2021 1290S

[MickTheSaw]

been out on mine today got around 250 miles on it this week, its a ballastic misssile not gone above 6k rpm saw three digits in no time.But you can bimble in town in 4th doing 30mph no probs.It feels a light as a feather its returned 55mpg
and I've done 180 miles so far on this fill up and showing 70 miles left.Love this agricultaral missile.

 

[Big Derek]

or maledom in general?

What ? I don't eat fruit

 

[dirtybiker]

Hi Guys.
Thinking of jumping ship from bmw to the KTM 1290.
Seems like there is pretty much universal approval for the new bike with the exception of the seat and indicator issues.
Couple of questions if I may.
Has anyone bought the R version, if so what there opinion etc?
Like the look of the R colour scheme, spoked wheels and the bash plate and engine guards come fitted. Though admittedly I’m unlikely to go off road much!
What else do you get for the extra £1000 base price on the R?
Also what are the lead times on the new 1290 ( S or R versions).
Thanks chaps.
Jez (dirtybiker)

 

[Apex]

Hi Guys.
Thinking of jumping ship from bmw to the KTM 1290.
Seems like there is pretty much universal approval for the new bike with the exception of the seat and indicator issues.
Couple of questions if I may.
Has anyone bought the R version, if so what there opinion etc?
Like the look of the R colour scheme, spoked wheels and the bash plate and engine guards come fitted. Though admittedly I’m unlikely to go off road much!
What else do you get for the extra £1000 base price on the R?
Also what are the lead times on the new 1290 ( S or R versions).
Thanks chaps.
Jez (dirtybiker)

I'll chip in my thoughts.

The R will have ace suspension. Non electronic obviously. It also looks the best by miles in my view, however I'm slowly coming round to my matt grey. The ride height is up comparable to the S. 21" front but when they say 'bash plate' they aren't serious (everyone ends up with a tougher plate it used in ernest).

My view with this bike is if you're not going off road much DEFINITELY get the S. The S will go off-road too. The 2017 1290R also had great supension and people liked it, less maintenance bla bla. But this new electronic suspension is worlds apart from the 17. WORLDS.

Apart from the rear frame being white its a simple job (if expensive) to buy the blue and white bits to make the S look like an R.


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[dirtybiker]

Good points.
Thanks for you thoughts.
As a potential first time KTM buyer, it’s good to get an owners input.

 

[Big Derek]

My 5-penneth I have also just bought a KTM 129-s 2021 350miles in and I too cam e from BMW 11 1200 1250 GS GSA on the bounce my first KTM part from it being like a Rocket! you can chill on the bike its very agile and rough at the same time w think its another halfbreed 50% GS and 50% XR you will think WTF have I done for first 75 mile then a sth brakes and things start coming to you and the LC8 engine lights your face up you will b like me just need to make sth bike your own and your good to go. Only buy the R if your a OFF ROADER

 

[cookie]

I'd only buy the R.

Not making that mistake again

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

..................
Only buy the R if your a OFF ROADER

Why?

Andres

 

[Arsey]

The R makes a great road bike

 

[Apex]

I'd only buy the R.

Not making that mistake again

I haven't read your review of the new 1290 yet. Just sayin.

The world has moved on in 3 years. Sure the R is great but as a road bike, with the trick suspension, the S would trounce it.


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[cookie]

I'm sure it is a great bike, but the S has even more of the pointless to me crap on it than the R does.

I'm worried I might have reached that point in life where bikes are moving on to a place I'm not interested in


And BTW, I'm thinking you've not ridden the 1290R either

 

[dirtybiker]

Thanks chaps.
Still not totally sure but probably leaning towards the S.
with probably swing by my local dealer ( Jim Aim in Braintree) and have a chat.
Fingers crossed I’ll get it sorted this week.
Ta.
Jez

 

[Rasher]

Before buying my (18) S I tested both versions twice, I would rather have conventional suspension myself, but that was not enough for me to go with the R alone mainly 21" front wheel makes the steering feel a bit lazy, and the skinny rims mean the S is better suited to road work. Sure it would still be an awesome bike but I really preferred the S.

The key is to test both, and for a decent ride, a 20 minute blast up and down the nearest bypass is not enough, you need an hour or so on each one, ideally back-to-back or quite close together.

Then buy the one YOU prefer, not what someone else prefers, asking here will just get everything, from S-R and beyond, 1290's are too big, the 890 is better, stick with a GS etc.

 

[Arsey]

Before buying my (18) S I tested both versions twice, I would rather have conventional suspension myself, but that was not enough for me to go with the R alone mainly 21" front wheel makes the steering feel a bit lazy, and the skinny rims mean the S is better suited to road work. Sure it would still be an awesome bike but I really preferred the S.

The key is to test both, and for a decent ride, a 20 minute blast up and down the nearest bypass is not enough, you need an hour or so on each one, ideally back-to-back or quite close together.

Then buy the one YOU prefer, not what someone else prefers, asking here will just get everything, from S-R and beyond, 1290's are too big, the 890 is better, stick with a GS etc.

As you say , test both if you can !
I did the same in 2017 and much preferred the feel of the R .

 

[Apex]

As you say , test both if you can !
I did the same in 2017 and much preferred the feel of the R .

Will be very lucky if you can find an R to test ride just now.


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[cookie]

Will be very lucky if you can find an R to test ride just now.

Indeed. I've been to two KTM dealers recently and neither had one even in stock.

 

[Apex]

Indeed. I've been to two KTM dealers recently and neither had one even in stock.

AMS have one. They did have.


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[Apex]

Inspired by a well known Youtuber I've bought one of these to fit along with a sheet of 3mm neoprene foam to put over the gel pad. No harm in trying it. Won't be less comfortable thats for sure

PJ1 spray paint turned up today so I might trial it on something before painting the exhaust with it.

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[Arsey]

Inspired by a well known Youtuber I've bought one of these to fit along with a sheet of 3mm neoprene foam to put over the gel pad. No harm in trying it. Won't be less comfortable thats for sure

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Nice one Mavis !!
I like Chopsy.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Inspired by a well known Youtuber I've bought one of these to fit along with a sheet of 3mm neoprene foam to put over the gel pad. No harm in trying it. Won't be less comfortable thats for sure

PJ1 spray paint turned up today so I might trial it on something before painting the exhaust with it.

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How did it go, did you do the exhaust?