MCN Group Test, 7th June

[yofi]

In this week's mag, a shoot out between the Ducati MS, KTM 1290 and the GS.

Multistrada
- powerful but need to work the engine to get to it
- sharpest handling due to 17 inch front wheel but its feel can be sketchy
- a joy on smooth tarmac but lacking on poorly surfaced roads
- ergonomics good although seat pushes you into the tank, limiting bum shuffle on longer journeys
- dash offers lot of configurations but not the easiest to read on the move
- least good off-road

KTM 1290 SA
- a looker
- feels taut and responsive
- engine is grin inducing and a cause for celebration (feels like more sportsbike than adventurer) but is noisy ("not in a pleasant way")
- downside of a lengthy engine cut out when quickshifter is used, especially in lower rpm
- sharp handling yet still planted over bumps, copes with poorly surfaced roads without drama
- great brakes, no front end dive
- good ergonomics, plenty of leg room but can't go more than a hour in seat
- best off-road

GS (TE EX)
- least hp and heaviest - but "has bottom end and mid-range to die for", so delivers where these bikes are ridden the majority of the time
- telelever and self-levelling suspension means balance maintained under acceleration and braking
- combined with "the best throttle connection to rear wheel in modern day motorcycling" means that higher hp bikes struggle to pull away from it
- soft seat and spacious, easily the most comfortable on test
- not a lot to fault: only weaknesses are breathless motor at high revs and analogue dash antiquated in the company of other bikes ("old school but still looks cool).

And the winner is....

"The GS still rules the roost"
- all 3 bikes are high end, highly capable and brilliant to ride, but if you're serious about adventure where riding big miles in all-weather on a complete range of roads becomes a necessity, then the GS is the winner. Although not as powerful or ultimately as capable when pushed to 10/10ths, at anything to 9/10ths the GS is the nicest place to be. It's a case of less is more, with its 35 HP deficit actually making it easier to ride, whilst retaining the connection to the rider. It's easily the most comfortable with the plushest ride, and performance for real-world riders is unsurpassed.

 

[Tractors are go]

Shame they don't include reliability and rust proofing in the test.

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[Blackal]

Shame they don't include reliability and rust proofing in the test.

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Yeah, but you buy a Ducati with your heart, not your head.

Al

 

[squibb34]

The GS has had a good run & must have made BMW a fortune, so the diminishing quality of finish remains frustrating - presumably the 'suits' trying to bleed off every last euro of profitability.

However, the real question is can they move the breed forward whilst continuing to use the trademark Boxer twin. Whilst the MS & 1290SA are interesting, I see the Africa Twin as the way to go - give that 1200cc & shaft drive, whilst keeping the thing reasonably light & you have the makings of the next gen. Maybe Yamaha will step up to the plate, as the good old S10 didn't quite make it.

 

[matchlessman]

But for me the beauty of the GS is its balance. On the move it feels so light. Can't imagine the finish on any of the other bikes is significantly better either.

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[Nutty]

But for me the beauty of the GS is its balance. On the move it feels so light. Can't imagine the finish on any of the other bikes is significantly better either.

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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.

 

[MaDPRoFF]

Was the Ducati the S sky hook version? Ducati have come a long way since their reputation of poor bikes, had 3 Ducati's in the last few years, 2 multis one doing 13k in a few years, DVT 15k so far in 2 years and no rust of any kind, I would say that MCN was being Generous about the GS keeping up, tbh it is night and day on pick up at low revs DVT way ahead of the my GS Exclusive, and you have to drive the GS way harder than the Ducati. Both bikes are great and both excel over each other in different ways.

 

[Tractors are go]

For 90% of the time the gs is slightly ahead; for that last 10% off road KTM, on road the Ducati.

But how many truly use that last 10% ???

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[yofi]

Was the Ducati the S sky hook version? Ducati have come a long way since their reputation of poor bikes, had 3 Ducati's in the last few years, 2 multis one doing 13k in a few years, DVT 15k so far in 2 years and no rust of any kind, I would say that MCN was being Generous about the GS keeping up, tbh it is night and day on pick up at low revs DVT way ahead of the my GS Exclusive, and you have to drive the GS way harder than the Ducati. Both bikes are great and both excel over each other in different ways.

Yes, skyhook version.

I liked the MS when I rode it. Of the 3 bikes here, I found it in some ways the most immediately easiest to ride. Didnt think the clutch or gearbox were that great however, and when getting back on the GS it felt noticably more refined - engine, transmission and ride.

The other thing about the MS for me is the looks - doesnt do it for me. In that dept I think the KTM holds its own with the GS, and would be the only other bike in this class that I'd consider at the moment. I loved the pull of the engine but, again, the GS just feels more refined.

I think most would acknowledge that they're all good, it's about what all round package is best for you.

Edit: I'd very much agree about the pick up on the ducati (though it seems to pause a bit before shooting due to being short on low down grunt?). You do have to be on the button with your changes to get the GS moving. I'd also agree that MCN were probably laying it a bit thick about the GS keeping up but I can get their point.

 

[Apex]

Yes, skyhook version.

I liked the MS when I rode it. Of the 3 bikes here, I found it in some ways the most immediately easiest to ride. Didnt think the clutch or gearbox were that great however, and when getting back on the GS it felt noticably more refined - engine, transmission and ride.

The other thing about the MS for me is the looks - doesnt do it for me. In that dept I think the KTM holds its own with the GS, and would be the only other bike in this class that I'd consider at the moment. I loved the pull of the engine but, again, the GS just feels more refined.

I think most would acknowledge that they're all good, it's about what all round package is best for you.

Edit: I'd very much agree about the pick up on the ducati (though it seems to pause a bit before shooting due to being short on low down grunt?). You do have to be on the button with your changes to get the GS moving. I'd also agree that MCN were probably laying it a bit thick about the GS keeping up but I can get their point.

Slight disagreement with your edit about MCN being generous. Unless there were long fast straights, if I was following myself, I really don't think I'd be away from the GS on the new KTM. I'm really surprised with this result to be honest as for me, MCN seem to just love the newer models over older ones. Maybe it's just me.

After both my test rides on the 1290, I got back on the (2014) GSA and noticed the difference in the suspension within half a mile. The KTM deffo 'felt' faster but a look at the dash of the Beemer makes you realise that at the same speed you just feel more relaxed and in control. I guess MCN guys noticed this too. Having said this though, the 1290 is the only bike I've experienced that can hold its own against the mighty GS. For me the Duc feels too small/tall/breakable to take the GS on.

Personally, I'd like a manufacturer to put an RSV4 motor, in a GS type bike that's been to Italy for a design works job. I'd like some symmetry worked into the front please.

 

[Hairyweasel]

That has been my experience too, bumbling along on the GS with all the time in the world then a quick glance at the speedo.
Opps better slow down a lot, didn't realise I was doing that speed.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

In the interests of preventing the Orange section descending even further into a clone of the WC section on here I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly and more with the MCN article

Andres

 

[yofi]

Ironically, when I tried the XR it was the opposite, so buzy and such a rorty noise that thought I was doing 95 when in fact I was doing 75!

 

[dave hendy]

That would be how I would rate them for me on everyday 2-up use having tried all 3, but I am amazed MCN said that

 

[Wreford Miles]

For 90% of the time the gs is slightly ahead; for that last 10% off road KTM, on road the Ducati.

But how many truly use that last 10% ???

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nicely put plus how many spend the majority of the time in the bottom 50% where the GS will be even further ahead

 

[Tractors are go]

Or will even admit to it.

I take a lot of roadtests with big pinch of salt.

I tried R1 when they got released, couldn't get it to handle way I wanted too, despite it being best thing since sliced bread. It did my head in.

Years later, redone roadtest say oh yeah and the first R1 understeers, so I wasn't going mad after all.

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[vRSG60]

For 90% of the time the gs is slightly ahead; for that last 10% off road KTM, on road the Ducati.

But how many truly use that last 10% ???

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I doubt I use the last 50%

 

[Tractors are go]

As long as you're enjoying yourself, who cares how much you're using !

I get as much fun out of my ss50 as I do my gsa, just at slower speeds.

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[MaDPRoFF]

I do find motorbike tests rather short and I am often left feeling they have pretty well missed everything, I also wonder how these testers come up with some of their ideas, and results I must admit.
I wonder why thy did not test the Ducati Enduro if they were going to use the bikes off road, The Exclusive is really aimed at road use now, 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, then add the drag of slight extra weight and shaft drive, sorry disagree on pick up for a Ducati DVT it is night and day pulling away, at any speed, and once you start getting to 3 figures Gs would not touch it. Ducati has 110 NM at 3500 RPM, 125 @ 6500 RPM it red lines at 11k, GS 120nm @ 6000 RPM.
I learn't riding a Ducati Sky Hook, you do not move around the seat, it can unsettle the Sky hook suspension, just sit on it and ride it, thus it goes any where you want it to. Sky Hook is so adjustable it can takes miles and miles to get the right settings in different modes for different roads, these testers never seem to experiment. Tyre Pressure is also critical on a Multistrada especially at high speeds.
I do not really disagree with the outcome, the GS as a Package / Price/ Running Cost is probably just the winner, just they seem to down play/ dismiss some of the important facts of the other bikes to end up with a winner.
I did find one thing odd though they were whining about the Fill ups on the Ducati it has pretty well same size tank as GS and did almost as many miles per gallon

 

[arealhuman]

Cheers for posting the highlights of that article yofi - meant to pick up a copy of MCN when in the supermarket earlier but forgot :-\ Can't comment on any of the other bikes as I haven't ridden them but it would be great to see a long term test to see how the finishes hold up.