Page 84 - Australian Road Rider - Bike Guide 2017

Adventure Touring

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R True adventure takes guts, so KTM’s rally experts brought out the big guns and packed
1301cc, 140Nm of torque and 160hp into the world’s most advanced Travel Enduro
$25,995 chassis. This makes for a mile-munching omnivore, ready to carve its name into any terrain
— the tougher, the better. It is our most extreme ADVENTURE ever, full stop.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: Liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, four- Tyres: F: 90/90R21 R: 150/70R18
stroke, 75° V-twin Seat height: 890mm
Displacement: 1301cc Kerb weight: 217kg (dry)
Power/Torque: 118kW/140Nm Fuel capacity: 23L
Transmission: Six-speed, multi-plate slipper Warranty/Service interval: Two years,
clutch, chain fi nal drive unlimited km/15,000km
VERDICT: UNSTOPPABLE

All of Himalayan’s sums and parts work in perfect harmony to utilise the energy of the ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN $6990
terrain it traverses. A grounded stance, terrain-tested suspension, dual-purpose tyres
combined with agile handling means the Himalayan can handle any off-road environments.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, Tyres: F: 90/90R21 R: 120/90R17
SOHC Seat height: 800mm
Displacement: 411cc Kerb weight: 182kg
Power/Torque: 18.kW @ 6500rpm/ 32Nm @ Fuel capacity: 15L
4000–4500rpm Warranty/Service interval: Two years,
Transmission: Five-speed, multi-plate wet 10,000km/NA
clutch, chain fi nal drive
VERDICT: SHERPA ON TWO WHEELS LAMS APPROVED

SUZUKI V-STROM 1000GT $19,990 With its vast distances and remote, rugged terrain, Australia is more than just a place
you see, it’s a place you feel. Recognising this, Suzuki has released the V-Strom 1000GT
Grand Tourer. It’s purposely built to support any rider’s adventuresome side, whether
that adventure is a multi-day journey or a daily commute to work. The GT edition is
equipped with a Factory Suzuki 35L top box, side case set, centre stand, lower engine
cowling, crash bars, large touring screen, LED indicators, hand guards, decal set and an
attractive tank protector.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, 90° Tyres: F: 110/80R19 R: 150/70R17
V-twin Seat height: 850mm
Displacement: 1037cc Kerb weight: 228kg (wet)
Power/Torque: 73.9kW @ 8000rpm/103Nm Fuel capacity: 20L
@ 4000rpm Warranty/Service interval: Two years,
Transmission: Six-speed, chain fi nal drive unlimited km/NA

VERDICT: ULTIMATE GRAND TOURER

Gathering followers with its versatility and friendly nature, the V-Strom 650 has earned the SUZUKI V-STROM 650 XT $11,490
respect of many riders as an excellent touring machine. It is truly a masterpiece, with the
ultimate balance provided by the natural riding position, comfortable seat and the fl exible
engine character. It offers stress-free riding whether it’s daily use or long-distance adventure
touring. The new model also receives a boost in engine performance while conforming to
Euro4 emissions standards. All the small updates, including weight savings, have made the
V-Strom more versatile, controllable and accessible, lifting its performance so it proudly
announces that it is simply “More V-Strom”. The XT Cross-Touring variant comes fi tted with
wire-spoked wheels, hand guards and engine under cowling as standard.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC Tyres: F: 110/80R19 R: 150/70R17
90° V-twin Seat height: 830mm
Displacement: 645cc Kerb weight: 216kg
Power/Torque: 49kW @ 8800rpm/60Nm Fuel capacity: 20L
@ 6400rpm Warranty/Service interval: Two years,
Transmission: Six-speed, chain fi nal drive unlimited km/NA
VERDICT: UNDERRATED ADVENTURER

84 Australian Road Rider Bike Guide