I hope not. I've heard 16K but that's still too much. The 1290 SDR is over-priced at 14K. Its a 12K bike same as the Tuono and the S1000R. The GT ought to be no more than £1500 above that. KTM are in danger of kicking the arse out of their own market. (As are Ducati with their big bikes). In terms of sales KTM are Europe's biggest bike manufacturer but that's only because of the volume of small off-roaders they make in India. With the big stuff they don't have it all their own way by any means. The equivalent bikes from BMW are consistently cheaper than either KTM or Ducati. But though they don't appeal to me, the German bikes are absolutely the equal in quality and performance. It'll be interesting to see what happens to Ducati if VW sell the brand off. If new owners can keep the quality but drive costs down the way the BMW, Triumph and the Japanese have, KTM's prices are going to stick out like a sore thumb.
Yeah, 100 percent agree with you. I am NOT paying 17K for a bike. Not when a VERY capable Kwacker 1000 SX is 9K!! Ducati need to rein themselves in on this a bit. Did you see that Ducati Diavel Titanium?? Like 22K for a few "Special" bits? Didn't even have Ohlins. Bollox to that! The S1000R Sport which is loaded with all the tricks is 11600 OTR. That's a great deal and a great bike and I'm seriously thinking of chopping in my Multi in for one.
My mate tours on a s1000r it's a very capable bike coupled with the ventura luggage and a screen and the bm comfort seat, it's quick when you need it to be as well. I was reading up on the ktm forum, in Holland there's speculation the price of the GT is going to be 600-800 euros cheaper then the SA, I'd imagine it's had proper R&D, since early 2013 apparently.
Yeah, I've ridden the S1000R Sport a bit and really liked it. Luggage and pillion accoms are my only concern and perhaps long distance comfort as I'm 6'1 with long legs. But yes, I was thinking a screen and something like the Ventura luggage rack (Damn, they're ugly though!)...with the £4-5K or so difference to a similarly kitted out Mutley, I could work on tailoring it a bit! Re the pricing of the KTM, if it's more than the BMW XR1000 I don't think it'll cut it. If they're cheaper than that they could have a real winner on their hands! We shall see.
Plus 1 on the s1r sport. Great bit of kit, comfy, very fast and handles superb. Only issue would be two up. Its too small. Most fun I have I ever had though, ...mph on the N260 in Pyrenees, wondering why it wouldnt go any faster in top gear. Would seem to be the top book speed sir. Highly recommended! The xr is also superb if you can live with the looks and tingly vibes.
Yeah, rode the XR and though VERY capable and quick, didn't fall in love. Looks not as cool as Mutley and I didn't like the suspension as much as on my Ohlins MTS. A little bit vibey - I gather some heavier bar-ends cure that though. Thing about the XR for me is that it's £15K again......Making S1000R Sport looks like a bargain!
I wouldn't have either BMW 4 over the KTM 1290. Great bikes but not for me. I much prefer the twins. The 1290 SDR is a fabulous bike. I've tried it and I love it and I'll have to get a 1290 of some sort eventually. I want one because of that engine not because I've a need for that particular sort of bike. I won't be selling my SF and I don't need two nakeds so the GT would be ideal. But if its not an option I won't buy an XR instead, I just won't buy anything. Or I'll wait for the S/H 1290 market to get going. The point is, if the GT is a sensible price I would buy one. If its not they've lost a certain sale and if they manage to turn away a convert with their pricing how many of the uncommitted who would consider the BMW are they lose going to lose?
Very different kind of bike, I know but I was also VERY impressed with the new R1200 RS. Allegedly only 125hp but bloody torquey, smooth and quick! Looks a leeetle bit staid though and again up in the 14k area for the SE version (which is the one you want). I am looking forward to the KTM 1290GT though. It might just be one of those "sod the cost!!" bikes!
Hmm. Not so sure now.. Don't like that rear sub-frame. Way way way too much electronic complexity/gimmickry for me. Same as the Multi. Looks like they've transferred the electronic package wholesale from the 1190 SA. Lets face it, its not going to be less than 16 grand which kills it for me. Like the screen, like the bigger tank but it ain't a looker like the SDR. Time will tell. Reserve judgement till I've had a test ride but my instinct tells me a S/H SDR - now they're appearing at 10K and under - tuned, unplugged and owner-modded might be a better bet.
Looks superb imo. Just dont need electronic suspension, just good quality components that can be set up properly. Just an expensive gimmick. So many bikes now look like a frightening prospect for long term ownership with over complicated technology packages. When owners are faced with replacing dashboard displays on Dukes, Ktms etc just out of warranty and ESA suspension parts and ABS on BMWs, gotta wonder.. If there was a basic (well priced) version with WP suspension it would be of interest. Also cant understand why have 3 settings when you can have more fine tuning with manual adjusters. Standard multi only took five minutes to set up. Extra pre load could be added on the move if I took a passenger. Nothing electronic to fail. Either way, I wont spend 15k or more on a new bike again.
The GT is £15999 redline Ktm are taking deposits, they told me they expect delivery in January, but not confirmed.
KTM 1290 adventurer test ride booked for tomoz , really looking forward to it in a strange way as l love my sports bikes ,i dont like naked bikes but i do like speed , i only went out for a bimble the other day and really liked the look of the 1290 , also the distance i could cover on something like this in all weathers and still have fun . Saving my sportsbike for trackdays and nice weather fun , and using the 1290 for everything else , even considering getting rid of the car , just hope the speed and power isnt a let down . Will i be happy
Try the GT as well when it comes out if you're not convinced by the SA. Its closer to the sports bike you're used to and the engine is the full-fat SDR lump with the full top-end wallop but extra mid range as well. I've warmed to it since my above post. Yes its expensive and loaded with electronics but to be fair to KTM, unlike Ducati and BMW they don't mess about conning you with "extras" and "packages" to bump the price up, you get the lot as standard. Compared with the Pike's Peak Multi the big KTMs look cheap. And I never thought I'd say that..
i am hoping the power is still good on the adventurer but i will also try the Gt , just fancy using something in all weathers and still have fun as i just love riding what ever the weather
That was my thinking when I bought the SMT. But I've fallen for it so completely I cosset it nearly as much as the Ducati. Nearly.. It is quite easy to clean though, you can get at everything.
I think there might be a wait for the GT, the dealer has told me they will no January 11th when the release date is, but the bod @nec told me April [emoji19] There's some cracking deals at the mo for the 1290 adventure £13995 and the engine is a peach, I had one for the whole day and once you dial yourself in and set the bike up its a tool, it makes overtakes FUN [emoji41] more so than the Dvt . But it's very tail and I couldn't even tip toe, that's the issue with being a short arse [emoji45]
Did you find the seat hard? Haven't ridden the SA but the seat felt a bit of a plank in the showroom.
Yeah the seat was hard, the sales bod told me put the heated seat on to break it in, it softens the special foam, I wanted to try and lower the seating position more but it's not possible to take any foam out the seat at all.
