I had firmly decided on replacing my 2010 MS T with a 2014 PP next year until I saw this .... KTM 1290 Superduke Race et Touring My riding is a mixture of commute, weekend scratching and an annual euro tour, I don't go off road and rarely take a passenger. This looks like it could do all of that but as well as a MS? Only a test ride will tell !!
Its a beast alright. I sampled the adventure this year before going for another Multi. Fab engine but up close it looked cheap and nasty. That's what put me right off. This looks good on the pictures though and I would certainly like a closer look.
IT'll let you down...speaking from experience I had a KTM SMT 990 it broke down twice in the first 6 months. Rear brake seized and side stand switch failed, dealer was crap too! Sorry to have downer on ktm! vince
You might just get a packet of crisps and a sandwich in that pannier.:biggrin: From all the tests i have read so far, the electronics have dumbed down the claimed 180bhp on the 1290 by a large amount.
It's a great bike for sure. Not sure if putting panniers and a fly screen on it constitutes a "touring" model though :smile:. As already mentioned, the electronics make that 180bhp feel tamed going by early previews, and for good reason. 180 on a naked is pointless in my opinion.
Unfortunately I just think £14k is a ridiculous price tag for it. i love KTM, always have and its about time they added electronics, hopefully they'll make a new RC8 with the same engine. problem is the competition. The Tuono v4 aprc abs is only £12k rrp and has a full fat 170bhp V4, Ive owned the APRC Tuono (non abs 2011 model) and can safely say the engine is sublime and the electronics 2nd to non. My point is that you can pick the Aprilia up for circa £10k or pre reg or even end of season sales, the KTM at 4k more just seems a step too far, just like the SF1098S was at 15k. Just because its KTM's first time at an advanced electronics package doesnt mean they should up the price as much, you have to develop bikes and add these things or fall behind in sales. The Superdukes are bikes to sell in numbers, they always have. Putting this at such a high price seems a little bonkers and smacks of a big hit depreciation similar to what happened to the RC8 when they launched that. RC8r's brand new can now be had for £10k, give this 1290 6-12 months and i guarantee they'll be down at 11k no problem. at £12k id consider it, at £10k id snap their hand off
Sat on the 1290r today, very comfy, some nice detailing. umm... 14k... It looks like it needs to be nearer the 11,500 mark for me.
