1290 SA S review

[Arsey]

They also do a strong tool box which I'm going to get from Jonathan at RR so I can carry my chain lock and take pillion

The clever lad will even match the lock to my panniers key which I should have all ordered together in hindsight


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[Rasher]

Thanks Arsey,

I will throw my Givi's on and measure them tomorrow, I like the tool box as well - very handy.

 

[dave hendy]

Test ride booked for Saturday


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[stolzy]

If I go orange (and I very well might), I'm getting somebody to make frames for my Verns.

I love those panniers, we have history and stories to tell.

 

[Rasher]

36/40 litre and 101 cm wide.

They also do 31/35 litre which is 95 cm wide.

My Givi Trekker Outbacks (48L / 37L) are about 112-114cm wide (with chamfered edges I was struggling to get a perfect measurement)

The bars are about 80cm wide so your looking at well over a foot wider on each side!

Currently I happily manage with my 37L and the Mrs "gets by" with the 48L, I reckon we could drop to the 40 / 36 combo, saving 2.5 inches each side is probably the difference between difficult and extremely difficult filtering - but the reality is I only even need to filter on the way to / from Folkestone.

I am unlikely to spend £1200+ on a new set of boxes right now, but maybe when trading up I will feel happier to put new ones on the new bike and strip these off and try to get some dosh back.

The smaller ones would probably be perfect for solo travellers stopping in Hotels, I managed a 3 day trip with everything I needed in the 38L top box, did not even bother with a tank bag, but for longer trips I tend to want to take waterproofs rather than rely on the textiles alone, plus more gloves and layering options.

I will also check out the new KTM panniers, I notice they have changed the vendors for the Metal stuff, the 1190's were Givi Trekker Outbacks - the side cases where embossed with KTM logo's but the top box was not. The sizes have dropped now - not sure if these are any narrower, but they do not fit around the exhaust so are likely to be wider than the Bumot stuff for the same overall capacity.

I do like the latches and fittings on the Givi stuff, just wish they had made proper bike specific boxes and tucked it all in a bit neater.

 

[Arsey]

My Givi Trekker Outbacks (48L / 37L) are about 112-114cm wide (with chamfered edges I was struggling to get a perfect measurement)

The bars are about 80cm wide so your looking at well over a foot wider on each side!

Currently I happily manage with my 37L and the Mrs "gets by" with the 48L, I reckon we could drop to the 40 / 36 combo, saving 2.5 inches each side is probably the difference between difficult and extremely difficult filtering - but the reality is I only even need to filter on the way to / from Folkestone.

I am unlikely to spend £1200+ on a new set of boxes right now, but maybe when trading up I will feel happier to put new ones on the new bike and strip these off and try to get some dosh back.

The smaller ones would probably be perfect for solo travellers stopping in Hotels, I managed a 3 day trip with everything I needed in the 38L top box, did not even bother with a tank bag, but for longer trips I tend to want to take waterproofs rather than rely on the textiles alone, plus more gloves and layering options.

I will also check out the new KTM panniers, I notice they have changed the vendors for the Metal stuff, the 1190's were Givi Trekker Outbacks - the side cases where embossed with KTM logo's but the top box was not. The sizes have dropped now - not sure if these are any narrower, but they do not fit around the exhaust so are likely to be wider than the Bumot stuff for the same overall capacity.

I do like the latches and fittings on the Givi stuff, just wish they had made proper bike specific boxes and tucked it all in a bit neater.

I'll be testing the 36/40 boxes in a few weeks with g/f.

I've also gone for the large KTM rack which I'm going to rok strap my Enduristan 51litre bag.

Should be plenty enough

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

If I'm ordering a set of panniers and there's a choice of capacity I'll always go for the smaller size and clip a pair of US10 drybags on top if I need an extra bit of capacity. There's also the bonus that I can shove enough clean clothing to survive a night in the bar of a cross Channel ferry into a 10l bag so no need to carry too much crap up to my cabin.

 

[cookie]

I'll be testing the 36/40 boxes in a few weeks with g/f.

I've also gone for the large KTM rack which I'm going to rok strap my Enduristan 51litre bag.

Should be plenty enough

I've got the large rack which i fit/remove as required. It's really good

 

[Arsey]

If I'm ordering a set of panniers and there's a choice of capacity I'll always go for the smaller size and clip a pair of US10 drybags on top if I need an extra bit of capacity. There's also the bonus that I can shove enough clean clothing to survive a night in the bar of a cross Channel ferry into a 10l bag so no need to carry too much crap up to my cabin.

Totally agree.

Another benefit of the Bumots having tie down points on top.

 

[cookie]

Interesting 1090/1290SAS review here.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eTYqdlVPVao" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Khulu]

I'll be testing the 36/40 boxes in a few weeks with g/f.

I've also gone for the large KTM rack which I'm going to rok strap my Enduristan 51litre bag.

Should be plenty enough

Will your g/f fit in the 36/40 boxes?

 

[Arsey]

Will your g/f fit in the 36/40 boxes?

Nearly !

I'm off on the ferry tonight.

 

[Khulu]

Nearly !

I'm off on the ferry tonight.

Enjoy your next foray!
The Bumots look great, by the way.
If I ever get a big KTM (I like the 1190R) they're on my list (if they fit!).

Have fun.

 

[Bloopdad]

First post....
Picked up my KTM SA S (orange) 2 days ago and am on 380 miles into the running in period - I just can't get off it. Compared to my old GS TC it's like chalk and cheese! Breathtaking acceleration, amazing suspension, comfortable, flick able and exhilarating. The quick-shifter is superb especially on downshifts, great sound from the Akropovic (much better than the asmatic stock can). The Hill Hold Control thingy takes a bit of getting used to....still not sure about that. The TFT display is a revolution- all bikes should have one, very customisable, clear, informative and switches between light and dark perfectly.
Luggage...the KTM panniers feel a little flimsy, small and cheap plus limited to hold up to 10kg so you can't add extra bags on top of them. The top case even worse as it's limited to only 5kg (my Almax chain is something like 12kg!). They use a floating plate system that doesn't fill me with confidence. Plus of course with luggage KTM advises a max speed of 90mph.
If I had seen the system before buying I would've sourced another solution as they were not a cheap option.
So to sum up - the engine is superb, even restricted to its running in 6000rpm, the brembo brakes are amazing, it gives you the confidence to really attack corners while still feeling very planted and comfortable. Heated grips are better than the GS and frame/build quality also I feel better than my old GS.
Pants expensive luggage system IMO and the mirrors are a little "vibey" at speeds over 80mph.
No idea about mechanical reliability, future value retention, corrosion resistance or electronic reliability but I've researched an upgraded DID chain and sprockets set for when the time comes (and it's much cheaper than a shaft drive overhaul!).
The headlight isn't a gimmick either...it's superb and I don't get buffeting from the screen.
Next week it's in for its 600 mile first service and will then allow me access to the engines full rev range. Also it's much better to look at in the flesh than on paper especially with the optional orange crash bars and radiator guard.
I'm fitting a Scottoiler too
All in all I'm very happy with the bike so far.
230 miles from the tank (approx) at 61mpg (indicated on the display)

 

[Moose]

Thanks for the review comments. I hope to collect mine end of next week.

Let us know how you get on fitting the ScottOiler. Photos would be good.

Did you buy it with the KTM alarm?

 

[Bloopdad]

Yes, I opted for the "KTM specific super-dooper, anti scan, double rolling code" alarm that turns out to be a bog standard Meta M252 system.
Although it is compatible with the wiring loom and software as there's a flashing red led on the TFT screen when armed.

You get a comprehensive tool kit with the bike...although if it wasn't for the luggage I wouldn't know where to keep it as due to the carbon sniffer box thingy under the seat there's absolutely no room for a tool kit!

It's still the best bike I've owned though

 

[shay]

Is it possible to remove the euro 4 canister crap from the bike?

 

[Moose]

Is it possible to remove the euro 4 canister crap from the bike?

Yes - see here

 

[Moose]

Yes, I opted for the "KTM specific super-dooper, anti scan, double rolling code" alarm that turns out to be a bog standard Meta M252 system.
Although it is compatible with the wiring loom and software as there's a flashing red led on the TFT screen when armed.

You get a comprehensive tool kit with the bike...although if it wasn't for the luggage I wouldn't know where to keep it as due to the carbon sniffer box thingy under the seat there's absolutely no room for a tool kit!

It's still the best bike I've owned though

So do you think that if buying the Meta alarm, it could be set up yourself - or does it need the ECU feature to be enabled?

Where is it fitted on the bike? Does it consume even more of the under seat storage?

 

[Bloopdad]

No idea if a Meta alarm can be DIY fitted? But there is some system integration as it illuminates and flashes a red LED on the screen when armed, so I expect the feature would have to be enabled in a dealers?
As with the heated seats there's a loom plug provided ready. It just needs enabling.
Mine is situated away from the obvious under seat position... shh...it's in a secret spot!

(BTW, there's no room under the seat for storage anyway!)