Large Adventure Bike Options
Discussion
After 4 years with a Tiger 1200 I’m looking for something to replace it with a wee bit more performance edge.
I’m in the very fortunate position to be looking at new stuff, the shortlist being Multistrada V4S, KTM1290 Super adventure S and BMW S1000XR.
Needless to say they’re all a lot of coin, the MS V4S in particular.
I live in NE Scotland so visit the west coast a couple of times a year and get away for days quite often.
Anyone with experience of them all?
Any opinions on ‘the best option’ appreciated!
I’m in the very fortunate position to be looking at new stuff, the shortlist being Multistrada V4S, KTM1290 Super adventure S and BMW S1000XR.
Needless to say they’re all a lot of coin, the MS V4S in particular.
I live in NE Scotland so visit the west coast a couple of times a year and get away for days quite often.
Anyone with experience of them all?
Any opinions on ‘the best option’ appreciated!
Worth waiting for the new Tiger and also adding the Harley Pan America to the list. Harley is 150bhp and I’ll be shocked if the new Tiger isn’t similar.
I’ve ridden the older XR and just recently bought a 1290 R (one of the last of the old model). XR was rapid but a little too ‘4 cylinder’ for me. Reports of the vibes a bit overstated IMO though.
The 1290 is incredible. A smooth but characterful v twin that is really easy to ride at sensible speeds, but when you want to ride harder it’s utterly rewarding and completely mad. The entire bike is dominated by that engine. I’d expect the new S to be pretty similar.
I’ve ridden the older XR and just recently bought a 1290 R (one of the last of the old model). XR was rapid but a little too ‘4 cylinder’ for me. Reports of the vibes a bit overstated IMO though.
The 1290 is incredible. A smooth but characterful v twin that is really easy to ride at sensible speeds, but when you want to ride harder it’s utterly rewarding and completely mad. The entire bike is dominated by that engine. I’d expect the new S to be pretty similar.
I’m actually picking up a one year old Versys 1000 in the morning. My daily is a ‘70’ Z1000, but height, comfort and de-tuned lump of the Versys is hugely appealing.... as is the enormous cash saving too. Worth a look if you’re considering a real world alternative for all year riding..
Nick928 said:
No GSA1250?
I was in your position but coming from a Tiger 900 Rally Pro and went for a 2021 GSA 1250 Rallye.
There’s a reason that they’re so popular.
Yes, because most people couldn't tell a decent bike from a boiled potato. I was in your position but coming from a Tiger 900 Rally Pro and went for a 2021 GSA 1250 Rallye.
There’s a reason that they’re so popular.
And regarding performance, the 1250 is competent at best, but cannot be considered as a "sporting" option...
Steve Bass said:
Yes, because most people couldn't tell a decent bike from a boiled potato.
And regarding performance, the 1250 is competent at best, but cannot be considered as a "sporting" option...
This and their heft is holding me back. Need a test ride, but I can’t think of anything else that would be as good as a winter bike and decent enough for longer trips when the weather improves.And regarding performance, the 1250 is competent at best, but cannot be considered as a "sporting" option...
Does it have to be an adventure bike ?
If not suggest you look also at the KTM 1290 GT, dedicated road bike but very capable and very comfortable. The engine is tuned to be a little more eager compared to the S and the handling is better, more like the Superduke than the Adventure but with lots of room and all the electronics, active suspension, dedicated hard luggage etc.
Mine is a 2018 model and I think I'll swap for a 2022 bike early next year, nothing else comes close at the moment other than the Adventure S and that's not quite as much fun on the road.
If not suggest you look also at the KTM 1290 GT, dedicated road bike but very capable and very comfortable. The engine is tuned to be a little more eager compared to the S and the handling is better, more like the Superduke than the Adventure but with lots of room and all the electronics, active suspension, dedicated hard luggage etc.
Mine is a 2018 model and I think I'll swap for a 2022 bike early next year, nothing else comes close at the moment other than the Adventure S and that's not quite as much fun on the road.
SteveKTM1290 said:
Does it have to be an adventure bike ?
If not suggest you look also at the KTM 1290 GT, dedicated road bike but very capable and very comfortable. The engine is tuned to be a little more eager compared to the S and the handling is better, more like the Superduke than the Adventure but with lots of room and all the electronics, active suspension, dedicated hard luggage etc.
Mine is a 2018 model and I think I'll swap for a 2022 bike early next year, nothing else comes close at the moment other than the Adventure S and that's not quite as much fun on the road.
I love mine. Its a brilliant engine. I was looking at the Super Adventure at first because I am tall, but once I realised i could fit on the SDGT I went for that. If not suggest you look also at the KTM 1290 GT, dedicated road bike but very capable and very comfortable. The engine is tuned to be a little more eager compared to the S and the handling is better, more like the Superduke than the Adventure but with lots of room and all the electronics, active suspension, dedicated hard luggage etc.
Mine is a 2018 model and I think I'll swap for a 2022 bike early next year, nothing else comes close at the moment other than the Adventure S and that's not quite as much fun on the road.
If I had the chance at that V4 Ducati I'm sure it would be a close run thing though..
I am in a very similar situation!
Not sure what I am going to do yet. But recommend riding the Harley though. Managed to get on a dealer test ride event and I was very impressed. Rode really well and the engine has a lot of go! Smooth and clearly they have put a lot of effort into an all round capability. If it didn’t have a HD badge on it, you wouldn’t know it’s from the same company.
Strongly recommend testing it. But, it really depends on what you are looking for. It does lack a little on the on-road capability though. No quick shifter option is a glaring omission - all of the others you listed either have them as standard or as options. But it’s well priced.
I am seriously considering one, but need a longer test ride.
Not sure what I am going to do yet. But recommend riding the Harley though. Managed to get on a dealer test ride event and I was very impressed. Rode really well and the engine has a lot of go! Smooth and clearly they have put a lot of effort into an all round capability. If it didn’t have a HD badge on it, you wouldn’t know it’s from the same company.
Strongly recommend testing it. But, it really depends on what you are looking for. It does lack a little on the on-road capability though. No quick shifter option is a glaring omission - all of the others you listed either have them as standard or as options. But it’s well priced.
I am seriously considering one, but need a longer test ride.
Killboy said:
If you are in the market for a KTM, they usually have some silly end of the year offers. I'm waiting to see what deals they have this year
Not sure that'll happen this year but fingers crossed. My Super Adventure is 2 years old and was bought in the sale - have ridden the MultiStrada V4 (boring) and the new '21 SA-S and I'd have another KTM.
Steve Bass said:
Nick928 said:
No GSA1250?
I was in your position but coming from a Tiger 900 Rally Pro and went for a 2021 GSA 1250 Rallye.
There’s a reason that they’re so popular.
Yes, because most people couldn't tell a decent bike from a boiled potato. I was in your position but coming from a Tiger 900 Rally Pro and went for a 2021 GSA 1250 Rallye.
There’s a reason that they’re so popular.
And regarding performance, the 1250 is competent at best, but cannot be considered as a "sporting" option...
Cheers everyone. Some great points with the KTM getting a lot of votes. GS just not for me.
Equivalent spec KTM compared to MS is at least £4K less.
Does Ducati have better residuals and reliability tho?
Having had 748/998/Monster over the years I already have the Ducati Corse signs on the garage wall. If they were the same price I’d have the Duc.
First world problems!
Equivalent spec KTM compared to MS is at least £4K less.
Does Ducati have better residuals and reliability tho?
Having had 748/998/Monster over the years I already have the Ducati Corse signs on the garage wall. If they were the same price I’d have the Duc.
First world problems!
All the power is up top (relatively speaking) on the Multi V4 I found. If you like to rev a bike it'll be great, I think the LC8 in the KTM suits this sort of bike more as the midrange is immense.
I have previously had a GS and liked it but prefer the KTM. The new 1250 shift cam is supposed to be great but BMW prices are a bit much for me.
I have previously had a GS and liked it but prefer the KTM. The new 1250 shift cam is supposed to be great but BMW prices are a bit much for me.
I currently own the KTM super adventure S. As of this week it is a year old.
When I was looking for it I tested the Tiger 1200, Versys 1000 and the Africa twin adventure sport.
The versys was very mah! Does everything well and not exciting.
The Tiger was at the end of the model and did good offers but the panniers interfered with the wifes feet.
The Africa twin was lovely and I would have bought it if I hadn't rode the KTM. £ for £ the KTM was far better value and was more exciting. I got the KTM for £12k and the equiv africa twin with elec suspention was £16k. It was a no brainer.
I didn't ride the GS riders as I am not old enough yet. I did ride the 1200 in spain over a few days last year and was not impressed so that may have put me off.
When I was looking for it I tested the Tiger 1200, Versys 1000 and the Africa twin adventure sport.
The versys was very mah! Does everything well and not exciting.
The Tiger was at the end of the model and did good offers but the panniers interfered with the wifes feet.
The Africa twin was lovely and I would have bought it if I hadn't rode the KTM. £ for £ the KTM was far better value and was more exciting. I got the KTM for £12k and the equiv africa twin with elec suspention was £16k. It was a no brainer.
I didn't ride the GS riders as I am not old enough yet. I did ride the 1200 in spain over a few days last year and was not impressed so that may have put me off.
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