1200 Enduro Trading From A 1200s

I test ride one and really liked it, but didn’t change.

 

I've got an Enduro but haven't ridden an S ... that's not helpful is it ...

 

They handle well, I’d like one. Almost got in with one a few weeks back but the deal didn’t come off (my own fault really)... if it’d have been a beige one I’d have not let it get away. The 1260 is apparently really good but haven’t had the pleasure yet.

 

The beige one with the rough texture paint is the “pro” version, all of the enduro versions are to tall for me as the seat heights are about 32-34 inch

 

I think it's Artex... you ride them while wearing a blouson. I have already a low seat waiting for the inevitable arrival of an Enduro...

 

I have the low seat on my 1260 I'm just off flat foot but all the enduro versions I've tried I can't even get it off the side stand as bike to high

 

Tested a 1200s and owned an Enduro 1200 for the last 2 years:

Enduro gearing is different, shorter 1st and 6th - will top out at just over 150 odd mph
I’m 6’2” and was on tip toes both feet - Normal seat but I got short legs
Low speeds and low revs = front fairing / display is very rattly and quite loud, especially the screen (this can be sorted by having the screen set between the height notches)
Heavy to move around the garage and get on and off the centre stand
Top heavy when fully fuelled up, soon as speed is up not so noticeable - V Good range 250 to 300 miles on tank
Good level of electro gizmos - Settings are easy to use and change
Comfortable on long trips - TT trip from Bristol via Liverpool no stops, no sore arse, back or wrists and can cary loads of luggage
Very, very capable on the terrible British A and B roads - Deals with bumps, potholes, etc etc no problem and will hang with the pack but takes some manhandling and muscle to make it do so
Low down torque and wheelieability is fun fun fun.

Just traded mine in at Riders Bristol

 

Mines not rattly around the front end, just sayin' ... Great machine.

 

And tell me what the correct wheelie technique is please? Enduro mode?

 

2nd gear, 3 to 4 thousand rpm, quick squeeze and release on the clutch, up she comes. Cover back break, knees tight gripping tank, look straight ahead.

 

I had an enduro for the day whilst my bike was in for service. I enjoyed it but was pleased to get back on mine.

Overall view would be, big bike, more comfortable riding position and lacks the last 10% of handling that mine does.

 

I’m 6’3” and long in the legs, so seat height not a problem. I rode a 1260s last summer and it was brilliant, but a bit harsh for touring and potholed roads, si I got the 1200 enduro. A brilliant machine with lots of grunt. Gearing is lower as larger rear sprocket.
Set each mode as you want to, I’ve effectively got rain, touring and fast as....
Hardly ever use sport mode as it brings out the lunatic in me.
It would be nice if she had a quickshifter, but not a deal breaker.
Ride smooth rather than hammering the brakes into corners and there isn’t much that will leave one.
I think if people were honest about their riding and abilities, there’d be more enduros than pikes peaks.

 

I had a 2013 1200S for about a year, and did about 10,000 miles on it. I've now got a 2017 Enduro, and I've done about 11,000 miles in about 18 months. Can't really compare like with like, as my 1200S wasn't a DVT, although I test-rode a DVT at the time i had my 1200S and found it to be noticeably lighter. In some ways I prefer the engine character of the older bike.

In terms of negatives, I find the Enduro to be tall and heavy (and I'm 6'2), and I've had to adapt to riding it. I've dropped it twice - not something I've done since i was a learner, 25+ years ago. I've become a better ride as a result of owning it though - I better anticipate my approach to junctions, uneven surfaces, or broken/loose surfaces. It hasn't put me off owning it. In fact, I'd say it's the best bike I've ever owned. For context I've had a string of air-cooled Ducatis, a BMW R1100S (great bike), an early Multistrada 1000DS, the 2013 1200S, and a 2016 Monster 1200S. I've done at least 10k on each of them, and I've even done close to 4000 miles on a Diavel.

I LOVE my Enduro. Every time i ride it feels special. Sure, it's no Desmosedici, but it fits me, it's really good fun, it's comfy, it's fast, and it's brilliant at getting me quickly across country while keeping a smile on my face. It's also reasonably discreet I think, which i quite like. I've done loads to adapt mine - crash bars, barkbusters, crash bar bags to carry tools and puncture repair stuff, iphone holder, charging ports, radiator and oil cooler guards, pannier frames, spotlights....and more besides I expect. I've tweaked it to become my perfect motorbike. I especially love the 30 litre tank - for that alone I doubt I'd go to a non-Enduro model. I guess my absolutely perfect bike would be a Pikes Peak with a 30 litre tank, and all my mods listed above.

What do I dislike? It's a bit tall and heavy, and it's constantly dirty....because I ride it ALL THE TIME - I barely need a car now! It sips a bit of oil, but nothing drastic. The seat is too hard, but an air cushion helps. The screen is noisy, but I've prototyped a screen extender, and that completely cures the noise issues. There is a bit of a mid-range flat-spot that could possibly be cured with a de-cat. These are all very minor niggles. It's fun, and I love my Enduro, and i am happy to say there isn't another bike I'd replace it with.

Nik

 

Can only echo MotoNik.
First time I tried one I said no chance, far too big (I owned a 916 and 888 so no wonder!!). Bought a Cagiva Elefant 750 and that changed my feelings towards the Enduro. Now absolutely love it. Full tank its a bit of a struggle to wheel about but once on and moving its great, love it!!

 

Bet you wish you still had the Elefant! Reminds me - add a Cagiva Gran Canyon to the list - kind of wish I still had that, it was such good fun.