In brief, the bike history reads GPZ500S, VFR 750, Blackbird (carbs, 4 into 1 race system, dynojet), ZX12R, ZX10R, 09 R1200GS, 11 K1300R...
So needs put me onto the GS and it was great but somewhat lacking in power by comparison to my past, however I could ride the nuts off it and carry shitloads of gear; the major letdown was the quality of the components. Two pretty harsh winters and it looked bad. Yet all the Jap bikes had been through similar and I really thought I had a duff bike until I worked it out - GS owners seem to spend more time cleaning their bikes than riding them. Yes yes, there are always exceptions and those that do both, but as a simple user as opposed to molly coddler or tinkerer I was disappointed. The ultimate lack of power had me switch to the K1300R dynamic which I've really enjoyed but left SWMBO less tha comfy on the occasional run out.
Then I took the GS LC out. Oooh, the GS I was looking for, I thought, but changing circumstances left any quick swaps out of my reach so I sat back. Then out came the 1190 Adv. Still out of my reach, but worth a test ride. Thing is, I took a 990 SMT out for a blast first...
At first I thought the riding position was a little odd, almost toy like - I'm no giant at 5'9" but I found the bars feeling very close and low. The foot pegs also seemed a little set back so it felt like I was riding more on my nads than my arse but I soon shuffled about and sorted a decent position. What a blast! Fantastic torque, pretty vibes but really quick, immediate steering coupled with fantastic suspension had me hurtling around back roads with the relative comfort of the GS minus the weight, but with an immediacy in handling that was just a joy. Onto the motorway and the vibrations and headsway took a hold until I tucked my chin down. I've had all kinds of mixed experiences with different helmets - my AGV Ti tech seemed best suited to the 10r, an Arai Tour x2 minus peak best on the GS, my Shoei XR1100 great on the K1300R but not on the SMT at high speeds, so a different screen required I think. However it pulled well, didn't get breathless and was solid at speed which belied its quick handling at lower speeds on twisty roads.
The clock/rev counter layout is simple and the WP suspension has totally convinced me that ESA electrickery is just unnecessary on a sorted setup. Just ride the bike.
On my return to the dealers, I got handed the keys to the 1190 Adv and had all kinds of expectations in mind of its 150bhp in a tall frame pulling things every which way. But no. Settled, comfortable, stable and yes, bloody quick but not a sign of the frame or suspension (on Sport) getting out of line or even unsettled. Compared to the SMT it's just what I want with a more substantial area in front with the poise and balance of a mile muncher, yet the power and reactions of something lighter. KTM have got this so right.. Much better, in my humble opinion, than the GS LC which has a lighter, twitchier front end but no less responsive throttle. It doesn't, however, feel as well balanced at the KTM.
However, the question for me, and my cash budget to change is simply this - is there £4k's worth of difference between a 2012 SMT and a 2013 Adv? Well if I had the money, I'd be on the Adv right now. However, the SMT will serve every purpose (with a few minor amendments) and not leave me wanting... Not too much for now.
For sale, one K1300R Dynamic with just under 7000miles
So needs put me onto the GS and it was great but somewhat lacking in power by comparison to my past, however I could ride the nuts off it and carry shitloads of gear; the major letdown was the quality of the components. Two pretty harsh winters and it looked bad. Yet all the Jap bikes had been through similar and I really thought I had a duff bike until I worked it out - GS owners seem to spend more time cleaning their bikes than riding them. Yes yes, there are always exceptions and those that do both, but as a simple user as opposed to molly coddler or tinkerer I was disappointed. The ultimate lack of power had me switch to the K1300R dynamic which I've really enjoyed but left SWMBO less tha comfy on the occasional run out.
Then I took the GS LC out. Oooh, the GS I was looking for, I thought, but changing circumstances left any quick swaps out of my reach so I sat back. Then out came the 1190 Adv. Still out of my reach, but worth a test ride. Thing is, I took a 990 SMT out for a blast first...
At first I thought the riding position was a little odd, almost toy like - I'm no giant at 5'9" but I found the bars feeling very close and low. The foot pegs also seemed a little set back so it felt like I was riding more on my nads than my arse but I soon shuffled about and sorted a decent position. What a blast! Fantastic torque, pretty vibes but really quick, immediate steering coupled with fantastic suspension had me hurtling around back roads with the relative comfort of the GS minus the weight, but with an immediacy in handling that was just a joy. Onto the motorway and the vibrations and headsway took a hold until I tucked my chin down. I've had all kinds of mixed experiences with different helmets - my AGV Ti tech seemed best suited to the 10r, an Arai Tour x2 minus peak best on the GS, my Shoei XR1100 great on the K1300R but not on the SMT at high speeds, so a different screen required I think. However it pulled well, didn't get breathless and was solid at speed which belied its quick handling at lower speeds on twisty roads.
The clock/rev counter layout is simple and the WP suspension has totally convinced me that ESA electrickery is just unnecessary on a sorted setup. Just ride the bike.
On my return to the dealers, I got handed the keys to the 1190 Adv and had all kinds of expectations in mind of its 150bhp in a tall frame pulling things every which way. But no. Settled, comfortable, stable and yes, bloody quick but not a sign of the frame or suspension (on Sport) getting out of line or even unsettled. Compared to the SMT it's just what I want with a more substantial area in front with the poise and balance of a mile muncher, yet the power and reactions of something lighter. KTM have got this so right.. Much better, in my humble opinion, than the GS LC which has a lighter, twitchier front end but no less responsive throttle. It doesn't, however, feel as well balanced at the KTM.
However, the question for me, and my cash budget to change is simply this - is there £4k's worth of difference between a 2012 SMT and a 2013 Adv? Well if I had the money, I'd be on the Adv right now. However, the SMT will serve every purpose (with a few minor amendments) and not leave me wanting... Not too much for now.
For sale, one K1300R Dynamic with just under 7000miles
And personally I wouldn't worry about residuals, if we all did that we'd never buy anything new.
but I think an SMT could keep me amused until I work out how to predict the lottery numbers...
If KTM hadn't have brought out the new Adv, I would have been changing my Versys for the SMT without doubt.
