Other option: Anyone had one?

[Eastriding2002]

Over on the Fazer site I've a newly addicted KTM'er advising me to go down the KTM Adventure route, now all seems good with the bike apart from, no shaft drive and boy is it one ugly beast!

Looks aside, anyone any views opinions on longevity of the things and how they stack up against the GS.


Have to admit, I'd have to get one hell of a deal to make me sway from yearning for the GS.

 

[beemerboy9]

Motorrad ran one on long term test (50,000 km) and it was quite worn when they stripped it down. The owners who contributed to the "feedback section" of the long-term test reported no problems, however.

 

[sven]

Most modern Japanese bikes have been vitually like new when stripped down after 50K in Motorrad magazine, except for a Suzuki Freewind 650 which had already had two cylinder heads and was due another. Even the Aprilia Futura was in resonable shape. I haven't seen the KTM feature, but it doesn't sound good after 35000 miles.

TWO Magazine have one on long term test which did 19000 miles last year with no problems and they're keeping it for another year, so it'll be interesting to see if they strip it down at the end - I bet that will be KTM's plan.

I'd really love an Adventure, but after owning an Aprilia Caponord, I'm very wary about buying a temperamental European bike with a small dealer network. I even have doubts about BMW's reading some of the posts on here.

 

[HeatedGrips]

I was chatting to Big Lad from this user group a couple of months ago and he mentioned his previous bike was a KTM. Apparently the bike was great but the dealer service and attitude was unbelievably bad.

 

[skybluebird]

I would have bought one except the only dealer 'round here wasn't bothered about having a demo bike. Fun to ride, though need revving more than the GS (1150). When first launched there were problems with the clutch, though hopefully that's been sorted ( it's been out > 2 years).

I had a 640 Adventure for a year / 7000 miles. I'd had concerns re. reliability 'til much 'Net surfing persuaded me to take a chance. Turned out to be the most reliable bike I've owned, not a single fault during that time.

 

[Deadskin]

Which Fazer site ?

 

[Eastriding2002]

Quote: Which Fazer site ?

Don't take this the wrong way, but FOC-u!!

 

[sven]

Adventure Rider is probably the best place to research the KTM.

There seem to have been quite a few problems on the earlier bikes (head gaskets, water pump seals) - rather like the 1200GS

Mind you, it's only the unhappy owners who whinge - the happy majority have nothing to complain about

 

[Mike Werner]

Got both a 1150GS and a KTM. The KTM is great for running around, but if you're getting a thumper, you're not going to ride the world, unless you change your teeth every 1000 kms due to heavy vibrations. The GS is more meant for long distance.

Check out KTMTalk.com . KTM only site, very busy...

 

[Fenlander Strasse]

I used to have a GS1150, I've now got a KTM 950S and a 1200RT. You hear horror stories about all of them if you look - I wouldn't worry about them, they are all pretty much one-offs. The general consensus is off road - get KTM, on road - get BMW.
BMW plus points: shaft, dealer network, ploddability, lower seat height.
KTM: Flickability, spunky sports V twin (think off road Ducati 916) feels loads lighter than it is, poise, balance.
The biggest downside of a KTM for me is the use of tubed tyres. I've got used to how easy it is to fix a puncture in tubeless tyres yourself. Oh, and you need long legs.
Other complaints are about the KTM seat - it is hard, but I'm not squirming any more at 3 hours than I did on a GS with its softer seat.

 

[Deleted Member Mtn]

seriously thought about a Ducati MultiStrada when i wanted to change the 650
..but then Vern came up with solution for the vertically challenged

 

[STU12]

Had a 950 before I p/ex in for the gs12. Ktm quicker , more nimble and just plain different with a lovely noise from the Akro's.
Sadly hideously uncomfortable and crap screen protection. TBH I'd still have if it wasn't for these issues!
These appear to be the only 2 big downsides on the bike and there are plenty of ideas on how to improve the screen and improve the seat.

Stu

 

[Deadskin]

Yep
Single mechanic dealerships
melted plastics with original end cans
engine vibey and hates town work
turning circle of a bus
expensive servicing
difficult to clean
danger of splash back when filling the tanks
petrol reserve indicator works on motor way but not so good in town

slightly faster than my 1200 but with a head wind the 1200 would piss
all over it

Do i sound like a person who was of the road for 4 weeks while the ktm dealer was trying to fix his bike

 

[Big Lad]

Owned both and now own my 5th GS. Ridden both back to back many times.
The KTM is faster (much) and far more fun. Much better off road and better balance in town. I had some great rides on it and adored the bike.
I sold it because of the fact I lost confidence in dealers. I'll PM names if you want, but it defies belief the attitude they have. Mine was in for 2 weeks for a sevice. I could live with that in terms of time, but the attitude was remarkable. They also buggered it up. The poor Austrians make a fantastic bike, but if they knew how inept the UK dealers were, they go mad.
The GS is heavy, slow and boring compared. It's a handful off road and in ugly. But I own one and love it!. Right now, I wouldn't change it for anything, even if you gave me £10k. 'Go figure!', as they say on ADVRIDER.

 

[Eastriding2002]

GS alternatives..

Thanks BIG LAD, I'm now more confused than ever! I've now heard horror stories regarding reliability on just about every bike I've considered!

Disillusioned ex GS onwers, the same now for KTM etc. etc.

Whilst searching about I've stumbled across another alternative, the Aprilia Caponord. Looks like some more test riding and web searching though.

Is there an easy way to find the supposed (factual or fiction) problems besetting the 1200GS? Or is it as ever a case of those few having problems amkign the most noise?

Is it a case of bad product or poor aftersales service? I must admit my dealings with one delaership in the North wasn't the sort that made me desperate to own a bike sold by them. Arrogant and undbending to say the least. Hopefully all will not be like the person I dealt with.

The search for details and alternatives goes on then, although from my test rides it will be a good one that beats the GS.

 

[Big Lad]

If you can find a decent 1150GS then that should be the one to go for. Check the wheel bearing and bevel box are ok. Check the clutch doesn't slip and the gears work. These are the expensive problems, as most others seem to be comparatively easier/cheaper to fix. I would say ignore the milage as the clutch/gearbox/bevel can all go after 10k and last 50-100k on others. The GS is very easy to service yourself and although 80% of the fun of the KTM, unless you ride the KTM you'll never notice. I'd say buy a GS.

 

[Deadskin]

Owned both and now own my 5th GS. Ridden both back to back many times.
The KTM is faster (much) and far more fun. Much better off road and better balance in town

1150 or the 1200

 

[Big Lad]

1150 or the 1200

1150. Never ridden the 1200. I've always hated the looks of it and it hasn't grown on me yet. Having said that, I could never afford one anyway. The KTM engine was fantastic. The BM is better low down, but from the top of the mid-range and top end, it's no contest. Took me a while to get any confidence in the front end on the KTM after the 'solid' feel of the GS front end.

 

[skybluebird]

Thanks BIG LAD, I'm now more confused than ever! I've now heard horror stories regarding reliability on just about every bike I've considered!

Disillusioned ex GS onwers, the same now for KTM etc. etc.

My KTM dealer reckons the 2 things which wreck them are:

Owners doing their own oil changes, who don't know the correct procedure. If buying 2nd hand, make sure they know how to "bleed" the system, though to be honest I don't know if this applies to the 950?

Running at/near the red-line for extended periods. Not difficult on a 50 bhp low-geared single on a motorway, but shouldn't be a problem for the twin.

There's plenty of well documented RTW stories for the 640, giving little cause for mechanical worry. I'd guess the 950 should be sorted by know and will be a lot lower stressed. I wouldn't worry about it any more than for any other brand.

IIR, the 950 rides a lot like the 1200GS, in a giant supermoto (and less planted) stylee!

 

[North]

Hi

I worried about buying a 1200, but I did anyways.

I have had the Bike for 4 months, during which time I was away for a month. I have 4,000 km on the bike. The more I ride it, the more I love it. Its a fun easy bike to ride.
I have done some light dirt stuff with it and it's a pig off road, but I am comparing it to 240 lb jap dirt bikes.
In the city the bike feels light and is very nimble and I 've been driving it like a mad-man. (Got to slow down.)

Riding on the rolling treed country roads is heaven on it.

I am even liking the looks of the bike now.

Nothing has gone wrong on the bike, I hope it stays that way. My Dealer sofar is fine, there's the 3 year warranty if something does.

North