FJR1300A v ST1300A v Sprint GT v Norge GT v K 1600 GT

Name: FJR1300A v ST1300A v Sprint GT v Norge GT v K 1600 GT
Brand: Moto Guzzi

The sportstourer category encompasses a broad range of bikes, as we've found out...

The trend of fragmentation – of a larger whole splitting into successively smaller parts – is alive and well in the motorcycle industry, as it is across myriad industries of all description. The category of sportstourers is no exception, and the class now contains a wide choice of models where each offering represents a different take on the theme – some sportier than others, some better equipped for the long haul.

When the Bikesales Network team recently embarked on a major sportstourer shootout we ended up with quite an eclectic bunch of five machines, the group spanning five different engine formats, a $20,000 price range and no less than 10 years of motorcycle evolution. Our criterion was simple: each bike must offer plenty of performance, relatively decent comfort, and should come with hard panniers as standard.

Yamaha’s FJR1300A in-line four and Honda’s ST1300A V4 were the ‘elder statesmen’ of the bunch, being introduced in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Triumph’s Sprint GT in-line triple arrived at the end of 2010 but is closely related to the first 1050cc Sprint of 2005, while Moto Guzzi’s Norge GT, a transverse 90-degree V-twin, first came to Oz in 2006. That leaves BMW’s K 1600 GT, an in-line, across-the-frame six-cylinder, as the new kid on the block – it arrived with its slightly-more-touring-oriented K 1600 GTL sibling in mid-2011. We passed on Honda’s VFR1200F as it doesn’t come with panniers, while Kawasaki’s 1400GTR was, unfortunately, unavailable during the limited window we had to conduct the test.

With a blazing summer sun overhead, the Bikesales Network’s team of expert testers pointed the quintet south-east from Melbourne, for a jaunt through the meandering and undulating roads of Victoria’s Gippsland region. And as the ensuing kilometres quickly proved, while these power-packed rockets might share the same basic class and perform the same basic role, the ride each delivered was distinctively unique.

And here they are:

SECOND OPINIONS

Mark Fattore

To the sports touring cognoscenti, its bikes are the duck’s guts, as you can revel in their low-revving, torquey powerplants, and still know that you won’t be reduced to also-ran status against your mates when it’s time to take in a bend or two in something akin to press-on mode.

After our recent comparo, I’d have to agree, as the bikes answers most – if not all – questions asked of them. And remember we’re talking about bikes at the heftier end of the sports touring equation, not the more lighter and nimble lower capacity iterations such as the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS or Honda VFR800F.

For me, it’s the FJR1300 which carries off the big-bore sportstouring role with the most composure. It certainly doesn’t stir the soul as much as, say, the gutsy Norge GT, but it’s just a thoroughly pleasing bike to be in command of across all levels – from the wonderfully muscle-bound engine to the upright and spacious riding position (which is pretty much for the norm for this class) to the way it pitches through turns without the need to grab it by the scruff of the neck every time.

But of course you can do that on the Triumph Sprint GT, which is clearly the easiest bike to ride at speed on a twisty road with its light weight and throbbing triple. And its $15,990 price tag is just so hard to ignore….

And the others? That’s not meant as a slight, as the ST1300A and K 1600 GT are both fine partitioners and smooth operators in their own right – the former as a stalwart of the Honda line-up, and the latter as the new-gen six-cylinder long-haul masterpiece from BMW. Everything on the duo is top class, refined and solid, so it’s quite easy to fall into that touring ‘sweet spot’ from the get-go. That equates to long distances achieved with a minimum of fuss.

But the FJR is just a shade behind those two in the long haul stakes, but with more of a sporting edge. That’s the winning card which it brings to the table.

Feann Torr

Spending time swapping on and off five sportstourers was an ideal way to find out what's good and what's not so good, and by the end of the test I was most impressed with the Yamaha FJR1300.

The $24k Yammie is not as affordable as the $16k Triumph Sprint GT, whose engine was also a rip-snorter, but the FJR1300 has a much better screen -- adjustable too -- and a more comfortable riding position but could keep up through the twisties when the tempo increased. The Honda is good but not great, let down by its dated finish, and though the Moto Guzzi Norge has the most character of the lot, I never felt very confident through corners on it.

The BMW K 1600 GT is arguably the most comfortable of the lot, with features like cruise control allowing easing the ache on your right wrist during extended highway stretches, while a pumping stereo reduces the boredom. But is the German machine $10,000 better than the Yamaha? Not in my book. If money was no object I would pick the six-cylinder BMW, but overall the Yamaha has a nice mix of technology and comfort to suit my needs.

Ryan Svaghi

The day began on the Triumph and the first thing that came to mind was this didn't feel like your standard tourer. If you like your tourers with a more sports bike riding position, acceleration and handling, then take this bike for a spin.

The Moto Guzzi’s V-twin boasts the gutsiest engine note and allows you to feel every ounce of torque -- not what I was expecting from a tourer class motorcycle. Though what else would you expect from an Italian thoroughbred?

With mile-munching the order of the day, I was very content to be sitting on the K 1600 GT for the larger part of it. The BMW definitely tops the list in terms of standard equipment, and it was the only bike on test which allowed suspension and engine modifications at their finger tips. A stereo on a motorcycle still perplexes me, but BMW keeps up with the times introducing iPod and USB connectivity.

Out of the five, the Moto Guzzi, Triumph and BMW were clear standouts, with the Honda and Yamaha presenting a 'more standard' package -- with no real exciting features to put them in the same class as the others.

When it comes to the crunch and you’re looking for a bike to ride interstate, I'd jump on the BMW any day -- it's more than capable six-cylinder engine, handling and equipment will make all those kilometres more enjoyable. If you’re not one for the long rides or hauling loads of luggage, then the Triumph has it covered. It's not as top heavy or bulky as the K 1600 GT, which makes the twisties all that more exciting.

Murray Sharp

The biggest surprise for me was the Guzzi. In this company it had the most character, with great throttle response and a pleasing note; it showed that you can do this type of bike with some flair. Would I buy one? No, too cramped and ‘character’ doesn’t excuse cold starting issues in 2011.

The Honda is smooth, comfortable and capable but feeling its age, especially in the company of the hi-tech mega dollar BMW which, for mine, was a victim of its own hype. It just didn’t blow me away as much as I was expecting; I wasn’t impressed with the throttle response, but was with the nimble handling and cool gadgets.

After the previous three the Triumph felt like a superbike and was immediately more comfortable in the tight stuff, but did feel a bit the odd one out with its riding position and small screen.

This leaves the FJR which combines the best of both worlds: a stonking engine, good steering and still a super tourer/sports riding position. It fits the brief for this class of bike and is good value. Having said that, I’d happily find room in the garage for the Triumph.

CONCLUSION

If you’re currently shopping around for a sportstourer, you’ve never had it so good. Among this little lot there’s not a dud to be seen, but as in all motorcycle categories these days there are models that excel in some areas more than others. Each of these bikes will be a faithful companion on a long-haul trip – able to accommodate pillions and luggage with equal aplomb – and each come packed with plenty of practicalities.

For outright sporting ability with the benefit of a bit of comfort, go for the Triumph Sprint GT. It’s a superb piece of proven engineering, and its $15,990 (rideaway at the time of publication – a limited promotional offer) price tag makes it the clear bang-for-your-buck victor in this company.

If money’s no object, for sheer sophistication, performance and a list of creature comforts that will leave your head spinning, the BMW K 1600 GT is unmatched in today’s market. It’s a technological masterpiece, plain and simple.

For pure character and a lusty, Latin V-twin beat, the Norge will massage your soul like few bikes can. It’s gorgeous, it’s compelling, it’s unique – a Norge stands out from the crowd, and with Piaggio at the purse strings the build quality is as good as it’s ever been.

That leaves the Yamaha and the Honda – two fine rides that are just starting to show a few wrinkles. But their respective build quality and refinement still justifies the similar price tags, so it’s just a matter of deciding what you want from your sportstourer. Sportiness? Go for the FJR. More of a tourer? Go for the ST. Neither will disappoint.

What would I chose? Personally, I’m blown away by the BMW – but with bills and a mortgage to pay, that Triumph Sprint GT looks like a far more realistic proposition.

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