BMW r1200r 8295
Road value Liveability Performance overall
BUELL XB12R firebolt 7745
FOR Comfortable, reliable and perfect for everyday use Engine 1170cc Engine configuration air-cooled, 8-valve flat-twin Gearbox 6-speed Bore & stroke 101x 73mm Comp. ratio 12:1 Fueling EFI Max power (tested) 102.2bhp@7200rpm What to look out for
1 Old model Before the R1200R came the R1150R, which looks fairly similar. Its not a bad bike but the IMPORTER BMW UK (08000) 777115 older 1150 engine isnt nearly as refined as the 1200, and the bike is quite heavy and cumbersome. Not a bad machine for gentle riding, but it lacks the improved handling of the R1200 range of bikes 2 ABS Is an optional extra
AGAINST A bit of an old mans bike, lacks some of the fun factor Max torque 83.2lb.ft@5800rpm Chassis Tubular steel Front suspension BMW Telelever Rear suspension BMW Paralever, adjustable preload Front brakes 320mm discs, 4-piston calipers
VERDICT Solid, reliable transport for the elder statesman Rear brake 265mm disc, 2-piston caliper Front tyre 120/70-17 Rear tyre 180/55-17 Claimed weight 198kg Measured weight 230kg (wet, full tank) Colours Grey, black Top Speed 139.6mph 1/4 mile 11.74s@119mph MPG/range 46/187
FOR Great styling, good handling and a lovely sound. Quirky fun Engine 1203cc Engine configuration Air-cooled, 8-valve V-twin Gearbox 6-speed Bore & stroke 88.9 x 79.38mm Comp. ratio 10:1 Fueling EFI Max power (tested) 87.2bhp@6600rpm What to look out for
AGAINST The clutch is heavy and reliability is still a slight issue Max torque 70.1lb.ft@6200rpm Chassis Aluminium Front suspension USD forks, fully adjustable Rear suspension Monoshock, fully adjustable Front brakes 375mm disc, 6-piston caliper
VERDICT If you like the look and fancy a Buell then give one a try Rear brake 240mm disc, 2-piston caliper Front tyre 120/70-17 Rear tyre 180/55-17 Claimed weight 175kg Measured weight 211kg (wet, full tank) Colours Yellow, black Top speed 136.7mph 1/4 mile 12.14s@116mph MPG/range 44/120
IMPORTER Buell UK (0870) 8501903 www.buell.com
1 New model Although the Buell hasnt really been updated as such there have been changes to the way the belt drive is covered. The later bikes have less plastic guarding the rear sprocket 2 Tyres Early Firebolts came with Dunlop tyres, that will set you back 800. All-new TCS traction control will soon be an option too 3 Optional extras The range of accessories is huge, and includes a fly screen, alarm, and electronically controlled suspension to name a few which werent a good match for the Buell. Swapping for Pirellis makes a world of difference to the handling and is worth doing if you own a Buell of any model 3 XB9R There is a smaller 984cc version of the Firebolt, but the 1200 is a better buy. For a less sporty riding position try the naked XB12S Lightning
ducati multistrada 1100 7750

hyosung gt650r 3999

FOR Fantastic fun with a stonking engine and some practicality Engine 1078cc Engine configuration air-cooled, 8-valve DOHC V-twin Gearbox 6-speed Bore & stroke 98 x 71.5mm Comp. ratio 10.5:1 Fuelling EFI Max power (tested) 83.8bhp@7600rpm What to look out for

1 Old model The first Multistrada uses the older 1000cc air-cooled engine rather than the new 1100. The chassis is the same and if you dont mind missing out on a few ponies a cheap second-hand one isnt a bad buy. Spend a bit of the saving on a set of cans to release some power! 2 Extras Ducati has a range of official extras for the
AGAINST The clutch is heavy and suspension could be better Max torque 66.5lb.ft@5600rpm Chassis Steel tube Front suspension 43mm Marzocchi USD fully adjustable Rear suspension Monoshock, fully adjustable Front brakes 320mm discs, 4-piston calipers
VERDICT A top bike for the more adventurous tourer or B-road loon Rear brake 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper Front tyre 120/70-17 Rear tyre 180/55-17 Claimed weight 196kg Measured weight 220kg (wet, full tank) Colours Red, black Top speed 131.8mph 1/4 mile 12.12s@109mph MPG/range 46/178
FOR Fantastic value for money, decent build quality and stylish Engine 647cc Engine configuration liquid-cooled, 8-valve DOHC V-twin Gearbox 6-speed Bore & stroke 81.5 x 62mm Comp. ratio 11.4:1 Fuelling Carbs Max power (tested) 67.2bhp@8700rpm What to look out for
1 Other models As well as this faired R, Hyosung also make a half-faired S version for 3899, and a naked GT650 for 3599. All bikes have identical specs and come with a two-year warranty and free delivery 2 Resale value The biggest
AGAINST The brakes on this one were weak, and resale will be poor Max torque 44.1lb.ft@7000rpm Chassis Steel tubular Front suspension USD forks, adj. preload Rear suspension Monoshock, adj. preload Front brakes 310mm discs, 2-piston calipers Rear brake 220mm
VERDICT A genuine contender and great value for money disc, 1-piston caliper Front tyre 120/60-17 Rear tyre 160/60-17 Claimed weight 208kg Measured weight 219kg (wet, full tank) Colours Red, yellow, black grey Top speed 130.4mph 1/4 mile 12.87s@107mph MPG/range 38/110
IMPORTER Hyosung UK (01869) 363636, www.hyosung.co.uk

Performance data

IMPORTER Ducati UK (0845) 1222996, www.ducati.com
Strada. The bike is pitched towards the touring maket so extras include a gel seat, panniers and an alarm
3 S version If want something tricker the S version has hlins suspension and trick carbon bits

issue for Hyosung is the resale value of the GT650. An SV650 will hold its value but the Hyosung is less
likely to be so appealing to second- hand buyers. Thats something to bear in mind should you be looking to
buy. If you are likely to keep the bike for a while this isnt an issue, but if you plan to update soon it could be
Two Wheels Only | February 2007
November 2006 | Two Wheels Only