SQD8R
Registered user
OK boys and girls here is a good aid for those of you thinking of getting the KTM 950 (S), R1200GS, 650 Dakar, or 640 Adventure. Well for that matter any new bike that’s out this year. TWO magazine, a Brit rag, had their bike of the year feature that has several ratings of the 950 and 12GS (4 for the GS in the issue and 5 for the KTM) and also included another test of the KTM 950 and 640-adventure models as well as the R1200GS and 650 Dakar models. Also for you 950 lovers amongst us there is a long-term test 950 that they will be running for the year. The reviews start with a comparison of the aforementioned models in a lengthy article that includes off-road riding. Then there is the BOTY supplement, the normal write up in the back of the magazine and another section on the 950 and GS back there. Finally there is a 950 on long-term test. They should call it Two Wheels Off-Road now. Ugh. I know, bad pun.
Here is the long and short of it. Also I’ll include some other results of other classes.
In the bike test, that was an off and on-road test, of the 4 models mentioned above the results were as follows.
The 640 Adv and Dakar are third and fourth, respectively. The Dakar was better on the street and surprised a few in the dirt with proper tires on. The 640 Adv was compromised on the road to be a true all-around good bike. Still the only real complaint from these testers, keep in mind that we are talking about a group that includes track day enthusiasts and a former GP winner, was a lack of power in the smaller bikes. The results of the big bike boys were that some preferred the 950 to the GS and vice versa. It basically boiled down to the GS refinement v. the 950 hardcore attitude. Nothing we haven’t seen before.
The GS received 5 stars. It’s a true all-rounder, excellent handling, and much better motor than before. On the road it’s the best of the bunch. Price, style and fun factor were the negatives listed.
The 650 received 3 stars. Comfortable, heated grips and lack of power off-road makes it good for new riders.
The 640 received 4 stars. It is more a dirt bike than any other bike here. It has real off-road potential and quality kit. Build quality is solid and parts are cheap. Great dirt bike average road bike
The 950 also received 5 stars. Loads of grunt, good off and on road yet the seat hampers any real touring. Top bike. Seat and vibes let it down.
The final tally from the testers viewpoints were 2 preferred the 950, 1 the GS, and 1 for the 640. No flies amongst the bunch, even the 650 which some preferred off-road to the bigger bikes.
In the BOTY stats for Big trailies the results were
1. R1200GS
2. KTM 950
3. Triumph tiger
4. Aprilia Caponord
5. Honda Varedero
There was no small trailie test but suffice to say the 640 would win based on the previous test results.
Bike of the Year results: R1200GS was third behind the Kawasaki Z750 (2nd) and GSXR750 (1st)
Here is the long and short of it. Also I’ll include some other results of other classes.
In the bike test, that was an off and on-road test, of the 4 models mentioned above the results were as follows.
The 640 Adv and Dakar are third and fourth, respectively. The Dakar was better on the street and surprised a few in the dirt with proper tires on. The 640 Adv was compromised on the road to be a true all-around good bike. Still the only real complaint from these testers, keep in mind that we are talking about a group that includes track day enthusiasts and a former GP winner, was a lack of power in the smaller bikes. The results of the big bike boys were that some preferred the 950 to the GS and vice versa. It basically boiled down to the GS refinement v. the 950 hardcore attitude. Nothing we haven’t seen before.
The GS received 5 stars. It’s a true all-rounder, excellent handling, and much better motor than before. On the road it’s the best of the bunch. Price, style and fun factor were the negatives listed.
The 650 received 3 stars. Comfortable, heated grips and lack of power off-road makes it good for new riders.
The 640 received 4 stars. It is more a dirt bike than any other bike here. It has real off-road potential and quality kit. Build quality is solid and parts are cheap. Great dirt bike average road bike
The 950 also received 5 stars. Loads of grunt, good off and on road yet the seat hampers any real touring. Top bike. Seat and vibes let it down.
The final tally from the testers viewpoints were 2 preferred the 950, 1 the GS, and 1 for the 640. No flies amongst the bunch, even the 650 which some preferred off-road to the bigger bikes.
In the BOTY stats for Big trailies the results were
1. R1200GS
2. KTM 950
3. Triumph tiger
4. Aprilia Caponord
5. Honda Varedero
There was no small trailie test but suffice to say the 640 would win based on the previous test results.
Bike of the Year results: R1200GS was third behind the Kawasaki Z750 (2nd) and GSXR750 (1st)
