Active suspension has done away for the need of a telelever. It is all in the programming of the controller. The 1290 SA has really good suspension but you can feel that it is set up to be a bit lively. The BMW on the other hand is more comfort orientated hence for a pillion it might make a better choice. For me if I was to ride solo all the time the 1290 is the choice. Not having a shaft drive makes the gear change and rear suspension feel so much better. The beemer is great with the missus on the back. Each bike has it merits just as each person has his preference and mannerisms.
To criticise the 1290 SA I can say that the controls is not as intuitive to use as the BMW controls. The BMW controls may add more functions but it lessens the workload on the rider. In this department KTM has a bit of catch up to do.
Residuals of both makes has now come down to supply. Trading the GSA in for another bike and you will probably get offered very little. Maybe the same for a KTM bike at any dealer. So if you are talking about best value for money then you have to do a bit of research or just go the way of leasing the bike for 3 years. In the end most of us use the bike for leisure activities. No Porsche, Lambo, Bentley, Aston Martin owner asks 'How much mpg?' The thing is there to be enjoyed. Saying that you have to be a bit more attentative to the throttle of the 1190 when overtaking
Each manufacturer has its problems with production bikes. Forums are full of it. The only reason I believe BMW is so successful is because of marketing. They have created a family for you to be part of. Once you stray out of the BMW fold you will quickly feel alone and have to do with out the complementary bits on the side and have to travel a bit further to find a reputable dealer or a demo model that you wish to test ride. That is were BMW clinches it.
For those that think that the current bike they have is the best or a particular brand is the holy grail. Wait till the next new release or actually go ride the competition. Magazines have to keep manufactures happy and not slant them directly. That way they will always get a bike from a manufacturer to review or take a long term test on. You have to make your own mind up. Let the skins fall from yer eyes.
So for Engineer everything BMW is to worshipped even if they didn't invent the telescopic fork, nor the telelever or duolever and neither are they the only users of the flat twin. They make a good product and are better at marketing it but stray away from Europe and you will see a more diverse motorcycle market. Last week I met a guy from Canada travelling on a Kawasaki KLR. My brother in law is looking at buying his first bike. They live in Windhoek, Namibia. He says everybody there rides a KTM. He is looking at a BMW F800 GS adv. I told him there is a reason why everybody rides a KTM in Namibia. The thing is build for those conditions. The closest BMW came to producing a true round the world bike was the 650 x country family. Just add some decent suspension and you are off. Just like KTM has been doing for years. Don't tell me a R80, R100 is the real deal because you will swear at it before you reach the Black Sea.
Enjoy your bikes. I have owned 3 BMWs. 2 of which is in the garage. I'm looking forward to the new KTM range. God forbid if you ever see me on a Honda AT