KTM 1190 Adventure demo ride

[Davy F]

There's only one KTM dealer (for road bikes) in Northern Ireland which is Phillip McCallen. I only hope that they live up to expectations should I pull the pin.

 

[strod]

I've just pulled the pin, going with the standard 1190 as mostly used on road for year round commuting and some touring. I've had an RC8 and know how good the engine was in that guise which enticed me in this direction...

I've also had a couple of 1200 GSAs, whilst they were very competent functional bikes I can't honestly say i found them exciting/inspiring, and I was surprised at some of the (common) issues encountered for a premium brand (not only a BMW phenomenon, admittedly), and the drop in finish quality with my last 2010 model (mainly corrosion related over the earlier bike version).

I've since had a late KTM 990A and, frankly, I bloody loved it. Not as good as the GSA in the long range motorway mile munching department (but it toured France & Spain without issue), but much more fun in all other areas for me personally. No fuelling issues, and no reliability issues in over 10k miles other than the digital dash needing to be reset once (froze/no speedo).

I can't speak to the wider KTM dealer network, but my experiences of Premier Bikes have been nothing but positive. Ok, they haven't quite nailed the BMW dealer customer service levels with the in house cafe's etc (NOG & Bahnstormer were great BTW), but from a vehicle servicing, personal attention and negotiating fair trade-in/bike purchase deal (for a dealer...) perspective I have not been left wanting. I feel they have looked after me well, but that is only my experience which has led to repeat business with them.

 

[sijohnston]

A Whip.

Visited McCallen's on Saturday morning and was thrown the keys of the standard 1190 for a test-ride. It's a whip of a bike and has mind-blowing performance. Beautiful engine and gear box which on such a light bike, make for great fun to ride. At 100mph just kept wanting to pull and pull. It felt really composed in the corners but at speed on motorways it didn't feel as planted as the big GS's would. I had it in Sport mode for the majority of the time and the suspension was very firm but made it a hoot to ride. Biggest complaint is the seat, which even next to my standard 800GS seat was uncomfortable. I also found it a little vibey, but those are all the faults I could pinpoint.

My verdict is that I'd probably go for the R version as I don't care too much for ESA and electronics for a big journey bike. I am also used to a 21" front wheel, so would rather stick with that, and also the like the colour scheme better on the R. I'm just not sure I'd want to off-road such a pricey bike, so while in the market for a new bike next Spring having very happily squeezed 5/6 years out of my 8GS, I want a bigger bike, and will no doubt buy either this or the new 1200GS Adv.

 

[Davy F]

I'd like to put my money where my mouth is and have to admit I'm besotted with the 1190 Adventure. So the Versys is up for sale privately and if I can shift it, I will hopefully be visiting the Orange side.

 

[stevemersey]

The latest issue of Bike mag tests the 990 SMT versus the Ducati Hyperstrada and Tiger 1050 Sport.
They hate the Ducati,like the Triumph but LOVE the 990 and it's the winner.

After owning two Tiger 1050's I was all set to buy the new 1050 sport, a KTM SMT or an 1190 Adventure, but ended up with an 11 plate R1200GS and am loving it. The new Tiger is a big step forward, smoother, better suspension, can be ridden much quicker, but it has moved more in the sports bike direction, which is not what I wanted. Bad weather led to two KTM road tests being cancelled, and I just fell for a GS while I was waiting. Very happy - BUT - every time I read about this dam 1190 I know I have to get one eventually.

 

[MJR]

Had the use of a mates R for the day yesterday, awesome bike but one thing i would say is dont get stuck in traffic, the heat that comes off the motor makes riding it pretty much unbearable.

 

[Timolgra]

I have the loan of one next week for a whole day in North Wales

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I have the loan of one next week for a whole day in North Wales

Andres

 

[MilkMaid]

Currently bikeless as I wait 'patiently' for my R to arrive. Could be anytime between July and September.

In through the nose... out through the mouth.
In through the nose... out through the mouth.
And relax.

 

[bandit]

They are advertised on ebay for immediate delivery

 

[Nutty]

Currently bikeless as I wait 'patiently' for my R to arrive. Could be anytime between July and September.

In through the nose... out through the mouth.
In through the nose... out through the mouth.
And relax.

Why such a long wait? They had one in the dealer when I was there a couple of weeks ago, unsold.

 

[MilkMaid]

Dunno? There are plenty or standard bikes available in the UK, but I was told by my local dealer that they had taken desposits from several customers for the R model and they needed to source bikes from the continent. Fingers crossed it'll be sooner rather than later.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Dunno? There are plenty or standard bikes available in the UK, but I was told by my local dealer that they had taken desposits from several customers for the R model and they needed to source bikes from the continent. Fingers crossed it'll be sooner rather than later.

I've been told the same Milkyboy, you're not the only one (not that I've actually ordered one.................yet).

Andres

 

[Nutty]

Dunno? There are plenty or standard bikes available in the UK, but I was told by my local dealer that they had taken desposits from several customers for the R model and they needed to source bikes from the continent. Fingers crossed it'll be sooner rather than later.

I've been told the same Milkyboy, you're not the only one (not that I've actually ordered one.................yet).

Andres

If you want one, call P&H in Crawley, as they are the guys that had one on the shop floor. I'm sure it'll still be there, as everyone's buying up all the new LC's

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

If you want one, call P&H in Crawley, as they are the guys that had one on the shop floor. I'm sure it'll still be there, as everyone's buying up all the new LC's

Ah, but you see, that's another one of the joys of buying a KTM, none of this bland corporate WMB dealer bollox where you just pop off and buy from an identicate, souless dealer at the other end of the country just 'cos they have 'stock' and I 'must have, must have' the latest most shiny toy in the shop.

With KTM you build up a proper relationship with your dealer based on mutual respect, a shared love of leftfield bikes and cuddles and like to reward their love and passion with an order even if that means waiting an extra six months

Quality can not be rushed

Andres

 

[cookie]

Quality can not be rushed

Andres

Apparently.

I went to crescent recently hoping to have a spin on the KTM wonder bike.

Failed utterly to get a salesman to talk or even acknowledge me.

 

[Timolgra]

Apparently.

I went to crescent recently hoping to have a spin on the KTM wonder bike.

Failed utterly to get a salesman to talk or even acknowledge me.

Perhaps they're astute salemen

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Apparently.

I went to crescent recently hoping to have a spin on the KTM wonder bike.

Failed utterly to get a salesman to talk or even acknowledge me.

Sounds like a 'proper' bike shop; did they wear brown coats, with a pencil behind their ear and did they call you 'sonny'?

Andres

 

[MilkMaid]

Whoop whoop.
Just had an email saying my R could be ready for collection as soon as 6 July.

 

[Tricky]

Went to Jim Aim yesterday for a demo ride on the standard bike and they had two unsold R models sitting on the showroom floor.

Standard bike is a fantastic tool and am very tempted as I miss my old 950Adv.