The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

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The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

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The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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Honda NC 700 S: As soon as the 700 does not feel overwhelmed, as soon as it is allowed to set its own pace, everything runs smoothly. She can be proud of her driving behavior, she circles the tightest serpentines as playfully as none of her competitors.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Jahn

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Honda NC 700 S: The Honda is something for savers at a sensationally low price and with the lowest consumption in the mountains. You shouldn’t expect miracles from the weak engine.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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The four all-rounders of the 2012 Alpine Masters: BMW F 800 R, Honda NC 700 S, Kawasaki ER-6n and Yamaha TMax.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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Kawasaki ER-6n: Only over 6000 rpm does it develop its full potential – atypical for a two-cylinder, this missing bang from the bottom.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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Kawasaki ER-6n: At higher engine speeds, it sweeps over the passes, because uphill in second gear it delivers the best reading of the all-rounder group and even outpaces the otherwise impeccable BMW.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Jahn

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Kawasaki ER-6n: The engine comes late, but powerful and is therefore suitable for occasional sprint duels even uphill. But it’s only fun when you’re alone on the motorcycle. The Kawa is simply too small for two full-grown Central Europeans.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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The four all-rounders of the 2012 Alpine Masters: BMW F 800 R, Honda NC 700 S, Kawasaki ER-6n and Yamaha TMax.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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Yamaha TMax: The fact that the TMax is handicapped in terms of power-to-weight ratio cannot be completely concealed by the variator. When pulling through the mountain, the TMax delivers the slowest measured values, although it continuously optimizes its gear ratio while the motorcycles have to stay in second gear.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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Yamaha TMax: The small 15-inch wheels restrict the lean angle of the uncrowned king of scooters in southern Europe and make the load wobbly, turning in is not nearly as precise as with a motorcycle.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Jahn

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Yamaha TMax: The TMax is the king of comfort in the group. You can cruise comfortably with it. However, in terms of driving behavior, it is the tail light and is also far too expensive in comparison.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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The four all-rounders of the 2012 Alpine Masters: BMW F 800 R, Honda NC 700 S, Kawasaki ER-6n and Yamaha TMax.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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BMW F 800 R: The lively Munich woman seems to have been made for the Alps, sweeps with her measured 95 hp like a wisp over mountains and valleys, gives a lot of feedback, brakes perfectly and turns precisely around every curve, be it narrow or wide.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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BMW F 800 R: Another egg-laying woolly milk sow from Bavaria. The 800 can do everything, and much better than the competition.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Jahn

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BMW F 800 R: In terms of engine, driving behavior and suitability for everyday use, the BMW is unmatched ahead. You rarely need more motorcycles in the mountains. Therefore, she is also the clear winner in the group. Sometimes noticeable load change reactions and the tendency to stand up a little when braking are not really important.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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The four all-rounders of the 2012 Alpine Masters: BMW F 800 R, Honda NC 700 S, Kawasaki ER-6n and Yamaha TMax.

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison
Gargolov

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Honda NC 700 S: The attempt to overtake shortly before the hairpin should be avoided with her because of a weak pulling force and slow acceleration, at least uphill.

motorcycles

The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

Alpen Masters 2012: the all-rounders
The big all-rounder test in the Alps

Admittedly: They do not spread glamor, glitter or the smell of the big wide world. But there is also no stress and no pressure to perform. The four all-rounders make a lot of things very easy in the Alps – a typical case for connoisseurs.

Peter Mayer, Stefan Kaschel

08/28/2012

The composition of the individual groups at the Alpen-Masters is sometimes a puzzle. For example with the all-rounders: Actually, the new BMW scooter should have represented its genre in this group, and the little MV Agusta Brutale would of course have been extremely interesting as well. Both were rejected shortly before, so alternative solutions had to be found. Therefore, the currently renovated one goes as a representative of the scooter guild Yamaha TMax at the start. And instead of the small MV, a BMW is allowed to take with you, namely the optically revamped BMW F 800 R. These two compete against Honda’s new price breaker NC 700 S and the renovated one Kawasaki ER-6n on.

The TMax is certainly more than a stopgap, after all the uncrowned king of scooters in southern Europe, sold over 180,000 times since its debut a good ten years ago and recently with more displacement, more horsepower, ABS and less weight. Nevertheless, at 227 kilograms, it remains the thickest truck in the group, is the most expensive for just under 11,000 euros, and with 47 hp and 52 Newton meters, it is the weakest link in the back four.


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


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Performance of the all-rounder.

For the scooter, the disaster seems programmed given the performance data and the steep mountain passes. But it doesn’t get that bad: Between the thread-thin hairpin bends of the Col de la Lombarde and the generous curves of the Bonette, the TMax turns out to be a surprisingly agile buddy, which offers a very comfortable seat and, thanks to the stepless automatic system, enables casual cruising. Simply turn the handlebars to the right and you will move on, reasonably quickly, provided you do not overdo it with the speed of travel.

The variator cannot completely hide the fact that the TMax is handicapped in terms of power-to-weight ratio. When pulling through on a mountain, the TMax delivers the slowest measured values, although it continuously optimizes its gear ratio while the engine is running
wheels must stay in second gear. When sprinting from 50 to 100 km / h, however, thanks to the automatic trick, he manages 7.2 seconds, with which he is fully to the music – of course only as long as the motorcycles do not downshift. However, when the pace increases, TMax becomes a T-Maxchen. The small 15-inch wheels also limit the lean angle and make the load wobbly, turning in is not nearly as precise as with a motorcycle. The passive sitting posture also tarnishes the passport pleasure a little in the long run. Luggage at least fits sufficiently in the storage compartment under the seat, if necessary Yamaha can supply a tunnel bag or a topcase for an extra charge.


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


Gargolov

The four all-rounders of the 2012 Alpine Masters: BMW F 800 R, Honda NC 700 S, Kawasaki ER-6n and Yamaha TMax.

The BMW F 800 R comes with a suitcase and luggage rack, plus heated grips, on-board computer, LED indicators and, of course, ABS – all extras that are subject to payment. But that’s where the similarities stop. The brisk Munich resident seems to have been made for the Alps, sweeps with her measured 95 PS like a wisp over mountains and valleys, gives a lot of feedback, brakes perfectly and turns precisely around every curve, be it narrow or wide. She practically never needs a corrective hand. The Bonette is conquered in no time at all and completely stress-free – hurray, where is the shortest route to the next pass? In the group, however, you do not make yourself popular with her, because while the other drivers languish long after the break, the BMW driver still feels fresh and rested and is hungry for further alpine feats. The motorcycle is not inferior to it, because thanks to the low fuel consumption, the range is almost 400 kilometers. A convincing performance, especially since the BMW is easy to maneuver in the hotel car park in the evening thanks to the low weight of the four all-rounders.

Only 5490 euros, half as much as the TMax, costs Honda’s new NC 700 S – including ABS, mind you. With 49 hp she just beats the scooter in terms of performance and also weighs twelve kilos less, but that only helps her to a limited extent. In a tough twelve seconds, she manages from zero to 140 km / h, and when pulling through the thin mountain air, the Honda finally runs out of breath: it takes almost 19 seconds to make her way from 50 to 100 km / h. The attempt to overtake shortly before the hairpin should therefore be avoided with her, at least uphill. In addition, the NC often runs into the limiter on the straights if, spoiled by the BMW, you open the throttle too far in the instinctive search for more pressure.


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


Gargolov

The BMW fits into the group here, but otherwise pulls the others away in the test.

So what to do First of all, calmly shift down one or two gears in your head and let your gaze wander over the majestic peaks of the Maritime Alps instead of hopelessly chasing after the BMW. And lo and behold, as soon as the 700 does not feel overwhelmed, as soon as it is allowed to set its own pace, everything runs smoothly. She can be proud of her driving behavior, she circles the tightest serpentines as playfully as none of her competitors. Braking, clutching, turning, she masters all of this with ease. A really good idea for the tightly calculated price. On top of that, the machine made in Japan is economical, it only consumes 3.7 liters in the mountains – that’s a record at the Alpine Masters.

The Kawasaki ER-6n is also available at a low price, albeit not quite as cheap as the Honda for just under 7,000 euros. On the other hand, it shows a good 20 hp more on the test bench, namely its 73. But little of that is noticeable at first, the propulsion is very limited up to 6000 rpm. Only then does it unfold its full potential – atypical for a two-cylinder, this missing bang from the bottom. But once you get used to it, the Kawa can be steered just as easily on the mountain and valley railways as the Honda, just much faster. At higher engine speeds, it sweeps over the passes, because uphill in second gear it provides the best reading of the all-rounder group and even outpaces the otherwise impeccable BMW.

In the face of this small defeat, however, she maintains her composure: After all, she is almost 50 points ahead of her competitors and, as the group winner, makes a well-deserved entry into the grand finale.

Conclusion: Winner BMW F 800 R
And again an egg-laying woolly milk sow from Bavaria. The 800 can do everything, and much better than the competition. In the Alps, the uncomplicated roadster is so lively and light-footed with the music that even the marmots whistle after it in admiration. You rarely need more motorcycles in the mountains.

BMW F 800 R (winner)


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


Gargolov

BMW F 800 R: Another egg-laying woolly milk sow from Bavaria. The 800 can do everything, and much better than the competition.

Data
Two-cylinder, 798 cm³, 87 PS, 86 Nm, 205 kg, load 200 kg, ABS, 8400 euros / 10301 euros *

Readings
Test consumption passes: 4.2 l / 100 km
theoretical range of passes: 384 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 8.5 s
Pulling speed in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 7.9 s
Braking distance downhill: 24.1 m

plus
In terms of engine, driving behavior and suitability for everyday use, the BMW is unmatched in front of the competition. She is a top joker and the only one in the quartet who offers enough performance and space for two.

minus
Occasionally noticeable load change reactions and the tendency to stand up a little when braking – that’s it for criticism.

*Incl. ABS (717 euros). LED indicators (96 euros), on-board computer (146 euros), heated grips (197 euros), case set (625 euros) and luggage rack (120 euros)

Honda NC 700 S.


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


Gargolov

Honda NC 700 S: The Honda is something for savers at a sensationally low price and with the lowest consumption in the mountains.

Data
Two-cylinder, 670 cm³, 48 hp, 60 Nm, 215 kg, payload 209 kg, ABS, 5490 euros / 6191 euros *

Readings
Test consumption passes: 3.7 l / 100 km
theoretical range of passes: 384 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 18.9 s
Pulling speed in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 9.7 s
Braking distance downhill: 24.9 m 

plus
For bargain hunters at a sensationally low price and with the lowest consumption in the mountains. Typically Honda, the NC makes it easy for its driver, never stresses and always leaves enough time not only to experience the corners, but also the panorama.

minus
You shouldn’t expect miracles from the weak engine and therefore not put excessive weight on it, a little more revving would certainly be helpful.

*Incl. Case set (701 euros)

Kawasaki ER-6n


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


Gargolov

Kawasaki ER-6n: Only over 6000 rpm does it develop its full potential – atypical for a two-cylinder, this missing bang from the bottom.

Data
Two-cylinder, 649 cm³, 72 HP, 64 Nm, 208 kg, payload 198 kg, ABS, 6995 euros

Readings
Test consumption passes: 4.5 l / 100 km
theoretical range of passes: 359 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 10.9 s
Pulling speed in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 6.7 s
Braking distance downhill: 27.1 m

plus
The engine comes late, but powerful: At 6000 rpm, the Kawa steps up a gear and is therefore suitable for occasional sprint duels even uphill. The seating position is good for drivers up to about 1.70 meters.

minus
No real fun for two. Even then, the engine still moves forward quickly, but the Kawa is simply too small for two full-grown Central Europeans.

Yamaha TMax


The all-rounders of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison


Gargolov

Yamaha TMax: The TMax is the king of comfort in the group. You can cruise comfortably with it. However, in terms of driving behavior, it is the tail light and is also far too expensive in comparison.

Data
Two-cylinder, 530 cm³, 47 HP, 52 Nm, 227 kg, payload 188 kg, ABS, 10,995 euros

Readings
Test consumption passes: 4.4 l / 100 km
theoretical range of passes: 338 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 7.2 s
Pulling speed 25-75 km / h: 12.0 s
Braking distance downhill: 27.2 m

plus
The king of comfort. With its lush fairing, it protects against wind and weather better than any motorcycle. If you want to cruise comfortably and still sit comfortably, the automatic scooter is the right choice.

minus
It wobbles a little, stands up slightly when braking and does not really steer precisely: In terms of driving behavior, the Tmax is the taillight, with the passenger it quickly loses its strength. Much too expensive in comparison.

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