P.S. how much does the 1290 weigh when 75% fuelled?
P.P.S she is rich enough to buy her own kitchen
1. Dunno - I think KTM measure fully wet, BMW may quote 75% fuelled, but negate to tell you they have removed the battery, oil, coolant, handlebars and wheels
2. She must also be rich enough to buy you that 3rd bike of which you speak.
Having tried a couple of the latest GS Models I reckon (solo) my 1090 beats the GS in every way, as much low down grunt from its smaller engine and does not suffer from the huge flat spot the new GS Models seem to have.
Both times I have tried a GS I have ridden the 1190 to the test, and found the BMW quite underwhelming, the GS probably would be a bit more comfy for the passenger and I always like the telelever on my old GS, but the Semi Active setup on the new 1290 KTM's does a very good job of reducing dive and the Ergo seats are very comfy so the gap must of closed even further.
It seems to me you are trying to find excuses to keep your comfy old pair of slippers, we could all say the 1290 is much better (in fact I think we did) and you still won't believe us (and you don't)
A long test ride is a start, but it won't fully answer all your questions, but a change is good sometimes, I am sure BMW will still be able to find you nice GS if you don't like the KTM as much.
I commute on the 1090, the Mrs Tours on it, I tour on the 1190, both bikes do whatever is asked very well, and put a grin on our faces, neither got unacceptably hot on tour this year, and we had a lot of days over 30c.