I've just replaced my 1200GS with a KTM 990 so I though I would post some first impressions. Before I do, I should say that I really liked the GS and mine was a good reliable one too. I probably would still have it but for a stupid young woman in a 3 door hatch. So please dont take any of this as criticism from a GS hater!
However, when it came to replacement of the write off, it made sense to look at alternatives and that eventually came down to the big KTM and the GS. In favour of the GS was the appearance, the adjustable seat, the air cooling, the extensive range of accessories and BMW dealers rep for looking after the customers. In favour of the KTM was the price, the comfort of the seats, more enveloping plastics (so less cleaning) chain drive (the GS bevel box has a rep for fragility and a limited life), a better gearbox, and a better engine. The deciders tbh were the money saving and a "time for a change" feeling.
Now I've had the KTM for a few miles, I have to say I'm impressed by the build quality. Take off the plastics, have a close look and this bike is really well made with high class suspension components - the same exercise when I bought the GS was disappointing. As against this, servicing on the KTM is more expensive, particularly when it involves checking / re-setting the valve clearances which use bucket tappets. As an example, the first service (I bought a bike that had done 300 miles and not got to firts service) will cost me close to £300!
On the road, there is little difference. I've no doubt the KTM is more powerful but I'm not a fast rider so that is not important. The KTM fuel range is poor (as low as 35mpg and small tanks), the road holding is very similar to the GS, ride height seems greater but not silly like the new 800GS. The gearchange is definitely better and the screen protection worse. Much of this has already been said in more detail by GSMonkey, and I agree with most of his comments.
Extras are definitely a problem on the KTM. If you like "farkles" then buy a BMW - there is a huge range of bolt on bits from the useful to the imitation carbon fibre. For the KTM the basics are available, but as an example, there is no fender extender that I can find. And only a choice of three panniers - ally boxes, H&B Gobi or black Givi, all of which are a poor comparison IMHO to the vario panniers.
I cant yet comment about reliability, not that that was a problem on my GS anyway. I suspect the KTM will be better, appearing better made and without some of the technology for its own sake bits of the GS (canbus, servo brakes, skid control, computer).
So there it is. I am not planning any long trips to dodgy third world destinations, but if I were I would probably go for the Tenere over either of these big traillies. For everyday use, touring, occasional green lane - well you pays your money (more for the BM
) and makes your choice.
And for the benefit of those who wittle on about the GS toolkit, the KTM one is twice the size of my original GS one and includes a bottle opener! My sort of bike builder
However, when it came to replacement of the write off, it made sense to look at alternatives and that eventually came down to the big KTM and the GS. In favour of the GS was the appearance, the adjustable seat, the air cooling, the extensive range of accessories and BMW dealers rep for looking after the customers. In favour of the KTM was the price, the comfort of the seats, more enveloping plastics (so less cleaning) chain drive (the GS bevel box has a rep for fragility and a limited life), a better gearbox, and a better engine. The deciders tbh were the money saving and a "time for a change" feeling.
Now I've had the KTM for a few miles, I have to say I'm impressed by the build quality. Take off the plastics, have a close look and this bike is really well made with high class suspension components - the same exercise when I bought the GS was disappointing. As against this, servicing on the KTM is more expensive, particularly when it involves checking / re-setting the valve clearances which use bucket tappets. As an example, the first service (I bought a bike that had done 300 miles and not got to firts service) will cost me close to £300!
On the road, there is little difference. I've no doubt the KTM is more powerful but I'm not a fast rider so that is not important. The KTM fuel range is poor (as low as 35mpg and small tanks), the road holding is very similar to the GS, ride height seems greater but not silly like the new 800GS. The gearchange is definitely better and the screen protection worse. Much of this has already been said in more detail by GSMonkey, and I agree with most of his comments.
Extras are definitely a problem on the KTM. If you like "farkles" then buy a BMW - there is a huge range of bolt on bits from the useful to the imitation carbon fibre. For the KTM the basics are available, but as an example, there is no fender extender that I can find. And only a choice of three panniers - ally boxes, H&B Gobi or black Givi, all of which are a poor comparison IMHO to the vario panniers.
I cant yet comment about reliability, not that that was a problem on my GS anyway. I suspect the KTM will be better, appearing better made and without some of the technology for its own sake bits of the GS (canbus, servo brakes, skid control, computer).
So there it is. I am not planning any long trips to dodgy third world destinations, but if I were I would probably go for the Tenere over either of these big traillies. For everyday use, touring, occasional green lane - well you pays your money (more for the BM
) and makes your choice.And for the benefit of those who wittle on about the GS toolkit, the KTM one is twice the size of my original GS one and includes a bottle opener! My sort of bike builder
I really enjoyed my ride on the KTM and there really wasn't a lot between the beemer and KTM.
