KTM v GS build quality.

[TIJ650]

Remind me how much a new shaft costs Vs a new chain and sprockets and how much power the shaft saps compared to a chain

And dont tell me shafts dont fail

Don’t know - cause I’ve never changed one
It’s not a failure argument - more the fiddling with chains etc

 

[wessie]

Remind me how much a new shaft costs Vs a new chain and sprockets and how much power the shaft saps compared to a chain

And dont tell me shafts dont fail

Cost? Just had a new one fitted to my 8 year old RS courtesy of BMW as part of their new programme to replace every 60,000km free of charge.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Don’t know - cause I’ve never changed one
It’s not a failure argument - more the fiddling with chains etc

you see i enjoy it

but on a bit of a tangent my new KTM 1390 is quite well made it seems but not a patch on the Ducati Streetfighter which was just exquisite but at a price i was not prepared to pay any more

 

[snerkler]

I was same when I test rode a 2017 KTM Super Adventure T after coming of a 2014 1200 GS. It does become very apparent that the GS is lazy to ride, KTM is engaging and keeps on asking for more. You do not have to push it or your limits, but you do have to be in the right gear at the right time sort of thing. So rejected it, as not suitable for me. More like I wasn’t willing to adapt and the lack of modern tech on it such as LED headlamp, LCD display etc, was a non starter for me. I had also noticed that. Handlebars were slightly narrower too.
So purchased a 2017 1200 GSA. Kept that for 18ish months and then went to try a KTM once again. This time round it was a 2018 SAS. I liked it, the deal was on the table and as usual KTM were chopping a big lump from the asking price at Christmas time.
I have replaced rear brake pads only once on KTM that was done at 20500 miles or at the begining of June. The front pads have plenty of life in them. The engine braking is great on KTM, hence why you also want to be in the right gear at the right time or it’ll stutter before you think it will.
On both my GS and GSA I had to replace rear pads every 5000-6000 miles. Which was annoying. Front had to be replaced once in the GS. Hadn’t touched them on GSA.
Pillion comfort on GSA is better too. My wife had noticed this straight away, there is simply a bit more room compared to KTM.

If my wife wasn’t to come along as a Pillion, then I’d be very very tempted to buy DUCATI Desert X. I just love the look of that bike and it is plenty fast enough as was being demonstrated by one other in our party on a recent trip, it Waldo sounds incredible.

It was the 2021 1290 Super Adventure S I rode. I really like the look of it, especially in the white/blue/orange colour scheme, and I was very excited to ride it but was very underwhelmed. Maybe it's one of those that you need to spend time on to fully appreciate.

I've found the R1250GSA more pokey than I was expecting, much more than I remember my R1200GSA being, it feels like it's wanting you to ride 'enthusiastically' but is also happy at lazy riding

 

[TIJ650]

Side note, I actually like KTM and always have. Just not crazy about Tommy Drysdale my local dealer
Don’t really like BMW v KTM arguments anyway - cause like both.
Is that allowed?!

 

[EVskiy]

It was the 2021 1290 Super Adventure S I rode. I really like the look of it, especially in the white/blue/orange colour scheme, and I was very excited to ride it but was very underwhelmed. Maybe it's one of those that you need to spend time on to fully appreciate.

Indeed, that’s why you can not appreciate the bike having only one hour window (of which you’ll be spending 20-30 minutes battling the traffic to reach an open section of road) to find out if it is for you or not.

It took me some time to gell with the bike, and I felt like I made a mistake, but it grew on me. The latest version is more stable too as well as cheaper to maintain at interim services, due to not needing to remove the fuel tank in order to access the air filter.

I've found the R1250GSA more pokey than I was expecting, much more than I remember my R1200GSA being, it feels like it's wanting you to ride 'enthusiastically' but is also happy at lazy riding

I only test rode the early shift cam GS exclusive, but it was way to much money for me to change. Plus I wasn’t sure about being a test dummy with that new technology.
I agree the GS is more lazy to ride, which makes it a little bit more relaxing. But once you find out the quirks of the KTM, it can be equally as relaxing.

I was very surprised by overall fuel consumption on our recent trip. Bearing in mind that we spent a whole day on Austrian/German/French, averaging well over a 100mph. And personally I’ve exceeded well over a 130mph at one point. The bike was stable throughout, until I caught up with a Porsche and the dirty turbulent air it caused, which engaged a bit of a weave to the front end.

The stats across the entire trip.

 

[Paul S]

Both KTM and BMW have their issues and their advantages - had 10 GS's over the years but my last 4 big bikes have all been 1190/1290 KTM's and never had a serious issue with any of them whereas 2 of the GS's were rejected back to the dealer!

My latest KTM is IMO a great bike and there is nothing else at the moment that would tempt me away from it - vive la différence

 

[Katy M]

I sold my 2018 KTM 1290 SAS for my 2020 GS TE Rallye & for me the SOS, shaft drive, dash and ergonomics are a step up from the SAS. Also the GS feels generally just more robust. I now have the GSA and didn't even consider another SAS. Had plenty of KTM enduro bikes over the years going back to the mid 90's, three Super Duke Rs (x1 990 & x2 1290) & a 690R, so I do like a KTM and have no actual bias either way.

Same for me bar dash- happy with Ktm’s. Having come off my bike but remaining conscious, the sos was a serious plus even though I was able to call for help via headset.
I am finding gsa a tad easier on my old frame though.

 

[Katy M]

you seem to be writing more about design rather than quality

quality is not just about the look & build of a new bike but the durability and the back up from the dealer and manufacturer. It's a bit early for you to measure these variables with any objectivity.

I think they’re closely related- design and quality.

 

[Katy M]

I would then ask

Why leave KTM then if it lit a fire??

The GS was an itch that needed scratching.

 

[cookie]

Okay and accepted.
I’ll just play the shaft drive card that was tucked in my back pocket then!

Have BMW made one that doesn't need constant attention now? It's not like they've not had a few problems recently.

Admittedly it was at BMW's expense, which would be a real rarity with KTM.

 

[cookie]

Hell is wrong with Russian oil and gas?

Has news of the little contretemps in Ukraine not reached Scotland yet?

 

[GSMarky]

I think we all need to pinch ourselves a bit... We are so fortunate to have the technology available to us that we do on our bikes nowadays. SAS/GS/MS etc are all amazing machines so packed with tech' there isn't actually a bad one, so subjectivity & personal choice it is then.

I had a Ducati SF4VS that went when I got the new GSA & crikey that thing was insane.

On a side note I get as much if not more pleasure thrashing about on my LC or Lambretta, so as long as you're on 2 wheels that'll do..

 

[TIJ650]

Has news of the little contretemps in Ukraine not reached Scotland yet?

Actually find 16 year olds driving Ferraris in Dubai more irritating than any Russian, but who’s keeping score?! lol

 

[TIJ650]

Have BMW made one that doesn't need constant attention now? It's not like they've not had a few problems recently.

Admittedly it was at BMW's expense, which would be a real rarity with KTM.

If you change final drive fluid VERY often - they’re not a problem. I’ve had 3 without incident. Just find chains irritating fucking things. Bit like manual boxes in cars. Just not for me anymore

 

[big fella]

I've had numerous BMW's and one ktm 950 adventure. The build quality was woeful. Everything was rusting on it. The tank lining then started to come away and blocked the carbs up. I have considered buying another KTM to replace my T7 but find it hard to justify based on the yamahas reliability/ride and finish. What about the KTM upgrade package. Are they still charging you to release the power?

 

[cookie]

What about the KTM upgrade package. Are they still charging you to release the power?

I've had 4 of them and have no idea what that's about?

 

[big fella]

I looked at buying a 1290r and there was a €1200 charge to access the different riding modes on top of the RRP of the bike itself.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[the woodster]

I have never owned a KTM but know plenty that have. A mixed bag regarding quality, reliability and accepting warranty claims. I have owned three GSs and had issues with all three. I thought I'd got away with it with the 1250 but no. All I can say is that in relation to the BMW warranty and then their insured warranty, I have had nothing but excellent service from them. No quibbles whatsoever. I recently had corrosion on my engine casings and cylinder heads with 3 months left on my 3 year warranty. All replaced and sorted. I have no idea if I will stay with BMW but in my experience, their warranties have been fantastic.

All my biker buddies do say I am unlucky, though. I certainly seemed to have fared the worst amongst the BMW owners. I could fall into a barrel of tits and come out sucking my thumb.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I've had 4 of them and have no idea what that's about?

it is a sharp practice introduced by KTM in the last couple of years

You still get all the power but if you want Quickshifter and other electrickery you have to pay for it as an extra whereupon the dealer activates it

It gets a bit worse tho as all new bikes have it for free until first service so you can try it

I have the full tech pack on mine which should be just over a grand but i got it heavily discounted it gives me the QS the full customisable track pack for anti wheelie slide control etc and is all very good but it does have to be bought which i think is a bit of a rip off compared to other bikes