Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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In the sport category & Touring comes up with a colorful mix: two heaters that can be perfectly identified as such (of course the Ninja H2 and the YZF-R1), plus an equally clearly positioned sports tourer (BMW R 1200 RS) and finally …

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters
MOTORCYCLE

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Power on the crankshaft. Measurements on the Dynojet roller test stand 250, corrected according to 95/1 / EG, maximum possible deviation ± 5%.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Namely the BMW R 1200 RS.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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No matter how much fun the Kawasaki Ninja H2 can be, the winner will be another.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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In the photo, the athletes can drive ahead, but the picture is different in the Alps and in our table of points.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 is even more thoroughbred than the H2. A great racing machine, but in the Alps it simply cannot develop its potential, driving proves to be quite exhausting.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Not only the sound is convincing thanks to the compressor – but what use is an incredible acceleration if you can’t use it? In the Alps, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 only made 3rd place.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Not fish, not meat, but the crisp three-cylinder of the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 definitely knows how to inspire.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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In the basic version, the lowest amount has to be paid for the BMW R 1200 RS – both when purchasing (13,500 euros excluding additional costs) and when refueling (5.0 l / 100 km).

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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But the drivers have arrived and that’s how it starts. Through tight curves in a beautiful panorama.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Replenishment at the big Alpine Masters: fresh drivers on the way to work, possibly not perfectly packed according to the regulations.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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… a machine whose character orientation was not apparent to the testers at first glance (MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800, at the very back).

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

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Winner in the sport category & Touring: BMW R 1200 RS. So she moves into the final.

Sport / touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

R 1200 RS, Turismo Veloce 800, Ninja H2 and YZF-R1

The Alpen Masters 2015 saw a colorful mix in the sporty / tourist-oriented group: two heaters that can be perfectly identified as such, plus an equally clearly positioned sports tourer – and finally a machine whose character orientation did not reveal itself to the testers at first glance Has.

R.Soap warmers sizzle the sport skins to operating temperature. The roughest holes in the road surface at the top of the mountain have already been leveled, a fresh asphalt surface provides predictable grip in every curve. The worst switchbacks were already defused in advance. And of course the pass had to be completely blocked for oncoming traffic at short notice. After all, you only sprint in one direction: uphill.

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Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Alpine Masters 2015
The prelude to the largest motorcycle comparison test

Yamaha YZF-R1 or Kawasaki Ninja H2 are in their element at the 2015 Alpine Masters. As is well known, the reality looks a little different, which is why flawless sports equipment hardly has a chance of winning the Alpine Masters. Why do the testers take them anyway? On the one hand, because an Alpine Masters always provides extremely interesting findings that you do not necessarily get from the usual testing in the lowlands. On the other hand, because such power monsters are simply fun. Maybe not always and everywhere, but at least temporarily, here and there. For example on the fast passage up to the Passo di Fedaia, on whose long straight the H2 compressor can really put pressure on. In spite of the seriousness of the evaluation, it is also about enjoying power and handling, acceleration and cornering.

Yamaha YZF-R1 just outsiders

So let’s start with one such outsider, the really hot super athlete Yamaha YZF-R1. When it comes to awarding points, the big-bang four-cylinder with its strong character usually has to line up behind. Fourth place is actually the logical consequence of the fact that fast laps on the racetrack had top priority in development.

For the same reason, flexible staff is the basic requirement for sporty fun in the mountains, you have to fold yourself up on an uncompromising racer like the Yamaha YZF-R1. Uphill it is still bearable, the steep Pordoi downhill is quite strenuous in the long run. The sitting posture bent far forward puts enormous strain on the wrists when braking on switchbacks. It should also be clear that comfort is not only limited ergonomically, but also in terms of the chassis due to the sporty, taut basic set-up. For the pillion passenger it is rock hard: Nobody can stand it any longer on this minimal jump seat.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Super athlete


Yamaha YZF-R1 in the driving report

The Empire Strikes Back

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All tests and articles about the Yamaha YZF-R1

Hard load changes are annoying in the slippery switchbacks

In theory, of course, there would be an abundance of power. At least at the top, where there are almost 200 hp. But with the Yamaha YZF-R1 you would drive up to 150 km / h even in first gear, which would be even more anti-social in the Alps than anywhere else. So let’s forget the 200 hp, let’s look at the mid-rev range. The special measured values ​​of the Alpen-Masters speak a clear language: The long gear ratio and the low torque in the lower speed range result in the worst torque on the mountain in this group.

In the opposite case, when braking downhill with two people, the high seated passenger and the effectively defensive rollover detection of the Yamaha YZF-R1 screw up short braking distances. Especially in the slippery switchbacks up to the Campolongo, the hard load changes and the too direct throttle response are annoying.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 scores top marks for driving performance

A shortcoming that also affects the supercharged Kawasaki. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 also requires a sensitive hand in hairpin bends and sometimes the clutch to smooth the tough performance. A shame, because otherwise the supercharged, almost vibration-free running four-cylinder starts powerfully even at low engine speeds without ever appearing unpredictable. The traction control has its hands full with the enormous thrust, especially on the polished asphalt on the flat ascent to the Pordoi, but it does its job reliably. In contrast to the R1, the Kawa received top marks for driving performance. Which is not only due to the powerful drive, but also quite banally to the lack of a passenger: The H2 is a pure single-seater, so, unlike its competitors, it could only be measured solo. Nevertheless, this does not bring you an advantage, because of course there is not a single point when evaluating the passenger comfort. And only a single point is awarded for the small payload.

At least the driver sits much more comfortably than on the Yamaha YZF-R1, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is ergonomically not so radical. There are no points for the unique experience value of the compressor motor. The permanent chirping of the pressure relief valve, the relentless thrust, that’s a special spectacle. Therefore, the testers were happy that the H2 was there – even if there was no flower pot to be won.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Super athlete


Kawasaki Ninja H2 in the top test

218 hp put to the test

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All tests and articles about the Kawasaki Ninja H2

BMW R 1200 RS the favorite of the group

After all, there was another favorite from Bavaria in this group: the BMW R 1200 RS. Which brings the advantages of its concept into the balance, but also shines with convincing properties. A sports tourer through and through, which shows few weaknesses and inexorably scores points in almost all criteria. As is typical of BMW, it is state-of-the-art and extensively equipped with assistance systems, as well as a proper windbreak and comfortable ergonomics for two people. 

The water boxer of the BMW R 1200 RS spoils you with silky smooth running and sufficient power in all situations, earning the best engine rating of all 20 participants. However, the good measured values ​​only underline the subjectively convincing impressions. The fact that the transmission shifts a little hard in the lower gears is compensated for by the shift assistant, which works excellently in both directions.

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Tourer


Honda VFR 800 F, Kawasaki Z 1000 SX and BMW R 1200 RS

Sports tourers in the comparison test

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All tests and articles about the BMW R 1200 RS

The R 1200 RS is also superior in terms of the chassis

It looks similarly superior with the chassis. Even the nasty edges and warps down the Valparola soaks up the particularly appealing front suspension of the BMW R 1200 RS. The fact that potholes penetrate a bit angularly here and there in the back is whining at the highest level. The bottom line is the overall concept, which enables an enormous range. Sporty driving alone, the long journey for two with luggage, leisurely cruising in the mountains – the RS does every task with flying colors. Confident, safe and comfortable.

A clear victory, then, which the BMW R 1200 RS, the fourth candidate of this colorful troop, never seriously contests. After a short driving time, however, doubts arose as to whether the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 was in the right place in this category. She is actually not a touring rider, as MV likes to call her. A sporty machine for sure, which is why it is by no means out of place here. On the other hand, with its high, upright seating position, it is actually quite close to crossover concepts such as the Yamaha Tracer.

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 crisp and direct

After all, MV has done a lot to make the “TV” compatible with the masses and suitable for everyday use. The seating position is far less radical than on Stradale / Rivale. It is still the less tall riders who feel comfortable behind the handlebars that are a little too high. Even a passenger sits relatively relaxed. The chassis is also not as tough as it used to be at MV. The suspension even seems a bit soft for the pillion rider, because the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 hangs pretty badly on the ropes. 

But the all-clear for fans: this MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 is not completely soft, either, it still looks crisp and direct. The robust three-cylinder inspires with smooth running, an infinite speed range and thrust in all situations. Word has already got around that the Italians now have the tuning of their triple under control. It collects a lot of points, even in non-MV disciplines such as range, but never comes dangerously close to the much more comfortable BMW. Still respect.

In the end, the two athletes Yamaha YZF-R1 and Kawasaki Ninja H2 have to admit defeat conceptually, especially since both are quite radical representatives of their genre in their own way. The BMW R 1200 RS wins as a classic sports tourer with aplomb and has hardly any weaknesses. And the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 was able to surprise the testers with good manners in everyday life, but it remains a typical MV with rough edges that ultimately cost points. 

Sport touring bikes at the 2015 Alpen Masters

Tourer


MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 in the driving report

Light, agile tourer

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All articles about the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800

Technical specifications

Readings


MOTORCYCLE

Power on the crankshaft. Measurements on the Dynojet roller test stand 250, corrected according to 95/1 / EC, maximum possible deviation ± 5%

Result and conclusion


Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki Ninja H2, BMW R 1200 RS and MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800.

1st place: BMW R 1200 RS


BMW R 1200 RS.

plus  

  • even torque curve
  • very smooth drive
  • comfortable chassis
  • extensive equipment
  • easy handling
  • low consumption

minus 

  • stretched sitting posture for small drivers
  • moderate wind protection

2nd place: MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800


MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800.

plus  

  • enormously wide speed range
  • sporty three-cylinder
  • light weight and good 
  • Handling
  • great coverage

minus 

  • confusing display
  • not very smooth load changes
  • Feathers a little soft 
  • ABS with a stoppy tendency

3rd place: Kawasaki Ninja H2


Kawasaki Ninja H2.

plus  

  • Power and torque 
  • abound
  • outstanding elasticity
  • silky smooth engine run
  • stable chassis

minus 

  • Single seater
  • moderate comfort
  • hard load changes
  • high consumption

4th place: Yamaha YZF-R1


Yamaha YZF-R1.

plus  

  • high engine power
  • high quality suspension elements
  • unlimited lean angle

minus 

  • strenuous sitting posture
  • long translation
  • little torque at low speeds 
  • uncomfortable suspension
  • high consumption

 

Conclusion

The two athletes hardly stand a chance in this comparison of the concepts. But the testers had a lot of fun with the pure racer Yamaha YZF-R1 and the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2. MV has positioned the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 much wider, which is just missing a little fine-tuning. But the bottom line is that all three opponents have no chance against the BMW R 1200 RS, which has almost no weaknesses and, with its all-round qualities, is a hot contender for the title.

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