I've owned my base ABS 1199 for 15 months now and have 5k on the clock. Previously owned a base model 2010 multistrada for 2 years and 9k miles completed including a couple of trips to Scotland. I really enjoyed the multi but found it a bit big and fancied something more sport orientated. I love the looks, excitement, and connection on the right road the 1199 gives, but I would like something to undertake longer multi day trips on, but also provide some of the ownership and excitement the 1199 provides. Ideally I would have 2 bikes but the missus reminds me I only have one arse and in reality I don't have the time to justify 2 bikes never mind the cost implications. I've spent a fair bit on the 1199 with carbon bits and upgrading the suspension to ohlins so have it just how I like it, although it's amazing 10% of the time and hard work at other times. Does anyone have experience of the KTM 1290, BMW S1000R etc to give an informed opinion re my requirements. I have considered a Pikes Peak but it would cost a lot to change and having sat on one I realise why I swapped out the multi in the first place. Any ideas?
know a lad wi ktm absolutely loves it and they fly on them, have heard possibly new 1290 rc8r coming out ,loads new bikes at this years show I recon,,,
Might be worth reading last week's MCN Re: their long term bike. Also KTM forums for experience of some owners. Many have had problems. After owning two brand new KTM's RC8 and RC8R I wouldn't touch another KTM. The bikes were brilliant but the reliability of both were nothing short of shocking and KTM an absolute pain in the arse to deal with. Downright obstructive, in fact. The 1290 shares much of the same running gear as the later RC8R's.
Thanks for the info 1976dc. I've had 2 super dukes before but didn't keep either for much over a year and had no reliability issues, but both dealerships were not great and ultimately went out of business. This is obviously a major factor when considering a new bike, particularly when, like you say the 1290 seems to have its issues.
I've had two RC8's and an RC8R, still have my 2012 RC8 on the track infact and my experiences of KTM couldn't be any more opposite to 1976dc's. The whole KTM experience was a total pleasure, had a slight problem with my first 8 (fuel filter collapsing and reducing fuel flow) which was sorted by my dealer and then reported to KTM who called me to firstly apologise then to ask some details of the problem. On my 'R' the oil pump failed for some reason (reduced pressure) which in turn seized a valve, again repaired immediately with no problems at all. I'm waiting for the new 8R to come out with a view to buying.
Dunnno about the newer bikes, but my 990 SuperDuke has been faultless from new in 2008. The dealer (Albion in Exeter) was great but sadly didn't survive the recession. Fowlers in Bristol are my closest now but I have never used them - the bike can be maintained by any competent mechanic.
I have both an RC8R and a HP4. The RC8R has been brilliant and has real soul; it's power delivery is very different from the 1199 but is much, much easier to ride. The RC8R follows on the heels of several KTM's (including a 950S Adventure I rose to Mongolia) and whilst the dealer experience is no-where near as "up-market" as Ducati (they tend to be rather nameless units on out-of-town trading estates!) I have found the dealer to be real enthusiasts. KTM's are not perfect but they do have the grin factor in their genes. I've only tracked the HP4 once and it's quite a different experience. The power is immense and it spins up so, so fast. The electronics flatter you and its safe to say that you can probably ride this bike faster than either the RC8R or 1199 because it is so forgiving and confidence inspiring. That said it has no soul, it is just a piece of (very efficient and effective) technology. It's clearly built down to a price and when sat next to either the KTM or the 1199 it doesn't look special at all. So it is stunningly fast, uber reliable and easy to ride but lacks the something that makes you want to just look at it in the garage...in that capacity & in its design details the 1199 is streets ahead
Thanks for the info guys, I'm feeling a little more comfortable re the KTM reliability and dealers. Istanbulian, your comments confirm my thoughts on the BMW's, blindingly efficient but perhaps lacking from an emotional point of view. Anyone on here own or tried a 1290 for themselves and how it compares to an 1199?
I would take the Pikes peak, after owning the Multi skyhook with a full system termi and aux spots. Im really happy ridding hard and soft with this bike.
Had a Katoom 950SM brilliant bike, still the most fun on any bike. Zero issues in reality in the 4 years and 15k miles I'd have another KTM in a flash
Mate had a 950 sm, cple years and all year use, apart from head bearings I dont think he had anything need replacing or repairing
Head bearings, cant understand why he'd need new head bearings, not like it spends most of the time on the back wheel is it?
1976dc, thanks for the heads up re MCN's long term 1290. Doesn't make for good reading which is a real shame. There's quite a bit on the net re problems but how many happy owners are there out there just riding?
I faced a similar decision a few months back when deciding what to swap my 2010 1098 Streetfighter for. I'm a big super naked fan so tested the KTM 1290 SD-R, BMW S1000R, Monster 1200S and the Aprilia Tuono. I bought the Tuono as it was right for me. The KTM was second dibs but I didn't like the styling, electronics and the dealer was somewhat awkward which put me off. The S1000R was soulless. Blisteringly fast once wound up but didn't inspire any emotions within me at all; had no 'want to look at it in the garage' attraction and I wouldn't have enjoyed the ownership experience. The Monster 1200S was too soft, too mini-Diavel'esque and lacked the aggressive sparkle that I like. Plus the exhaust/heat guard was right in the way of my size 11's! It was heartbreaking as I've always had a Ducati in my pride and joy section of the garage. If I had my time again I would make the same decision and gone for the Tuono (that V4 is immense) and the KTM would still be my second choice.
Speedmouse, I've just put 22,000 miles on a 3 yr old KTM 990 SMT ( trading it in on Friday for an 899 Panigale ) its been a really good bike, not had any real trouble with it and its been such a brilliant all rounder, it will do anything, scratch, big tours, commute etc. I recently had to get back from a holiday in Germany in a hurry due to a family emergency and it did nearly 900 miles in one day and ran like a train. 1290 SuperDuke is vastly overpriced imo, no way is it worth £14K, its an £11.5K bike at best, the only redeeming factor on this bike is the stonking engine, the rest of it is pretty shoddy for that sort of price. The clocks are just an add on from the adventure that look out of place and stick out in the wind, switchgear is very cheap looking, no flyscreen or hugger as standard and the exhaust is a monstrosity!! In all the "teaser" video's the Beast looked fantastic, but they dumbed it down too much and didn't get the electronics package right - keep your 1199 !!!!!!
Poucher, thanks for your input. Can I ask you what is making you change from the SMT to an 899 and will you have another bike to go on longer trips?
Basically there's nothing wrong with the SMT but it just lacks the "drool factor" of the Duc, plus I've had the SMT for 3 years now and just feel like a change. On a nice sub-100 mph road, anyone would be hard pushed to catch the KTM, because what people forget about is the fact that you can see another 100 yards down the road on the KTM because of the sit-up riding position and that one fact alone makes it very quick in and out of corners. My mate rides a CBR1000rr and he likes me to lead the ride as I can see better on an unfamiliar road, plus he can't nail it out of the corners as its got too much grunt, he needs to be the wrong side of 120 to get past it - naughty speeds if you get caught. Yes, I have another bike that I could do long trips on, ( not telling you what it is cos you'd laugh!! ) but it wouldn't bother me taking the Panigale either, I once did 574 miles in a day back home from northern France on a 954 Fireblade with no probs. If this guy can go across America and around the world on a Panigale, I'm sure a 1,000 mile long weekend isn't out of the question :- 'Round the World with an Italian Supermodel - ADVrider But sometimes as I say, you just fancy a change, Hope this helps in some way??
Yes, you can do distance on anything but on an 1199 over 22 degrees ambient your nads would be slow roasted (I have removed all but small exhaust shield in the name of fashion), you'd be wondering where the next petrol station is and you may be just a little stiff at the end of the day. I've pretty much dismissed the KTM due to crap part ex on mine, teething problems with the new super duke and I'm a little concerned I'd constantly be wanting to ride on one wheel which could end in tears. So I'm seriously considering the pikes peak. As you've experienced all the positives of an exciting tall do it all bike you know where I'm coming from, loving my 1199 on the right road I understand exactly why you are changing to the 899. I'm recovering from an op at the moment so can't ride my bike which could be half the problem. I think I need to get back on my bike when fit and reassess things. Only slight issue is £1000 offree ducati stuff on multistrada's finishes at the end of the month. It's the age old dilemma of looking for 1 bike that does it all. Doesn't really exist does it. Please don't let my jokey comments above put you off ordering the 899. I have been lucky enough to own a wide variety of road bikes and race bikes over the years and nothing, I mean nothing compares to the feel and sound of a Panigale going through the first 3 gears with the quick shifter. Truly awesome. Go on, tell me what your second bike is, I might get one and keep the 1199.
