MCN Group Test, 7th June

[yofi]

I have ridden my DVT with GS riders, I own both, even the figures on paper clearly sees a major difference when it comes to Torque at the lower end of the rev range

I’m not looking to be overly defensive of the GS here but, again, the way the ducati delivered power on the one I tested was that the torque had delayed onset. Lo and behold, the graph on this page confirms:

http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/2014-adventure-touring-bikes-dyno#page-3

The Bmw has more linear delivery low down, whereas as the ducati comes on as a burst, so it’s feels more sensational. No one, including MCN, is saying the Ducati isn’t faster over a straight line (though some odds results from bikesocial/bennets - see below. Not surprisingly, the ducati wins the roll-ons.

CycleWorld
Ducati Enduro
1/4 MILE 11.41 sec. @ 121.35 mph
0-30 MPH 1.4 sec.
0-60 MPH 3.3 sec.
0-90 MPH 5.9 sec.
0-100 MPH 7.4 sec.
TOP GEAR TIME TO SPEED (40-60 MPH) 3.1 sec.
TOP GEAR TIME TO SPEED (60-80 MPH) 3.3 sec.

1200GS
/4 MILE 11.92 sec. @ 113.06 mph
0-30 MPH 1.5 sec.
0-60 MPH 3.5 sec.
0-90 MPH 6.6 sec.
0-100 MPH 8.7 sec.
TOP GEAR TIME TO SPEED (40-60 MPH) 3.1 sec.
TOP GEAR TIME TO SPEED (60-80 MPH) 3.6 sec.

BikeSocial/Bennetts
Maximum
speed (mph) Acceleration (0-60mph) Seconds Standing
quarter mile
KTM 144.36 BMW 3.73 KTM 11.32 secs @ 133.59mph
Ducati 143.57 Ducati 3.80 Ducati 11.43 secs @ 124.08mph
Triumph 135.31 Triumph 3.92 Triumph 11.59 secs @ 125.27mph
BMW 131.32 KTM 3.93 BMW 11.68 secs @ 120.52mph

Top gear roll on
(40-120mph) Seconds Braking
(70-0mph) Seconds
KTM 9.52 Ducati 3.50
Ducati 9.62 KTM 3.51
BMW 11.79 Triumph 3.53
Triumph 12.96 BMW 3.59

Agree with your sentiments about road tests. I always take them in the round.

@areahuman - pleasure

 

[MaDPRoFF]

I suppose there might be a difference from mine it has a full Termi System, there is no delay on mine, and the Enduro I would guess a little slower than a normal S, But I just feel it on overtakes The Ducati just lurches forward with ease even at lower revs like 3.5k, the GS just does not feel no where near as fast and I mean in the speed at which you pass.
I do need to switch and ride in Dynamic / Road / Auto Setting maybe quicker throttle response take up that initial punch, and to be fair to GS I have only done about 1300 miles so it may loosen up a little more yet.

 

[CPJS]

Those are very good numbers for a stock GS.......Mmmm
They are not far off a stock hilltopped bike.
And yes I know they are not in the UK.

 

[Toy24]

Just read the review (supermarket shopping silver lining ) and would also agree with just about every bodies comments above the 1290s is a very close second to the GS (I found there to be less wind protection on the KTM which MCN didn't comment on). I am always looking for a more sporty feel, suppose the GS is jack of all trades and master of none or is it master of touring!. My ideal would be a lighter, more sporty engine, shaft drive , with top build quality, so get to it BMW for 2018

 

[yankeedoodledandy]

I find it amazing that KTM can get no brake dive with conventional long-travel forks, even with the electronic damping. When you brake hard over a bumpy surface, is the front end still compliant, or is the ABS having to kick in constantly?

 

[Clifton]

I agree with the testers and for my use the GS is the better bike overall. Three of my riding friends have KTM's, two 1190's and one a new 1290T, and while the 1190's seem worse all complain about engine heat especially when it's over 85F. The rear cylinder placement really heats up the seat and tank area.

However, over here at least, you can typically buy a 1290T for $4000 less than the GS and the $17k 1290T comes WITH bags while a $21k GS does not. That's a big difference and is specifically why two of the three bought KTM's over a GS.

 

[Nutty]

I find it amazing that KTM can get no brake dive with conventional long-travel forks, even with the electronic damping. When you brake hard over a bumpy surface, is the front end still compliant, or is the ABS having to kick in constantly?

It was only after someone mentioned the lack of brake dive on the 1290 that I even thought about it, but yep, it's rock solid, no ABS kicking in, and no fork dive. I'd imagine that BMW will probably switch to this set up one day. If only KTM could make the brakes as good as the GS.

 

[adventuredon]

The finish on my KTM 1290 is better than the finish on my GS Rallye. Much better. But, as an all rounder, if I had to choose, I'd probably still choose the GS as an only bike. For now.

we should frame this comment..Never thought I'd see Nutty bow to a KTM....good on you for the honesty

 

[Nutty]

we should frame this comment..Never thought I'd see Nutty bow to a KTM....good on you for the honesty

I've said it before, I have no loyalty to any brand. If a bike has flaws, I'll talk about them openly on here.

 

[batman1]

The others are very good but the GS is still the Swiss Army Knife of big adventure bikes.

 

[DC]

of the three bikes I've only ridden the GS (rallye) , it could have come first second or third , for all I care. It does what I need it to do ,it takes me where I need to go. not interested in what's a bit better in one department or if it gets to 60moh 0.000123 seconds quicker.

 

[Spareparts]

The Multi is sportier, the KTM more powerful, but the GS has ample performance and best low rpm drive, the most usability for touring, the widest range of farkles and options available, and best comfort for 1 or 2-up.

There are better sports bikes than the Multi.
There are better off-road bikes than the KTM 1290.
But there are none better for bespoke and comfortable touring and all round riding than the GS.

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

You can't get away from the fact the 1290 engine is awesome and, whilst you will not be/can't use it all of the time, it's bloody fun when you do.

 

[J biker]

10k miles on a GSlc
15k on a multi 1200
3.5k on a 1290GT

GS is a superb allrounder and it is quick enough to leave behind poorly ridden sportbikes. BUT, it is also heavier and taller than it needs to be. I'm no ten stone weakling but get the GS loaded, panniers, top box with gear in and you have one top heavy motorcycle. Whilst the weight vanishes to an extent once moving is not really the point. We all need to stop/slow down and thats where it gets interesting/challenging. It must be one of the most 'dropped' motorcycles ever produced because of this.

The Multi is a fair bit less top heavy and the KTM 1290GT in a different league luggaged up with passenger (I know its not the adventure version..), an absolute revelation tbh for balance and light weight whilst still being capable two up etc.

Cant help but think the GS needs a serious diet, some weight loss especially up high. Even the bloody seats weigh a tonne compared to the KTM parts. Add in a 17" front wheel (19" for pure road use is nonsense and 17" doesnt stop some light green lane use!) and instead of being really good, it could be superb. Added benefit would be sharpening up the performance with a better power to weight ratio. The GS does have the best low down punch out of a corner (for a split second before getting murdered by the KTM engine).

 

[Nutty]

One of the main features of the GS is that the weight is down low.

Load any bike up with luggage and the COG will be higher.

 

[Apex]

Try sitting on the 1200 Triumph or the 1200 Honda Crossthing, then come back and say the GS carries its weight up high


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[patzx12]

I haven't seen an in depth report of the new KTM 1290 on here.
Someone should do one. It would be of interest to any of us considering a buy.

 

[Tractors are go]

Crossdresser is a much underrated bike, just over valued.

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

 

[Nutty]

I haven't seen an in depth report of the new KTM 1290 on here.
Someone should do one. It would be of interest to any of us considering a buy.

I'll do one at some point.

If anyone will listen!

 

[J biker]

^^^ Typical GS defence kicking in there. Weight low down, maybe. But there is a lot of it and once it starts to go over at a standstill, even without luggage and passenger, your not going to stop it. Why? because its bloody tall and heavy, and does have a lot of wight up high as well, even if the centre of gravity is low, its not low enough to prevent basic physics.