2016 Adventure Bikes Spec For Spec

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 Africa Twin Review

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).

Triumph has diversified its Tiger Explorer lineup, following the pattern established by its smaller Tiger 800 siblings. Triumph hasn’t released a complete spec sheet for the new Explorers, but we’ve extrapolated what information is available and presented it here.

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?

2015 Epic Sport-Adventure Spec Sheet Shootout

Anyone willing to bet against this bike winning whatever adventure bike shootout it enters? 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R Review.

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).

At $21,295, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro is the most expensive ADV bike on this list. It’s also the most technologically laden model here and just about anywhere.

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.

If a bike’s ability to navigate a hollow tree is important to you, let us know.

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