The naked bikes of the Alpine Masters 2012 in comparison

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Alpen Masters 2012: Naked Bikes

The big naked bike test in the Alps

For them, compromises are only one thing: lazy. Who needs a panel, why luggage hooks, what a commode pillion seat for, and who cares about the load and equipment? Concessions to things that are not needed in the alpine world – at least not on naked bikes.

A naked woman is – to use the words of a Bavarian automobile and motorcycle company – only about one thing: the joy of driving. About nothing else. With these machines, the Col de la Lombarde, Bonette or Larche are transformed into stone roller coasters in the amusement park of the Alps. All the more so after the group of four was allowed to take away a playmate believed to be lost, the Moto Morini. Because after the bankruptcy in 2006, the new owners put down the restart last year VS.orsaro Veloce almost unchanged. 

And so the Italian spreads the soundscape of her mighty V2 over the valley as always. This sound already gives an idea of ​​the character of the 87-degree Vau engine. No, that of the whole motorcycle. Because as dominantly as the mighty two-cylinder dominates the look of the Corsaro, so decisively it puts its stamp on the character of the entire vehicle. Anyone who doubts this will be taught better after every turn. This power plant kicks in with tremendous force, pushing man and machine with verve from the deepest vaults of the speed limit and then pushing with power towards the summit. An experience that superimposes all other impressions on the Italian. Against this background, even the rough jerk when changing loads is more likely to be accepted as a demonstration of unbridled strength rather than imperfection on the drive side. Or as a challenge for the pilot. Because the sensitive play with the gas and the slipper clutch, which requires a lot of manual force, as is necessary, for example, in the tight bends on the east side of the Col de la Lombarde, turns out to be a demanding exercise with the Corsaro.

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Or the handling. Despite the assembled, upright seating position, the Morini could like to be a little more manageable when changing lean angles and a little more precise in tight turns. It’s only little things that separate her from the other nudes. And because in terms of equipment with Ohlins shock absorber, excellent Brembo brakes and Termignoni exhaust system it is at a high level and in a direct comparison with just under 11,000 euros is at least a good thousand cheaper than the rest, the Morini only lacks a little fine-tuning in order to become a force to be taken seriously in this segment – maybe at the next Alpine Masters.

The Ducati Streetfighter has been taken seriously for a long time. Since 2009, the beast has been cutting its way on the country roads with the 159 hp 1198 Testastretta engine. This year, the Ducati model developers provided it with a somewhat pacified version, the Streetfighter 848. There is no doubt that their measured 131 PS are easily sufficient in the narrow alpine terrain. Also because of the fact that the torque hole of the donor organ 848 Evo in the Baby Streetfighter was properly filled due to the reduced valve overlap (eleven instead of 37 degrees). The fact that the engine only runs properly after 3000 revs is only noticed when looking at the rev counter. Intuitively, you can hardly let the lively L-motor sink below this mark, even in tight bends, and switch up a little later to let the unit buzz around 6000 tours in its comfort zone. It’s not exhaustive. In contrast to the sitting position. Because despite the handlebars 20 millimeters higher than the large Streetfighter, the 848 handlebars, which are cranked downwards, still bend the climber far over the upper handlebar bridge, allowing them to look just in front of the front wheel instead of exiting the curve. May the uphill still work, the Ducatist feels downhill with little overview and inactive.

Jahn

The four naked bikes of the 2012 Alpine Masters: Ducati Streetfighter 848, KTM 990 Super Duke R, Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 Veloce, Triumph Speed ​​Triple R..

It’s a shame, because with a knee as slim as a mountain goat, comfortable suspension and the lightest weight of the four at 201 kilograms, you could make a lot of money in a snake. What do you mean? The 848 lies like a board on the long curves of the Col de Larche, its front wheel literally sucks on the rough French asphalt, conveys enormous trust and shows how much fun the Duc with a higher front and ergonomically suitable handlebars can be anywhere else could generate. 

Whether it would be enough for the leadership duo in this group? One can doubt it, because as skillfully as the KTM Super Duke R and the Triumph Speed ​​Triple R cut through the hairpin bends, it takes years of practice and maturity. Turning in, folding down and straightening up, it is hardly more precise than with the British and Austrian. Alone because you can sit comfortably on the famous duo and do gymnastics in alternating curves or at a faster pace. Whereby the pendulum swings a little more to the Super Duke in this respect. Whether with the ergonomic triangle of handlebars, footrest position and seat bench, the operating force of the fittings, the load change reaction at the apex of the curve or the 18 kilogram lower weight – in many ways the KTM has its pointed lamp mask a tick over the bulging eyes of the Triumph. It is really impressive what development the original super-duke, who was presented in 2005, was still gruff and nervous at the time, has gone through over the years.

Jahn

Triumph Speed ​​Triple R: 3000 euros more than the basic model of the Speed ​​triple is an impressive price for a naked bike.

Nevertheless, the R-evolution stage of the Speed ​​Triple (with forged wheels, monoblock brake calipers, Ohlins spring elements and some neatly processed carbon parts), which is at least 3000 euros more expensive this season, knows about its previously unattained strength, namely the famous three-cylinder engine. Not only that the 1050 triplet accelerates the assembled troop on the mountain alone or in pairs at any time. It accelerates smoothly from the lowest revs, turns lively, barely vibrates, sounds wonderful and, at 5.2 liters, needs a liter less fuel than the KTM. On top of that, the English – unfortunately as the only one in this test group so far – have recognized that especially on the unpredictable pass roads, ABS not only contributes to more safety, but also clearly to an even more carefree driving pleasure.

With the expensive Ohlins spring elements, however, things are a little different. They look great, and the stiffer chassis makes the Speedy R noticeably faster on the slopes. However, other laws apply in the winding high alpine bends. Here, where there are outbreaks of frost instead of curbs and falling rocks instead of harassment, everything helps that makes life easy. Strikes in the back or on the wrists, which the shock absorber and fork sometimes give, are not included, while the handling advantage due to the light wheels is just as welcome as the even finer control of the monoblock brembos. In theory, at least, because in practice there is hardly any difference to the Speedy series, which is ultimately quite well equipped. However, you can feel the thrilling performance of the three-cylinder in every bend, on every straight. Ultimately, it is the engine that makes the Triumph move into the final. Close, but deserved.

Conclusion: Winner Triumph Speed ​​Triple R.
Against the carefully modeled Super Duke R, the Speed ​​Triple R had to lean hard in the corners. Ultimately, in addition to the – undoubtedly brilliant – three-cylinder engine, a very rational argument also decided in this unreasonable class: The Speedy is the only one in this group to have an ABS.

Ducati Streetfighter 848

Jahn

Ducati Streetfighter 848: The fact that the engine only runs properly after 3000 towers is only noticeable when you look at the rev counter.

Data
2-cylinder, 849 cm³, 132 hp, 94 Nm, 201 kg, payload 189 kg, traction control, 12,190 euros

Readings
Test consumption passes: 5.6 l / 100 km
Theor. Range of passes: 294 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 9.4 sec
Thrust in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 6.6 sec
Braking distance downhill: 29.3 m

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A slim knee joint, good workmanship and high-quality add-on parts such as radial brake and clutch fittings complement the Streetfighter’s 849 cm³ engine, which is much more harmonious than the 848 Evo. Good for alpine bumpy roads: the sensitive suspension.

minus
There is one thing that doesn’t work on Ducati’s Monster and Streetfighter models: the strangely cranked handlebars. This bizarre handlebar robs you of overview and well-being. A cardinal error.

KTM 990 Super Duke R.

Jahn

KTM 990 Super Duke R: The Duke just barely has to admit defeat to triumph. Turning in, folding down and straightening up works almost as well with the Duke.

Data
2-cylinder, 1000 cm³, 125 hp, 102 Nm, 203 kg, payload 184 kg, 11,995 euros

Readings
Test consumption passes: 6.2 l / 100 km
Theor. Range of passes: 297 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 8.7 sec
Thrust in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 6.0 seconds
Braking distance downhill: 27.8 m

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The Super Duke R plays with first-class suspension, successful ergonomics, superb steering precision and well-controlled brakes in every respect in the first league. A bike made for the Alps.

minus
Even if it was noticeably pacified, the V2 is still rough at speeds below 3000 rpm and vibrates at higher speeds. An ABS would bring even more fans to the high-quality and successful KTM – and lower consumption too, by the way.

Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 Veloce

Jahn

Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 Veloce: As dominant as the mighty two-cylinder dominates the look of the Corsaro, it makes its mark on the character of the entire vehicle.

Data
2-cylinder, 1187 cm³, 140 hp, 123 Nm, 219 kg, payload 166 kg, 10,990 euros

Readings
Test consumption passes: 6.2 l / 100 km
Theor. Range of passes: 289 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 10.6 sec
Thrust in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 6.8 sec
Braking distance downhill: 26.1 m

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Tea determining element of the Morini is the extremely powerful engine. The Italian is also convincing ergonomically, with its excellent brakes and high-quality equipment (Ohlins shock absorber, Termignoni exhaust) – and with its relatively low price.

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As imposing as its engine may be, at the apex of the bend the gruff throttle response regularly haggles the line. In addition, the fuel consumption is relatively high at 6.2 liters.

Triumph Speed ​​Triple R (winner)

Jahn

Triumph Speed ​​Triple R: The 1050 triplet accelerates the assembled troop on the mountain, alone or in pairs, at any time.

Data
3-cylinder, 1050 cm³, 135 HP, 111 Nm, 221 kg, payload 186 kg, ABS, 14,990 euros

Readings
Test consumption passes: 5.2 l / 100 km
Theor. Range of passes: 339 km
Passage 50-100 km / h at 2700 m above sea level NN: 6.9 sec
Thrust in 2nd gear 25-75 km / h: 4.9 seconds
Braking distance downhill: 29.0 m

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One thing is clear: The smooth, powerful and economical three-cylinder engine of the Speedy is beyond any doubt, especially in the mountains. The British model is also ergonomically successful. And it is the only one in the test field to have an ABS.

minus
15,000 euros – 3,000 euros more than the basic model of the Speed ​​Triple – is an impressive price for a naked bike. In addition, the rear suspension could be more comfortable.

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