Im thinking of test riding a KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the thing is it doesn't tick all my boxes. I have thought for a while I might trade my MTS1200GT for a BMW R1200GSA until a friend dropped a KTM brochure on my desk. I like the MTS, but there are a couple of niggles, the big one is the chain drive and thats why I had half an eye on the big GS. In reality I will probably do nothing but will test the new KTM & GS as and when the opportunity arises. I have already tested the DVT & XR. If anyone has considered the same and made a decision I'd be pleased to here it. Thanks
I've had all the GS bikes including the water cooled in fact 2wc bikes, I brought the XR and sold it promptly and now I've brought a DVT S, I tried the ktm 1190 and did not like it and then I demo'd the 1290SA and if it was not for it being a bit tall for me I would have brought one, the engine is awesome, if your a quick rider you will love the instant grunt, like being shot out a cannon, overtakes become great fun a bit like playing chicken ! The electronic suspension is far better then the esa on the GS, especially the anti dive feature is bloody brill, I found the finish better then the DVT, one other issue I found is dealer back up but then again I've now brought a Ducati so can't really talk. I agree a shaft is less on the maintenance but if it goes wrong expect a huge bill ! A chain driven bike with a centre stand is easy to maintain tbh and you soon get used to the change . At 5'7" the sa is a bit tall for me but I was really smitten, very engine was the icing on the cake, the growl from the stock can was just right, I really liked the whole package a lot, I would have loved to have seen a quick shifter as per the GS.
My thoughts also. Other than not having to adjust it and lube it, I can't see that many advantages to a shaft on an adventure bike. On a commuter, yes. But on a rough roads tourer I'm not sure I wouldn't prefer a chain. You can get one replaced or repaired almost anywhere in the world, at least fixed sufficiently to get you out of trouble. Shafts sap power and if one goes bang in the back of beyond its probably home time. And how tough are they for proper adventure riding? Are they really water (and salt and grit) proof? A chain is. You just wash it and oil it. And you can always carry a spare. The 1290 A hadn't come out when I was looking for my adventure(ish) bike. Adventure Touring Bike On A Budget | Ducati Forum Pity.. Still the winter test riding season, when I ride other people's bikes while mine are tucked up in bed, is nearly upon us so its on my to do list.
Gimlet, I see you are in Dorset, I emailed Crescent late last night to see if they have one I can test ride on Saturday.
Yes, I've had three test rides at Crescent myself. They'll definitely be able to sort you out. They've always got a full fleet of demo bikes. Avoid the dual carriageways to the south of Verwood and head north towards Cranborne, shaftesbury. (You probably know the area being from Salisbury). There's some really good biking roads out that way and a good mix of big and fast and tight and twisty to put the bike through its paces. Let us know how you get on. I'd be interested to know how you think the 1290 compares with the GS, especially on the tight stuff.
Happily chucking my KTM 1190R Adventure around anything the world can throw at me just now. Stand up riding into work in London traffic works great and I've got some knobblies on order to go and do some more serious offroad at some point. I still think the size of these type of bikes is ridiculous but you'd never know it once you get on. All of a sudden the thought of going a thousand miles does not phase me at all even if the weather is terrible.
I was looking for shaft drive too, but the RT has always been a better road bike than a GS and I've already had one of those, so I traded my '13 Skyhook for a KTM1290SA. No regrets after 2k miles - just lots and lots of smiles. It feels so 'right'. Awesome torque, suspension is possibly the best out there on a road bike (comfier than an RT in comfort mode and stiffer than an MTS in sports mode - switchable at any speed too, which was a gripe I always had with the MTS) and a much better screen than the MTS. Think of it as a rival for the DVT MTS rather than a rival for the GSA. BTW, if you don't like it initially (or if it's nearly-but-not-quite), changing the seat height can make a surprising amount of difference.
I too tried an RT for 12 months/6000 miles but we never gelled. It was great for straight lines, but hard work in the twisties. TBH Im really going to have to push the boat out to swap the MTS as I do like it and the few issues are certainly manageable. The cost of changing might put me off. Anyway looking forward to the test ride.
Watch the language, NSFW, Im waiting for the womenfolk to go out then I'm going to watch it on the big TV.
KTM 1290 SA Overall a bit disappointing, having read so many positive things about this bike I was eager to test ride one. Crescent at Verwood are my local KTM dealer and were extremely helpful in getting me out for a test ride this morning. Paperwork took but a few moments to complete, reads and sign. Afte a quick instruction on controls and features I was let loose and told to enjoy myself. Within a few minutes it was obviously a comfortable position, good steering and low speed handling are excellent. The gear lever was set at an oddly high position but that would easily be rectified. Both brakes are excellent. The adjustable screen is woefully short even at its highest position, its not easy to adjust on the fly like the Ducati. The engine and gearbox are great, but not massively more powerful than the MTS, the red warning light comes on all too quickly, but that maybe just because its still being run in, although I wasn’t told that. The switchgear works well but does look a bit cheap compared with BMW & Ducati. As it was daylight I couldn’t check out the lights and didn’t think to try the horn. Its worst point by a country mile is the seat, it is poor and for nigh on £16 k very disappointing. The luggage looks good but is extra, whereas it was included with my MTS, the top case is too small for two full size helmets. I don’t think its for me, but definitely would consider it, if was getting ready for a refresh and KTM were chucking masses of goodies at it FOC.
I don't know why they do that with the screens. There's an adjustment that can be made that gives another inch and a half or so screen height - it makes a big difference.
I have a 2015 klr 650. I have a chance to get a 2nd bike. Klr is a good bike but I'm 6' 4" 312 lb. so I'm looking for a bike with more fat a$$ pulling power but with the same reliability as the klr. I've look at all bikes in the adventure world also at the Ducati side. So after much reading it's come to the Kawasaki concours or KTM 1290. Two bikes for two different types of riding. I always find my self coming back to this KTM!?!? I don't like the bikes made now Soley because of the drive by wire thing. Can anyone tell me the BAD about this KTM. I'm talking Long Jevity.
