KTM 1290 Adventure

[spooch63]

Has anyone on her got or had a KTM 1290 Adventure?  Looked at one a few years ago but ended up with a BMW S1000xr as I expected more than 3 months warranty on an 11k bike. The BMW came with 2 years comprehensive warranty and European breakdown cover so was a bit of a no brainer really. However can't help but wonder what the KTM would be like to live with, so any issues I should know about regarding reliability, essential kit and dealers. Just thinking about it at the moment so thought I'd ask, BMW is an awesome bike that has taken me around Europe without any issues and has done everything I've asked of it, so, BM or KTM?

Cheers 

Spooch
   

[copper99]

After chatting to two owners of 1290s at the eurotunnel last year, id stick with the BMW...they where pretty scathing of the repeat problems with their bikes and even more critical of the dealer network.

I can see why you would fancy one thou, they do seem an epic thing on paper anyway...Not so sure about the styling from some angles and the way things like the starter motor and reg/rec are just hanging out in the breeze looking less than beautiful...That said, I think a test ride is in order at least anyway?

[tommo]

ktm stands for keep taking money

[parrott500]

Hi, My mate is onto his 2nd KTM 1290 Super adventure S that has all the extras and said it`s the best bike he has had, he part exchanged his 1200 explorer 4 years ago and got into the PCP thing so when it came to the big 18000 service valves etc he just part exchanged it, the dealer just swapped the extras he put on Leovinci slip-on, crashbars etc. The Pirelli scorpion tyres dont last long but he says they are better than most he has tried and give him good feedback. Only problem he had on his first KTM Su ADV was the fuel sender was inacurate which was soon fixed by the dealer.

[mak595]

Had a 1190 adv, awesome bike, loads better than a sport bike on our knackered UK roads


Had a BMW S1000R before that, the KTM was loads better, only sold it because i bought a katana and a PV so couldnt keep them all, bought a damaged MT10 over winter thats now finished but havn't ridden it yet due to shite weather and wanting to crack on finishing my PV F1 so it can be sold in spring....

[mudmover]

I’ve had 3 x 990, 2016 1190 and now a 2018 1290s.......absolutely brilliant bike, violent....recently swapped for an hour to s1000xr 2016, great bike but a poor runner up to the 1290...I felt the brakes were better on the bummer but that was it.........needless to say my mate now has a 1290. There initial problem with the keyless / dash electronics but they were sorted long ago.....nearly at 5k miles and it’s just wow,!

A fairer comparison to the s1000 would be the super duke gt.......now I know which bike I would have out of those.....out and out hooligan.

The 1290 is like reliving your LC days👌

[fatfreddy]

I had a 1290 SA and really liked it. I much preferred it to the 120p GS I had before. Only just swapped it for a Superduke GT as I decided I preferred something built entirely for the road as I was never going to venture into the dirt.

I’ve now had a 990 Superduke, a RC8, a 1290 Superduke, the 1290 SA and now the GT. There have been a couple of niggles but these have always been sorted by helpful KTM dealers without quibbles, on the 990 even though it was a year out of warranty.

[lcmarky]

I’ve had x3 Super Dukes and a new 1290 SAS in 2019.

The SAS is a good bike although the front end goes light easily which you have to work around. It’s quick for an adventure bike. I had mine a year and changed it for a new 1250 GS. I had a Wings can on mine plus their heat shields too. Cornering lights are fun at night and you absolutely need the power parts seat.

IMHO the GS is a much better all round bike and feels more robust plus I love the boxer motor characteristics and this new shift cam is genius - oh the shaft drive and ergonomics are ace too.

I’ve not tried the XR as the thought of the in line 4 buzzy motor on its own is enough to put me off.

I’d definitely have the SAS over the XR but then I’d go GS over SAS.