My wife and I took a 50-60 mile ride on a GS this last weekend, and I'm absolutely gobstopped at how much I liked it. The GS may very well be EXACTLY the motorcycle I've been looking for, but never really considered until recently.
I won't even consider the Tenere because of Yamaha's asinine policy requiring a sight-unseen deposit (or so the local dealer tells me). Completely ridiculous, and enough for me to never consider a Yamaha product again. If I can't ride it first, I won't buy it.
And what about the R1200GS Adventure? Yes, it is very similar to the "regular" GS, but there are noteable differences between the two. The GSA has a shorter 1st gear, and higher ground clearance.
@BrendonKoch That would have been great to see how much closer to the Tenere it was off-road. Perhaps a Tenere/GSA direct comparo is next? We always have to balance what's the most useful for the most amount of readers and far more folks are going to buy the non-Adventure model, but your idea is sound, thanks Brendon.
All the maintenance tips on our website at ----- bigbiketrip . net ---but #1 advice for real adventuring (ie on every surface and condition Planet Earth has to offer) filter the fuel before it goes in the tank to look after filter and EFi. Not some amateurish sock, but a proper filter. make sure low octane mapping is selected in most of Africa. Change oil often and use Synthetic Motorex 10W-60 oil..... perhaps 20W-60 for deserts.
For the KTM 990 Adventures I suggest a Pirelli M/T 90 Scorpions for tar and gravel and just swap round front tyre to a Pirelli M/T 21 Rallycross for everything else. Speed (5th gear) 237kph. (6th gear) 211 kph
Great reviews - very accurate. I have not ridden the 1200 Tenere yet, but I have ridden the GS adventure a few times off road, and I own a KTM - It really depends on what you want to get out of your riding. There is no doubt that the KTM has its heritage in racing and "dirt" focus and thats what shines through. How many BMW's were in the top 10 of the Dakar 2012.... None... simple as that.
COMPLETE B.S! You say that the KTM is just beneith the BMW on the street? Sure! When you cripple the 3 bikes' with knobby tires! The TKC80 tire is only rated to 100 mph. The lateral stability of a knobby cant hold a candle to a dual sport tire such as the Metzler Tourance, which handle the dirt decently. So, If you want to fairly compare these bikes on their street worthiness don't put them on dirt tires. The GS will spank the KTM like a red headed stepchild on the highways and in the twisties.
Nice review CycleWorld! The problem is that all riders are different sizes, have different riding styles, and take different trips and terrain. The solution: Buy all 3 bikes!
Thx for this nice video. It will be interesting to see where the Crosstourer positions itself in this trio later this year if ever it is available in the States. Before seeing this video, I would have thought the Honda adventure bike was just too heavy, but after seeing what those guys are capable of with the Super Tenere, it could be surprising.
Nice Vid. I wish I could ride my big ass 1150GSA that confidently on the dirt as these guys did! I rode a demo Yami in Holland last year and was impressed with the 3 mode ride system (which was not mentioned in this ride report). For someone who rides more than 12K miles a year, I am afraid the KTM is lacking in reliability- BMW shines in that dept as I am sure the Yamaha would be as well. It's nice to see that this niche of bike is becoming more popular :)
@hankgs No worries about the KTMs reliability. Granted, it needs a bit more maintenance but out in the field it is just as reliable if you fix up a few well known, not overly costly weaknesses before going on a big journey. I'd surely choose the KTM for a gravel heavy RTW tour. If you really break something, parts have to be flown in anyway, for either of the three.
Finally a decent review of the Tenere. Thank you.
NotAnotherClinton 3 days ago
My wife and I took a 50-60 mile ride on a GS this last weekend, and I'm absolutely gobstopped at how much I liked it. The GS may very well be EXACTLY the motorcycle I've been looking for, but never really considered until recently.
I won't even consider the Tenere because of Yamaha's asinine policy requiring a sight-unseen deposit (or so the local dealer tells me). Completely ridiculous, and enough for me to never consider a Yamaha product again. If I can't ride it first, I won't buy it.
Shawnallenkitchen 5 days ago
What about the Tiger 1200?
zdalmau 2 weeks ago
@zdalmau We haven't been able to get our paws on that one yet, but looking forward to it!
cycleworldmagazine 6 days ago
@cycleworldmagazine And the new Honda crosstourer?
simeli94 4 days ago
For me,GS is the ugliest. 990 looks superb and makes me really excited.
nakturk 2 weeks ago
And what about the R1200GS Adventure? Yes, it is very similar to the "regular" GS, but there are noteable differences between the two. The GSA has a shorter 1st gear, and higher ground clearance.
How about throwing the GSA into the mix as well?
BrendonKoch 2 weeks ago 3
@BrendonKoch That would have been great to see how much closer to the Tenere it was off-road. Perhaps a Tenere/GSA direct comparo is next? We always have to balance what's the most useful for the most amount of readers and far more folks are going to buy the non-Adventure model, but your idea is sound, thanks Brendon.
cycleworldmagazine 6 days ago
love the wheelies btw.
maxutley 2 weeks ago
All the maintenance tips on our website at ----- bigbiketrip . net ---but #1 advice for real adventuring (ie on every surface and condition Planet Earth has to offer) filter the fuel before it goes in the tank to look after filter and EFi. Not some amateurish sock, but a proper filter. make sure low octane mapping is selected in most of Africa. Change oil often and use Synthetic Motorex 10W-60 oil..... perhaps 20W-60 for deserts.
maxutley 2 weeks ago
For the KTM 990 Adventures I suggest a Pirelli M/T 90 Scorpions for tar and gravel and just swap round front tyre to a Pirelli M/T 21 Rallycross for everything else. Speed (5th gear) 237kph. (6th gear) 211 kph
maxutley 2 weeks ago
KTM every time for me.... riding around the world on a KTM 990 Adv. R and its beautiful. BIG BIKE TRIP . NET
maxutley 2 weeks ago
i will buy one of this to deliver milk on desert...i mean milkshake. lol
MrJustthebest 3 weeks ago
Great reviews - very accurate. I have not ridden the 1200 Tenere yet, but I have ridden the GS adventure a few times off road, and I own a KTM - It really depends on what you want to get out of your riding. There is no doubt that the KTM has its heritage in racing and "dirt" focus and thats what shines through. How many BMW's were in the top 10 of the Dakar 2012.... None... simple as that.
jamesiceart 3 weeks ago
you want to see a 1200GS ridden like an enduro bike? see you tube " Hattah Desert BMW R1200 GS Enduro Chase "
alanbstard4 1 month ago
COMPLETE B.S! You say that the KTM is just beneith the BMW on the street? Sure! When you cripple the 3 bikes' with knobby tires! The TKC80 tire is only rated to 100 mph. The lateral stability of a knobby cant hold a candle to a dual sport tire such as the Metzler Tourance, which handle the dirt decently. So, If you want to fairly compare these bikes on their street worthiness don't put them on dirt tires. The GS will spank the KTM like a red headed stepchild on the highways and in the twisties.
TheAdvance2vance 1 month ago
Nice review CycleWorld! The problem is that all riders are different sizes, have different riding styles, and take different trips and terrain. The solution: Buy all 3 bikes!
ewlange 1 month ago
ktm....the best
pharadin 1 month ago
That was some impressive riding
sparkymizen 1 month ago
sorry....where is the deep sand?!?!
PataccaR950SE 1 month ago
wow
adventureschool 1 month ago
Thx for this nice video. It will be interesting to see where the Crosstourer positions itself in this trio later this year if ever it is available in the States. Before seeing this video, I would have thought the Honda adventure bike was just too heavy, but after seeing what those guys are capable of with the Super Tenere, it could be surprising.
mboudreault55 1 month ago
Just curious as to who did the great drum solos. NP perhaps?
Jimo368 1 month ago
Nice Vid. I wish I could ride my big ass 1150GSA that confidently on the dirt as these guys did! I rode a demo Yami in Holland last year and was impressed with the 3 mode ride system (which was not mentioned in this ride report). For someone who rides more than 12K miles a year, I am afraid the KTM is lacking in reliability- BMW shines in that dept as I am sure the Yamaha would be as well. It's nice to see that this niche of bike is becoming more popular :)
hankgs 1 month ago
@hankgs No worries about the KTMs reliability. Granted, it needs a bit more maintenance but out in the field it is just as reliable if you fix up a few well known, not overly costly weaknesses before going on a big journey. I'd surely choose the KTM for a gravel heavy RTW tour. If you really break something, parts have to be flown in anyway, for either of the three.
Flamedance1964 1 month ago
@junyahrebel, He may have had a chat to Ryan and Blake and presented a global opinion.
You may want to look up Ryans credentials as well.
Good job boys, Good to have a variety of expertise along and from all the stuff I have read, and it's a lot, about agrees with most of it.
Especially tends to agree with the Australians, and South Africans who also tend to get very dirty.
Good to see an Adventure bike comparo, including some tough technical off road work.
casaham1 1 month ago
When in doubt, gas it.
ericplloyd 1 month ago
it seems this summer i will upgrade my beloved Yamaha TDM900 to elder brother XT1200 Z..
cagyap 1 month ago 2
lousy opinion.
From the start, he admitted he didn't do much riding in the dirt.
Someone who rides dirt bikes offroad as often as he does long road trips, should be the one doing this review.
junyahrebel 1 month ago
@junyahrebel Why?
These are not meant to be dirt (or street) bikes but dual purpose adventure bikes and there was at least two reviewers not just one.
S10X5 1 month ago