2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Bike Comparison: verdict

It's been a common conversation around the Bikesales office for some years now – the spectre of an adventure bike comparison test. After a few false starts it finally came together, with a clear objective: to find the best big-bore version of the genre that money can buy.

The comparison was held in the depths of a harsh Victorian and New South Wales winter, but the focus wasn't on making us look like ironmen. Instead, we held off until Suzuki's new XT version of the V-Strom 1000 had lobbed Down Under. The Suzuki was then joined by the BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X, Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro, Honda Africa Twin, KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 XCa. Our only two conditions were that the bikes were 1000cc and above, and are fitted with wire wheels as standard.

There were two clear 'camps' on the comparison: the Honda and Suzuki, which were light on for premium features but priced accordingly; and then the Ducati, Triumph and KTM dripping with technology and comfort appointments – but you won’t get much change for $30K. In the case of the Ducati, nothing at all…

That massive gulf in price and features made us really question what you want out of an adventure bike. And that's the million dollar question, as someone's definition of 'adventure riding' can be very different to the next person. That made for some energetic conversations around the dinner table.

In terms of on- and off-road performance, not one bike on the comparison left us underwhelmed – we'd happily welcome them all as Bikesales long-termers! However, after three days of riding some distinct personalities did emerge, as well as plenty of contrasts, a few bugbears and some real surprises.

Let's take a quick look at them again – in alphabetical order – before we announce the winner. For more detailed reviews, including video, scroll to the links at the bottom of this story.

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X
This $27,250 machine comes with all the fruit, including two-stage heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, hand guards, Continental TKC80 tyres, enduro foot pegs, cruise control, an LED headlight, a quickshifter, daylight running lights and LED indicators, along with a thoroughly comprehensive electronics package. The Boxer engine has grunt everywhere, the bike has a lovely sense of balance and the ergonomics are thoroughly sorted. It just works.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro
The $29,990 machine isn't afraid to get amongst it both on- and off-road – at a rapid rate of knots if you really want to. It's light (225kg), which is a boon in tighter terrain, and counts on the 1198cc Testastretta engine for motivation. That promotes a wonderful seat-of-the-pants experience. It has a massive 30-litre tank, and the comfortable seat and large screen are tailor-made for long stretches in the saddle. Multiple riding modes, a TFT screen, ABS, electronic suspension and traction control are standard features.

Honda Africa Twin
Our reigning Bikesales Bike of the Year gets its runs on the board by simply being bigger than the sum of its parts. Priced at $16,999, it's light on for standard features but is an absolute star off-road and Mr Versatile on the blacktop. It's Australia's biggest selling adventure bike, which is not only a function of great price, but also mechanical and chassis packages that are just so impressive.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
The flagship adventure bike in the KTM line-up brings to the table a huge list of premium features – love the illuminated handlebar switches – but what really did it for the testers is that hulking 1301cc Super Duke R-derived V-twin engine. It's a powerhouse, with delicious bottom and mid-range torque. The $25,995 machine weighs in at 217kg dry – the lowest on the comparo by some margin. It has a 21-inch front wheel like the Africa Twin, so it loves the loose stuff.

Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 XCa
The $26,900 machine has its own unique take on the big-bore adventure scene, boasting an alluring and lusty three-cylinder engine – the only one on test. It's the flagship of the Explorer range with two-stage heated handlebar grips, two-stage heated seats for both rider and pillion, auxiliary driving lights, bear trap-style enduro foot pegs, and electric screen and suit of smart electronics. The XCa was the heaviest bike on test at 258kg (dry), which made it feel more like a road sportstourer. It's a superb mile-eater with a great seat and excellent wind protection. On the dirt it has impressive straight-line stability but on tighter tracks it requires quite a bit of muscle to turn.

And the winner is…
The BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X. It's hard to believe BMW can eke too much more out of the venerable R 1200 GS range, but this hybrid – R 1200 GSA chassis with standard R 1200 GS bodywork – does just that. It not only has impressive all-day comfort and a glorious engine but magnificent ergonomics that just feel right. Sure, it's getting up there in price, but what you get is a lot of premium motorcycle for the coin – and an intuitive electronics suite that is second to none. A compelling case from all fronts, which is why it's the winner of the 2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Bike Comparison. Congratulations BMW.