Change of bike, maybe

ymfb

ymfb

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Im thinking of test riding a KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the thing is it doesn't tick all my boxes.

I have thought for a while I might trade my Ducati MTS1200GT for a R1200GSA until a friend dropped a KTM brochure on my desk. I like the MTS, but there are a couple of niggles, the big one is the chain drive and thats why I had half an eye on the big GS.

In reality I will probably do nothing but will test the new KTM & GS as and when the opportunity arises. I have already tested the DVT & XR.

If anyone has considered the same and made a decision I'd be pleased to here it.

Thanks
 
With the addition of a Scottoiler you could have the perfect adventuere bike :cool:
 
My 1290 SA needs it's chain adjusted about every 1000 miles along with a squirt of chain wax. It takes 5 minutes. Will maybe need more maintenance in the winter with wet weather or off road riding. If you can't be arsed doing that then buy a car! Bikes are something you look after and tinker not something you just turn the key and drive for a year then get it services

MTS and XR are not the same type of bike as a GSA or an SA so first you have to make your mind up what type of bike you want. Do you want a stretched out sport bike or an adventure bike? If you want an adventure bike but still want performance, character and fun then the SA is your only choice.
 
Oh by the way I did test all your choices and wanted an adventure bike so got the SA. My GSA was an 09 which required more maintenance and cost than a friging chain so dumping shaft drive was a no brainer.
 
I've had a couple of GSAs, last one being a TC, both had various warranty issues including final drive failure. Since then I've had a KTM 990A, 1190A and very recently picked up a 1290A. As already said, the chain is no big hassle with a scottoiler or similar onboard, much cheaper to replace than a shaft drive. I test rode the XR and SA before deciding on my recent change, whilst I did enjoy the XR's ballistic/handling qualities, it wasn't the all round package for my commuting and touring requirements. I personally felt no compulsion to revisit the GSA option, but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad choice, just a different one if it works for you.
 
in 7,000 odd miles on my 1190 i've adjusted the chain once, and that was because it was too tight when delivered.

i use a scottoiler, which i fill up now and again.
 
I had a 2011 GSA from new and was finding it a bit heavy to lug about. I tested the Triumph Explorer, BMW XR and GS (not the GSA) and the KTM 1050 and 1190 (not the 1290).

I didn't like the Explorer or XR, it was a close call between the GS and the 1190 but I found the KTM was just so much more fun to ride that I went for that. The chain doesn't bother
me. Really pleased with the bike, positive I made the right decision.
 
I dont understand why chain drives have to be such a basic design, why not enclosed with tensioners and enclosed lubrication.
A higher tech solution would result in 100k mile chain maintenance free.
 
patzx12 said:
I dont understand why chain drives have to be such a basic design, why not enclosed with tensioners and enclosed lubrication.
A higher tech solution would result in 100k mile chain maintenance free.
Click to expand...

I suspect it's a vanity thing as it would not look nice, and maybe those all year, every day riders are a minority compared to those that think

Marki_GSA said:
Bikes are something you look after and tinker not something you just turn the key and drive for a year then get it services
Click to expand...
 
If it was good enough for the Honda Cub then surely a 160 HP behemoth should have one too !
 
I too had the same dilemma . I test rode the GSA and the XR . I was really impressed by the GSA , but felt it lacked the character and fun factor I was after . The XR just wasn't for me, albeit a cracking bike .
I thought I would be daft not to try the SA , and I'm glad I did..... I absolutely loved it and did a deal that day.
4 months down the line and 5k miles later do I still love it ? ... Yes I do.
I've done a Europe tour on it and it was perfect . 2 up, full luggage ( SW MOTECH ) and it performed brilliantly. It isn't without it's quirks though, the fuel guage accuracy is hit and miss and the rear pegs seem to be cramped for the pillion , this however was sorted with some lowering brackets.
The chain drive really hasn't been an issue with a scottoiler fitted, I have not even had to adjust it yet.
It really does come down to personal choice and what you want from your bike . I think the GSA is an absolutely cracking bike, and more 'polished ' if you like in what it does , but I have no regrets in buying the SA , It ticks the boxes the GSA didn't for me and I still come back grinning from ear to ear everytime I go out on it, and to me that's what riding is all about.
 
Any of you SA riders gone to the SA from an 1190 Adventure? I am tempted to swap the GS and have only tested the 1190 Adventure so far, and not sure I need the power of the 1290. I don't really want to spend that much money either. I hardly ever ride two up, and do like a bit of light off roading, but my main fun is on nadgery back roads in North Wales. I tested the XR and it is too focussed on smooth tarmac and silly speeds for my taste. So I am thinking the 1190 would be the best option, or is the 1290 that much better?
 
One important feature i am looking for is good headlights, can anyone say how they compare with other bikes.
 
ymfb said:
One important feature i am looking for is good headlights, can anyone say how they compare with other bikes.
Click to expand...
Better than my 09 GSA but still not great. I converted them to cyclops LED (£100 if you go about it the right way) and they are good now. I haven't bothered with any other lights even though I have them. That may change when it gets wet and really dark but right now they work really well.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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