2025 1390 Super Adventure R

My two forays into KTM ownership didn't end well - high service costs, warranty refusal & difficult to trade on when end of season discounting wrecks residuals.

Be that as it may, where do they think they are going with this incarnation I wonder. A big hefty complex adventure sports bike on steroids, selling into a contracting market segment. OK, they may have the excuse that the decision to take this beast to market would have been made in better times but, like the new GSA, I really can't see the appeal. Doubtless the testers will enjoy thrashing it, but who exactly will want it badly enough to commit to spending their wedge down at the KTM dealer.

I hope I'm wrong in many ways, as it would be sad to see KTM collapse entirely. I'm sure some will blame the pandemic, but they won't be the first or last manufacturer that has got into trouble after expanding rapidly, chasing volume & niche segments, then leaving themselves exposed financially when market conditions change.
 
Not sure about other markets though, just cos nobody under 50 rides motorbikes in the UK and no longer want 250KG Enduro's does not mean the rest of the world aren't buying them?

But certainly even on multinational forums the sentiment is predominantly to give us less tech, and use the savings for better quality, reliability & warranty.
 
I have to say I do like that. The R capability is probably overkill for me, but I think the colours and styling is only available on the R.

That being said, do I have confidence in KTM for the next two years - not sure.
 
I posted a bit earlier, on one the MCL threads about my visit to the KTM stand. I have a 2021 1290 SAR, and I asked the guy to just run through some differences and reasons to change - the answer was that basically, they didn't really know anything about these bikes as they have only just seen them, and the change are basically to meet Euro 5. A few more horses but I doubt you's ever notice it, and at a likely £10k to change I think I'll stick with mine
 
I’ll be keeping my 2021 1290S, only problem in 28,000 miles has been a warped front disc which was dealt with by the dealer at a very reasonable price. It goes, extremely well. I can’t say I’ve ever thought I need more power. I find it very comfortable, 500+ mile days no problem with a high comfort seat with an AirHawk. Returns 58mpg average.

Although saying all that I do keep looking at the 1390 super duke evo!!

The BMW R1300 GS doesn’t float my boat and the GSA just looks awful imho.
 
I have to say I do like that. The R capability is probably overkill for me, but I think the colours and styling is only available on the R.

That being said, do I have confidence in KTM for the next two years - not sure.
I have to agree. I do like that. Even though I have been stung by both "R's" in my brief KTM ownership (Reliability and Resale), I like the look, and I love the concept.
If I had the money to, and I could afford to take a chance on losing it all, I think I would buy that above everything else on the market right now. Nothing out there is vaguely exciting, even Ducati isn't exciting.
V twins of large capacity are the essence of motorcycling
 
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They’re huge to look at and in my eyes, as ugly as sin. But I sold my 2021, 1250 Rally and bought a very low mileage 1290s (also 2021) Might be a bit heretical to say it on UK GSER, but it is a way, way better bike than the GS. OK, maybe the GS edges it on motorway comfort, but seriously, that’s not enough for me to justify having one. KTM have been in a mess and I think I bought my bike at an all time price low, which of course means it’s residuals won’t be brilliant, but bang for buck, it’s right up there and I’d encourage anyone to have a go. Finally and as a PS, I also rode a Multi V4S and definitely preferred the KTM
 
How do you get on with the wind protection Ikkje? At 190cm tall I could never find a good option - which is the main reason I don’t have one of those now.
 
How do you get on with the wind protection Ikkje? At 190cm tall I could never find a good option - which is the main reason I don’t have one of those now.
I’m 6’4” and have a 1290SAS (21plate) and use a Wunderlich screen extension. Better airflow than my previous 1200GSA. For me it’s a more comfortable bike & there wasn’t much wrong with thr GSA.
 
I use a Laminar Lip and luckily for me, the shape means it fits both the KTM and my Aprilia Tuareg, so easily shifted from one to the other. If you can find one that fits your screen I think they work amazingly well and way better than other clip on style options. The only other screen that I’ve used to such good effect is the Givi 2 part one (the name of which I can’t remember) Works well but is not exactly beautiful. (Height - I’m mr average at 5’10“)
 
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My challenge with tall screens is living nearly 3 miles down a single track road, variously covered in shit, gravel, floods and with grass growing down the middle at various points. So I need to be able to see over the screen and not through it. Attached a pics of a (dirty) screen showing the laminar lip and then the second of toerag showing the four round 3m fixlock patches that allow you to move the screen quickly.

MarkIMG_2967.jpegIMG_2968.jpegIMG_2967.jpegIMG_2968.jpeg
 


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