BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Ténéré

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Yamaha

Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Ténéré

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2014 bis 2021
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 16.349 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Robust
  • Fitness to travel
  • Pillion comfort
  • Service
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Price

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.540 mm
Length :
2.255 mm Height : 1.410 mm
Seat :
845 mm
Weight :
267 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.199 ccm
Hub: 80 mm
Hole: 98 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
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: 112 HP at 7.250 U/Min
Torque: 117 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 23 Litre

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:
Central pipe
Rear suspension:
Mono-featherleg

Brakes

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

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!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Unspectacular and simply good

The 1200 offers a high level of long-distance comfort, which results from a moderate knee angle, the sofa-like seat cushion for riders like Sozius and perfectly placed footrests like handlebars. This comfort is supported by the low-vibration running of the twins.

So the spectacular thing about the Ténéré is that it is so unspectacular. But it is not quite cheap: at just under 16,000 euros, it is almost as expensive as a – admittedly naked – BMW GS.

The test bike was provided to us by Tecius and Reimers in Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 13.499€
  • Used (3 years old): 11,000€
  • Years of construction: since 2015
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: ceramic ice, black