Anyone test-ridden the new 1250 GS yet ?

[Nutty]

25% or so of my riding is with the wife riding pillion. With that in mind would you choose the 1290 or the GS?

I tested the 1290 and the performance was great, but didn't feel as good as my bike for my (as an overall) riding

If you’re on your own 75% of the time, the 1290 is much more fun and engaging.

 

[Nutty]

I didn't mention the new non-Brembo front brakes.

The 1290 Brembo setup is a 7/10. They work, but lack feel and need a two finger pull. Maybe they're under-sized. Maybe they wanted a softer setup that suited the 'R' model to use off-road. Don't know.

The new GS is a straight 10/10. Loads of feel and only needs a single digit to stop abruptly.

I’d agree with that. The first thing I noticed on my 1290 is that the brakes aren’t as sharp as the GS. But there’s so much more engine braking, you just adjust your riding accordingly.

 

[Boxerlust]

Nutty if your KTM is really so much more "fun & engaging" why don't you fook-off and ride that thing more often instead of wasting your time on the keyboard doing missionary work trying to convert GS riders to team orange ?
I will say that , a 1290 has probably 15 hp more than a 1250 GS between 8 and 9500 rpm as much as they inflate their advertised hp numbers ! But that's it.A S1000XR is much more exciting than any 1290 no matter what flavor !
But who in his right mind will trade a little stronger 1500 rpm powerband on top for a much better dealership network,TL and driveshaft ?
Only a few who believe the "ready to race" mantra...

 

[Skid06]

Nutty if your KTM is really so much more "fun & engaging" why don't you fook-off and ride that thing more often instead of wasting your time on the keyboard doing missionary work trying to convert GS riders to team orange ?
I will say that , a 1290 has probably 15 hp more than a 1250 GS between 8 and 9500 rpm as much as they inflate their advertised hp numbers ! But that's it.A S1000XR is much more exciting than any 1290 no matter what flavor !
But who in his right mind will trade a little stronger 1500 rpm powerband on top for a much better dealership network,TL and driveshaft ?
Only a few who believe the "ready to race" mantra...

ill give you your due...you never give up

 

[Apex]

I’d agree with that. The first thing I noticed on my 1290 is that the brakes aren’t as sharp as the GS. But there’s so much more engine braking, you just adjust your riding accordingly.

That's a valid point. Tons of engine braking. An IAM members dream




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Apex]

Nutty if your KTM is really so much more "fun & engaging" why don't you fook-off and ride that thing more often instead of wasting your time on the keyboard doing missionary work trying to convert GS riders to team orange ?
I will say that , a 1290 has probably 15 hp more than a 1250 GS between 8 and 9500 rpm as much as they inflate their advertised hp numbers ! But that's it.A S1000XR is much more exciting than any 1290 no matter what flavor !
But who in his right mind will trade a little stronger 1500 rpm powerband on top for a much better dealership network,TL and driveshaft ?
Only a few who believe the "ready to race" mantra...

I just bought a chain alignment tool from Motion Pro. In 30 seconds I'd put it on the bike and immediately realised that I've been riding with a misaligned chain for many K's!! I'm pretty annoyed about that as I've been obsessive about wheel alignment and chain tension.

So there you have it. What a brilliant bit of kit. If only someone had taken to the keyboard and recommended this a long time ago! I think if you really love your bike...tell others. If you like a GS that's fine. Great. The question is, have you ever owned a 1290? If you haven't I don't want you at my place offering to adjust my chain.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DING-DONG]

ill give you your due...you never give up

i think he's trying to Brainwash everyone into his way of thinking

 

[NomadLad]

I just test rode one today while my '16 GS was in for a service.

Very nice to ride. Noticeably smoother and less vibey.
Engine sounds slightly nicer.
TFT Screen is very nice.

Had the missus on the back, she said it didn't feel any different from a pillion perspective.

I don't see the need to swap my 2016 for a new 1250.

It's a lovely machine and probably perfect for someone switching to a GS or moving on from an oil cooled model.

The last while I've felt like mine is lacking a little so going to get it Hilltopped and maybe decat headers and a can. Won't be spending 1400 on full akra tho.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Nutty]

Nutty if your KTM is really so much more "fun & engaging" why don't you fook-off and ride that thing more often instead of wasting your time on the keyboard doing missionary work trying to convert GS riders to team orange ?
I will say that , a 1290 has probably 15 hp more than a 1250 GS between 8 and 9500 rpm as much as they inflate their advertised hp numbers ! But that's it.A S1000XR is much more exciting than any 1290 no matter what flavor !
But who in his right mind will trade a little stronger 1500 rpm powerband on top for a much better dealership network,TL and driveshaft ?
Only a few who believe the "ready to race" mantra...

There you go again, making assumptions.

I had an XR, for nearly two years, and traded it against the KTM. Would you like some first hand experience from someone who’s owned both, as to which is more fun? Of course you wouldn’t, you fucking imbecile.

Carry on with your bullshit, you really are the forum joke.

 

[knutk]

I just bought a chain alignment tool from Motion Pro. In 30 seconds I'd put it on the bike and immediately realised that I've been riding with a misaligned chain for many K's!! I'm pretty annoyed about that as I've been obsessive about wheel alignment and chain tension.

So there you have it. What a brilliant bit of kit. If only someone had taken to the keyboard and recommended this a long time ago!

I have been using this one:
https://www.profi-products.de/en/profi-cat-laser/motorcycle-chain-belt-alignment/3/chain-alignment-tool-se-cat?c=26

You may adjust it to point the laser beam towards the front sprocket (or as far forward as your chain is visible) to get a very accurate alignment. My only complaint is that the body is in aluminum with no built in magnet, so it needs to be held to the rear sprocket by hand.

Sorry for the OT, it will happen again

 

[EVskiy]

So, I rode 1250 today GS. Much more manageable than my GSA but that is a known.
Bike is certainly more spirited and actually felt much better than I expected it to be. No new bike novelty here as I used to have standard GS, albeit with spiked wheels. Cast wheels are my future choice.
Motor- quieter than GSA, nice roll on through the Rev range and very smooth.
Shiftcam- you can tell when it is happening, as ride in 2nd at 30-35 mph doing around 2800-3200rpm roll it on without shifting and at 4250-4600rpm there is a “backfire” pop from exhaust #addictive!. Same in 3rd-4th.....
GSAP. Much more Smoother than my EU4 ‘17 GSA especially from 1st - 2nd. Very happy with that.
Not had previous experience with TFT but was happy to experience it.
Love the look of exclusive with its black bits like luggage rack, handle bars, rear subframe & gloss black wheels.
Noticed that new heads have shallower fins on the front, which is very welcome for cleaning purposes compared to outgoing motor.
Most bike in the dealer network come with SOS thingy, that I am happy not to have it and instead spend money on a long weekend trip away.
Keyless ride apparently now standard and you no longer able to buy GS with normal key, another option I would be happy not to specify on a new bike.

Things I do not like:

Rear tray under pillion seat on exclusive should’ve been black from factory to finish off the look of the bike. Same applies to pillion foot rest hangers.

Side panels on the tank are “soft” feeling stickers that will get scuffed to death in a week and would need to be clear coated or protection film to go over them.

S


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EVskiy]

But this..... gave me far more smiles per mile..... just saying.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nutty]

So, I rode 1250 today GS. Much more manageable than my GSA but that is a known.
Bike is certainly more spirited and actually felt much better than I expected it to be. No new bike novelty here as I used to have standard GS, albeit with spiked wheels. Cast wheels are my future choice.
Motor- quieter than GSA, nice roll on through the Rev range and very smooth.
Shiftcam- you can tell when it is happening, as ride in 2nd at 30-35 mph doing around 2800-3200rpm roll it on without shifting and at 4250-4600rpm there is a “backfire” pop from exhaust #addictive!. Same in 3rd-4th.....
GSAP. Much more Smoother than my EU4 ‘17 GSA especially from 1st - 2nd. Very happy with that.
Not had previous experience with TFT but was happy to experience it.
Love the look of exclusive with its black bits like luggage rack, handle bars, rear subframe & gloss black wheels.
Noticed that new heads have shallower fins on the front, which is very welcome for cleaning purposes compared to outgoing motor.
Most bike in the dealer network come with SOS thingy, that I am happy not to have it and instead spend money on a long weekend trip away.
Keyless ride apparently now standard and you no longer able to buy GS with normal key, another option I would be happy not to specify on a new bike.

Things I do not like:

Rear tray under pillion seat on exclusive should’ve been black from factory to finish off the look of the bike. Same applies to pillion foot rest hangers.

Side panels on the tank are “soft” feeling stickers that will get scuffed to death in a week and would need to be clear coated or protection film to go over them.

Look at the state of those headers already!

I wonder how long until Akra release some for the 1250.

 

[EVskiy]

Look at the state of those headers already!

I wonder how long until Akra release some for the 1250.

Yes, need a very good clean


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Boxerlust]

@ ChrisA;I've never owned a KTM 1290 but a 640 LC4 which was a horrible vibey beast that was not very reliable on trips but ridden friend's 1290 in Superadv and Superduke GT flavors.
Not bad bikes and really the only competition to the GS or XR but too many problems.My friends like the stronger top-end but even they ask themselves if it is worth all the problems and waiting for parts.Especially one friend who bought a 1290R over the GS-Rally because it had 160 hp (more like 15 hp more than the BM with 130 at the rw) just to find out it is governed to 125 mph and even after a year there is no solution to defeat it.He said if I've known it I would have bought the Rally that has a much better dealer network,part available and it goes 135...I myself would not trade TL & driveshaft for another 1500 rpm on top giving 15-20 hp more between 8000-9500 rpm where the rev limiter sets in anyways.And obviously I'm not alone looking at sales numbers...I don't care what you buy but don't tell me how much more fun & engaging a KTM is...yes more power on top is never a bad thing but the GS especially the ADV or Rally with sports suspension are quicker steering which makes them great when the pavement gets twisty...
@EVsij;good report and funny what you said about the Scrambler as I myself think about adding a Urban to the stable and getting a 1250 later... Those R9T's are just fun and sound great !

 

[Arsey]

@ ChrisA;I've never owned a KTM 1290 but a 640 LC4 which was a horrible vibey beast that was not very reliable on trips but ridden friend's 1290 in Superadv and Superduke GT flavors.
Not bad bikes and really the only competition to the GS or XR but too many problems.My friends like the stronger top-end but even they ask themselves if it is worth all the problems and waiting for parts.Especially one friend who bought a 1290R over the GS-Rally because it had 160 hp (more like 15 hp more than the BM with 130 at the rw) just to find out it is governed to 125 mph and even after a year there is no solution to defeat it.He said if I've known it I would have bought the Rally that has a much better dealer network,part available and it goes 135...I myself would not trade TL & driveshaft for another 1500 rpm on top giving 15-20 hp more between 8000-9500 rpm where the rev limiter sets in anyways.And obviously I'm not alone looking at sales numbers...I don't care what you buy but don't tell me how much more fun & engaging a KTM is...yes more power on top is never a bad thing but the GS especially the ADV or Rally with sports suspension are quicker steering which makes them great when the pavement gets twisty...
@EVsij;good report and funny what you said about the Scrambler as I myself think about adding a Urban to the stable and getting a 1250 later... Those R9T's are just fun and sound great !

It's ironic that you probably don't get irony, given the utter bollox you post.
You owned a single cylinder KTM a decade or more ago and it was vibey-no shit, Sherlock, it was a an old thumper.Did you think it would be ultra smooth ?
Go try a new 690 with the twin balancer shaft and see how smooth that is.
And it is rather amusing that you talk of 'mates' with KTMs waiting for parts yet swear undying allegiance to the most unreliable motorcycle manufacturer out there.
What parts were these mates waiting for ? In over 20 years of owning KTMs amongst other brands, the only time one failed me was in 1998 when a Duke 640 clutch cable snapped.Other than that.....nothing and I've owned virtually every bike they have made since then including RC8, 950,1290, EXCs etc etc.

Have you no mates who have had BMW RTs recalled before they were run in, 850s released with a major engine design flaw, 1200s with forks so bad that an experienced UK journalist was killed on the European launch...and of course numerous rear drive failures,loose spokes causing wheels to collapse.....engines corroding after a few months etc etc.

At least the warranty is now 3 years-it needs to be !!! And who keeps a modern BMW out of warranty ?

And what is your obsession with crazy 3 figure speeds-you live in California FFS and will be spread eagled over the bonnet of a cop car quicker than you can say SEVENTEEN INCH WHEELS if you go anywhere near such speeds.

The 1290R may be limited to 125 in the USA but it certainly isn't over here.I had mine up around 137 verified by GPS two up with luggage on the autobahn.

I hope the 1250 is all you want it to be, though I doubt it will be.

 

[GADGET]

I tested the 1250 today and I do currently have a KTM 1290 SD GT, This was the first time I had ridden the WC Boxer engine and I was amazed how much go it had compared with my previous Hexhead and Twin cam GS bikes, okay its down on power compared to the GT, but in the real world on a bumpy country road the is no way the GT would stay with the 1250. I didn't want to like the 1250 as much as I did, so the question for myself is do I want to buy one? I guess I really ought to try the 1290 Adventure first and if KTM reduce the price of the over the Winter, which they did previously with the GT, then that will be another tempting factor.

 

[simondippenhall]

Gadget

Please do report back when you have made the comparison...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EVskiy]

I tested the 1250 today and I do currently have a KTM 1290 SD GT, This was the first time I had ridden the WC Boxer engine and I was amazed how much go it had compared with my previous Hexhead and Twin cam GS bikes, okay its down on power compared to the GT, but in the real world on a bumpy country road the is no way the GT would stay with the 1250. I didn't want to like the 1250 as much as I did, so the question for myself is do I want to buy one? I guess I really ought to try the 1290 Adventure first and if KTM reduce the price of the over the Winter, which they did previously with the GT, then that will be another tempting factor.

I am to test ride 1290SAS on Saturday for the second time. As I simply did not find it overly impressive the first time. Mind you. Roads around the first dealer weren’t all that woohoo and damp at the time. Late winter, dreary day = equals not a great experience.
Riding 1250 today, was interesting, but having had a little time to digest it, i don’t think it is worth (for me personally) to go and ruin my credit score. KTM will have to impress me massively to actually make me part with my hard earned cash.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EVskiy]

@EVsij;good report and funny what you said about the Scrambler as I myself think about adding a Urban to the stable and getting a 1250 later... Those R9T's are just fun and sound great !

Great ride, much more of a physical “workout” they are, but I love the whole package and it is possible to do a trip on one too. After all, my wife has to UK- Italy- UK and 2700 miles in the process. Apart from numb hands (slight vibes at the bars) she was comfortable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk