Yamaha Super Tenere v BMW GS v Multistrada v KTM 990

[@firegrunt03]

in the end, after years of owning any of them, only the super tenere stands on top with the least cost of ownership not to mention trouble free. Evaluate that!

[@Mattthewanderer]

The Tenere is the sole reason I watched the video. Having been through the BMW world for a couple decades I decided to simply "get off their lawn" and go have fun. The other two bikes with their chains and high-strung natures are not my flavor so it has come down to the Tenere as my choice for a RTW mount. Now to decide on a used and pre-farkled one or a new one I can take care of from Day 1.

[@pappaclutch3266]

Same here Super ten for the win

[@philclarke7712]

I bet the Super Tenere has caused the owner the least problems and provided the most adventure all these years later.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Problems vs Fun vs Money

[@JoshuaSaundersAtLarge]

so the best "Adventure" bike was the one least capable of "adventure" and the most fun on the road? I think they call that a sport tourer. Which of these will be the most fun/capable up a fire road to pitch a tent beside a lake? I love the Strada, but it's out of it's league in it's intended segment.

[@trainhardridefast]

That is called advertising

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

What a test! I'm not sure why you didn't include a shopping trolley with that lot because you didn't seem to get out of the carpark! My wife drives further to pick up the shopping! Boys, next time come down to Australia and we'll give you a test. Honestly, you would have discovered more about the bikes' dirt manners if you took the liberty of asking a farmer if you could ride around his paddock. As a test - you fail and along the way you fail us all.

[@moozepatt7525]

I thought so too, but the Tenere1200 is actually quite good off-road. Provided, of course, one does not try to mistake it for a motocross bike (then it's titanic mass squashes you). My old XL600 was great even though a bit heavy. The DRZ 400 is, an you've mentioned, just lovely though.

[@MrMojoRisin22]

Mine does alright. It's so light and nimble and when you throw it into enduro mode, the throttle lightens up immensely and the DTC turns off. It's better off road than my 07 Buell Ulysses which is another adventure bike. It's does surprisingly well, the only knock is the tires, they are trash, but on a fire road, they'll get you to where you need to go.

[@gkm3838]

What is the point of having an Adventure bike and not taking it off road?

[@Motologist95]

Because the Multistrada was involved. If they'd gone off road the KTM and the GSA would've been first and second. Multistrada v. 990 off road is no contest.

[@gkm3838]

True

[@dullen87]

Nothing wrong with the SuperTenere

[@sweetcostarica]

The men in the video seem to place the Yamaha Super Tenere last. I think they were being *a little bit snobbish* as the Yamaha is no.1 in reliability and is the cheapest. I will buy a bike in Feb. 2018. I will most likely get a Yamaha Super Tenere or a big maybe get the new for 2018 - BMW 900 GS.

[@moozepatt7525]

I think you are correct. That's how I use my Tenere 1200 (I doubt I approach 10% offroad). They do make superb "light" touring bikes though. They really are great on those old back gravel roads (the ones that most people avoid due to the awful grip) fire roads, old railroad beds, etc. And you do, of course look very intrepid on one, as if you may be about to ride from the Darien Gap to the Arctic Circle.

[@lifewiththehamptons2191]

Love watching Adventure bike vs adventure bike video's, however this was pointless. A non adventure bike was best on street. What a shocker

[@Mattthewanderer]

True, that.

[@jimwms1able]

Why would you not rate the Tenere higher? Great bike and price is fantastic. Did you really take the time to review these bikes. I watch these reviews and while I am sure the GS, etc. are great bikes what about the bang for the buck? The ones you went with are the more expensive ones. How about the ability vs the price...value for the money.

[@0utbound]

Are you guys using an HDDSLR to shoot these videos now? It sort of looks like you're using a Canon 7D. There's lots of aliasing and the bike cam had a lot of rolling shutter. The zoom-ins/outs also aren't smooth at all which makes it seem like the operator is using the manual zoom on an HDDSLR lens.

[@rtodahl01]

My humble opinion is that the adventure doesn't start until I hit the dirt. with that said of course I would go with the KTM

[@jacquesduplessis6310]

You can go with KTM. Just not very far🤣

[@SKgeostrat]

How can you possibly test an adventure bike just on the asphalt? Beats me and it does not say much for the MCN team!!

[@Bell5218]

@ 8:36 in reference to the Multistrada..."but how many people take them off road?" So is it not made for it? Is it not really a dual sport? Why so many comparisons with the GS Adventure then? I'm confused as to why it was top choice.

[@pat2bornot2b]

Funny I would give a very difficult result. Is this as normal bike magazines going for the new shine. I love Ducati but have test ridden the new Mutlistrada I was really surprised that it was not great. The wind protection was poor with lots of buffeting and wind noise. The electronic suspension is a bit of a gadget, interesting concept, but the standard settings are too soft and for the extra expense a spanner to adjust it once or twice a year! Running out of space, tested the Yamaha, amazing.

[@BRZDR]

Tenere all the way

[@lomate1963]

Of course it is even a trip to the shops is a adventure 😁😁😁😁

[@19todd76]

Up next, we test 5 dirt bikes on pavement.

[@alexzaharcu]

wow MCN Aren't you guys blowing the budget with these 10 min vids?

[@steinert]

@w3media What are you talking about "adventure" when there is standing in the text that they made a road trip? How can they test than mud and sand? And by the way i dont know a lot of people who would use a heavy travel enduro for river crossing... where in the UK is it necessary for people to cross a river with such fat bikes?

[@mannie7461]

a lot of great bikes to choose from on the market these days.

[@jnk210]

Great review hows the Multi compare to other Bikes... outside Adventure market... 3 or 4 bikes in one... 1200 Multi = to Sportbike/Naked/Supermoto ?or Better ?

[@williamrae9954]

Who knew,10yrs later, Scotland is one of the few places you could go too?

[@tigerfan766]

To be fair, the guy said 90% of the people that buy these kinds of bikes never take them off road, so they chose the Ducati, if taken off road it would have been left in the dust. These reviews are one man's opinion. I had the opportunity to buy any one of the bikes shown, and I chose the Yamaha. Last place for them, unbeatable first place for me.

[@arie407]

If you do a test like this with bikes intended for long range riding in all kind of conditions reliability is one of the most important factors to consider. I would chose a japanese bike over any european bike if you want a reliabel bike. The ducati will likely break within the first 1000 km, the bmw and ktm within the first 10000 km.

[@kirvelissariou]

Great review!! What is the height of the shortest driver in the test?

[@SUPERCOOLZZ]

They should have had the interviewer who knows SOMETHING about offroad riding.

[@JeppeOlsen]

The hardest job in the world; reading a map while listening to bagpipes

[@TAS0AadvarK]

When I last took my brothers Range Rover off road it was awesome! doubt this Ducati would be any good though :P

[@dv8tion242]

how much HP do you really need for sitting at 70ish? the most flexible(easy of use) and ultimately reliable would get my vote as the best tourer, that means: best MPG, longest distance between services/fillups, known (model) reliability. those are boring but if you end up in the outer Hebrides and the electronics go titsup, what sort of internal backup system do the GS and Multistrada (besides AA) to allow you and your bike home?

[@bladeusAU]

Have to agree with everyone else, pointless review. I think you missed the purpose of these bikes MCN.

[@mike19831115]

@w3media YIP, some people,to this day, still just dont know the difference between adventure and tour

[@eduardobibm]

I'm afraid I have to agree with the others here. Normally I really like the MCN reviews, but to not test adventure touring bikes on a real adventure seems to be the fundamental failure of the test. I really like the Multistrada but I am very keen to know it's capabilities in the dirt. I actively seek out the roads less traveled on my rides, so I'm not sure th Multi is for me.

[@mzstudiomediaInc]

which one is better for hway gs,multistada, or anything els?

[@dakaraabbccdd]

there are lots of differences in terms of handling and speed performance at corners between 17', 19' and 21' front wheel...

[@TheFriarHenderson]

Hmmm, seems to me the boys are missing the point. But hey they are Poms :-) I suppose we in the southern hemisphere should feel sorry for them as they have nowhere to go adventure riding like we do!

[@FamousByFriday]

Why bother test them if you aren't going to use them for what they're marketed as. If they are the equivalent of the lifted suv grocery getter... I'd like you to call out the manufacturer. Are these really any better than a standard?

[@Mikes1800]

Where was the 'adventure' lol. Need to pack some serious gear on those bikes and really get out there for like a week! No hotels. I didn't see those bikes go anywhere I haven't taken my Goldwing...

[@induristan]

That's a nice video, but not a test. You should have ridden the bikes on dirt tracks 5%, offroad 15 %, mountain roads 25%, back roads 25% & highways 30% to figure out their adventure capabilities. Honestly, there should even be river crossings... ! In addition, the BMW is the "Adventure" version of the GS - so why didn't you include the "standard" GS & also the KTM 990 Adventure R? But it's really great to see a 10 min. video. PLEASE test again, this time including the "dual sports" aspect.

[@45H16E]

These bikes are just like SUVs, few of the people who buy them will ever take them off-road. I don't know why you would buy one if not but that's just me. They really shouldn't call this an adventure bike test though as it's clearly not.

[@SlayerofFiction]

Because the Tenere and probably the GS handle just as well if not better than some of their smaller counterparts. I went to the Tenere after a KLR 650, while I enjoyed the KLR the Tenere is far easier to handle off road do to its low center of gravity, it is even easier to Pick up. I ride probably 70 percent highway and the rest dirt roads, it is not a trail bike nor should any bike this size be. The weight again is not so noticeable as the size itself and of course moving them around when not moving. Everyone keeps saying these bikes will never see dirt roads, but I everyone I meet on them even on the Tigers are riding them on dirt as well.

[@tumergundem]

SlayerofFiction I totally agree. Recently I was at BMW Enduro Park at Hechlingen Germany. I rode a GS1200 for two days fully off road. Fantastic bike. And you know what, my Super Tenere is still my favourite, because its centre of gravity is lower then the BMW GS. And that makes slow manoeuvres on the dirt much easier. I love the Super Tenere and it is so much underrated by so many journalists who do not know anything about Adventure riding. Cheers.

[@SlayerofFiction]

Tumer Gundem Interesting, I have never ridden a 1200 GS, but I assumed the center of gravity was similar to the Tenere. I quit reading Motorcycle Rags years ago. Regardless of how well Japanese bikes did, Euro bikes were always the fav. Now mind you, I am not picking on them, I do not play that brand game nonsense, just saying I got tired of the same BS over and over again. Not to mention some modern Ride Magazines like Roadrunner do not even bother talking about bikes beyond the factory nonsense. Jeez. Thanks for the reply, ride safe!

[@GreenFrogJSK]

@number1Schumacherfan has it really? i wonder how many front forks they had to replace during the trip.

[@MegaPatja]

what is the point to compare the off road bike on the road?

[@mikehamilton9128]

After trying all of these, I thought the Ducati was the best road bike, the KTM was the best off-road which left the BMW and the Yamaha. I bought the Yamaha.

[@britex3186]

Where was the Tiger in this test?

[@moozepatt7525]

Two-up touring is why you'd want a 1200. I looked at the 800 Triumph, 1200 Triumph, BMW 1200GS, 800, and the Guzzi Stelvio and Yam. Tenere 1200. I do a lot of two-up riding and wanted a bike that can carry my wife and camping gear (my Kaw.Concours will not). The 800's just were not torquey enough. I chose the Yam. as it does everything the others do at several thousand less dollars. I loved the Guzzi but there are few dealers outside major cities in the U.S. BMW was second but way too pricey.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@BlueFatalis Good in theory but after 2 1200 gs's I got different tales to tell....I'm now riding a KTM 990 (or the 950 SE) and is the best bike out there hands down....that is if you really want to do some offroading while you're "adventuring" ...whatever that means nowdays....

[@ThaBeatDontStop]

@whitey0222 and what about the Honda Transalp and Varadero - those are no small timers .... how can they talk adventure bikes without the transalp or varadero

[@TheOKTerrificable]

I'm looking to replace my Caponord & got my eye on the Tenere. Its actually going to be cheaper in the States compared to those other bikes. Good sized gas tank, and nice low maint shaft drive. Don't think the seat on the multistrada or the KTM would be good for REAL long distance.

[@kawasaki3252]

Not possible to really go on an adventure in pommyland.

[@hyprmoto]

While it is true that they don't really show the bikes' off road capabilities, the bulk of any of theses machines' time will be spent on ROADS.- so-well done!

[@UltrasabersVideos]

The Duc is only good if you NEVER take it off road. Why even buy one of these bikes if you stay on the street? The Beemer is by far the best Adventure bike when you factor the off-road aspect into the test. If you were only going to test the street-appeal, you may as well have a Goldwing in the test.

[@wrcyio]

in April 2012 we are beggin an epic adventure journey around the globe for charity reason. The charity is to rise founds for children control by UNICEF. We have been thinking for ages now what kind of bike we should go with. Having seen (obviously) all the lond way round etc, we decided to know BMW door as well. However we needed a tool to get us around and not a marketing image. So the next option was the KTM or the ST. ST of course is heavier than GS but more pedigry it to it, and no comment

[@lboja]

Good review

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@slowandeasy If you want to see a fair dinkum test of the Super Tenere go to channel edog200 or search Super Tenere Dirt Test.

[@super10romania]

Never heard "exciting" and "full of electronics" in the same sentence before.

[@BlueFatalis]

Adventure is everything as you would expect adventure on road and off road, the BMW is the best all rounder in my opinion it will outlast ALL of the other bikes and it will still be kicking long after its owner even with neglect its shaft drive, less power but more reliable, no chain problems, your screwed if your chain breaks up in the middle of no where because you are adventuring.

[@ceziukozak]

not much off-roading in the test. after watching "long way down" i`ve fallen in love with BMW. i`d love to have one ( rf900 at the mo )

[@turbo311]

@UltraSWG lol Goldwing. The Multistrada I'm sure can handle a dirt fire road pretty well as can most bikes as long as they're not using street-only tires. The R1200GS isn't really stellar off road anyway. The F800GS is far better at that.

[@anoyeah]

@308mmm I'm with you on that bro!!

[@KennyHendrickx]

Multistrada on first place?? What you guys been smoking?

[@NULUSIOS]

...hope next update it gets a nice electronic goodies update (a la MS12) and some moderate power boost (not that it lacks, only to keep in in the competition). Speaking of electronics, after BMW switched to non-power-assisted brakes, the bike can go all day with "normal" electronics. Nothing more than a KTM AND you don't need to take everything apart to fix somethings.

[@lamilumag]

@KimLudbrook it's not made for the 10% dirt - but you still can do 100% tar - not really an adventure bike - this is a road bike and should be compared to and mcn fails to put this thing into the right category

[@jaimevillarreal2446]

Yamaha is yamaha the best

[@MrMojoRisin22]

Well a Range Rover is an all terrain vehicle, but I'm not taking a $60,000 SUV off-roading. Same applies to the Multistrada. Just because you CAN doesn't necessarily mean you SHOULD.

[@Desus80]

So, the best adventure bike is the only one which can't get his wheels off road in search of "adventures"...Very interesting.

[@MrRatikainen]

yes! if i correctly remember the multistrada was used in off road adventures before, like "long way round" 4 example, no? come on guys... seriously?

[@campland2880]

For our "Adventure" test, the winner is a non-adventure street bike. . . . Lmao!

[@advorlando9855]

The Vstrom should be in this video rather than the Ducati. MCN does not favor Japanese bikes, I've noticed.

[@steinert]

@Vilas30 i agree with you about the ducati.. but i know both ktm adventure - usual and the R - version. and also this bikes are no cross-bikes. too massive, too heavy, no handling for difficult ways... same the GS. but for touring on all terrain here the GS and the KTM lead the field. a ducati with her supermoto-tyres is a street-bike - nothing else

[@spazmoso]

@Sponge1310 it doesnt mean its a crappy bike ,the others are just that much more advanced.ive owned a few different brands of bikes but the yamaha durability is by far the best jmo

[@Dexter_Solid]

honestly if you're staying on the road, why not bring the BMW K1600 into this? Dual sport means.. OFF AND ON road..

[@turbo311]

Didn't know there's a new Tenere, but why would I? We never got them in the US. Sucks it got last place. Everyone says the BMW is a pig but they love it anyway. And it does have a great engine. Ducati, hmm I'd have to ride it. Otherwise I'd got F800GS or V-Strom 650.

[@lamilumag]

adventure bikes are about going offroad too - that's where the adventures are - so ducati falls flat for me - GS is still the bike to beat!

[@w3media]

@fotokitdirect no I didn't "miss that completely"...that's my whole point! Why would you test a bunch of Dual sport bikes and not take them off tarmac? I've ridden all of those bikes long distance at highway speeds, through bush and scrub, over sand, desert and through rivers and mud. Of these four bikes, the one I would never buy for true Adventure riding is the one they are saying is the best....and I know they are only saying that because they never took it off road.

[@KingCast65]

Yes and no. Don't be advertising something for a purpose it is ill-suited for even if I am only going to use it that way 10% of the time :) Peace.

[@BurnRubberL12]

@sambob104 but it can go off road and i think that makes it the only true go anywhere bike

[@chriscronje5320]

No broken pavement and a little bit of dirt track into your test? Pathetic

[@Vladimir_putin477]

i like it

[@Rockynight]

Steak pie? Never heard of that before. Valves? BMW maintenance every 6000 miles vs Yamaha Tenere every 24,000 miles

[@AlexRyteuBart]

Dont forget!! If you are going to take BMW for an adventure, dont forget to take your KRAZ support truck because RAC or AA cant get that far as R1200GSA!! so wont be able to fix it for you ;)

[@Dexter_Solid]

Other than the multistrada, these bikes are designed for offroad. It's not an adventure bike if it's clean.

[@SplashDamageNL]

@alexzaharcu You dont know much about Charley Boorman then. :)

[@MalmoeSnapphane]

Looking forward to the test of 1000 cc sport bikes test on a dirt track... I must say that with this test I did get clear on that the best bike in your test was the worst for multi-purpose. Nest time you do a test you might consider to look in to what you are testing before planning the roads you test it on.

[@PartialS]

Red-t-shirt guy absently grooming the Duke. Says something. I don't know what though.

[@Shartmiester]

How can you call it a review when you dont go off road?

[@ApexIXMR]

Nice, you're forced to watch a commercial, followed by another commercial. Pretty soon, youtube will just be network tv all over again.

[@lamilumag]

had a look at the multistrada yesterday - typically italian mix of expensive carbon and very very cheap plastic BMW and KTM owns them

[@fimagno]

Light years from Africa Twin

[@Vidme01]

You guys should stick to street bikes since you can't seem to do a true test on DUAL sport bikes.

[@snuffleschinway]

You guys go ahead and mention this is an Adventure Touring comparison, and leave out all the fun parts. the offroad parts.... If we were to run on road, why not get some Sport touring types? duh...

[@njits16]

i like the GS more i think the multistrada is to exspensive

[@MrMojoRisin22]

95% of adventure owners are using these bikes primarily on road. Probably a 90/10 split at best. All these people crying about true adventure riding need a slap of reality.

[@TheBarbcon1]

I don't want traction control or ABS...Give me fuel injection, nobbies tires, supple suspension that doesn't bottom out too easy and the lbs's down low. Oh yeah and a seat that doesn't make me wince. I think I will vote for the BMW.

[@AlexRyteuBart]

MCN - "Who needs to go abroad on an adventure biking holiday when the roads, weather and people of the UK can be this good?" Hahahahaha!!! Good JOKE!!

[@bfmv580]

Ducati always win.. I like the BMW the most :-)

[@number1Schumacherfan]

Who in their right mind would buy the Yamaha Jap bike when it's the same price as the BMW R1200 GS which has proven itself on Ewan and Charlie's adventures?

[@Jeff_gast]

klr 650 is the best

[@williamrae9954]

Maybe the 2022...up until that one,no!

[@smutpow]

Its a shame this review is so biased. All adventure type KTMs would be a disappointment for road riding. Everyone I know complains about how bad their seats are. But for the Yamaha; this being their first big bore adventure after such a long absence, I must say is very surprisingly good. I own a BMW but I'd definitely chose the Yamaha as my next bike unless Honda makes a proper comeback.

[@gouralnik]

These guys have no frigging idea what they are talking about (and 95% of ppl who post here instead of doing some off-road riding). Why are the bikes so clean at the end of the "test"? KTM all the way.

[@checa160]

Come on guys. Multistrada??? What are we testing here? Adventure or road bikes? With this kind of "tests" bikes like the ktm '14 model go to 150 hp and 19' rim in the front. You're killing the category. Next will be 200 hp and 17' rims. If you want a supermotard, it's ok. But this are adventure bikes. A multistrada would sink in the first small river and would be a nightmare in the gravel or sand. And you know this.