Australian Road Rider — Bike Guide 2017

Australian Road Rider Bike Guide 81

Adventure Touring

Challenges? Yes! Compromises? No! This is the motto of the F 800 GS — the sportiest

member of the large GS family. The motorcycle is continuing its long success story and

impresses with its enormous versatility for both on- and off-road journeys. Simply an

incredibly versatile enduro with a sports background.

The Africa Twin will take you on a trip of a lifetime. This ultimate explorer is the only choice

for those yearning for a two-wheeled adventure. The 998cc parallel-twin uses Honda’s

exclusive four-valve Unicam cylinder head design for smooth, tractable power. It’s offered

with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a DCT six-speed transmission with selectable on-

and off-road modes. It’s engineered to handle the most rugged off-road adventures, while

also providing the comfort of a touring motorcycle for the everyday commute.

BMW F800 GS $16,940

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200

ENDURO $29,990

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line twin-

cylinder engine, two overhead camshafts, four

valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication

Displacement: 798cc

Power/Torque: 55kW @ 7300rpm/77Nm

@ 5300rpm

Transmission: Six-speed, multi-plate wet

clutch, chain fi nal drive

Tyres: F: 110/80R19 R: 140/80R17

Seat height: 820mm (adjustable with options)

Kerb weight: 209kg (wet)

Fuel capacity: 16L

Warranty/Service interval: Two years,

unlimited km/10,000km

SPECIFICATIONS

VERDICT: VERSATILE LIGHTWEIGHT

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke eight-valve

parallel-twin with 270° crank and uni-Cam

Displacement: 998cc

Power/Torque: NA

Transmission: Six-speed or six-speed DCT,

chain fi nal drive

Tyres: F: 90/90R21 R: 150/70R18

Seat height: 870mm

Kerb weight: 232–242kg

Fuel capacity: 18.8L

Warranty/Service interval: 2 years, unlimited

km/NA

SPECIFICATIONS

VERDICT: DUAL-CLUTCH WIZARD

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line twin-

cylinder engine, four valves per cylinder, two

overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication

Displacement: 798cc

Power/Torque: 63kW @ 7500rpm/83Nm @

5750rpm

Transmission: Six-speed, multi-plate wet

clutch, chain fi nal drive

Tyres: F: 90/90R21 R: 150/70R17

Seat height: 880mm (adjustable with options)

Kerb weight: 214kg (wet)

Fuel capacity: 16L

Warranty/Service interval: Two years,

unlimited km/10,000km

SPECIFICATIONS

VERDICT: SPORTY EXPLORING

Engine: Testastretta with variable valve timing,

L-twin cylinder, four valves per cylinder, Dual

Spark, Desmodromic, liquid-cooled

Displacement: 1198cc

Power/Torque: 117.7kW @ 9500rpm/136Nm

@ 7500rpm

Transmission: Six-speed, multi-plate wet

clutch, chain fi nal drive

Tyres: F: 120/70ZR19 R: 170/60ZR17

Seat height: 870mm

Kerb weight: 254kg (wet)

Fuel capacity: 30L

Warranty/Service interval: Two years,

unlimited km/15,000km

SPECIFICATIONS

VERDICT: THE WILD SIDE

It’s carefree motorcycling fun for everyone with the F700 GS. Its 75bhp engine and

outstanding handling make riding child’s play — on any terrain. Due to its low weight and

many different seat variants, from high to low-slung, it is also particularly suited to female

riders and beginners as an ideal all-round enduro machine.

Ducati breaks with the past and enters the adventure motorcycle segment with a

motorcycle that combines traditional Ducati values in terms of advanced technology and

high performance, with long-range touring capabilities and true off-road ability. The

Multistrada Enduro has the ability to travel across continents, allowing riders the freedom

to explore the globe on two wheels. The outstanding all-terrain ability of the Multistrada

Enduro is matched by its supreme long-range touring capability.

BMW F700 GS $12,890

HONDA CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN/DCT

$16,999–$17,999

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