MCN voted 1290 SA best Adventure bike

[cookie]

I thought the SA was really impressive. Not going to be buying one though.


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[Arsey]

I thought the SA was really impressive. Not going to be buying one though.


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I liked it but wasn't bowled over by it like I should have been as it's A) a £16k bike and B) I've owned almost every KTM model in the last 15 years or so.
I might end up with one when they tweak the colours but I've just ordered a completely different 2016 model bike and saved a fortune.

 

[Gsuk]

To be totally honest a think an hour's test ride doesn't do it justice
Take it out for at least a week,
Get used to the switch gear, narrow handle bars,hidden away ignition key
The mind blowing ENGINE
Did I mention the engine?
The brilliant clutch and gearbox
Forget about the chain (get a automatic chain oiler)

And if your not smitten after a week keep the GS
I have had mine for 13 weeks now (ex demo 7800km when I bought it) now on 18500km

Obviously it also has little issue's
But it puts a smile on my face every day I ride it
Even today I took the long way home in the Pouring Rain

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[bowser]

I had it for a day, and did a couple of hundred miles, but not exactly sure. For me the ergonomics were all wrong, had a pain in the shoulder blades, seat was uncomfortable, just didnt enjoy it, and I had expected it to be so much more.
I had the bm xr out the day before and the KTM engine was a very poor relation to the BM which really surprised me, with the BM I really had to watch speed, it was effortless the KTM the opposite it was hard work.
I was expecting the BM to be the uncomfortable and less enjoyable of the two. I suppose I expected my 990 only quicker, better handling, etc and it didnt deliver, the 990 is hardly the most comfortable bike in the world but 1000 miles in a weekend a couple of weeks ago was no problem, yet after 2 hrs on the 1290 I want rid.

To be totally honest a think an hour's test ride doesn't do it justice
Take it out for at least a week,
Get used to the switch gear, narrow handle bars,hidden away ignition key
The mind blowing ENGINE
Did I mention the engine?
The brilliant clutch and gearbox
Forget about the chain (get a automatic chain oiler)

And if your not smitten after a week keep the GS
I have had mine for 13 weeks now (ex demo 7800km when I bought it) now on 18500km

Obviously it also has little issue's
But it puts a smile on my face every day I ride it
Even today I took the long way home in the Pouring Rain

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-N910F met Tapatalk

 

[GS TRV]

I had it for a day, and did a couple of hundred miles, but not exactly sure. For me the ergonomics were all wrong, had a pain in the shoulder blades, seat was uncomfortable, just didnt enjoy it, and I had expected it to be so much more.
I had the bm xr out the day before and the KTM engine was a very poor relation to the BM which really surprised me, with the BM I really had to watch speed, it was effortless the KTM the opposite it was hard work.
I was expecting the BM to be the uncomfortable and less enjoyable of the two. I suppose I expected my 990 only quicker, better handling, etc and it didnt deliver, the 990 is hardly the most comfortable bike in the world but 1000 miles in a weekend a couple of weeks ago was no problem, yet after 2 hrs on the 1290 I want rid.

You should have taken it off Rain mode

 

[strod]

I had it for a day, and did a couple of hundred miles, but not exactly sure. For me the ergonomics were all wrong, had a pain in the shoulder blades, seat was uncomfortable, just didnt enjoy it, and I had expected it to be so much more.
I had the bm xr out the day before and the KTM engine was a very poor relation to the BM which really surprised me, with the BM I really had to watch speed, it was effortless the KTM the opposite it was hard work.
I was expecting the BM to be the uncomfortable and less enjoyable of the two. I suppose I expected my 990 only quicker, better handling, etc and it didnt deliver, the 990 is hardly the most comfortable bike in the world but 1000 miles in a weekend a couple of weeks ago was no problem, yet after 2 hrs on the 1290 I want rid.

I also rode the XR, it is a mental bike engine wise and would make a great weekend toy. But I don't think it is anywhere near as versatile as the SA. I'm not too sure the two models are competing in the same market sector, for me the XR is a completely road oriented balls out sports package in pseudo adventure guise (multistrada territory?). The big SA perhaps goes head to head more with the GSA in my opinion. Whilst I agree the seat on the SA is not the best, I don't think the the engine is a poor relation to the XR, just different, I like the power delivery it kicks out. Having gone the 990A & 1190A route previously, I personally have no issues with SA ergonomics, conversely the XR felt a bit cramped to me (quite liked the wide bars though) and the Mrs has no interest in going pillion on the XR.

Eye of beholder stuff, you pays your money and takes your choice...

 

[phillh]

I first saw the XR at the Milan show last year and thought it could be the bike for me (had a GSA TC at the time).

I test rode one as soon as they came out over here and was very disappointed. True, it was very quick but I thought
the engine was unrefined and just didn't like the bike. I took out an LC GS straight afterwards and loved it.

Two months later, after test riding several bikes I bought an 1190 and love it. Horses for courses I guess.

 

[DJ GSA]

I can fully understand the MCN article and fully expected it.

I've ridden both the big KTM and the XR and they are indeed very nice bikes indeed. If you aren't set on a GS then they are very very good alternatives.

They are just very different bikes. I love the Big-G the history and the heritage and the feeling that you are riding something very special. Your talking about a bike that can trace its roots back to near the turn of the century. I bike that has grown and matured to what it is today.

I don't care whats said, I love my GS and everything about it and just can't stay off the thing. I've chalked up 10,000 miles since March.

If KTM hadn't stuffed up back in the days of Ewan Mc-Obiwan and Charlie Bor-who? with they stupid decisions, then they would not have being playing catch up all this time.

Unless BMW supremely stuff it up some how the GS/GSA are cemented in history for what they are. The benchmark for what is a big adventure bike.

 

[Fluffmeister]

Take solace in the fact that the RT was the best tourer ☺

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