So I've had my 1290R for a whole 2 1/2 weeks and have put a few miles on it,so just a few thoughts on the bike,should anybody give a toss.I'll probably be repeating some of what I said earlier.
I've given the bike a thorough testing,including high speed two up with luggage,gnarly mountain hairpins,and numerous back roads,plus a rather nice track.
My bike is fitted with extras such as the Travel Pack :
.
And Comfort Pack:
LIKES:
It's bloody fast.
Handling is fantastic,and feel from 21/18 wheel set up is lovely.
Phone holder is great,as phone is always at 100% charge.
Riding position is very good,at least for me,with seat/peg/bar/screen just right.No back ache or aches between shoulders that I get on most bikes.
Screen on highest position works great for me,at 6'1".It sends clean air into me but not excessive and just right to stop lower back ache setting in on a long ride.
Tank shape is very good at keeping legs dry in rain ,at least when moving.
Pillion comfort is very good-so I'm told !!
Keyless ignition works great and very handy.
Tank range pretty constant at 190 miles leaving 30 ish in reserve.
Quickshifter is great,both up and down the box,with the MSR letting you be a bit sporty with it.Great fun blatting up through the box,then slowing town for a town with a 50KMH limit,just stamping on the lever-5,4,3 then when clear of limit,rapid acceleration back up to a highish speed.Gear change is very slick and smooth.
Hill Hold works very well,not that I thought I would like/need it.
Heated grips and seats both get very hot on Max,so Medium is more than enough normally.
GPS holder positions sat nav right in your eyeline.
The TFT screen is a revelation,combined with the left bar controls.Shortcuts can be set up,in my case UP button for heated grips and DOWN for heated seats.
Cruise control very easy to use.
Lights are fantastic ,especially the cornering lights.
Bumot panniers and Enduristan roll bag,Rock strapped to large KTM tail rack works great.Bumot tool box great for storing chain lock and lube etc.
KTM tank bag is great-holds plenty and doesn't get in eye line or infringe on riding-quick release tank lock and great two stage rain cover which adjusts if you expand the bag up.Sure it's made by SW Motech as same release system as I had on MT10 and top quality.
DISLIKES:
It's too bloody fast !!!
Slight weave sets in above 130mph,two up with full luggage.
Front brake could be a tad stronger.
Front end gets very light,especially with 21" wheel.
Euro 4 emissions pain in arse-slight rev hunting at idle and a flap opens and closes regularly near idle.
'Ergo' seat could be more 'ergo'-I get a bit of a sore arse after about 6 hours,but did 350 miles on back roads today and coped fine.
Screen changes between night and day mode even going under narrow bridge.
KTM My Ride won't connect properly with Scala Packtalk so can't play music,as no sound coming out-think its a Scala issue though.
That's about it but I'm sure I've forgotten something.
Overall it's a stunning bike,with an amazing engine,great equipment/screen etc and more capable than I'll ever be.
Best bike I've owned so far.
And off topic ,I've found (for me) the perfect riding kit,by wearing waterproof jeans combined with the new
low Forma Adventure boots which are as good as their taller brother (that are Ride mags Best Buy) and totally waterproof.
I have the normal taller ones but they won't fit under jeans.
