MCN Today

[Engineer]

MCN put it second, one point behind the KTM and ahead of the Triumph (naturally) and the Yamaha.

They really think the GS is best however appear to be too embarrassed to put it first again - I am sure if they did, they'd lose too much advertising revenue from the other manufacturers.

They have played a canny game

P.S. They also say that contrary to some recent rumours that the GS is utterly stable.

 

[y2blade]

Thanks for the heads-up..I'll grab MCN on the way home (Don't usually get it)

 

[team duvet]

Have they tested it in "Power Ranger" gear against a........
KawaYamaHondo 1500 CC? sports bike? on a drag strip.

Also which is best for knee down?

Good point re other manufactures though

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I was in North Oxford BMW yesterday getting some bits and I have to say, the more I see it, the more I really like it. Daren't go for a test ride just yet as the piggy bank isn't full enough

 

[Davy F]

So according to the MCN test, the GS came 2nd. And as we all know, 2nd is the first of the losers, but still some prefer to put a different spin on it.......

 

[Engineer]

So according to the MCN test, the GS came 2nd. And as we all know, 2nd is the first of the losers, but still some prefer to put a different spin on it.......

Read the article first and you will see what I mean - there is also a long term test report and it is glowing.

I think that this new GS is going to be another great seller and leave the competition trailing (haha) way behind

 

[Davy F]

Read the article first and you will see what I mean - there is also a long term test report and it is glowing.

I think that this new GS is going to be another great seller and leave the competition trailing (haha) way behind

Already have, and I'd buy the KTM.

 

[jonnyp]

MCN put it second, one point behind the KTM and ahead of the Triumph (naturally) and the Yamaha.

They really think the GS is best however appear to be too embarrassed to put it first again - I am sure if they did, they'd lose too much advertising revenue from the other manufacturers.

They have played a canny game

P.S. They also say that contrary to some recent rumours that the GS is utterly stable.

Go on... what was the 1 point that differentiated the two?

Would it have been anything to do with the fact MCN have been camped out at KTM for the past two years!!

The KTM is going to be great and I'm glad the BM will finally have a true rival. We all need that to spur on future development.

...bet they hated the Explorer coming below the BM and the 1190 considering the relationship they "seem" to have with Triumph!!!

 

[Rod]

I'm sure the new KTM is a brilliant bike, but I think the new styling looks very bland, only improved with some orange paint on the frame, which isn't really design...... Then you have to consider dealers......few & far between and it seems many with not great reputations. So considering these points, I think they make up for the one point deficit in the test......
Of course looks/design is very personal, but I think the new GS is a very contemporary, fugly-good looking bike, and it's certainly a much improved fun bike to ride

 

[Mad_Accountant]

It has a chain - forget it !

 

[Whele]

Read the article first and you will see what I mean - there is also a long term test report and it is glowing.

I think that this new GS is going to be another great seller and leave the competition trailing (haha) way behind

I am sure you are correct, a great seller indeed. There will be no shortage of average wanabe Ewans who will be wanting a compromised machine which is OK at everything bike (but master of none) to make the ride out to Starbucks on a sunny summer Sunday feel like an adventure.

If it keeps people out of cars, it must be a good thing.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

I am sure you are correct, a great seller indeed. There will be no shortage of average wanabe Ewans who will be wanting a compromised machine which is OK at everything bike (but master of none) to make the ride out to Starbucks on a sunny summer Sunday feel like an adventure.

If it keeps people out of cars, it must be a good thing.

No axe to grind then......

 

[Flipfly]

MCN put it second, one point behind the KTM and ahead of the Triumph (naturally) and the Yamaha.

They really think the GS is best however appear to be too embarrassed to put it first again - I am sure if they did, they'd lose too much advertising revenue from the other manufacturers.

They have played a canny game

P.S. They also say that contrary to some recent rumours that the GS is utterly stable.

Did they really put the old GS first

I've seen so many tests where the KTM was better, then the Ducati was better, they just talk a load of B*llocks.

Why is the KTM better?, which version of the GS did they ride?, what were the test criteria?

If I was going to buy a new bike, I'd test ride the ones I was interested in and buy the one I liked best. I certainly wouldn't take the words of MCN as anything more than something to read whilst having a shite

 

[APE]

If I was going to buy a new bike, I'd test ride the ones I was interested in and buy the one I liked best. I certainly wouldn't take the words of MCN as anything more than something to read whilst having a shite

+1

They appease the masses who are generally anti-GS.

Hence KTM always comes first.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

+1

They appease the masses who are generally anti-GS.

Hence KTM always comes first.

And it seems quite a few of them end up on this Forum.

If I remember correctly KTM didn't have the balls to take on the original Long Way Round. BMW's response was along the lines of "no problem, it's what our bikes do".

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

And it seems quite a few of them end up on this Forum.

If I remember correctly KTM didn't have the balls to take on the original Long Way Round. BMW's response was along the lines of "no problem, it's what our bikes do".

..........and other than a shite marketing descision what exactly does that say about KTM bikes (other than nothing)

What about the fact that the two riders, especially Charlie, desperatly wanted to use KTM's and were not happy about having to use the Bavarian offering

Andres

 

[Mav]

I am sure you are correct, a great seller indeed. There will be no shortage of average wanabe Ewans who will be wanting a compromised machine which is OK at everything bike (but master of none) to make the ride out to Starbucks on a sunny summer Sunday feel like an adventure.

If it keeps people out of cars, it must be a good thing.

Isn't that the essence of GSs, old and new? If so, and you think it's a bad thing, one has to wonder what you're doing on UKGSer...

..........and other than a shite marketing descision what exactly does that say about KTM bikes (other than nothing)

What about the fact that the two riders, especially Charlie, desperatly wanted to use KTM's and were not happy about having to use the Bavarian offering

Andres

Pretty sure Ewan says that he always wanted to the BMW's...

EDIT: http://youtu.be/Riu8_M4fLq4

 

[Steptoe]

What about the fact that the two riders, especially Charlie, desperatly wanted to use KTM's and were not happy about having to use the Bavarian offering

Andres

Lucky Charlie. He could so easily have ended up looking like the decca records executive who turned the beatles down.

I doubt he'd have the high flying career he now has if he'd have been able to ride his bike of choice.
That's why i take any of his opinions and verbal offerings with a large pinch of canvey island sea salt.

 

[Crapaud]

If I remember correctly KTM didn't have the balls to take on the original Long Way Round. BMW's response was along the lines of "no problem, it's what our bikes do".

No, you don't remember correctly at all.


It wasn't the supply of the bikes that was the problem, it was the £250,000 of additional sponsorship cash that KTM could not justify/afford.

The myth/lie about KTM not "having the balls to take on the LWR" is just marketing spin by BMW. If it is repeated enough times, some people start believing it.

 

[Engineer]

Already have, and I'd buy the KTM.

I am sure that it is a great bike but here are just 4 reasons why I wouldn't buy it:

1. Chain drive.
2. Poor screen.
3. Dealer backup.
4. Looks dull to my eye.