Ok so as I have said i am looking at getting the all new KTM 1290 adventure so today i took it for a test ride and heres the verdict.
Turned at Crescent KTM Verwood about 1140 and met with Guy again, who handed me the keys to the new bike, had about 100 miles on the clock but ready to g with half a tank of fuel, told me to have a good ride out and make sure i was happy with it.
Well what can i say, its devine, its super smooth, the gear box just does as its told its pulls and pulls, scary rapid, 3 - 4 gear are crazy and the front lifts with no issue at all, i didn't intend to make it lift but it does so if thats your thing you will be happy.
The brakes are awesome with loads of feel loads of stopping power when needed loaded with confidence.
The finish of the bike seems really good well painted with solid fixtures ect.
So in fairness i took the BMW GSA yesterday to just make sure its what i want and have weighed up the pros and cons of both.
Ride - about the same i think the KTM turns in a bit better but neither dive under breaking both very smooth, the KTM set in sport mode on the suspension is very hard and stiffens right up but in comfort mode suited me best.
Power settings - On both bikes the computers work well to dial down the power to suit when in rain mode, i could not really tell any difference between street and sport but I'm no race rider so left it in sport.
Speed - its clear that the KTM is much quicker the traction control less intrusive, the BMW did have some kind of road/off road tyre which may not offer as much grip letting the diff slip more, maybe!
Finish - only time will tell really but the BMW i rode yesterday did have bits of rust on various bits, and looking at the 1190 demo it still looked good.
Shaft or Chain - Shaft drive wins hands down, but only for convenience, reliability and servicing is a pain with a drive shaft but no mess and better for touring, but the cost of repair is massive and is a worry. Chain and sprocket is about £200 fitted so not to bad. So if touring you just take a can of lube with you.
Looks - Subjective, but i like both i really do, I like the BMW headlight but i like the KTM turn lights, maybe the BMW wins this one, just!
Extras, i love the satnav set up on the BMW and the KTM lacks this but a Garmin 590lm should work fine, a pair of heated seats on the KTM will be nice more for Mrs dsb, i think the BMW cruise is a bit easier to use and neater, but the KTM works just as well.
I could go on and on, but in reality its what takes your fancy but KTM could have BMW by the balls with this bike, test ride it see what you think, i think lots of you will be parting with some cash.
Price not much init really, but KTM did a good deal on boxes ect where BMW would not really budge on price.
Turned at Crescent KTM Verwood about 1140 and met with Guy again, who handed me the keys to the new bike, had about 100 miles on the clock but ready to g with half a tank of fuel, told me to have a good ride out and make sure i was happy with it.
Well what can i say, its devine, its super smooth, the gear box just does as its told its pulls and pulls, scary rapid, 3 - 4 gear are crazy and the front lifts with no issue at all, i didn't intend to make it lift but it does so if thats your thing you will be happy.
The brakes are awesome with loads of feel loads of stopping power when needed loaded with confidence.
The finish of the bike seems really good well painted with solid fixtures ect.
So in fairness i took the BMW GSA yesterday to just make sure its what i want and have weighed up the pros and cons of both.
Ride - about the same i think the KTM turns in a bit better but neither dive under breaking both very smooth, the KTM set in sport mode on the suspension is very hard and stiffens right up but in comfort mode suited me best.
Power settings - On both bikes the computers work well to dial down the power to suit when in rain mode, i could not really tell any difference between street and sport but I'm no race rider so left it in sport.
Speed - its clear that the KTM is much quicker the traction control less intrusive, the BMW did have some kind of road/off road tyre which may not offer as much grip letting the diff slip more, maybe!
Finish - only time will tell really but the BMW i rode yesterday did have bits of rust on various bits, and looking at the 1190 demo it still looked good.
Shaft or Chain - Shaft drive wins hands down, but only for convenience, reliability and servicing is a pain with a drive shaft but no mess and better for touring, but the cost of repair is massive and is a worry. Chain and sprocket is about £200 fitted so not to bad. So if touring you just take a can of lube with you.
Looks - Subjective, but i like both i really do, I like the BMW headlight but i like the KTM turn lights, maybe the BMW wins this one, just!
Extras, i love the satnav set up on the BMW and the KTM lacks this but a Garmin 590lm should work fine, a pair of heated seats on the KTM will be nice more for Mrs dsb, i think the BMW cruise is a bit easier to use and neater, but the KTM works just as well.
I could go on and on, but in reality its what takes your fancy but KTM could have BMW by the balls with this bike, test ride it see what you think, i think lots of you will be parting with some cash.
Price not much init really, but KTM did a good deal on boxes ect where BMW would not really budge on price.
