8 Retro-Bikes in the Ultimate Test: Balkan Rally 2024 Comparison

Dust swirls up as our convoy of eight retro bikes roars through the narrow streets of a sleepy Serbian village. The scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the smell of our bikes. We are in the midst of the Balkan Rally 2024, an epic adventure that takes us from the bustling streets of Budapest to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.

Seven days, four countries, over 2500 kilometers - this is not just a motorcycle tour, it's an ultimate endurance test for both man and machine. Our test fleet? A colorful mix of modern retro bikes and cruisers that combine the best of both worlds: classic design paired with contemporary technology. From the lively Honda CL500 to the majestic BMW R12, from the sporty Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 to the nostalgic Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 - each bike has its own unique personality to be discovered on this journey.

The Balkan Rally demands everything: endless straights through the Hungarian Puszta where you crave comfort. Tight hairpins in the Montenegrin mountains where handling and brakes must prove their worth. Bumpy country roads that reveal which suspension really holds up. And let's not forget the lively streets of Belgrade and Budapest, where agility and throttle response must shine in urban traffic.

But it's about more than just technical data and performance figures. It's about the feeling of freedom as we cruise through the Balkans, with a view of the sparkling Adriatic. It's about the adrenaline rush as we maneuver our bikes through the narrow streets of Budapest. And it's about the camaraderie that forms when you conquer steep passes together, battle through torrential downpours, and sit exhausted but happy in the hotel's wellness area in the evening.

Each of these bikes has its strengths and weaknesses that reveal themselves over the course of the rally. The Yamaha XSR900 surprises with its sportiness, while the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon delights with its playful character. The Triumph Scrambler 1200X proves to be a true adventure bike, and the Kawasaki Z900 RS shines with its poise on long stages.

But which bike best masters the challenges of the Balkan Rally? Which one combines comfort, performance, handling, and that certain something that makes a motorcycle go from good to unforgettable? In this test, we take a close look at each bike, share our experiences from thousands of kilometers, and provide a unique insight into the world of modern retro bikes.

What is the Balkan Rally?

The Balkan Rally is not your ordinary motorcycle tour; it's a blend of adventure, retro charm, and exclusive enjoyment. Originally designed for vintage automobiles, the event has opened its doors over the years to classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The starting signal traditionally sounds in Budapest, from where participants ride through picturesque routes across the Balkans to the coast in the Kotor region. The organizers focus on the highest comfort—each stage ends in selected, luxurious hotels. Accompanied by an espresso-mobile and evening champagne and wine tastings, the rally offers a stylish program that fosters exchange with automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. But that's not all: during the daily stages, participants must determine their arrival time by solving puzzles and mastering photo challenges. Riding too fast or too slow results in penalty points—it's all about finding the perfect balance. Despite the rally's automotive focus, motorcyclists feel welcome in the group, as the relaxed atmosphere and diverse tasks make the rally a unique experience that goes far beyond an ordinary tour. In 2025, the Balkan Rally will again feature new routes and challenges—an event that should be on every retro and motorcycle lover's bucket list.

More information about the rally here.

The 1000PS Crew's Gear for the Balkan Rally 2024

The entire crew opted for casual retro-style clothing from Held for the trip. Particularly noteworthy are the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneakers and the cool leather jacket Jester.

We used the same luggage solution for all motorcycles: the Legend Gear Tail Bag from SW-Motech. It offers a variety of mounting options and is very affordable and compact. The bag had to endure almost 3,000 km on 8 different bikes under adverse weather conditions!

Before the rally, we thoroughly waterproofed our clothes with PROTEX Spray from MOTOREX. During the rally, we used the small and refillable mini chain spray cans from MOTOREX.

Communication worked exceptionally well this time. The entire team was connected with Cardo Packtalk devices. The batteries lasted all day, and the devices were 100% waterproof. The sound quality was excellent, and the combination of "navigation instructions" + "music" + "communication" worked seamlessly. Even occasional phone calls didn't overload the system. A big recommendation for great group adventures!

The entire team chose the HJC V10 helmet. The helmet offers various design options and matched our beautiful motorcycles perfectly. On the long tour, we enjoyed the high wearing comfort.

For navigation, we had roadbooks from the race management. However, we tried to map the route as accurately as possible with Calimoto. On the way to Budapest and especially on the return trip from Kotor, we opted for the "fastest" highway option due to weather conditions. Those who want to follow the tour in good weather should set the sliders on Calimoto to "curvy" for these sections. Here is the link to the rough route.

The 1000PS Crew at the Balkan Rally 2024

• Amelie
• Mex
• Poky
• Philipp
• Carlos
• Marcel
• Wolfgang Weiß
• Micha
• Nils

Eight bikes, eight hearts beating in the rhythm of the Balkans. Each engine tells its own story, from the lively parallel-twin of the Honda CL500 to the majestic boxer of the BMW R12. Let's start with the powerhouse of the Yamaha XSR900: its three-cylinder engine with 889 cc and 119 hp is a true powerhouse. With its 120-degree crankpin offset, it sings a symphony that raises every biker's pulse. Powerful from the bottom, with a rich midrange and a peak performance that makes even experienced riders grin. In contrast, there's the refined four-cylinder of the Kawasaki Z900 RS. With 948 cc and 111 hp, it epitomizes Japanese engineering - silky smooth in operation, with an elasticity that excites from idle to the redline. The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon brings typical Italian flair into the mix with its L-twin. 803 cc and 73 hp may not impress on paper, but the characterful thrust makes every ride an experience. Triumph relies on a 1200 cc parallel-twin with 90 hp for the Scrambler 1200X. Its 270-degree crankpin offset gives it an almost V2-like character - brawny, torquey, and charismatic. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 surprises with its sporty heart: 799 cc, parallel-twin, but with a solid 105 hp. Rev-happy, with a punch that virtually catapults the lightweight machine forward. At the other end of the spectrum, we find the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. Its air-cooled parallel-twin with 648 cc and 47 hp is a relic of times gone by, but in a positive sense. It purrs contentedly, pushes evenly, and conveys a sense of deceleration. The Honda CL500 relies on agility rather than raw power with its 471 cc parallel-twin and 47 hp. Rev-happy and zippy, it is particularly fun in narrow alleys and on twisty country roads. Last but not least, the boxer of the BMW R12. With 1170 cc and 95 hp, it is the heavyweight in the field, and its character is unmistakable. The sovereign thrust, the unique smoothness with the necessary portion of character, and the distinctive boxer rumble make it an experience in itself. Each of these engines has its strengths and weaknesses, which will reveal themselves over the course of the Balkan Rally - from economical to thirsty, from tame to wild, from nostalgic to ultra-modern. It is this diversity that makes our test so exciting and shows that in the world of retro bikes, there is a suitable drive for every taste and preference.

The Yamaha XSR900 surprised us all with its versatility. Its nimble handling makes it a dream in tight alleys, while the stable road holding instills confidence even at high speeds. The wide handlebar gives a feeling of absolute control, even when things get hectic. In contrast, the majestic BMW R12 stands out. Its long wheelbase gives it impressive stability, which doesn't falter even in adverse weather conditions. In corners, it shows surprising agility for a cruiser, although it naturally can't match the nimbleness of smaller bikes. The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon epitomizes playfulness. Light, agile, and with a playful character that invites you to attack the twisties. However, at higher speeds, it feels a bit nervous. The Triumph Scrambler 1200X surprises with a mix of confidence and agility. Its wide handlebar and balanced weight distribution make it the ideal companion for twisty country roads, while it proves its scrambler genes on gravel tracks. The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the secret star when it comes to balance. Its chassis offers an almost perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Even after hours of riding, you still feel comfortable in the saddle, while tight corners are mastered with precision. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is the enfant terrible of our test. With its light, agile handling and sporty setup, it practically challenges the rider. A true joy on twisty mountain roads, it can become a bit tiring on long, straight stretches. The Honda CL500 surprises with its accessibility. Light, nimble, and with a low center of gravity, it masters city traffic with ease. On the highway, however, you quickly notice the limits of the small engine. Last but not least, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. Its relaxed handling invites you to cruise, not to go full throttle. The upright seating position and the wide handlebar convey a sense of control, even though the high weight is noticeable when maneuvering. Each of these bikes has its own personality, its strengths, and weaknesses. From the lively city runabout to the confident touring bike - the diversity makes this test so exciting and shows that in the world of retro bikes, there is the right handling for every riding style.

In terms of chassis and comfort, our eight retro bikes revealed their true characters on the Balkan Rally. The 2500 kilometers through four countries, from highways to bumpy country roads to challenging mountain passes, put each chassis to a tough test.

The Yamaha XSR900 shone with its sportiness. Its tightly tuned chassis, consisting of a fully adjustable USD fork and an adjustable monoshock, mastered both fast corners and long highway stretches with flying colors. The comfort does suffer a bit from the sporty setup, but it remains bearable even after long days in the saddle. It has the sportiest and fastest setup!

In contrast, the BMW R12's chassis is geared towards comfort but unfortunately offers very little suspension travel. The classic telescopic fork at the front and the monoshock at the rear do a good job, but it becomes uncomfortable with rough bumps.

The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon surprised with its playfulness. Its relatively compact overall appearance and a universal chassis - a Kayaba USD fork at the front and a single shock at the rear - offer a good compromise between nimbleness and comfort. On long stretches with bumps, however, you sometimes wish for a bit more damping.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200X proved to be a true all-round talent. Its Marzocchi USD fork and twin shocks at the rear not only offer high riding comfort but also some reserves for excursions off paved roads. The long suspension travel of 170 mm at the front and rear is particularly noticeable on bad roads.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS surprised with its smooth response. The almost horizontally arranged return spring in the rear shock provides progressive damping that impresses both on country roads and highways. The chassis always conveys a feeling of safety and control without neglecting comfort. The setup is very good and seems very mature.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 showed a clear tendency towards the sporty side with its WP chassis but with sufficient suspension travel. The USD fork and the central shock are tightly tuned, resulting in excellent handling. The price for this is slightly less comfort on long stretches, especially on poor road surfaces.

The Honda CL500 had to make compromises with its simple chassis - a conventional fork at the front and two shocks at the rear. In the city and on winding country roads, the low weight is a positive factor, but on longer curves and at higher speeds, you wish for more stability and comfort.

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 surprised despite its classic setup. The conventional fork at the front and the twin shocks at the rear may not be technically up-to-date, but they offer a surprisingly good compromise between stability and comfort.

The allure of the Balkan Rally 2024 lies in a unique blend of scenic highlights, challenging routes, and the spirit of adventure and community. Over many kilometers, participants traverse breathtaking landscapes in countries such as Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia, crossing spectacular mountain passes and experiencing altitude differences of 20,000 meters. Participation is open not only to classic vehicles and motorcycles but also to modern classics, resulting in an impressive and diverse starting field.

The rally combines riding pleasure with challenges: participants must not only choose the right routes but also solve tasks and puzzles to collect valuable points. The mix of historic vehicles, tricky navigation tasks, and photo challenges adds extra excitement.

The event is accompanied by various culinary and cultural highlights, such as traditional dinners, regional specialties, and convivial evenings. At the end of each stage, participants can relax in luxurious hotels and spas, underscoring the special character of the event – sporty, but also with a touch of elegance and relaxation.

For the sport-oriented rider who values agility and performance, the Yamaha XSR900 is the top choice. With its revvy triple engine and sporty chassis, it offers the highest speed in the test - perfect for twisty roads and occasional track days. On the other hand, those looking for a characterful cruiser with a modern twist will be happy with the BMW R12. Its confident boxer engine and relaxed seating position make it the ideal companion for cool tours and stylish rides. The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon mainly appeals to riders seeking a playful, easily accessible bike. Its nimble handling and charismatic V-twin make it the perfect city bike with excursion potential. For adventurers and all-rounders, the Triumph Scrambler 1200X is a good choice. With its long suspension travel and robust construction, it is at home on both asphalt and gravel roads - ideal for the rider who likes to venture off the beaten path. The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the all-rounder for the classic Japanese motorcycle rider. Its balanced chassis and refined inline-four make it the perfect tourer for long distances and daily use. For the sportily ambitious rider looking for something special, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is an exciting option. Its agile handling and powerful engine challenge the rider but reward with an intense riding experience. The Honda CL500 is the ideal choice for beginners or returnees looking for an uncomplicated, lightweight bike for the city and occasional trips. Its forgiving riding behavior makes it particularly attractive to riders who are not seeking adrenaline. Finally, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 appeals to riders who appreciate pure, unhurried motorcycling. Its classic design and characterful parallel-twin make it the perfect companion for relaxed rides and riders who value authenticity.

Yamaha XSR900:

The three-cylinder engine with 119 hp is a true powerhouse with incredible character. Its torque curve is so linear that it feels like having an electric catapult seat under your butt. The package comes combined with a sporty chassis!

Kawasaki Z900 RS:

The perfect balance between retro charm and modern technology. Its silky-smooth four-cylinder and well-balanced chassis make it the ideal all-rounder for any situation.

Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon:

The incomparable lightness of being! No other bike in the test conveys such a playful, carefree riding experience. It simply makes you addicted to twisties.

Triumph Scrambler 1200X:

This motorcycle is a statement! The charismatic 1200cc engine and its hefty appearance appeal to those who love metal, gasoline, and good design. A bike for motorcycle enthusiasts!

Husqvarna Svartpilen 801:

The KTM-based engine with 105 hp combined with the lightweight, agile chassis makes it the secret athlete in retro clothing. A wolf in sheep's clothing!

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650:

Pure authenticity! No other bike gives you the feeling of taking a time travel to the golden era of motorcycling.

Honda CL500:

The queen of the city. Its combination of low weight, nimble handling, and fuel-efficient engine makes it the perfect companion in the urban jungle.

BMW R12:

The boxer engine is a true masterpiece. Its characteristic sound, sovereign power delivery, and buttery-smooth running culture make every ride an experience. And all this is garnished with surprisingly agile riding performance. A wonderful cruiser that invites you to travel!