Hi,
Just ordered a 1290 SA S today.
Had an 06 GS bought used, that rotted underneath me. OK, so I used to ride it all year in all weather as long as no ice. Bought a new 2013 GS LC and kept that Wintered in garage to preserve it, but that is going same way with bad corrosion on engine, gearbox and bevel gear. So really not impressed with BM build quality, and hoping for better with KTM.
While the GS was being serviced, they loaned me a S1000XR. After the GS, I found it very quick, light and agile. The acceleration was so impressive in 6th, that I was looking for 7th and 8th for cruising. At higher revs, which is when bike comes alive, there was vibration in the bars and under the seat. I also missed the more direct throttle control and engine breaking of a big twin.
Will not even consider a Multistrada ( although I did like a short test ride before buying last GS ) coz of the high service costs and stupid belt cam drive.
So researched what KTM had to offer, and was pleased to see engine capacity and HP increase over the last 1190 Adventure I tested after the Ducati. At the time, I liked it a lot especially the feel and efficiency of back brake, but thought it an odd looking beast. This week, the Super Duke GT took my fancy, as I have been trying a few nakeds ( MT10 and S1000R ) and really enjoying the holigan element. Had an hour's ride on the GT and thought the handling, noise and performance were superb. If I didn't still own a beloved and trusty Blackbird that has done European tours, but is mostly used now for wild days in Wales, I might well have plumped for the GT.
Thought I had better ask for a quick ride on the SA S to compare, as it was most similar to the GS, and would be used mainly for Alpine tours with some luggage. Although different to the GT, I could instantly detect how good it was. The Quickshifter + was a revelation, and especially for someone coming from the agricultural GS gearbox! For touring, I thought the slightly higher 6th and better wind protection over the GT's would be more suitable when cruising. Very minor niggles were the position of the centre stand in relation to the pillion peg, and the fact that I would have preferred a 17 inch front tyre, although I cannot fault the handling and cornering. Everything else I loved about the bike, especially that TFT screen, big kid that I am.
The black/silver side panniers look ok, but seem to stick out quite a lot, and don't have the collapsible feature of the GS's. The matching top box just struck me as a funny shape from the side. So for now, I have opted for the 48L top box with orange flash and a tank bag, which I can supplement with waterproof roll bag on pillion seat if needs be.
So looking forward to taking delivery.......
Chris
Just ordered a 1290 SA S today.
Had an 06 GS bought used, that rotted underneath me. OK, so I used to ride it all year in all weather as long as no ice. Bought a new 2013 GS LC and kept that Wintered in garage to preserve it, but that is going same way with bad corrosion on engine, gearbox and bevel gear. So really not impressed with BM build quality, and hoping for better with KTM.
While the GS was being serviced, they loaned me a S1000XR. After the GS, I found it very quick, light and agile. The acceleration was so impressive in 6th, that I was looking for 7th and 8th for cruising. At higher revs, which is when bike comes alive, there was vibration in the bars and under the seat. I also missed the more direct throttle control and engine breaking of a big twin.
Will not even consider a Multistrada ( although I did like a short test ride before buying last GS ) coz of the high service costs and stupid belt cam drive.
So researched what KTM had to offer, and was pleased to see engine capacity and HP increase over the last 1190 Adventure I tested after the Ducati. At the time, I liked it a lot especially the feel and efficiency of back brake, but thought it an odd looking beast. This week, the Super Duke GT took my fancy, as I have been trying a few nakeds ( MT10 and S1000R ) and really enjoying the holigan element. Had an hour's ride on the GT and thought the handling, noise and performance were superb. If I didn't still own a beloved and trusty Blackbird that has done European tours, but is mostly used now for wild days in Wales, I might well have plumped for the GT.
Thought I had better ask for a quick ride on the SA S to compare, as it was most similar to the GS, and would be used mainly for Alpine tours with some luggage. Although different to the GT, I could instantly detect how good it was. The Quickshifter + was a revelation, and especially for someone coming from the agricultural GS gearbox! For touring, I thought the slightly higher 6th and better wind protection over the GT's would be more suitable when cruising. Very minor niggles were the position of the centre stand in relation to the pillion peg, and the fact that I would have preferred a 17 inch front tyre, although I cannot fault the handling and cornering. Everything else I loved about the bike, especially that TFT screen, big kid that I am.
The black/silver side panniers look ok, but seem to stick out quite a lot, and don't have the collapsible feature of the GS's. The matching top box just struck me as a funny shape from the side. So for now, I have opted for the 48L top box with orange flash and a tank bag, which I can supplement with waterproof roll bag on pillion seat if needs be.
So looking forward to taking delivery.......
Chris