What adventure bike??
Discussion
Evening all, having decided to keep my KTM Superduke (and not change it for a Ducati Panigale as per another thread I started recently), I am going to get rid of my very tidy second bike (a 1999 BMW R1100S) and get an adventure bike. Budget is about £4500 max, ideally a little lower. Obvious choice is a BMW GS1200, but also looking at the KTM Adventure 1190/1090, Honda 1200 Cross Tourer and Suzuki V Strom 1000. Does anyone have any thoughts on the list from ownership or any other machines worth a look at?
Edited by robinh73 on Sunday 15th June 21:49
Thanks for the replies chaps. I would like a litre capacity bike or thereabouts as I would like to do some touring into Europe and also in the UK. It would also get used on days when the weather was less than ideal but instill fancied a ride out. The Royal Enfield is great but just too small at 450cc sadly
Master Bean said:
So you want a touring bike with no off road capability.
That's basically what I wanted. But when I test rode an RT it felt front heavy, I found I preferred riding the GS and it was more comfortable everywhere except the motorway so that's what I bought. Even though I have no intention of green laning, long way rounding, or chasing ducks through sewage farms.I had a 1200 Tenere before a run of 1250 GS’ and the one I currently ride. The Yamaha handled nicer with a better front end feel to it. It’s just the GS is such a good all rounder. It’s like a Skoda Superb estate. I don’t desire it but can’t fault what it does well md that’s pretty much all things it was designed to do.
I've got an 1190s I bought purely for road use I'm selling - great bike for that purpose with 150bhp. I think your struggle to find one that you'd want for £4,500
I'm downgrading back to a 990 Adventure because it's fast enough and far more involving but doesn't have the cornering ABS, which I've never needed, but it's nice to know it's there
VStrom is dull
As a road bike, the Tiger 1050 sport is pretty good
I'm downgrading back to a 990 Adventure because it's fast enough and far more involving but doesn't have the cornering ABS, which I've never needed, but it's nice to know it's there
VStrom is dull
As a road bike, the Tiger 1050 sport is pretty good
Edited by KTMsm on Monday 16th June 09:16
Although classed as ADV bikes they are all very different things.
Some earlier generations of GS12's had reliability issues, the Honda is a heavy bugger, much as I like my V-Strom you might find it boring after your KTM and KTM have their foibles - but you'll be aware of them and know how to deal with them.
The Yamaha Tenere 1200 is worth a look. It's another heavy bike, but within your budget, shaft drive and very reliable. It was one of the best touring bikes I ever had.
Some earlier generations of GS12's had reliability issues, the Honda is a heavy bugger, much as I like my V-Strom you might find it boring after your KTM and KTM have their foibles - but you'll be aware of them and know how to deal with them.
The Yamaha Tenere 1200 is worth a look. It's another heavy bike, but within your budget, shaft drive and very reliable. It was one of the best touring bikes I ever had.
I think the main issue here may be budget if I am honest, not saying it's not achievable but there will be some compromise along the way.
The obvious choice for you would be to stay with KTM, but I don't know enough on how reliable an old Adventure/Super Adventure may be. BMW just seem too big in my eyes.
I did have a 2010 multistrada (new) and did 3000 miles across Europe all those years ago with the missus on the back, had a few niggles on the way home but didn't break down, early bikes like mine suffered from overheating as they'd used the wrong coolant apparently which corroded the heads, needless to say it was all rectified under warranty but it was off the road for a few weeks waiting on parts upon return to the UK.
The obvious choice for you would be to stay with KTM, but I don't know enough on how reliable an old Adventure/Super Adventure may be. BMW just seem too big in my eyes.
I did have a 2010 multistrada (new) and did 3000 miles across Europe all those years ago with the missus on the back, had a few niggles on the way home but didn't break down, early bikes like mine suffered from overheating as they'd used the wrong coolant apparently which corroded the heads, needless to say it was all rectified under warranty but it was off the road for a few weeks waiting on parts upon return to the UK.
Some very valid points there. I hadn't thought of the Triumph, so these may well be worth a look at. I get the size of the GS, they are pretty hefty and this may not be ideal. As one poster put, I don't need the off road ability but the riding position is good I feel. I had looked at things like a BMW K1200/1300S, but haven't been able to sit on one to see what the position is like hence I had moved on to the bikes I mentioned in my opening post. It is a minefield! I could spend more but I don't really want to as I am due to I have heart surgery shortly which will mean 2-3 months off work and being self employed means no income.
Another shout for the 1190S here.
I've owned 2 so far and they are pretty impressive all rounders. 150bhp provides impressive shove, there's enough electronics to keep things interesting and amply capable both on and off road.
Not sure what they cost in the UK but definitely worth being on the short list.
I've owned 2 so far and they are pretty impressive all rounders. 150bhp provides impressive shove, there's enough electronics to keep things interesting and amply capable both on and off road.
Not sure what they cost in the UK but definitely worth being on the short list.
I suppose I am qualified to comment as I have owned a GS1200, RT1250, two Cross Tourers (one of the first built, and one of the last), and an Africa Twin.
My own experience is that the Cross Tourer has the best engine - powerful, silky smooth, immediate; but in every other way is the worst of the group. It's less comfortable, thirstier, has a small tank, a jittery ride, and doesn't handle luggage as imperiously. There are big differences between the early and late bikes as Honda persistently fiddled with the suspension settings and spring rates to improve them. The pegs are exactly where you want to put your legs down, and this is always annoying. At your budget you will looking at an early one and these are the least nice to do any kind of distance aboard.
The GS and RT are both legends for good reason. The torque of the flat twin is always there and you make good progress without wringing its' neck, which is more relaxing when touring. They seem built for luggage and are unaffected by it. Riding position is almost infinitely adjustable and the seats are comfortable. They are both big lumps, but the RT in particular, is quite happy to be thrown about a bit on a winding road. Don't discount the naked R1200/1250R, which is also an excellent tourer and feels usefully more nimble.
The AT sits somewhere in the middle. Plenty around and they are comfortable and quick enough in most situations. They tour well. They don't have the bullet proof feel of the BMWs, but are also a bit lighter on their toes. The DCT is actually excellent and probably works best on this bike compared to other Hondas it is fitted to.
I have also had a Strom and that was a comfy, decent bike but, as others have said, very boring. It also has a heavy clutch lever, which you quickly tire of.
No experience of the Yamaha or KTM I am afraid, but hopefully this helps a bit.
My own experience is that the Cross Tourer has the best engine - powerful, silky smooth, immediate; but in every other way is the worst of the group. It's less comfortable, thirstier, has a small tank, a jittery ride, and doesn't handle luggage as imperiously. There are big differences between the early and late bikes as Honda persistently fiddled with the suspension settings and spring rates to improve them. The pegs are exactly where you want to put your legs down, and this is always annoying. At your budget you will looking at an early one and these are the least nice to do any kind of distance aboard.
The GS and RT are both legends for good reason. The torque of the flat twin is always there and you make good progress without wringing its' neck, which is more relaxing when touring. They seem built for luggage and are unaffected by it. Riding position is almost infinitely adjustable and the seats are comfortable. They are both big lumps, but the RT in particular, is quite happy to be thrown about a bit on a winding road. Don't discount the naked R1200/1250R, which is also an excellent tourer and feels usefully more nimble.
The AT sits somewhere in the middle. Plenty around and they are comfortable and quick enough in most situations. They tour well. They don't have the bullet proof feel of the BMWs, but are also a bit lighter on their toes. The DCT is actually excellent and probably works best on this bike compared to other Hondas it is fitted to.
I have also had a Strom and that was a comfy, decent bike but, as others have said, very boring. It also has a heavy clutch lever, which you quickly tire of.
No experience of the Yamaha or KTM I am afraid, but hopefully this helps a bit.
airsafari87 said:
f
k the budget or start selling drugs and get yourself a test ride on a Ducati Desert X
I've ridden one and can't see what it adds to the party that the 1190 doesn't do for less than half the price on the road and the KTM has 40bhp more !k the budget or start selling drugs and get yourself a test ride on a Ducati Desert XThe Desert X has been tested against the old 990 Adventure and didn't win off road against that - and that's a 3K bike these days
Do you want to have practically zero concerns of absolutely ANY reliabiliity issues? Get the V Strom. The later 2017 onwards bikes with cornering ABS are just within your budget. My Uncle's one is on about 55k now without a single issue whatsoever - nothing.
I would be steering WELL clear of a used BMW/Triumph - and by extention KTM - if that is your budget and you intend to tour on it. I've been there before and still have the scars.
Others might forgive a bike with more "excitement" if it has reliability concerns but I won't. I'm not bothered about ego and there is nothing more fking annoying than a bike that causes you issues and potentially ruins your holiday as a result. I just want the dam thing to work. Even if it WAS reliable I'd still be concerned about it.
RE the Crosstourer. The engine is fantastic. Build and paint quality exceptional but that's about it. They are VERY heavy and a pig to move around. Stock suspension was diabolical and fuel range pretty poor. Oh, and pretty much no tech to fall back on when you just want to relax.
I would be steering WELL clear of a used BMW/Triumph - and by extention KTM - if that is your budget and you intend to tour on it. I've been there before and still have the scars.
Others might forgive a bike with more "excitement" if it has reliability concerns but I won't. I'm not bothered about ego and there is nothing more f
king annoying than a bike that causes you issues and potentially ruins your holiday as a result. I just want the dam thing to work. Even if it WAS reliable I'd still be concerned about it.RE the Crosstourer. The engine is fantastic. Build and paint quality exceptional but that's about it. They are VERY heavy and a pig to move around. Stock suspension was diabolical and fuel range pretty poor. Oh, and pretty much no tech to fall back on when you just want to relax.
Edited by Biker9090 on Monday 16th June 12:44
KTMsm said:
I've ridden one and can't see what it adds to the party that the 1190 doesn't do for less than half the price on the road and the KTM has 40bhp more !
The Desert X has been tested against the old 990 Adventure and didn't win off road against that - and that's a 3K bike these days
But the op already has a 180bhp KTM and has pointed out that off-road isn’t a consideration of theirs which makes another KTM that ‘wins’ against another bike off-road irrelevant.The Desert X has been tested against the old 990 Adventure and didn't win off road against that - and that's a 3K bike these days
Thai might just be me, but if I already had a 180bhp KTM road bike in the garage I’d have no interest in owning a 150bhp KTM adventure bike to ride on the road as well. The adventure bike would never get ridden.
I’d be going for something different wether it ‘wins’ against other bikes or not.
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