agreed, I have no issues with the Chinese build bit, but I do with the build quality if it’s like that on a £13k bike. I try not to be predjudice about KTM as tbh I don’t think Ducatis, are built as nicely as in the 2008-11 era, but I have to say KTM are normally the bikes that when you see them 1-2 years old used seem to look a touch tattier than the other bikes in the line.
Gone are the days of exotic frames, thanks to bean counters and global economics. It is not only KTM who have questionable finish and materials. That said, they leave themselves wide open to criticism with their premium bike prices.
totally agree, but compare this to a trellis frame from a 2010 848 that at the time cost £10k…. That looks master crafted compared to this junk, god knows what steel has been used under that paint
Perhaps it's because they aren't premium prices? Just done a quick google and £10k in 2010 is £16K today.... don't know how much a comparable machine to the 848 is today though.
I like the look of mine. Blast it from one end of the country to the other, rain or shine - the orange colour really stands out. Nice bike. If I didn't like it I would have got rid. I would buy another KTM for sure.
You cant fool us by putting a very small tank in the background, that is still the worlds biggest exhaust!
Not too bad in the Akra version - the stock exhaust is ugly shiny unbroken expanse of stainless steel. At least the Akra has a bit of style and shape to it - I can live with that okay.
Never had a problem with mine - I still miss that superb engine (and the gearbox and quickshifter were smooth as you like). It lacked a little (but not compared to some) in the handling/stability dept but otherwise a lovely bike, including its looks
I had a 1290 SDR and it always reminded me of a big insect. Absolutely cracking road bike mind. Plus fixtures, quality and finish more than a match for any Doocardi I’ve ever had. But that was 2018. Dunno what the new stuff’s like…
I found my 790 scalpel to be excellent in all departments except the fasteners corroding earlier than I would have liked.
Just waiting for a 2017 1290 SAS to be PDI'd still got the monster 1200. Will be using this for IAM advanced observer rides and touring, its an absolute missile. A lot lighter and easier to manage than the Tiger 1200 explorer its replacing. Test ride was in the wet, rock steady in bends and nimble.
So this is the new one. Looks all right except for the slightly weird headlight. I have never had a parallel twin before, so don't know what they are like to ride.
I think I'm right in thinking these parallel twins have 270 degree cranks so they having a 90 degree twin firing order. Whether that makes them really feel & ride like a V twin I'm not sure.
My CRF1000 Africa Twin has a 270 degree crank and for a parallel twin it certainly feels a lot nicer than one with a 180 or 360 degree crank. Not exactly like a 90 degree V-Twin but similar character, and these days probably the next best thing in my book. When it comes to KTMs you have to go back a few generations to get anything that floats my boat. I think the 990 SuperDuke looked great, it handled brilliantly and the LC8 is a peach … defo my second favourite engine after the Desmoquattro. Wish I’d never sold mine.
