Moving from (but keeping) an 1100GS to a 1090/1190Adventure

Stevea63

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I'm whittling down the shortlist for the next purchase and lining up some test rides but a 1090 or 1190 is high on my list. The 1090 is scoring points because of its relative weight and power gain over the 1100GS , the 1190 because of the huge power leap and technology on board. Budget dictates it will be a 18k + mileage .. Any tips/thoughts/ lessons learned ?
Thanks in advance, Steve
 
I had the 1190 it was an amazing bike to ride fast and agile handled so well, and they used to say it can make a bad rider look good.
 
1190 is rapid.

But I found it hard to ride slow. Every ride was almost a licence hazard.

Not a mellow bike. Screen was also terrible. Tried loads but couldn't sort it.
 
Went from a 2014 Tiger 800 to a 2015 1190adv with 7500 miles. To say they were chalk and cheese would be an understatement. KTM don't generally build sane bikes, or really polished ones - they tend to appeal to people who like to access their unhinged sides. The 1190 was perfect for that. I sold mine at 35k and apart from usual servicing had zero problems. Still on original front pads and I didn't ride it that reservedly or hack up and down motorways all day. Engine braking is very good. Just the right amount of electronics for me - suspension and simple ride modes. Fast as you want, with a noticeable step in grunt about 6k, when you needed to concentrate.

I was about to sign up for a new Triple Black at the time, but was just curious about the KTM. Tried one and immediately cancelled my BMW order - plenty of time (I thought) for the more relaxed GS and had 3 great years on the orange beast before it became too much to comfortably handle due to health issues. It's the one bike I regret having to sell. A mate bought a 1090 but it was a bit lame in comparison. Pretty much the same weight but 40bhp less. I fitted a larger Givi screen and had a large spoiler thing from Palmer Products which really helped with turbulence.
 


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