Really topical for me as these bikes constitute my current purchasing dilemma. Nice to get some "normal" riders views in a consistent format without the journalistic hype or effluvium that one usually finds at a bike launch. Informative and interesting. Nicely done.
THE best comparo I've seen in ages! Thanks! And in my interest zone too... I'll come riding in Scotland soon, my ancestors are from Arbroth and I've a need to see Scotland and ride through those landscapes! Cheers 👍😎✌️
Very nice video, I found it both funny and informative which seems to me as the best combination. It's good to get different opinions on each of these bikes. Cheers
Thank you for all the positive comments people ( well nearly all positive). We were not aware this was going to be posted, but I'm glad it was. Amazed at all the views it had. We had great fun and some of the comments were said tongue in cheek, but 4 great bikes. Obviously not to suit everyone, but we like them, thats why we bought them. Hope it is of some use to you if your considering buying any them......shit ...oops I said it again.
TBH we didnt ride them long enough to get more than an initial impression. The GT seat is comfortable for all day riding, but compared to the others it isnt soft. It is of course a Sports tourer rather than Sports Adventure so its in a class of its own here. Nothing quite like it TBH.
Interesting just did a tour of Scotland for 3 weeks (that ended last week), on 2012 Ducati MTS S Touring, two up and fully loaded. The bike handled great, unfortunately got some pretty awful weather. I must say the I also have a 2004 April RSV1000R and had zero issues with the bikes, the Duc has been as far west as Portugal, as North as the Orkney's, as south Sicily and far east as Greece and everything in between (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, etc...) As far as I'm concerned the reliability issues of Italian bikes is in the past. Also a word on my the Michelin Pilot Road 4, they are amazing in all circumstances.
All of these bikes are wonderfully engineered pieces of machinery! I had to laugh at the comparison between the GS boxer engine and the KTM Super Duke AARP Edition (I believe Pensioner Edition for you guys over there). Having ridden both, I couldn't compare those two engines on any level other than they are both internal combustion.
I think KTM's 1290 super adventure would have fit better in this comparison. Beautiful corner of the planet to ride for sure. I enjoy my Multistrada Granturismo tremendously, awesome bike and very reliable.
Yes it would have been great to have a 1290SA, but none of us own one of them so we didn't have one to hand. For what it's worth I test rode the 1290SA and liked it a lot, but it did feel less sharp than the Ducati, and a bit more "ponderous".
what we didn't show were the drag races. The KTM had left town early and we tested the XR and the Ducati against each other. Very close but the XR pipped it !
Darrell I got friends in 20s..Ow IMG hayabusa and other sports bikes... Bored of it ..Finding them hassle and uncomfortable .Now upgrading to gs.. so it's not about the age
It's primarily about age... No offense, but the large portion of us younger guys looking for comfort will either hit cruisers... or bikes like the superduke GT when we still want speed... If I could afford it... I'd get a Motus..
Nice assessment and totally surprised the XR came bottom after reading many other reviews of the bike. The only complaint most people seem to have is the buzz through the pegs midrange.
KTM 1290 Adventurer would be a better choice than a GT for this comparison, Also KTM & DUCATI have excellent comfort seats available at reasonable prices.
Thanks for the comment. We didn't have a KTM 1290 Adv with us, mainly because none of us had bought one. I did nearly chose one over the Ducati but it was quite big and bulky by comparison, and more ponderous handling. Still amazing though with a ballistic engine.The KTM seat seems to work quite well over long distances even though it is firm - good sculpting is the key I think.
Great review since I’m bald and bearded and been riding for 35yrs.. I’m looking at 2 of these for my next bike. I’m only 5’9 so inseam is an issue. Which would suit my inseam the best between the ktm and Ducati? Thx
Thanks! It's vinyl, custom done by Boss Dog in Dorking. I had them done before the Pikes Peak came out and am impressed that Ducati decided to copy my design :-)There are some graphics kits out there now I think.
"You were on the GS" "Yeah..." "How was it for you?" "Shit." I felt that haha GSs are nice in seclusion, in their own little world, not when pitted against 160bhp sporting monsters haha
It's simple.: sell your Audi A4. Get yourself a GS/GSA for long trip and trails, then Go and buy a GT so that you'll feel alive again and (more importantly) you are not going to be "yet another a......le on a GS :) as to the wind noise issue... get an Adobe Premiere Pro CC that has Adobe Sound Audition built in, very easy to remove unwanted wind noise, takes some lessons on TH-cam but once you learn it it's a breeze.
A big chain is a useful thing to have. We wouldn't reveal if we have trackers or not, and there are a bunch of them on the market including integrated ones with their own battery that avoid the problem of drain on the bike's battery (and can be moved to different bikes). I've heard that perps nick the bike, move it somewhere else, and wait to see if someone comes to get it which indicates a tracker is fitted. Either that, or a shipping container set up as a Faraday cage. So they aren't infallible - research is good.
Hi Nic thanks for your interest and hope you enjoyed the vid. Most of the 'on bike' shots were from a Sony AS30 fixed to the XR. Unfortunately it was fixed to part of the fairing and suffered a lot of vibration. On return to base after the tour I was a bit disappointed with the Sony as it tended to mist up slightly on its waterproof housing and it doesn't have a loop capability. Any way , sold it and now have a Go Pro MIssion which is helmet mounted....Brilliant.
Andrew - thanks for the reply. I'm considering that one, too (Actually the Super Duke GT). Heard it wasn't as comfortable, but I'm going to test ride one this Saturday. They look good
Four guys who think "shit" is a clever joke over and over. And 3 of them can't figure out how to adjust damping settings because the fourth guy likes his Ohlins soft.
did not listened to well. standard model is not ohlins suspension, nor all the electronics of the S model. graphics do not make for all the pikes peak features.
The rattling is probably the Ducati. Yes, I know about the wind noise. Unfortunately the camera I was using (Sony RX100 IV) doesn't have an external mic socket. I'll probably just work with a separate mic and mix in post next time. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Plenty of power for the road my friend. The Kwak SX to me is far better looking than those other four. Also it is plenty comfortable enough for all day riding. Just my opinion.
Z1000SX is definitely plenty comfortable, but I think the XR definitely has it beat... I honestly don't like Kawasaki Designs at all though... They always come off dated to me. Oh well, cheers mate
Really topical for me as these bikes constitute my current purchasing dilemma. Nice to get some "normal" riders views in a consistent format without the journalistic hype or effluvium that one usually finds at a bike launch. Informative and interesting. Nicely done.
Thanks for the review. I like how it has four guys opinion instead of just one. It feels more trustworthy when you hear it from multiple sources.
THE best comparo I've seen in ages! Thanks! And in my interest zone too...
I'll come riding in Scotland soon, my ancestors are from Arbroth and I've a need to see Scotland and ride through those landscapes!
Cheers 👍😎✌️
Very nice video, I found it both funny and informative which seems to me as the best combination. It's good to get different opinions on each of these bikes. Cheers
Thank you for all the positive comments people ( well nearly all positive). We were not aware this was going to be posted, but I'm glad it was. Amazed at all the views it had. We had great fun and some of the comments were said tongue in cheek, but 4 great bikes. Obviously not to suit everyone, but we like them, thats why we bought them. Hope it is of some use to you if your considering buying any them......shit ...oops I said it again.
Really enjoyed watching the review ! Great comments , good guys !
Nice video chaps. Honest personal opinions on what looks like a great trip. Thanks.
I owned all these bikes but the KTM by far is the best machine here.
Every review should be like this
TBH we didnt ride them long enough to get more than an initial impression. The GT seat is comfortable for all day riding, but compared to the others it isnt soft. It is of course a Sports tourer rather than Sports Adventure so its in a class of its own here. Nothing quite like it TBH.
Gutes Video, hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Informativ und sehr durchdacht und natürlich für jeden S1000XR Fan ein muss. Vielen Dank.
Interesting just did a tour of Scotland for 3 weeks (that ended last week), on 2012 Ducati MTS S Touring, two up and fully loaded. The bike handled great, unfortunately got some pretty awful weather.
I must say the I also have a 2004 April RSV1000R and had zero issues with the bikes, the Duc has been as far west as Portugal, as North as the Orkney's, as south Sicily and far east as Greece and everything in between (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, etc...)
As far as I'm concerned the reliability issues of Italian bikes is in the past.
Also a word on my the Michelin Pilot Road 4, they are amazing in all circumstances.
Such a shame about the audio. Worth persevering though - proper no nonsense opinions 👍
TL;DW: you can't go wrong with any of those bikes. It all comes down to personal preference.
All of these bikes are wonderfully engineered pieces of machinery! I had to laugh at the comparison between the GS boxer engine and the KTM Super Duke AARP Edition (I believe Pensioner Edition for you guys over there). Having ridden both, I couldn't compare those two engines on any level other than they are both internal combustion.
I think KTM's 1290 super adventure would have fit better in this comparison. Beautiful corner of the planet to ride for sure. I enjoy my Multistrada Granturismo tremendously, awesome bike and very reliable.
Yes it would have been great to have a 1290SA, but none of us own one of them so we didn't have one to hand. For what it's worth I test rode the 1290SA and liked it a lot, but it did feel less sharp than the Ducati, and a bit more "ponderous".
Good perspective from a bunch of old guys They're always going to pick comfort , Younger review between 30-50+ would pick the XR and GT first .
what we didn't show were the drag races. The KTM had left town early and we tested the XR and the Ducati against each other. Very close but the XR pipped it !
Darrell I got friends in 20s..Ow IMG hayabusa and other sports bikes... Bored of it ..Finding them hassle and uncomfortable .Now upgrading to gs.. so it's not about the age
Darrell your a fkn idiot. Google more and speak less.
It's primarily about age... No offense, but the large portion of us younger guys looking for comfort will either hit cruisers... or bikes like the superduke GT when we still want speed... If I could afford it... I'd get a Motus..
I certainly hope Rukka sees through in for the gear. The cost of all for sets of gear could've paid for one of those bikes!! Lol!!
We did let Rukka know about the video and are eagerly awaiting loads of free gear.
Actually for long rides ... The machine to trust is the GS .. Much bettet suspension and much much confortable ... Cheers
Excellent video. And, yes, you fellows DO all look alike!
Nice assessment and totally surprised the XR came bottom after reading many other reviews of the bike. The only complaint most people seem to have is the buzz through the pegs midrange.
To whomever it was whose comment I deleted - sorry about that. I meant to hit "Reply" but hit "Remove" instead. No hard feelings!
The bikes all look similar like the hair style of all these mates :) I prefer the KTM for it’s edgy performance and looks. Thanks chaps! Ride safe.
Awesome review lads ! Scotland looks amazing. We might ride up there from switzerland
Thanks - it's excellent in Scotland. Mind you, Switzerland is rather good too.
Nice review. I have got the S, its amazing!! 👍👍
KTM 1290 Adventurer would be a better choice than a GT for this comparison, Also KTM & DUCATI have excellent comfort seats available at reasonable prices.
Thanks for the comment. We didn't have a KTM 1290 Adv with us, mainly because none of us had bought one. I did nearly chose one over the Ducati but it was quite big and bulky by comparison, and more ponderous handling. Still amazing though with a ballistic engine.The KTM seat seems to work quite well over long distances even though it is firm - good sculpting is the key I think.
.....plus models with electronic suspensions, that makes a total diferent riding experience
"all look the same"😁.good vid
I agree with you, guys. The Multistrada would be my first choice, XR last. But they are all fun machines. Okay, I own a Multistrada...
Im 59 and I would rather ride the ktm gt..
Great vid guys and for a bunch of old dudes with no Harley in sight 😂. At 48 that makes me a youth.
Great review since I’m bald and bearded and been riding for 35yrs.. I’m looking at 2 of these for my next bike. I’m only 5’9 so inseam is an issue. Which would suit my inseam the best between the ktm and Ducati? Thx
Good open, honest reviews......and a RUKKA advert too ....lol ...RIDE SAFE !!
Nice video, cheers for posting. Were the Pikes Peak graphics a decal kit or were they made specially, or perhaps painted?
Thanks! It's vinyl, custom done by Boss Dog in Dorking. I had them done before the Pikes Peak came out and am impressed that Ducati decided to copy my design :-)There are some graphics kits out there now I think.
"You were on the GS" "Yeah..." "How was it for you?" "Shit." I felt that haha GSs are nice in seclusion, in their own little world, not when pitted against 160bhp sporting monsters haha
fantastic review cheers
4:40 holy shit what a landscape!
Yes, it's completely amazing. What a beautiful place. And the roads are superb even when its raining. Just don't tell anyone!
It's simple.: sell your Audi A4. Get yourself a GS/GSA for long trip and trails, then Go and buy a GT so that you'll feel alive again and (more importantly) you are not going to be "yet another a......le on a GS :) as to the wind noise issue... get an Adobe Premiere Pro CC that has Adobe Sound Audition built in, very easy to remove unwanted wind noise, takes some lessons on TH-cam but once you learn it it's a breeze.
Great comparison, I wanted to ask you a question about security as I guess you will now something about it. Are trackers worth it ?
A big chain is a useful thing to have. We wouldn't reveal if we have trackers or not, and there are a bunch of them on the market including integrated ones with their own battery that avoid the problem of drain on the bike's battery (and can be moved to different bikes). I've heard that perps nick the bike, move it somewhere else, and wait to see if someone comes to get it which indicates a tracker is fitted. Either that, or a shipping container set up as a Faraday cage. So they aren't infallible - research is good.
Why no Suzuki V Strom 1000?
BMW XR: Grip Buddies. Get them.
Audio is really bad mate, couldn't even watch it 🙈
Nice vid. Make sure to put that little rubber thing on your GoPro. It eliminates the vibrations.
Hi Nic thanks for your interest and hope you enjoyed the vid. Most of the 'on bike' shots were from a Sony AS30 fixed to the XR. Unfortunately it was fixed to part of the fairing and suffered a lot of vibration. On return to base after the tour I was a bit disappointed with the Sony as it tended to mist up slightly on its waterproof housing and it doesn't have a loop capability. Any way , sold it and now have a Go Pro MIssion which is helmet mounted....Brilliant.
"Ducati Multiple Sclerosis" ROFL!
Ducati are awesome...until you own one. Then they become problematic shit. Trust me.
Jaja, nobody put the GS first.
Wind protection on mic please
The Rukka boys!!
Wow the KTM looks so much smaller than the rest!
If only my R1200R had 40+ more HP, it'd be perfect. Considering the XR now, but not excited about the vibrations
I wouldn't swap the R1200R for an XR. Try the KTM1290 Superadventure - much better bike.
Andrew - thanks for the reply. I'm considering that one, too (Actually the Super Duke GT). Heard it wasn't as comfortable, but I'm going to test ride one this Saturday. They look good
Have you seen our latest, with the 1290SA v the S1000R and MT10? th-cam.com/video/XsEwBppkqMg/w-d-xo.html
Four guys who think "shit" is a clever joke over and over. And 3 of them can't figure out how to adjust damping settings because the fourth guy likes his Ohlins soft.
Cock
well said Jaynewto N , saved me the job. . Sorry we didn't cater for all tastes , must try harder next time !!
did not listened to well. standard model is not ohlins suspension, nor all the electronics of the S model. graphics do not make for all the pikes peak features.
The KTM can do about 156 mph in the quarter mile. Builds speed incredibly fast. Will attack Hayabusas unexpectedly ! Does evil !
What is up with the sound, holy....
you need to fix the rattling and wind noise
The rattling is probably the Ducati. Yes, I know about the wind noise. Unfortunately the camera I was using (Sony RX100 IV) doesn't have an external mic socket. I'll probably just work with a separate mic and mix in post next time. Apologies for the inconvenience.
1200S Duc
wow its surprising about the ducat i love then i don't know why it might be perception
Probably something to do with comfort and instant V-twin low down torque.
The only real bike here is the KTM !
Not the "Awesome" word again???!?!?Please
Awesome comment - thanks
Triumph tiger sport 1050??
The chap with the XR sold his Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 in order to buy the XR.
Ok thanks
i have the tiger 955 and love it, go for it, my next one will be or the super duke gt, mt 1200 or adv 1290
Would not bother with any of these. Kawasaki Z1000 SX all the way.
PFFTT More weight than a Base S1000XR, less Power, and Less Comfortable...
Plenty of power for the road my friend. The Kwak SX to me is far better looking than those other four. Also it is plenty comfortable enough for all day riding. Just my opinion.
Z1000SX is definitely plenty comfortable, but I think the XR definitely has it beat...
I honestly don't like Kawasaki Designs at all though... They always come off dated to me. Oh well, cheers mate
BUT...ex police rider will obviously not go over speed limits so perhaps put him on smaller bike!
Actually he didn't go over the speed limit - we were forever waiting for him. he's dog slow, so suits the GS nicely.
The ex police still has a police attitude. He knows better. Everything is shit and then he gets constructive.....