Old v New

[Daviedevs]

Has anyone got the new XT1200ZE who has had the 1200Z prior?

If so what is the difference power and rideability wise.

I currently have a 2013 S10 and am considering part exing for a new ZE model.

I mainly do 2 up touring round europe and the extra BHP and Cruise Control seem a good thing. Also is it worth getting the newer versions ECU reflashed?

So if anyone has owned both could they let me know if theres much difference or nothing to shout about?

Thanks

 

[colorider]

Welcome aboard! There are literally hundreds of threads discussing the differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 bikes. I've only skimmed the surface in my reading as I too have tried to learn as much as I can about the known differences. If you get the chance, test ride a new one and you will quickly learn there IS a difference!!!

The cruise control was a biggie for me, coming off a Gen 3 FJR. It makes highway travel so much more pleasant.

Good luck!!

 

[Daviedevs]

Thanks. Will deffo take a test before I part with my cash.

 

[Rasher]

Well, for power alone I would say not, considering it will give about 3-4 BHP more, a set of Arrow Headers and custom map at CJS racing picked up more over 10BHP extra on my 2011 bike as well as removing all restrictions and making it noticeably smoother - and at around £500 is probably way less than a trade-up.

That being said I would love the cruise control of the Gen2, I dare say the even smoother running would also impress me if I were to ride one, in my case these two main benefits are not compelling enough, especially as I already have more power than a stock Gen2 and have a 3-way adjustable Wilburs shock and have had the forks re-worked so my bike is a pretty good package (improved power and handling)

It may well be in your case the cruise + smoother running + smidgen of extra power (and lessened low gear restrictions) make the Gen2 upgrade worthwhile, I guess you also get a newer bike which in theory will be more reliable and cheaper to maintain (not that these bikes are expensive to maintain or unreliable even at high mileages - but if nothing else the 24k service will be moved back a little)

If you still want more power CJS can do a custom remap of the Gen2 and will be able to pick up some more power and generally improve running, but if you really want to up the power significantly the OE headers (and their Cats) need to be thrown out....

....of course even easier would be to buy a KTM1190, I often toy with this idea briefly, before the thought of a messy chain enters my head, followed by servicing costs and the horror stories of engines with f****d pistons at under 10,000 miles brings me back to my senses.

 

[Daviedevs]

Then gen 1 has 86 bhp..the new one has 111 according to the reviews..that's a healthy increase in my book!

 

[Davesax36]

I bet that's wheel vs. Crank numbers.

 

[silvergoose]

Crank HP for the 2013 is 111. Per the many cycle writers.


Good Luck

 

[Daviedevs]

Think I'll test ride the tracer then.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Think I'll test ride the tracer then.

Two up touring and a Tracer? ???

 

[Daviedevs]

Sat on one yesterday. Same seat height. Only 8 cm difference in wheel base. Same luggage capacity. And 50 kilos lighter.

What's not to like?

 

[Dogdaze]

What's not to like?

Only shaft drive, highway speed stability and cross wind stability, slightly better ergos, and possibly wind protection from elements (this is all relative, it is a bike afterall...)

But I agree about the weight saving has an appeal.

 

[Rasher]

Sat on one yesterday. Same seat height. Only 8 cm difference in wheel base. Same luggage capacity. And 50 kilos lighter.

What's not to like?

Now I understand your buying criteria may I suggest you look at the MT-03, which is about 50 kilos lighter than the Tracer with an even lower seat - what's not to like :question:

Even lighter options out there if this does not do the trick.

 

[Dogdaze]

Now I understand your buying criteria may I suggest you look at the MT-03, which is about 50 kilos lighter than the Tracer with an even lower seat - what's not to like :question:

Even lighter options out there if this does not do the trick.

MT-03 is going near worthless for two-up touring..................

 

[Bryn]

If I had a tracer I'm sure SWMBO wouldn't fancy getting on the back ... she reckons that the Super Tenere has the best back seat she's sat on

 

[Rasher]

MT-03 is going near worthless for two-up touring..................

But it seems he is only interested in light weight and low seat ::008::

Big heavy bikes are less affected by additional weight, lighter bikes are more affected.

For two up and lots of miles I would choose the S10 - and did, buying one in 2010.

Right now I am moving to a lighter bike with a chain (Ugh :exclaim but will not be doing the two-up mile munching anymore.

In reality is hard to go wrong, pretty much any 1000cc + Adventure bike will do a great job two-up touring and I bet the Tracer will do a decent job, maybe a better shock with stiffer spring would be of great benefit to such a cause - but a (relatively) cheap fix - and one the bigger S10 needs as well.

 

[Dogdaze]

Rasher, I think 'greg the pole' on here bought a Tracer and did some serious suspension mods, and now runs really well (his description)

 

[Don in Lodi]

Rasher, I think 'greg the pole' on here bought a Tracer and did some serious suspension mods, and now runs really well (his description)

Was that also the one he parted with after a few months?

 

[Dogdaze]

Was that also the one he parted with after a few months?

You got me, I must have missed that post!?!

 

[Daviedevs]

Last night I had an epiphany. I popped into my garage to fetch my tool box.

i looked at the S10 and decided...hes going nowhere! I must be daft to want another bike..the s10 is all i need, despite the weight.

so there you go..the S10 stays. Until theres an update anyway!

 

[Don in Lodi]

::012::