A Pair of Stroms
BMW R1200gs, Queen of the market, features in our comparison with the beastly KTM 1190 and newcomer Suzuki V-Strom 1000 , less powerful, but with several strings to its bow.
Discover with us how they dealt with. No shortage of surprises
Road enduro BMW R1200GS Adventure VS 1190 VS KTM Suzuki V-Strom 1000
In recent years, we have described the length and breadth of the growing segment of the maxi enduro, we’re not here to tell you for the umpteenth time that the bikes are most popular by the Italians.
Let’s straight to the point, speaking of the protagonists of our challenge. We considered three enduros with front wheel 19 “, with dimensions and weights not too large. So no three and four cylinder engines, wheels 21 “or 17”, big tanks and weights Kerb greater than 250 kg. analyse below the maxi enduro with more balanced weight / power ratio, then those who are in fact the most sold and appreciated by motorcyclists.
We start from the nerd of the class, the BMW R1200GS (well most sold bike in the beginning of 2014 in the first quarter well have been 876 registrations), which will compete with the 1190 KTM Adventure (stops 166 branded motorcycles, but it is a tough and offers standard stability control, the first devoted to the motion: the ‘ MSC made by Bosch ).
Third competitor is the latest maxi-enduro, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000. It gives up 200 cc and a few horses, but be aware that doing so keeps his weight down even shape and, above all, it cost much, much less than its rivals.
Because we chose to include it on the road, in our first test (with myself and, as a result, even with Tanketto) we noticed that has little to envy the noble rivals. It also showed sales in the first three months of the year (261 registrations). And it confirms our feelings: the V-Strom has kept pace with the other bikes without batting an eyelid, giving up just a little ‘zing when searching for the best performance and the extension.
“Yeah, okay. But in the end who won? ” .
It depends on the weight that each of you brings to the various items that you will find below. Who favours sportiness, will be in a KTM motorcycle thorough, safe and rewarding, which has the undeniable advantage of the MSC (the first stability control for motorcycles), electronic suspension series that go wonderfully well and an amazing engine.
Those looking for a personal and pleasant bike even in purely tourist guide, with the GS will go on the safe side. The German bike still has it and adjust the engine more tractable at low revs.
The V-Strom is the perfect middle ground, either you use it every day in the city or in the summer holidays; proved to be easy and powerful just enough for fun between two beautiful curves. Since its price is also the costa € 12,490, less than the then Austrian motorcycle ( 15,610 Euros but with more electronic suspension as standard and MSC ) and the German competitor ( 16,090 euro , the electronic suspension are optional). We are confident that, reading the entries, each element of judgment will find useful to understand which bike best suits your tastes.
Ergonomics and comfort
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS
2013 GS is definitely comfortable and adjustable seat height allows the rider to lean with safety feet on the ground. Rather, it can disturb the elevated height of the saddle (separate) the passenger, which still has a regal accommodation, with a considerable distance from the platform that does not strain your knees. The German engineers have worked well, in particular is really contained in the width of the tank where you shake your legs. These are also well sheltered from both side panels from which the cylinders that the boxer engine. Overall, the pilot receives an excellent air protection. The torso and head are protected by adjustable windscreen easily detected even at maximum speed. The handlebars are very wide and gives so much control (eye but the overall dimensions), while the controls are easy to use. The scalability and the sweetness of the hydraulic clutch and front brake are exaggerated: with a finger you do everything and the precision of intervention is perfect for both. Top marks.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ 1190 KTM Adventure MSC
Except for the saddle and racing harder and Austria, the 1190 is not so far from the GS. It has excellent wind protection, lightweight and easy controls and a driving position that puts you at ease both the pilot and the passenger. Some customers Italians (the complaint there was no other markets) have criticized the engine heat in the summer season; The House proceeded equipping the bikes destined for Italy protections under saddle and two side panels in carbon that do not go hot air from the rear cylinder on the driver’s legs. The situation now seems resolved (in the course of our test temperatures were below 20 °, and we have not found any problem).
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000
As we anticipated in our test, the V-Strom ABS 1000 is lighter between his legs even with a full tank, you can appreciate the very narrow saddle that allows you to put your feet on the ground easily. The handlebars are placed at the top, has a nice fold, the saddle is regal and shaped to perfection for both rider and passenger. The tank is revealed instead rather wide at the knees, is especially noticeable because the seat and the frame on the other hand are pretty tight. The vibrations are absent in each regime, the ergonomics are correct and protection from the standard screen is also valid at high speeds.
Finishes
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS
The engine air-cooled and water is carefully constructed, like the various plastics that make up the body. The finishes are generally good, they are well made also the electric blocks (although the left one is a bit ‘too crowded with buttons) and levers. Finally the pillion foot pegs are bolted to the rear frame (from bottom to top); in this area only welds look a bit ‘rough.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ 1190 KTM Adventure MSC
With her in Austria have made a real breakthrough. The 1190 is built with great rationality. The finishes are excellent. The view is satisfied by both the surface treatment of the V2 engine, both from the paint and plastic frame. They are simply spectacular then the tubeless spoked wheels and the massive aluminium swingarm obtained by die-casting. Jars a little ‘different bill of the two levers, clutch (Magura) and brake (Brembo), but we’re just looking at the hairs, because the bike is well made.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000
The Japanese style is, there is so much material on the V-Strom and few frills. But we admire the effort to propose a Suzuki motorcycle well done at a competitive price. The finishes are in fact absolutely valid, it can be seen in the various commands in the pedals, the painting of the frame and motor. Belli well logs of the fork, as well as the calipers of the braking system. Not only excite the handlebars and brake levers and clutch from the bill a bit ‘too little road and “adventure.”
Instrumentation
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS
It reads very well very complete on-board instrumentation, which lacks only a graduated scale with the temperature of the engine (the value of which is still indicated in the voices of the computer). It offers a wealth of information from the extensive menu board, of which there is also the full PRO version with the info dedicated to enduro riding. But to get it, you have to buy the Touring packet to € 1,420 (plus Dynamic ESA, cruise control and GPS preparation). Standard equipment includes two analogue dials and the large digital display with two trips, data consumption, remaining range, outside temperature, gear position and more. Good visibility thanks also to lighting that varies depending on the external light.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ KTM 1190 Adventure MSC
The instrumentation is formed by two digital displays and analogue tachometer. It provides all sorts of information (there really is everything: gear, oil temperature, battery charge, outside temperature, fuel consumption, trip two) and has only one flaw: with the sun behind the speedometer do not always see clearly. The handlebar switch on the left houses the controls and on-board computer, with few buttons to navigate through the menu for setting the four riding modes, suspension, ABS and traction control. So much stuff indeed, but a few minutes to understand how it works and for orientation.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000
The style of the instrumentation follows that of KTM, with analogue tachometer and two displays are housed where the main information Travel (although many really here). The Suzuki employs an analogue dial for the speed of the motor, and a digital speed; the other digital display provides data on fuel consumption, gear position, trip 2, outside temperature, remaining range, time, fuel, battery, engine temperature.
Performance
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS
I’m really exuberant, both the actual maximum speed of 217 km / h and above all, superb acceleration and recovery. The traction control intervenes often, rather abruptly, to limit the tendency of GS to point the sky in the early gears. Obviously you cannot keep the wake of the KTM, which has 20 more horsepower, but it performs very bright, able to satisfy even those who descend from a supersport bike. It is the most ready to bass, has a great back to the middle, even greater than that KTM builds (with interest) from 7,000 rpm onwards.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ 1190 KTM Adventure MSC
A crazy engine that sets new standards in segment of enduro road with front wheel 19 “. Adjust the bass, which is placed exactly halfway between Suzuki and BMW, who arrived at 7,000 rpm explodes into a lunge scary. Although the 1190 has an exaggerated tendency to soaring if you dose with standard accelerator. In these cases, you can appreciate the intervention of the traction control, less invasive than the GS and absolutely need to enjoy your horse without much thought. In tests of recovery from 60, 80 and 120 km / h in sixth waste literally rivals. Of course, after seeing his power at the counter, which allows it to exceed 250 km / h effective.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000
The performance of the two European are great, but do not think that’s why the V- Strom is clumsy in their midst. Quite the contrary. She, like the GS, cannot compete with the exuberance of 1190, but the evidence of recovery even manages to remain in the wake of the motion of Monaco. On the excellent torque curve available up to 4,500 rpm, very close to that of the KTM. Disbursement, the past 5,000 rpm, it is also brilliant and true to the character always sporting the twin Japanese. The maximum speed is 205 km / h, achieved at 7,600 rpm. Far then from the maximum power; 130 km / h the engine is at just 5,000 rpm.
Consumption
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS,
The R1200GS is confirmed, as in the past, a motorcycle very frugal. In the city runs 16 km / l, out with a little ‘attention they can easily get around 20 (18.6 km / l Our data detected), while on the highway the sixth power does not allow you to go beyond 17.5 km / l.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ 1190 KTM Adventure MSC 1190
The Adventure consumes most of the rivals in the city, where he runs an average of 13 km / pays for the price of the engine obviously sportier. In the extra consumption stood at 17 km / l (16.8), while it is the best of the lot on the highway (18.4 km / l), here at 130 km / h, the Austrian V2 dozing at 5,200 rpm (well 4,200 rpm under the maximum power).
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000
The V-Strom is exactly half way. It is not as frugal KTM on the highway (16.6 km / l), but compared to benefits in this city (16 km / l), which equals the GS. mixed in out of town travels 17.7 km / l, a value that can improve if further exploits of the good availability of low-end torque.
Behaviour in the mixed
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS
The GS is much sportier on the road compared to the models that preceded it. Clearly demonstrate that the new tires, wider and stiffer than the old 1200 GS. There is more grip out of the corners. It can give you more gas and before. Again, fold the GS is solid. Such precision, however, has a price to pay: the bike is stiffer, especially on the front axle and the Telelever is hard to copy the roughness of the driest and close-ups.
With ESA electronic suspension can be remedied in part, but on paved surfaces and on uneven we preferred to set the comfort mode to avoid a too stiff response.
On the other hand, you appreciate the great road holding and the confidence of the new GS. The low center of gravity (trademark boxer engine) offering the same, great agility to change direction that we have learned to appreciate on previous GS. The motor is simply inexhaustible. Braking is very powerful and well-modulated; only worsens on uneven due to the intervention of the ABS too intrusive.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ MSC Adventure 1190 KTM
KTM sets new standards. Thanks to the trellis frame, suspension and traction control Bosch curves between the fold in 1190 with a confidence inspiring and a front end that communicates with every single meter of asphalt. The electronically controlled suspension WP EDS are adjustable in Sport, Street, and Comfort. The last two show a similar behaviour, there is a lot of weight transfer under acceleration and braking, and a good ride comfort. You hear about potholes and speed bumps on. The situation is different in Sports. There is a lot more compression damping and also the return is well controlled. This calibration, with traction control, gives a deadly cocktail on mountain trails. The ABS / ECBS causes the front control also acts on the rear brake pedal while the latter operates exclusively on the disc behind. In practice, with the right lever you do everything. The sensitivity achieved by the new Bosch ABS is amazing, so much so that in the dry we were never able to hear his speech on the two front discs.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000
The wheelbase grew compared to the old model and the new suspension make the V-Strom stable at high speeds, but its natural environment are the mountain roads, where we find surprising agility to change direction and a trim guessed suspension (adjustable, but we have not felt the need to intervene on registers). The Suzuki is manageable, but also very precise in maintaining the trajectory in the fold. The torque at 4,000 rpm remarkable allows you to use just the six-speed gearbox, which still confirms the functionality of the Suzuki plant in recent years. Braking is very powerful, even too early in the lever, only to ensure proper control and stopping content; ABS is there, but in the dry it is practically impossible to hear it in action.
Behaviour in off-road
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ BMW R 1200 GS
is decreased the ability of the new GS off-road because of the wide tires on asphalt perfect but struggling to grip the earth. With the suspension mode, the BMW Enduro can get away with dignity even in rough strokes. Here is the stiffness of the front Telelever system to recommend reducing the pace.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ 1190 KTM Adventure MSC
In spite of exuberant cavalry, the Adventure is really easy, even fun when you leave the asphalt. Enduro mode we have less horsepower and, more importantly, a traction control very permissive. The only limits off-road tires typically come from the road and exhaust manifolds are very exposed.
☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ ☻ Suzuki V-Strom 1000 V-Strom
What a surprise. Its light weight and compact size make it a more than valid motorcycle on dirt roads. Even standing in the guide is easy and with 100 horsepower already has too much. The suspension work well and fairly even copy the holes. As for the KTM collectors are very exposed, so you have to be careful in the presence of rocks and stones. The real drawback of the Suzuki away from the asphalt is the ABS is not excluded, that requires a lot of caution when it sticks to the brakes.
A Pair of Stroms 