2016 Adventure Bikes Spec For Spec
Africa Twin, Multistrada 1200 Enduro, Tiger Explorer XCx And Their Eight Competitors
Last year’s Ultimate Sports-Adventure-Touring Shootout – a six-day, nine-bike extravagasm – pitted some of the lesser dirtable models (Versys 1000 LT, Multistrada S, S1000XR) against some of the industry’s more formidable off-roaders (1290 Super Adventure, 1190 Adventure, R1200GS) as well as a few inbetweeners (Caponord, V-Strom, Tiger Explorer). With this year’s introduction of Honda’s Africa Twin, Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 Enduro, and Triumph’s Tiger Explorer XCx, three more off-roady models have emerged.
2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro + Video
2016 Triumph Tiger Explorer Lineup
Two contributing factors to a bike’s dirt-appropriateness are its wheel sizes and the presence of rugged wire-spoke wheels. Of the 11 bikes in this spec sheet, seven run a 19-inch front, 17-inch rear wheel combo, two a 21-inch front, 18-inch rear combo and two a 21/17 combo. The 17-inch front/rear combo and cast aluminum wheels the Multistrada 1200S, Versys 1000 LT and S1000XR wear have disqualified them from this shootout. Almost all the bikes here have spoke wheels, but for some reason – or rather a mistake on Suzuki’s part – the Adventure version of the V-Strom 1000 is outfitted with cast aluminum wheels instead of spokes. However, it’s wheel sizes are 19/17, and because the Strom so closely matches the Africa Twin in price, weight, and horsepower, we’re gonna look the other way and include it here. It should be noted that getting the class icon, BMW’s R1200GS, outfitted with spokes is a $500 upgrade in addition to the bike’s $1,500 “Standard” package (accounted for in the spec sheet’s pricing).
The two 800s (BMW F800GS and Triumph Tiger 800XC) and the Strom are certainly outgunned by the likes of Ducati’s and KTM’s 160-horsepower monsters (Multistrada Enduro, Super Adventure) but are closest to the relatively underpowered Africa Twin in terms of horsepower, weight and price. Since the Honda’s introduction of the Africa Twin, there’s been grumblings from some enthusiasts about how it compares to KTM’s 1190 Adventure R. What’s obvious in the spec sheet is the KTM splits the claimed curb weight of the two Honda models, but produces considerably more horsepower and torque. We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that, when we get around to riding these two bikes, the KTM will leave the Honda in its proverbial dust. The real question will be, is the KTM worth paying an extra $4000, or $3300 compared to the DCT Africa Twin?
The follow-up questions are, how does the DCT version of the Africa Twin measure up against all the non-DCT models? Is DCT a better technology to have compared to the technologies some of the other bikes boast, such as cruise control or electronic suspension? Traditionalists are going to ask if DCT is even a technology worth developing. These questions and many more are unanswerable by looking at a spec sheet, but ones we’ll certainly consider when it comes time for riding impressions in our 2016 Adventure Bike Shootout.
What a spec sheet encompassing this many models is really good for is cross-referencing claimed performance and available technologies. It’s easy to see how a $12,500 Tiger 800XC with a respectable assortment of technologies progresses into a $21,295 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro with nearly every technology known to motorcycling. There are also some easter eggs in there when you look hard enough, such as the two most powerful bikes here – the 160-horsepower Multi and SA – sharing the same power-to-weight ratios with the less powerful but equally less heavy 1190 Adventure R (3.5 lbs/hp, 5.6 lbs/lb-ft).
Also apparent are the three shaft-driven bikes, the four bikes that come equipped with centerstands, and that the Aprilia Caponord and Super Adventure are the only bikes on which saddlebags and crashbars aren’t expensive options (the Explorer XCx also comes equipped with crashbars). For those with specific needs, such as visiting remote places or riding long distances, knowing that the Multi and SA are the only two bikes with 7.9 gallons of fuel is useful. Riders who dislike bikes with weight problems will certainly notice the Capo’s 604-pound claimed curb weight (keep in mind, that weight includes saddlebags and crashbars).
To keep things fair – because we have yet to weigh and dyno each new model – we used the manufacturer’s claimed weight and power figures, which were, in turn, used to determine power-to-weight ratios. Obviously, this data will change at a future date when the bikes are in our possession to conduct honest rear-wheel dyno measurements and a weigh-in on MO’s expensive scales. Until then, use this spec sheet to draw some of your own conclusions on how these bikes measure against one another.
As we enter the planning phase of this important shootout, we’d appreciate getting your feedback on what you’d like to see in it. Which bikes are the ones you’d like to see compared to one another? Is there a particular type of testing that’s of greater importance? There’s plenty of time for you to help us fashion a better shootout, so let us know your thoughts, ideas and opinions. We’re listening.
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally | BMW F800GS | BMW R1200GS | Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin | KTM 1190 Adventure R | KTM 1290 Super Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS | Triumph Explorer XCx | Triumph Tiger 800 XC | Yamaha Super Ténéré | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP | $15,699 | $13,750 | $18,495 | $21,295 | $12,999 / $13,699 (DCT) | $16,999 | $20,499 | $12,699 | TBA | $12,500 | 15,090 / $16,190 (ES) |
Engine Type | 1197cc Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, V-Twin, 4 valves per cylinder | 798cc liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder | 1170cc Air/Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, flat Twin, 4 valves per cylinder | 1198cc Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, DVT V-Twin, 4 valves per cylinder | 998cc Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, parallel-Twin | 1195cc Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, 75° V-Twin, 4 valves per cylinder | 1301cc Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, 75° V-Twin, 4 valves per cylinder | 1037cc Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, 90° V-Twin, 4 valves per cylinder | 1215cc Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, Triple, 4 valves per cylinder | 800cc Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder | 1199cc liquid-cooled inline 2-cylinder; DOHC; 8 valves |
Bore and Stroke | 106.0mm x 67.8mm | 82 mm x 75.6 mm | 101.0mm x 73.0mm | 106.0mm x 67.9mm | 92.0 x 75.1mm | 105.0mm x 69.0mm | 108.0mm x 71.0mm | 100.0mm x 66.0mm | 85.0mm x 71.4mm | 74.1 mm / 61.9 mm | 98.0mm x 79.5mm |
Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 | 12.5:1 | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 | 12.5:1 | 13.1:1 | 11.3:1 | NA | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
Claimed BHP | 125 hp @ 8,000 rpm | 85 hp @ 7,500 rpm | 125 hp @ 7,750 rpm | 160 hp @ 9,500 rpm | 93.9 hp @ 7,500 rpm | 147.5 hp @ 9,500 rpm | 160 hp @ 8,400 rpm | 99 hp @ 8,000 rpm | NA | 95 hp @ 9,250 rpm | 111 hp @ 7,250rpm |
Claimed Torque | 84.8 lb.-ft. @ 6,800 | 61.0 lb.-ft. @ 5750 rpm | 92 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm | 100.3 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpm | 61 lb-ft @ 5,750 rpm | 92.2 lb.-ft. @ 8,000 rpm | 103 lb.-ft. @ 6,800 rpm | 76 lb-ft. @ 4,000 rpm | NA | 58.3 lb.-ft. @ 7,850 rpm | 86 lb.-ft. @ 6,000rpm |
lb/hp | 4.8 | 5.6 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 5.4/5.6 (DCT) | 3.5 | 3.5 | 5.1 | NA | 5..1 | 5.2 |
lb/torque | 7.1 | 7.4 | 5.7 | 5.6 | 7.0/7.3 (DCT) | 5.6 | 5.5 | 6.6 | NA | 8.1 | 6.7 |
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally | BMW F800GS | BMW R1200GS | Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin | KTM 1190 Adventure R | KTM 1290 Super Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS | Triumph Explorer XCx | Triumph Tiger 800 XC | Yamaha Super Ténéré | |
Transmission | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch w/slipper function | Manual: 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch, slipper action DCT: 2, 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch, slipper action | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch w/slipper function | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch w/slipper function | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch w/slipper function | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch w/slipper function | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch | 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch |
Final Drive | Chain | Chain | Shaft | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Chain | Shaft | Chain | Shaft |
Front Suspension | Inverted 43mm Sachs fork. Aprilia Dynamic Damping | Inverted 43mm fork. | Telelever, 37mm, central spring strut. | Inverted 48mm fork. Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) | Inverted 45mm Showa fork, fully adjustable | Inverted 48mm WP fork, adjustable rebound, compression | Inverted 48mm WP semi-active suspension | Inverted fork, fully adjustable | Triumph Semi Active Suspension (TSAS) | Inverted 43mm WP fork, adjustable rebound, compression | Inverted 43mm fork, fully adjustable / Inverted 43mm fork, electronically adjustable compression, rebound |
Rear Suspension | Sachs monoshock. Aprilia Dynamic Damping | Monoshock, adjustable preload, rebound | Monoshock, adjustable preload, rebound | Monoshock. Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) | Monoshock, fully adjustable | WP monoshock, fully adjustable | WP Monoshock semi-active suspension | Monoshock | Triumph Semi Active Suspension (TSAS) | WP monoshock, adjustable preload, rebound | Monoshock, adjustable preload, rebound / Monoshock, electronically adjustable preload, rebound |
Front Brake | Dual 320mm discs, 4-piston Brembo M432 monoblock radial calipers | Dual 300mm discs, dual-piston calipers, ABS | Dual 305mm rotors, 4-piston calipers, ABS. | Dual 320mm discs, 2-piston Brembo callipers, ABS/C-ABS | Dual 310mm discs, 4-piston calipers, ABS. | Dual 320mm discs, 4-piston Brembo calipers, ABS/C-ABS | Dual 320mm discs, 4-piston Brembo calipers, ABS/C-ABS | Dual 310mm discs, Tokico calipers, ABS | Dual discs, Brembo calipers | Dual 308mm discs, Nissin 2-piston calipers, ABS | Dual 310mm discs, Unified Brake System, ABS |
Rear Brake | Single 240mm stainless steel disc, Brembo caliper | Single 265mm disc, single-piston caliper, ABS | Single 220mm rotor, single-piston caliper, ABS | Single 265mm disc, 2-piston calliper, ABS/C-ABS | Single 256mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS | Single 268mm disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS/C-ABS | Single 268mm disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS/C-ABS | Single 260mm disc, ABS | NA | Single 255mm disc, Nissin single-piston sliding caliper, ABS | Single 282mm single disc, Unified Brake System and ABS |
Front Tire | 120/70-19 | 90/90-21 | 120/70-19 | 120/70-19 | 90/90-21 | 90/90-21 | 120/70-19 | 110/80-19 | 19 | 90/90-21 | 110/80-19 |
Rear Tire | 170/60-17 | 150/70-17 | 170/60-17 | 170/60-17 | 150/70-18 | 150/70-18 | 170/60-17 | 150/70-17 | 17 | 150/70-17 | 150/70-17 |
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally | BMW F800GS | BMW R1200GS | Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin | KTM 1190 Adventure R | KTM 1290 Super Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS | Triumph Explorer XCx | Triumph Tiger 800 XC | Yamaha Super Ténéré | |
Rake/Trail | 27.4 deg/4.6 in | 26.1 deg / 4.9 in. | 25.5 deg / 3.9 in. | 25.0 deg / 4.3 in. | 27.5 deg / 4.4 in. | 26.0 deg / 4.7 in. | 26 deg / 4.7 in. | 25.5 deg / 4.3 in. | NA | 24.3 deg / 3.8 in | 28.0 deg / NA |
Wheelbase | 62.0 in. | 62.1 in. | 59.3 in. | 61.3 in. | 61.97 in. | 61.4 in. | 61.4 in. | 61.2 in. | NA | 60.8 in | 60.6 in |
Seat Height | 33.1 in. | 34.6 in. | 33.5/34.3 in. | 34.3 in. | 33.5 in. / 34.3 in. | 35.0 in. | 33.9 / 34.4 in. | 33.4 in. | NA | 33.0 / 33.8 in. | 33.3 or 34.3 in |
Claimed Curb Weight | 604 lbs. (with bags) | 472 lbs. | 525 lbs. | 560 lbs. | 502.7 lbs / 524.7 lbs (DCT) | 518 lbs. | 562 lbs. (with bags) | 503 | NA | 473 lbs. | 575 lbs. / 584 lbs. |
Fuel Capacity | 6.3 gal. | 4.2 gal. | 5.3 gal. | 7.9 gal. | 4.7 gal. | 6.1 gal. | 7.9 gal. | 5.3 gal. | NA | 5.0 gal. | 6.1 gal. |
Saddlebag Capacity | 66 liters/ 17.4 gallons | 73 liters/19.3 gallons | |||||||||
Full color instrument cluster | X | ||||||||||
Gear Position Indicator | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Heated Grips | X | X | X | ||||||||
Heated Seat | X | ||||||||||
Hillstart control | X | X | |||||||||
Power accessory socket | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Cornering lights | X | X | |||||||||
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally | BMW F800GS | BMW R1200GS | Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin | KTM 1190 Adventure R | KTM 1290 Super Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS | Triumph Explorer XCx | Triumph Tiger 800 XC | Yamaha Super Ténéré | |
Backlit handlebar switches | X | ||||||||||
ABS | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Cornering ABS | X | X | X | X | |||||||
Wire-spoke wheels | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Tubeless | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||
Cast-aluminum wheels | X | ||||||||||
Tire pressure monitor | X | X | X | X | |||||||
Electronic suspension adjustability | X | X | X | X | X | X (ES) | |||||
Semi-active suspension | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
Smartphone app | X | X | |||||||||
Ride modes | X | X | X | X (DCT) | X | X | X | X | X | ||
Cruise control | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
Traction control | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
Centerstand | X | X | X | X | |||||||
Dual Clutch Transmission | X | ||||||||||
Crashbars | X | X | X | X | |||||||
Adjustable Windscreen | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | NA | Manual | Manual | Manual | Electric | Manual | Manual |
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally | BMW F800GS | BMW R1200GS | Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro | Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin | KTM 1190 Adventure R | KTM 1290 Super Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS | Triumph Explorer XCx | Triumph Tiger 800 XC | Yamaha Super Ténéré |
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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I just do not get it. These are like the two-wheeled SUVs, Designed to conquer Alaska, ridden to bike night.
I'll pass.
'15 BMW R1200R owner
spoke wheels don't necessarily an adventure bike make....I drove my 2012 1200 GS with cast wheels on the TLH which had about 500 miles of dirt and very potholed gravel, which I did in the rain at pretty high speed....very rough to the point that I needed 3,000 $ repairs to the drive train after the trip...but 0 damage to the rims which took the most punishment. that was at 26 psi front, 29 psi rear (tkc80 front, heidenau scout rear). I don't think the rims matter as much as you think....