheels compared to cast wheels for bumpy roads? Who knows. The species-appropriate look definitely speaks in favor of the all tubeless wire-spoke wheels.
Said group of four has torn a gap. We wait for the stragglers, check the suspension setup. The BMW R 1200 GS, KTM 1190 Adventure and Ducati Multistrada 1200 go all out when it comes to electronics, with damping, responsiveness and even engine performance being adjusted at the push of a button. Correct, the displays show Enduro mode.
Go on. We have long since lost our bearings. Johannes not. We are still constantly bumping behind him on Mallorcan cart paths. The management team is also increasingly separating. In direct comparison, the Explorer and the Super Tenere find it increasingly difficult to conceal their bulk. The comfortably coordinated spring elements hit the edges relatively early. It takes a little restraint and foresight to ride off-road. With the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenerbe less, with the Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport more. The BMW R 1200 GS (260 kg) and the KTM 1190 Adventure, which is eight kilograms lighter, work their way through the spring travel significantly less, and also sway less through hollows. Above all, the Dynamic ESA of the BMW R 1200 GS shines, keeps the motorcycle remarkably homogeneously balanced and also offers – especially at the fork – greater punch reserves than the KTM 1190 Adventure.
Electronic helpers, ABS
Artist
Always on the edge: impressive surf at Cala Torta.
Back to electronics: Their moderate intervention on the response behavior or the performance of the motors should not be overestimated, especially with this duo. The slippage that the bits and bytes allow is enough to make fearful natures work up a sweat and to give experienced pilots off-road fun with the lively engines. By the way: With the optional Enduro Pro connector, BMW offers an even more aggressive set-up for the R 1200 GS. But it is only intended for studded tires and has not been tested.
Civilization has us again. A sign “Cala Torta” leads us down a dilapidated road to the beach. Cross gullies repeatedly force you to brake hard. No problem thanks to ABS. The times in which disoriented anti-lock devices panicked after such bumps and sent horse and rider unrestrained into the bushes are long gone. What the current systems do in the field is phenomenal. Even professionals won’t bring a quarter-ton enduro on gravel without ABS to a stop earlier. Definitely not safer. Especially since development is progressing. Because with BMW, Ducati and KTM, the three manufacturers who use the latest ABS technology on their machines achieved the best values.
Johannes grins. He has a good laugh with the studded tires on his BMW F 800 GS. If the soft enduro tires push the soft enduro tires forward on firm clay, the short pieces of sand or greasy water passages push the pelts to their limits in a flash. Propulsion and lateral guidance fall to zero in such situations. Small consolation: Now the new BMW R 1200 GS – like all other machines apart from the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 and the Triumph Tiger Explorer – has a removable rear frame just in case.
Sweat drips from our helmets. At least on dry terrain, these monsters make challenging rides possible. Only the 17-inch league (Kawasaki Verys 1000, Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, Ducati Multistrada 1200 S) has to fit relatively early. The weighty ones (Honda Crosstourer, Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere) simply have to pay their pounds despite their good performances. Ultimately, the top duel between BMW and KTM ends off the asphalt in favor of the Bavarian. The Dynamic ESA skillfully keeps the BMW R 1200 GS in balance in every situation and offers astonishing reserves; the boxer’s balance, especially at a moderate pace, is legendary anyway. No broken leg: Hardcore off-roaders know how to comfort each other easily – with the KTM 1190 Adventure R..
Off-road rating
1. BMW R 1200 GS
2. KTM 1190 Adventure
3rd Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser
4. Triumph Tiger Explorer XC
5. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring
6. Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V
7. Honda Crosstourer
8. Kawasaki Versys 1000
9. Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport
Road rating, tires
Artist
Pleasant consideration: the serpentines at Sa Calobra reach alpine dimensions.
The spirit of motorcycling consists of the well-groomed curve twist – as far away from the traffic as possible. With long-stroke suspension, powerful engines and neutral handling, the travel enduros have the best facilities for having fun on country roads.
Lots of racing cyclists. We knew that Mallorca is considered the Mecca of cycling. But none of us would have expected this dimension. Zig, no, hundreds of cyclists screw their way up the driveway to the Mirador del Mal Pas with us. Smooth asphalt and great views beckon – and for us motorized bikers the chance of thrilling slopes. Don’t get hectic. Everyone can gas on this picture-perfect asphalt. Only a few kilometers further in the direction of Cap Formentor the road becomes bumpier. The cyclists ride their hard-inflated tires snake lines around the potholes. Travel enduros play out their lush suspension travel here.
Sebastian on the Moto Guzzi Stelvio would not be infected by the hectic pace anyway. Because asphalted hardship of any kind ricochets off the massive Italian ineffectively. Clean and unimpressed, she pulls her course, reciprocates for her moderate lean angle with good brakes, decent feedback, moderate cardan reactions and her own sovereignty.
While the Honda Crosstourer struggles to maintain composure here. The quiet genetically given with the longest wheelbase and the flattest steering angle thwart the Honda Crosstourer’s fat rolls, the soft suspension and the weak damping of the shock absorber.
Even without high-tech like the BMW R 1200 GS, Ducati Multistrada 1200 S or KTM 1190 Adventure, the chassis of the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere irons everything completely flat. Impressive. All the more so because the cardan drive, which is designed without technical frills such as torque support, does its job completely free of reaction, and additionally supports the neutrality of the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere with narrow-soled 150 mm tires. The only drawback: the Metzeler Tourance EXP feels spongy on the front wheel and provides diffuse feedback.
And still behaves better in this respect than its brand colleague on the Triumph Tiger Explorer. The front of the Triumph Tiger Explorer, which is also equipped with Tourance EXP tires, rolls undefined through the furrowed curves, emphasizing the impressive weight of the XC even more. At least the narrow rear 150 tire saves their handling.
The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, on the other hand, lurches over faults as if the hard surf of the nearby Mediterranean were slapping its flanks. It can hardly be because of the tire dimensions. The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, like the Kawasaki Versys 1000, also rolls on a 180 rear tire, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S even on a 190 – and both do that much less excitedly. After all, the suspension stows a lot and sensitively filters the bump.
Cornering behavior
Artist
And Sa Calobra again: The twelve-kilometer pass road climbs over 700 meters. The landscape is awesome.
The lighthouse of Cap Formentor peeps out from behind the rock formations. Gradually the stream of cyclists also ebbs. Good thing, because with the BMW R 1200 GS, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the KTM 1190 Adventure, a faster rhythm can be struck. As if beaten with a compass, the four stab through the turns.
The inconspicuous Kawasaki Versys 1000 is particularly surprising. With a great feel for the front wheel, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 finds the track precisely and can easily be folded down. The comfortable suspension takes the peaks out of asphalt faults.
The KTM 1190 Adventure also turns the corners brilliantly. A bit less aggressive and less manageable than the Kawa, but the Austrian claws into the rough tar to inspire confidence. As with the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and the BMW R 1200 GS, the quick push of the electronic button is sure to help. Street mode opens the damping of the fork and shock absorber, making it easier for the wheels to follow the bumpy surface. No rocking, no pumping, simply good.
After criticism by MOTORRAD in issue 4/2013 of the inconvenient tuning of the electronic so-called Skyhook chassis on the pre-production model, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S, which corresponds to the production version, is being rehabilitated with a softer design. Nevertheless, no one takes it seriously that it still springs and dampens on the sporty side in touring mode. On the contrary. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S sticks razor-sharp in the bends, folds down as the lightest of all large-displacement travel enduros with a simple push of the thigh, and pulls its razor-sharp track.
The BMW R 1200 GS is also foolproof looking for its line. Whether on the train, while rolling or on the brakes, the Dynamic ESA, which is now zapped into Road mode, keeps the BMW R 1200 GS always perfectly balanced on the country road. Turn, hit the line – a breeze.
A souvenir photo in front of the lighthouse and off we go towards the Tramuntana mountains. After 30 minutes we wind our way up the first pass, the Coll de Sa Bataia. Curves lined with huge blocks of stone and Mediterranean flora are lined up in every imaginable radius. A dream.
And again, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 can not be disturbed. The V2 tackles briefly over 2000 turns with a gentle shaking, pushes its way through the rev range calmly, demands a short pause when changing gears and complements the mighty aura of this landscape.
For the Honda Crosstourer, too, there is strength in calm. The 76-degree Vau-Vier pushes powerfully and cultivated, only lets its cardan drive clack quietly in tight bends when the load changes. Flawless: the finely adjustable compound brake.
After its successful performance in terms of chassis, incidentally with the best brakes of all, the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere owes something here. The engine, throttled in the lower three gears, only pulls slowly out of the turns. Revised control units, which give the Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere back up to 20 hp in the medium speed range, prove that things could be considerably better.
The Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport is finally taking center stage on the perfectly flat asphalt. The combination of sporty, sharp brakes and the harmonious three-cylinder, which is particularly strong in the 4000 rpm range, rehabilitates the British woman who is disappointing on the journey to and on the bumpy slope at Cap Formentor. Probably animated by this, her sister Triumph Tiger Explorer throws herself in the chest. The fat triplet responds smoothly to the command on the e-gas, pushes forward like an electric motor with minimal load change reactions without delay and with a measured 131 hp.
We turn to Sa Calobra. Twelve kilometers and 730 meters in altitude, the road from Coll dels Reis plunges down to sea level. The Nus de sa Corbata, a 270-degree curve modeled on a tie knot, and serpentines of alpine proportions fuel our enthusiasm.
It’s great how swiftly the Kawasaki Versys 1000 winds through the curves above, with its four-cylinder engine that puts this engine concept, which is rare in this segment, back into perspective. Low-vibration, powerful and easy to turn, the Versys drive is confident and open-minded in every situation.
The KTM 1190 Adventure is also uncomplicated. Despite the immense peak performance – measured 147 PS – the 75-degree V2 flatters at first with a gentle, easy-to-control acceleration, in order to roll up your sleeves tremendously from mid-rev. Wonderful, this confident combination of gentleness and strength.
Unless you like less reserved appearances. In plain language: on a Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. The L-Twin from Bologna confidently works shortly after 3000 tours to its almost equal performance potential with 145 hp, pushing ahead more powerfully than anyone else in this group. Even usually reserved natures are animated by this propulsion to unrestrained ripping open, underpins the innate curvature of this Italian woman at every moment. If you like that, prego.
If you don’t, drive a BMW. That’s what it was called earlier. But with the new BMW R 1200 GS at the latest, this experience has finally become obsolete. The 126 PS strong, water-cooled boxer marches briskly, snaps up the speed ladder almost Ducati-like, appears lively and cheeky. In addition, the Munich-based woman can be effortlessly slowed down by the pitch compensation of the Telelever, wagging lively through the hairpin bends and – despite all the strengths of the Kawasaki Versys 1000, KTM 1190 Adventure and Ducati Multistrada 1200 S – with an overall highly homogeneous overall appearance, she also decides for the country roads rating themselves.
Once again we enjoy the permanent incline in the tie curve, then turn west. 120 kilometers of winding mountain and valley routes with an altitude of 2600 meters are still ahead of us. Mallorca – a paradise for racing cyclists? Especially for motorcyclists.
Country roads scoring
1. BMW R 1200 GS
2. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring
2. KTM 1190 Adventure
4. Kawasaki Versys 1000
5. Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport
5. Triumph Tiger Explorer XC
7th Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser
8. Honda Crosstourer
9. Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V
Conclusion
Artist
Narrow box: the imposing narrow road on the descent to Sa Calobra.
At last year’s final of the travel enduro comparison test, the manufacturers shared the group victories. The Triumph Explorer dominated the travel ranking, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak the country road ranking and the KTM 990 Adventure the off-road ranking. The overall victory was achieved by the BMW R 1200 GS Rally – with three second places.
The Munich-based company has been fine-tuning the successor to the previous BMW R 1200 GS. With significantly improved ESA, wind protection and seating comfort, the Bavarian pushed past the Triumph in the travel rating, and with the lively engine, agile handling and wide-ranging chassis set-up in the country road rating, she also passed the Ducati. On top of that, in the off-road segment, KTM has left the field to the Bavarians with the conceptually completely modified basic version of the KTM 1190 Adventure. No matter how boring it may sound: Three first places result in the overall victory.
Nevertheless: The great performances of the KTM 1190 Adventure and the Triumph Tiger Explorer in particular prove that universality continues to play the most important role in the travel enduro segment. And that with the sporty Austrian and the tourist British, two technically completely different alternatives to the BMW R 1200 GS are in the starting blocks. For drivers who don’t like the boxer.
MOTORCYCLE overall result
1. BMW R 1200 GS
Travel: 1st place
Offroad: 1st place
Landstrasse: 1st place
The enormous universality of the new GS is second to none. The BMW R 1200 GS has raised the bar in the touring enduro segment – and as high as seldom before.
MOTORCYCLE
Fits: The overall result corresponds almost exactly to the result of the 1000-point rating. Exception: With better off-road qualities, the Triumph swaps fourth place with the Ducati.
2. KTM 1190 Adventure
Travel: 3rd place
Offroad: 2nd place
Landstrasse: 2nd place
With a balanced concept, the KTM 1190 Adventure wins the silver medal. A great debut of the new Adventure.
3. Triumph Tiger Explorer XC
Travel: 2nd place
Offroad: 4th place
Landstrasse: 5th place
With distinctive travel qualities, the Triumph Tiger Explorer XC achieved 3rd place in comparison.
Data on BMW, Ducati and Honda
Artist
Coexistence: omnipresent on Mallorca’s roads – racing cyclists. Hundreds, no thousands.
| BMW R 1200 GS | Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring |
Honda crosstourer | |
| SECTION | two-stage (can be switched off) |
three-stage (can be switched off) |
single stage (cannot be switched off) |
| Case system including case holder | € 830 | x | 1330 € ³ |
| Capacity per case (l./r.) | 30-39 / 20-29 liters | 28/28 liters | 39/35 liters |
| Weight case (l./r. ( | 6.7 / 6.8 kg | 3.4 / 4.6 kg | 4.3 / 4.1 kg |
| Case width | 970/860 mm | 960 mm | 940 mm |
| Inner pocket (set) | € 180 | € 130 | € 99 |
| Topcase including carrier / volume | 450 € / 25-35 liters | € 706/48 liters | € 773 / 32-39 liters |
| One key system | € 35 | x | x |
| Luggage rack | x | € 207 | x |
| Luggage hook | x | x | x |
| Crash bar | € 300 | € 240 | € 318 |
| Motor protection | x | – | – |
| Storage compartment in paneling | – | x | – |
| Height-adjustable disc | stepless | stepless | twice with Tool |
| Touring screen | – | 160 € | 159 € ³ |
| Adjustable seat height | two-stage | – | – |
| Adjustable handlebar position | – | – | – |
| Hand stand | x | x | € 228 ³ |
| Adjustable braking and Clutch lift |
x / x | x / x | x / x |
| Adjustable spring base at the back | electronic¹ | electronically | continuously per Handwheel |
| Electronically adjustable chassis | € 755 ¹ | x | – |
| Heated grips / heated seats | € 200 ¹ /- | x /- | € 331 /- |
| Second trip odometer | x | x | x |
| Consumer display / remaining range | x / x | x / x | x / x |
| Fuel gauge | x | x | x |
| Tire pressure control | 210 € | x | x |
| Gear indicator | x | x | x |
| Oil level indicator | electronic * gold sight glass |
Sight glass | Sight glass |
| Outside / engine temperature | x / x | x / x | x / x |
| Board socket | x | x | € 98 |
| Time clock | x | x | x |
| Headlight range adjustment | Handwheel | electric | Adjusting wheel |
| Automatic stability control (ASC) |
two-stage (can be switched off) ² / € 300 |
five stages (can be switched off) |
single stage (can be switched off) |
| Cruise control | Active package² | – | – |
| Immobilizer | x | x | x |
| navigation system | € 675 | – | – |
x = standard equipment
* only in connection with on-board computer; ¹ included in the Touring package (1420 euros), consisting of electronically adjustable chassis, case holder, chrome-plated exhaust system, heated grips, on-board computer, preparation for navigation system, LED indicators and hand protection; ² included in the active package (800 euros), consisting of ASC, daytime running lights and cruise control; ³ Included in the travel package (1367 euros), consisting of a set of cases, a main stand and a high windshield
Data on Kawasaki, KTM and Moto Guzzi
Artist
In rank and file – our nine tested travel enduros.
| Kawasaki Versys 1000 |
KTM 1190 Adventure |
Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V |
|
| SECTION |
single stage (cannot be switched off) |
two-stage (can be switched off) |
single stage (can be switched off) |
| Case system including case holder |
€ 715 ¹ | € 891 | € 714 |
| Capacity per case (l./r.) |
35/35 liters | 42/31 liters | 37/37 liters |
| Weight case (l./r. ( |
3.8 / 3.8 kg | 7.2 / 7.1 liters | 4.7 / 4.6 kg |
| Case width |
1040 mm | 980 mm | 1050 mm |
| Inner pocket (set) |
€ 62 | € 99 | € 119 |
| Topcase including carrier / volume |
241 € ½ liter | € 445/42 liters | € 399/38 liters |
| One key system |
x | x | – |
| Luggage rack |
x | x | x |
| Luggage hook |
x | x | – |
| Crash bar |
€ 204 | € 247 | € 250 |
| Motor protection |
– | € 247 | x |
| Storage compartment in paneling |
– | x | – |
| Height-adjustable disc |
stepless without Tool |
x | steplessly without tools |
| Touring screen |
– | € 119 | € 236 |
| Adjustable seat height |
– | x | – |
| Adjustable handlebar position |
– | x | – |
| Hand stand |
– | Electronics package | x |
| Adjustable braking and Clutch lift |
x /- | x / x | x / x |
| Adjustable spring base at the back |
continuously per Handwheel |
electronic² | stepless by hand |
| Electronically adjustable chassis |
– | € 800 ² | – |
| Heated grips / heated seats |
€ 238 /- | 197³ / 2 x € 237 | € 231 /- |
| Second trip odometer |
x | x | x |
| Consumer display / remaining range |
x / x | x / x | x / x |
| Fuel gauge |
x | x | x |
| Tire pressure control |
– | Electronics package² | – |
| Gear indicator |
– | x | – |
| Oil level indicator |
Sight glass | Sight glass | Dipstick |
| Outside / engine temperature |
x / x | x / x | x /- |
| Board socket |
€ 94 | x | x |
| Time clock |
x | x | x |
| Headlight range adjustment |
with tools | with tools | with tools |
| Automatic stability control (ASC) |
three-stage (can be switched off) |
two-stage (can be switched off) |
single stage (can be switched off) |
| Cruise control |
– | – | – |
| Immobilizer |
x | x | x |
| navigation system |
– | – | – |
x = standard equipment
* only in connection with on-board computer; ¹ included in the grand tourism model (12,995 euros); ² included in the electronics package (800 euros), consisting of an electronically adjustable chassis, tire pressure monitor and main stand; ³ included in the XC version
Triumph and Yamaha data
| Triumph tiger Explore XC |
Triumph tiger 1050 sports |
Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser |
|
| SECTION |
single stage (can be switched off) |
single stage (can be switched off) |
single stage (cannot be switched off) |
| Case system including case holder |
€ 759 | € 1,165 | € 877 |
| Capacity per case (l./r.) |
37/25 liters | 31 / 24.5 liters | 29/32 liters |
| Weight case (l./r. ( |
6.9 / 6.3 kg | 6.9 / 6.5 liters | 5.5 / 5.5 kg |
| Case width |
960 mm | 1060 mm | 900 mm |
| Inner pocket (set) |
€ 125 | € 109 | 90 € |
| Topcase including carrier / volume |
€ 614/35 liters | € 673/55 liters | 383 € / 30 liters |
| One key system |
x | x | x |
| Luggage rack |
x | € 205 | x |
| Luggage hook |
x | x | x |
| Crash bar |
€ 239 ¹ | € 215 | € 328 |
| Motor protection |
x | – | x |
| Storage compartment in paneling |
– | – | – |
| Height-adjustable disc |
fivefold without tools |
– | twice with tools |
| Touring screen |
€ 145 | € 219 | € 163 |
| Adjustable seat height |
two-stage | – | two-stage |
| Adjustable handlebar position |
x | – | – |
| Hand stand |
x | € 225 | x |
| Adjustable braking and Clutch lift |
x / x | x /- | x / x |
| Adjustable spring base at the back |
stepless by handwheel |
stepless with tools |
stepless by handwheel |
| Electronically adjustable chassis |
– | – | – |
| Heated grips / heated seats |
189/319 € | € 205 /- | € 394 /- |
| Second trip odometer |
x | x | x |
| Consumer display / remaining range |
x / x | x / x | x / from reserve |
| Fuel gauge |
x | x | x |
| Tire pressure control |
€ 175 | – | – |
| Gear indicator |
x | – | – |
| Oil level indicator |
Sight glass | Dipstick | Sight glass |
| Outside / engine temperature |
x / x | -/ x | x / x |
| Board socket |
€ 29 | € 29 | x |
| Time clock |
x | x | x |
| Headlight range adjustment |
with tools | with tools | with tools |
| Automatic stability control (ASC) |
two-stage (can be switched off) |
– | two-stage (can be switched off) |
| Cruise control |
x | – | – |
| Immobilizer |
x | x | x |
| navigation system |
– | – | – |
x = standard equipment
* only in connection with on-board computer; ¹ included in the XC version
Off-road ABS
MOTORCYCLE, MairDumont
The lap driven by MOTORRAD measures almost 400 kilometers – rating: recommendable.
One thing is certain: Anyone who claims to be better able to decelerate a quarter-ton enduro on gravel without electrical assistance than with modern ABS is wrong. BMW, Ducati and KTM also offer off-road ABS settings in their driving modes. The results are to be proud of. The rear wheel, which is not regulated in this mode, is of no advantage to the KTM.
Braking distance on gravel 60-0 km / h
| BMW R 1200 GS, road mode | 27.5 m |
| BMW R 1200 GS, Enduro mode | 26.5 m |
| Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring, Touring mode | 32.5 m |
| Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring, Enduro mode | 27.5 m |
| KTM 1190 Adventure, Street mode | 28.9 m |
| KTM 1190 Adventure, off-road mode | 29.0 m |
| Honda crosstourer | 29.8 m |
| Kawasaki Versys 100 | 30.4 m |
| Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport | 32.1 m |
| Triumph Tiger Explorer XC | 32.8 m |
| Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere Worldcrosser | 33.5 m |
| Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8v | 36.9 m |
Rent a motorbike in Mallorca
Hand on heart: Driving to Mallorca by motorbike is expensive and time-consuming in the age of low-cost airlines. In addition, the island, which is 100 by 80 kilometers in size, does not offer enough stretches to offer variety for a long time, despite all the exciting mountain passes. A hot tip for a motorcycle trip on vacation: Johannes and Anke Pfaff’s motorcycle rental (www.mallorquin-bikes.de) in Felanitx. The couple from the Black Forest rents out 40 well-maintained and up-to-date BMW machines (F 650/800/1200 GS) and also offers guided road and off-road tours.
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