Having had my fingers burnt with poor reliability on both my 12RT's I'm going to be moving to another make when the time comes. Although that's likely to be in 12 months or so I do like to take my time considering all the options, pondering & prevaricating, umming & aahing due to my OCD.
I fancy something slightly different from a touring bike so have been looking at the Adventure bike market but don't want to end up with another bike I can't rely on.
For me, Honda is the obvious choice but I just don't love the look of the CrossTourer, no matter how hard I try, nor does Yamaha's Super Ten. do it for me. I don't want a Triumph which leaves me with KTM. On paper I really like the look of the 1190 R but don't want to get my fingers burnt buying European again (which is why I've ruled out Ducati) & there is also the niggle in the back of my mind that was put there by the 'Long way Round' (I know, I know but I did mention my OCD).
I'll be buying the bike for European/American trips of 2-3 weeks at a time. There will be motorway riding involved with a view to getting to, and riding, some good twisty stuff. Comfort is obviously paramount, I'm coming from RT's after all, as is weather protection & decent mpg. I would also like to maybe do some weekend green laning in this country.
So my simple questions are these. Are KTM's reliable? How is the build quality? I'm not likely to be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire am I?
Thanx in advance.
I fancy something slightly different from a touring bike so have been looking at the Adventure bike market but don't want to end up with another bike I can't rely on.
For me, Honda is the obvious choice but I just don't love the look of the CrossTourer, no matter how hard I try, nor does Yamaha's Super Ten. do it for me. I don't want a Triumph which leaves me with KTM. On paper I really like the look of the 1190 R but don't want to get my fingers burnt buying European again (which is why I've ruled out Ducati) & there is also the niggle in the back of my mind that was put there by the 'Long way Round' (I know, I know but I did mention my OCD).
I'll be buying the bike for European/American trips of 2-3 weeks at a time. There will be motorway riding involved with a view to getting to, and riding, some good twisty stuff. Comfort is obviously paramount, I'm coming from RT's after all, as is weather protection & decent mpg. I would also like to maybe do some weekend green laning in this country.
So my simple questions are these. Are KTM's reliable? How is the build quality? I'm not likely to be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire am I?
Thanx in advance.
