Alps Masters 2015 – Sport/Touring

A colourful mixture are competing at the 2015 Alps Masters 2015 sports/touring-oriented group: two heating devices that can be perfectly identified as such, plus an equally unambiguously positioned sports tourer – and finally a machine with a character that the testers couldn’t grasp at first glance.

Tyre-warmers fry the sports tyres at running temperature. The roughest holes in the road surface at the top of the mountain have already been levelled, and a fresh asphalt covering ensures predictable grip in every curve. The edge has in any case already been taken off the nastiest hairpin bends in advance. And of course the pass had to be completely blocked off to oncoming traffic on a temporary basis. The bike only race in one direction: up the mountain.

A similar scenario would presumably have to be created in order that the extremists among the sports bikes such as the Yamaha YZF-R1 or Kawasaki Ninja H2 are in their element at the 2015 Alps Masters. As is known, the reality looks a little different, which is why pure sports bikes actually have no chance of being crowned victorious at the Alps Masters. So why do the testers still bring them along? On the one hand because an Alps Masters always delivers highly interesting findings, that you will not necessarily get with standard testing on flat terrain. On the other hand because power monsters such as this are fun – pure and simple. Perhaps not always and everywhere, but at least occasionally, here and there. Such as on the fast passage up to the Passo di Fedaia, on the long straights of which H2 compressor can really build up some pressure. Aside from all of the serious business addressed in the assessment, it does indeed also take the pleasure associated with power, handling, acceleration and the carving out of corners into account.

So let’s begin with one of the outsiders, to truly hot Yamaha YZF-R1 supersports bike. When it comes to the assigning of points, the strong-in-character Big Bang four-cylinder generally has to join the back of the queue. Fourth place is actually the logical consequence of the fact that fast laps on the track took top priority during development. For the same reason, flexible staff are a basic prerequisite to sporty fun in the mountains, as you really have to fold yourself in half on an uncompromising racer such as the Yamaha YZF-R1. On the uphill this is still bearable, but gets rather exhausting downhill on the steep Pordoi. The sitting position, leaning far forwards, puts enormous strain on the wrists when braking for hairpin bends. The fact that comfort is limited, not only ergonomically speaking but also with regard to the chassis, on account of its firm, sporty basic setup, should also be clear. It is very tough for the pillion rider: no-one could last very long on this tiny jump seat.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is even more pure-bred than the H2. A brilliant racing machine, but in the Alps it simply cannot fulfil its potential, and driving proves to be rather strenuous. Credit: jkuenstle.de

Power would of course theoretically be in abundance there. At least right at the top, with almost 200 HP. However, with the Yamaha YZF-R1 you can even hit 150 km/h in first gear, which is still considered as anti-social in the Alps as it is elsewhere.

So let’s forget about the 200 HP, and take a look at the middle of the rev range. The special measurement values at the Alps Masters speak for themselves: the long ratio and the low torque in the lower rev range result in the poorest mountain torque value within this group. Conversely, when braking downhill as a pair, the high-sitting pillion rider and the effective (on account of its defensive regulation) rollover detection in the Yamaha YZF-R1 really screw up any chance of a short braking distance. In the slippery hairpins running up to the Campolongo in particular, the harsh load change and the excessively direct throttle response are irritating.

A shortcoming that also affects the compressor Kawasaki. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 also requires a sensitive hand in hairpin bends and sometimes the clutch, in order to smooth over the harsh use of power. A shame, given that otherwise the turbo-charged, almost vibration-free four-cylinder lets rip powerfully, even with low revs, without ever seeming unpredictable. With the enormous thrust, the traction control has its hands full, especially on the polished asphalt on the flat ascent to Pordoi, yet it performs its job reliably. In contrast to the R1, the Kawa picks up top marks when it comes to drive performance. However, this is not down solely to the powerful drive, but quite simply to the lack of a pillion rider as well: the H2 is a pure one-seater, and therefore could only be measured up against its competitors with a solo rider. However, this doesn’t actually give it an advantage, as it of course fails to score any points in the pillion rider comfort assessment. And only a single point was awarded for the scarce load capacity.

It is not just the sound that impresses – for which the compressor is to thank – but what good is crazy acceleration if you cannot make use of it? Therefore the Kawasaki Ninja H2 can only manage 3rd place in the Alps. Credit: jkuenstle.de

Nonetheless the driver still sits much more comfortably than on the Yamaha YZF-R1, with the Kawasaki Ninja H2 not quite so radical ergonomically speaking. There are no points for the unique experience value of the compressor engine. The permanent chirping of the overpressure valve, the unyielding thrust – this is a rather special spectacle. For this reason the testers were glad that the H2 was there – even if there were no prizes to be won here.

For ultimately there was an enormous favourite from Bavaria in this group: the BMW R 1200 RS. One that makes use of the advantages of its concept, but also shines with impressive characteristics. A sports tourer through and through, which shows little weakness and mercilessly claims points in almost all criteria. Typically BMW, ultra-modern and comprehensively equipped with assistance systems, plus with appropriate wind protection and comfortable ergonomics for two people.

The water-cooled boxer engine in the BMW R 1200 RS spoils you with silky-soft running and sufficient power in all situations, thus earning the best engine assessment of all 20 participants. However, the good measurement values only underscore subjectively convincing impressions. The fact that the transmission shifts rather harshly in the lower gears is compensated for by the shifting assistants that function superbly in both direction.

In the basic version, the BMW R 1200 RS costs the least – both with regard to purchase price (13,500 Euros excluding ancillary costs) and when refuelling (5.0 l/100 km).

It seems as though a similar approach was adopted with the chassis. Even the terrible edges and warping beneath the Valparola are absorbed by the suspension of the BMW R 1200 RS, which is highly responsive, especially to the front. To comment on the fact that potholes do get through at the back here and there is knit-picking of to highest level. At the end of the day what counts is the overall concept, which enables enormous range. Sporty driving when riding solo, long journeys with two riders and luggage, comfortable cruising in the mountains – the RS performs every task with aplomb. Confident, safe and comfortable.

So a clear victory, as the fourth candidate never seriously competes with the BMW R 1200 RS. After a short drive, however, doubt set in as to whether the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 really belongs in this category. It isn’t actually a tourer, although this is what MV likes to call it. A sporty machine certainly, on account of which it is by no means out of place here. On the other hand, with its high, upright sitting position, it actually isn’t far away from the crossover concepts such as the Yamaha Tracer.

Nevertheless, MV has done a few things to give the “TV” mass appeal and to make it suitable for everyday driving. The sitting position is far less radical than on the Stradale/Rivale. Still, it is the few taller drivers that will feel at home behind the handlebars, which are positioned slightly too high. Even a passenger can sit in relative relaxation. And the chassis is no longer as brutal as was previously generally the case with MV. The suspension appears a little soft, even with a pillion rider, as the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 is on the ropes, in a rather poor state.

Not fish, not meat, but in any case the snappy three-cylinder of the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 knows how to impress. Credit: jkuenstle.de

The all-clear for fans: this MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 isn’t washed with fabric softener either – it is still snappy and direct. The robust three-cylinder engine impresses with its performance, an endless rev range and thrust in all situations. The fact that the Italians now have a firm grip on the tuning of their three-cylinder engine is already general knowledge. As a result it scores highly, even in disciplines in which MV is not typically strong such as range, however, it never really gets close to the much more comfortable BMW. Still, respect.

In the end the two sports bikes, the Yamaha YZF-R1 and Kawasaki Ninja H2, must admit defeat, even on a conceptional basis, especially seeing as both are, in their own way, somewhat radical representatives of their species. As a classic sports tourer, the BMW R 1200 RS confidently claims victory and barely shows any weakness. And the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 managed to surprise the testers with its good manners in everyday driving, but still remains a typical MV with corners and edges, which ultimately cost it points.

1. BMW R 1200 RS

In the basic version, the BMW R 1200 RS costs the least – both with regard to purchase price (13,500 Euros excluding ancillary costs) and when refuelling (5.0 l/100 km).

2. MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800

Not fish, not meat, but in any case the snappy three-cylinder of the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 knows how to impress. Credit: jkuenstle.de

3. Kawasaki Ninja H2

It is not just the sound that impresses – for which the compressor is to thank – but what good is crazy acceleration if you cannot make use of it? Therefore the Kawasaki Ninja H2 can only manage 3rd place in the Alps. Credit: jkuenstle.de

4. Yamaha YZF-R1

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is even more pure-bred than the H2. A brilliant racing machine, but in the Alps it simply cannot fulfil its potential, and driving proves to be rather strenuous. Credit: jkuenstle.de

Power at the crankshaft. Measurements recorded on the Dynojet 250 roller dynamometer, adjusted in accordance with 95/1/EC, maximum possible deviation ± 5%. Credit: MOTORRAD

In this concept comparison the two sports bikes have barely any chance. Nonetheless, the testers had a whole lot of fun with the pure Yamaha YZF-R1 race and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 compressor. MV gave the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 a broader stance, which lacks just a little fine tuning. But all in all, the three competitors don’t stand a chance against the BMW R 1200 RS, which shows practically no weakness and, with its all-round qualities, is a hot title contender.

However, the drivers arrives, and so off we go. Through tight corners, with a beautiful panoramic view. Credit: jkuenstle.de

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