So having had three adventure bikes in row I thought I should have a change and add something else to the stable.
New to me a couple of weeks ago , 1290 Superduke Gt. 67 plate with 2250 miles.
Picked it up from just south of Sheffield and took a couple of detours through chesterfield and then Lincoln on way home so a good 200 miles
First thing I noticed having only sat on and not ridden one was just how compact it was compared to for example my 1190. Finding the gear selector in Adventure boots was a struggle at first but once I had got a few miles down the road and onto some nice roads I was just beaming. The tiniest of input almost made it feel telepathic when wanting to change direction. Despite what I had read regards agricultural feel the engine seems buttery smooth more so than the 1190 I own and indeed he 1290 Adventure which I recently sold.
Although it has the quickshifter I still prefer to use the clutch , might well just be me but I just feel its a slicker change.
I wont harp on about the engine etc as everyone knows just what a beast this is and they are not wrong,
Last 120 miles home cold and wet from Lincoln and to be honest I had pain across my shoulders and down my back for a good few days afterwards as a result of the slight cant forward riding position. I had thought about moving the bars back but subsequent 200 mile day out was no problem so obviously just some muscles not used before.
Couple of 180 mile days out since then and have to say that on the roads I ride most frequently the 1190 would be much more comfortable, suspension on the Gt is very firm even in street mode in comparison. Might look at getting the latest software upgrade which is said to greatly improve this.
At 6ft and 32" inseam there is plenty of room for knees under the tank but it is surprising how much of a difference it makes depending on wearing an adventure or race style boot makes here.
If I was to go on tour on the bike though I might well consider the 23mm peg lowering kit as for me as got cramp on the full days out and I am known to put in the odd 800 + mile day
I don't have the luggage and To be honest for me my 1190 makes much more sense as a tourer but I knew that before I brought it so whether or not it gets put into touring duties only time will tell.
New to me a couple of weeks ago , 1290 Superduke Gt. 67 plate with 2250 miles.
Picked it up from just south of Sheffield and took a couple of detours through chesterfield and then Lincoln on way home so a good 200 miles
First thing I noticed having only sat on and not ridden one was just how compact it was compared to for example my 1190. Finding the gear selector in Adventure boots was a struggle at first but once I had got a few miles down the road and onto some nice roads I was just beaming. The tiniest of input almost made it feel telepathic when wanting to change direction. Despite what I had read regards agricultural feel the engine seems buttery smooth more so than the 1190 I own and indeed he 1290 Adventure which I recently sold.
Although it has the quickshifter I still prefer to use the clutch , might well just be me but I just feel its a slicker change.
I wont harp on about the engine etc as everyone knows just what a beast this is and they are not wrong,
Last 120 miles home cold and wet from Lincoln and to be honest I had pain across my shoulders and down my back for a good few days afterwards as a result of the slight cant forward riding position. I had thought about moving the bars back but subsequent 200 mile day out was no problem so obviously just some muscles not used before.
Couple of 180 mile days out since then and have to say that on the roads I ride most frequently the 1190 would be much more comfortable, suspension on the Gt is very firm even in street mode in comparison. Might look at getting the latest software upgrade which is said to greatly improve this.
At 6ft and 32" inseam there is plenty of room for knees under the tank but it is surprising how much of a difference it makes depending on wearing an adventure or race style boot makes here.
If I was to go on tour on the bike though I might well consider the 23mm peg lowering kit as for me as got cramp on the full days out and I am known to put in the odd 800 + mile day
I don't have the luggage and To be honest for me my 1190 makes much more sense as a tourer but I knew that before I brought it so whether or not it gets put into touring duties only time will tell.