BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Suzuki V-Strom 1000

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Adventure

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not just pretty to look at.

Wild Bavarian woman in a smart rally dirndl The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly eagerly awaited test object for us. And not only because the GS gave hope for numerous interested parties for our test report due to its popularity. No, above all, we were all really keen on... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

Gallery

Good and cheap

You have to have this courage to fill the gap: Although it sold well, nobody could buy a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in the years between 2007 and 2013. But it came back, and with success: Suzuki's travel enduro was deliberately not positioned at the top like... weiter

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 / V-Strom 1000XT 2018

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2002 bis 2019

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 12.599 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

has neat Wums
extensive electronic helpers
significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS

Pros:

Service
Comfort
Handling
Torque

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

no sports engine

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.555 mm
Length : 2.280 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 232 (max: 440 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: V 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.037 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km

Maximum speed: 210 km/h
Performance: 101 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 101 NM bei 4.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 417 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17

Frame type:
Bridges (aluminium)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 160 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 160 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm aluminum

Tyres at the front: 19 M/C x MT 2.50 110/80R19 M/C 59V
Rear tyres: 17 M/C x MT 4.00 150/70R17 M/C 69V

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 260 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Conclusion - what's stuck?

What remains? Astonishingly, it is the on-board computer that characterizes the Suzi. Never before. The computer is clear: With a switch you can choose additional information such as range or temperature. With the second switch, the pilot chooses from three stages the intervention of the traction control - and finished. There is simply no more. If you feel like some competitors have purchased a mobile Playstation, there is nothing that would be further than the V-current.

Doesn't it sound like love at first sight? Maybe not, but the solid and trouble-free handling of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, which we noticed already at the first encounter, describes the Suzuki everywhere and in every situation. If you want to ride a motorbike fast but relaxed, if you want to study the user manual, who likes the look and who likes to surf on the torque wave: Love does not always arise at first sight, give yourself the chance.

The test machine was kindly provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Tornesch. It can be purchased there as a guide for 10,690 € with about 2,500 km - good offer!