2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Long Term Review
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- čas přidán 13. 11. 2017
- 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Long Term Review: Sadly the time has come to return the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to those nice folks at KTM UK. During my time with the bike I have got to know it's little idiosyncrasy's and in this, my long term "living with" video I not only share those with you, both the positive and negative points, but also take an in depth look at the cost of ownership of the bike. If you're interested in big adventure machines, and in particular what the Super Adventure is like to actually live with, stay tuned!
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Thorough review - thank you, and well done.
As an owner of the 1290SA here’s my thoughts:
1. Chain drive is fine, and I believe is actually better if you’re a serious Adventure rider as you can actually replace it easily. I fitted a Pro Oiler with GPS that sends a metered dose of oil to the chain according to the distance travelled, which can be varied via the handlebar switch if there’s heavy rainfall. Never had a problem.
2. The luggage is dreadful, and I’m very happy I went with the SW Motech Trax Adventure with the quick detachable frames...is there any better? Superb.
3. Tyres are crap if you get off the asphalt for long. Mine got bogged in wet grass leading into my garage at the farmhouse. I fitted Heidenau K60 Scouts which have been great all round, although I’m speed limited to 190 km/h, and have cruised at 170 without issue
4. Lights are okay, I didn’t think they’re as good as TMF did, but maybe that’s down to my ordinary eyesight. I fitted pretty good Givi S320 LED lights to the crash bars as daytime running lights & of course for foggy and rainy days.
I also fitted a Laser 750 Triple R light bar that neatly fits between the stanchions, and used some custom CNC fork tube brackets. It throws massive light 900 metres down the road. It looks reasonable, neither beautiful nor ugly, but it’s incredible UK manufactured kit.
5. The only failure has been the main switches on the left handlebar, which does all the menu settings and headlight beams. My dipper switch failed, necessitating a whole new switch being fitted under warranty. Failure is not unheard of, but regardless of that it’s a terrible design and very easy to inadvertently turn on high beam
6. Size & bulk - it’s quite large, but not heavy at rest and therefore not heavy underway. I’m 1.79m tall, and it’s at my limits for handling ease because of the height and bulk, but it’s certainly manageable in almost all circumstances. I do need to be extra cautious at rest in traffic because of my tippy toes, and also when doing very slow car park turns at walking pace...practice makes perfect
7. Maintenance - oil and filter changes are easy, if somewhat clumsy & potentially messy because of the twin drain plugs, with the rear plug nestled above part of the exhaust pipe...all doable, but some concentration required.
Rear wheel removal was easy when I got a puncture...but it’s a big wheel and tyre assembly.
Tank removal is somewhat involved because of the cowling etc, but it’s pretty logical. I have the 30 litre tank, which is a beast, so I like to get it below half when I remove the tank.
There’s two very useful Accessory power outlets that are switch activated, which really helped adding lights & chain Oiler pump. Ones up front on the rear left side of the headlight, and the other is back near the tail light assembly under the pillion seat.
I wired in a PDM60 for all of my accessories and it was really easy to find clean routes for all the cables because it’s quite a large bike.
I easily installed an Arrow header (with much smaller cat, and it fixed the backfiring that began when the after market muffler was fitted)...pretty good access to everything.
KTM alloy bash plate easily fitted.
Generally easy to work on, perhaps because it’s so effin big that you generally have good access.
Cleaning - agree with TMF; plenty of nooks and crannies especially around the headlight and wind shield.
8. Riding (isn’t that why we buy them?) - generally brilliant!!! Love the semi active suspension, but don’t really trust its durability (no issues to date, just a fear of the unknown and complex).
Brakes, ABS, traction control & slipper clutch are all superb and confidence inspiring.
No problems with engine heat in a European summer, but the US, Australia etc could be a different issue.
Riding modes work very well, especially throttle control.
Heated grips and seat are for the Arctic. I cook on high.
Balance is superb largely due to the engine design.
A happy owner, who wishes he had more free time.
Wow - great feedback thanks for taking the effort to write that lot down....
Ronan Rogers just dropped on this excellent response...very informative...I've just acquired a low mileage 2017 Superadventure and love it....and yes I've had to have the RIGHT hand switch unit replaced under warranty (race on button etc). I have the Bumot panniers and the big Givi 58l Trekker top box....can you say where is the best place to wire in a pair of aux led lights attached to the engine bars (see profile picture)? Does the 30l tank alter the external dimensions of the bike (is it available as an upgrade?)
Thanks for sharing man 👍👍 I live in British Columbia, I'm gonna get the 1290 R this spring. Cant wait.
@@raywilkinson3129 I am getting one to ride from Ontario to BC. I maybe see you!)
Great summary.. much appreciated.. ride safe
just picked up the 2020 model , great bike , a turned in my Versys 1000 SE 2018 for this one, no regrets and i am still running it in drove 220 km today, got a week to run it in , next saturday she gets her 1000 km service. It is a great bike very much fun, and i love the 2 cilinder engine, thanx for the review it helped making my choice between the BMW 1250 GS and this one, great channel keep up the great work. greetings from the Netherlands, Richard
Thanks Richard - all the best!
Im not a biker but i really enjoy your channel,its fascinating to learn about a new subject which you explain in such easy no nonsense terms plus you are great company and a nice person,thanks alot for sharing your brilliant videos
Thank you very much, perhaps we should go out on a date?
TheMissendenFlyer 😂😂😂
I absolutely love long-term reviews because of the depth of information they give. This one was especially great, thank you.
Thank you Emilio...
Another practical and balanced review. My go to channel when I want to get real views of a bike that says it like it is. Many thanks -already looking forward to the GS v KTM comparison, keep them coming Mr.
Will do Richard, thanks for the kind words! - TMF
As always my friend, a fantastic video! I've been looking into this for my Spring 2018 purchase and riding season!
Thank you sir - lovely machine, you won't go far wrong with one of these....
Hey, great review.
These reviews are always more useful a couple of years on, as they become available on the secondhand market, post PCP deals etc.
I'm looking at this bike and thought I'd check insurance.
For comparison:
Current bike is a 2005 Honda CBR600RR. Comprehensive insurance £180.
KTM Super Adventure 1290s 2017 (got a reg off an eBay advert) is £260 comprehensive.
Not that much of an uplift for me. 33yr old male in Derbyshire. Comprehensive and 9yr protected NCB. Office management job. Licence 15years.
Hope this helps any perspective buyers.
Great feed back pal as always. On the back of your review and many others I’ve bought a new one, cheers
Nice one - enjoy!
What a great review, thanks for putting so much info out there. You do a great job!
Thank you very much!
Great review, your doing a brilliant job, keep them coming.
Thank you sir - will do....
I just wanted to give you a quick shout out - I have been following your channel for more than 3 years. I really enjoyed your content about the BMW R 1200 GS when I was in the market to make the move to an adventure bike. I had the bike for 2 years and switched to the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S for the 2018 season. Of course I watched everyting I could find about the KTM before I made the switch including your excellent reviews! So in both cases your reviews were very helpful. Anyway, I thought I just let you know that I enjoy and appreciate your content a lot! Greetings from Berlin, Germany!
Greetings motovibes and thanks for getting in touch! Glad you like the channel!
First of all, thank you for this quite interesting video. I will be switching from 1290 SDR 2016 to 1290 SAS 2020 in few days, so your feelings and analysis for this bike were nice to hear. I totally agree with you on the fact that the only thing that could "prevent" you from choosing this bike over others in that category is the design... the only point that made me hesitate, a bit.... That LC8 engine is a work of art and is sensational. You add all these great electronic features and the confort of a long travel suspensions bike and you get what I would call the best all around bike of the market. Price of insurance is less expansive in France (in my case) and maintenance service seems to be a little cheaper also....
Another great video, TMF. I really appreciate you doing balanced reviews - there isn't enough coverage of downsides to new bikes (although i acknowledge top-end new bikes are very good these days), appreciate your efforts!
That is the issue! You have to be real knit picky to find stuff wrong with bikes these days!
Me: has no money, no job, no parking space, no riding experience
Also me: *I want this bike*
Get a job. Get some money. Buy a bike. Not this bike. But a bike. Ride a while. Experience. Save. Money. Buy. This bike! Job done.
@@mhks68 fuk all that. Go to bike shop. Get PCP finance. Ride bike.
Another very fine "real world' review....good job once again.
I've noticed here and on a couple of other reviews that heated grips are buried in the menu. All you need to do is press the up arrow on the menu selector and you are immediately into the heated grips menu. similarly, pressing the down arrow puts you immediately into the heated seat menu (if equipped). there is a menu selection to establish this quick action if yours doesn't come that way, as mine did.
I put heated grip in the quick selector
Great reviews always use yours when thinking of buying a bike I am interested in the 2021 super adventure keep the good work up
Thanks for taking the time to post this video. I found the flicking between daytime and nighttime mode on the screen annoying. But the engine is mental. 3rd and 4th gear round the back roads smile a minute. Glad you mentioned the insurance, I better check that as I'm seriously thinking about chopping in my Tiger sport for one of these.
Yeah my quote may just be a freak one, when I queried it it seemed the keyless ignition loaded the premium, so best specify that (or not) when you're getting your quotes sorted....
Fantastic review as always! Can't wait to see your review for the 2018 Triumph Tiger 800!
It's on it's way...stay tuned!
Andy, a good balanced review as ever, with your own USP of CZcamsrs 👏 I’m seriously looking to add a new ‘22 version of this, and was surprised not to find a TMF update for the 21/22 model with its many changes.
Nope - not ridden it this far!
Superb review Mr flyer, lovely bike, costs a little eye watering. As you know still in love with my Tiger Sport . Keep em coming always look forward to your updates on the tube :)
Cheers Paul - I love the Tiger Sport, but you know that...
Yet another great review. Many thanks
Thank you! Great review. Been looking at one today.
Thank you for the review. Always a pleasure to watch.
I believe that it would be more fair to have insurance quote from multiple insurers (although KTMs are in high risk insurance group and thus are expensive to insure).
As R1200GS owner, i gave driveshaft vs chain a bit of thinking in the past and now strongly believe that the strongest point behind driveshaft is lack of maintenance.
With chain you can get scottiler (or similar) and reduce maintenance (bike will be more messy due to potential oil spill).
Driveshafts are nice until there is an issue with them. New one costs close to $1000 and reconditioned ones around $400-450 (no idea how long they will last) and that is for part only. Rubber boots around driveshaft joins are $80 each and final drive $600 (all prices approximate). That is a lot of money if any of these will fail. In contrast, $175 will buy you chain and sprocket kit for KTM 1190 (just as an example). Additionally, unless you ask dealership/mechanic to check your final drive, you cannot see its condition (unlike chain). Driveshafts can last for a very long time but there are posts on the forums when they failed on people with 15k-30k miles. In such case cost of driveshaft and labour associated with replacement will greatly exceed cost of 2-3 sets of chain and sprockets.
Very nice and thorough review thumbs up big time
Really enjoy your reviews. Nice to compare cost of insurance, price and cost of ownership of the Ktm 1290. Thanks from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦
Finally test rode one yesterday. ❤️ IT! 🙂 Been out on my Street today. Not ready to give that up just yet. Think I might have to get used to living on bread and water.
Another great review. Just traded in my GSA for a 22 plate one. Really excited now. Cheers !
Congratulations David!
Outstanding long term review!! Thanks so much. This is one of two bikes I am considering, the GSA being the other. Like you my Head says GSA but after my KTM demo days rides my Heart is shouting KTM, KTM....lol.
In that case - go for the KTM!
Saw one of these in London today. It was enormous! Panniers all over it, it had to be ridden like the owner had a car. I did love the front lights though
I have a 2018 and ive had it for 1 year. Love it today as driving it from the dealership except got some skills now......agile ....fast...tough reliable and attractive. From harleys. Dirtbikes. Cafe style...i owned them. Nothing comes close to the feeling i get from this bike.
Another brilliant real world review. Thank you sir 🖒
You're very welcome....
Incredibly thorough review!
I aim to please!
Thank you. Excellent comprehensive review.
Thank you Stephanus - I try my best!
Great Vid.
Really enjoyed it.
Would you be able to try a long termer with the S1kXR? One of the new models with the supposedly “fixed” vibrations.
As always a great informative review sir. Being a Triumph man the pannier hassles are a problem. My Tiger 1050 top box and panniers remove very easily. An experiment I conducted shortly after purchase revealed no problems up to 200 km/hr fully loaded with luggage, I backed off at that speed as I ran out of my road. I have considered at length my next bike a KTM and this review gives food for though. Thank you for the time and effort taken. Cheers.
Glad you found it of interest Scott....
Great review TMF, been looking forward to this video from you for a while, as I've mentioned in the past this bike is at the top of my list for next year's adventure bike purchase, so now we just have to see how good the new Explorer XRT is now Triumph have finally thrown the extras toy box at it. Look forward to your review and comparison on that 👍.
Cheers Chill, I imagine it will be a while before I can get a decent got on the Tiger 1200, I'm well down the pecking order when it comes to press bike loans!
Likewise, but the T1200 will be of no interest to me until they up the torque and add another 30+hp. The one I tested last year was a damp squib compared to the 1290 SA or the Multi.
First class channel - thanks for your efforts
Thank you Raysaw - much appreciated...
yes indeed
These companies should pay you commission. Love your channel, I was all but settled on a new GS...but now I found your Super Adventure S videos. Either way I go it'll be because of your videos! Cheers
I wish! ..and thanks for the kind comments - all the best - TMF
Great in depth review, fantastic bike but that insurance quote, my god!!
My thoughts exactly!
A great review as usual. Personally I don't really like the looks of it (or many KTMs) but I appreciate its qualities. Thanks for doing 'proper' reviews on all aspects, not just performance. Appreciated ;)
You're welcome!
Great review. Many thanks. Love the bike.
My pleasure - thanks for watching!
These full "living with " reviews combined with your balanced unbiased style are invaluable to anyone considering a purchase. You get so much deeper than the traditional magazine reviews even their "long termers" which you only get piecemeal month by month. Good to see you getting a mention in MCN keep up the good work
Fabulous, thank you Andy, glad you like this format....I try and cover the sort of things I'd look for if I were buying....
Very great review. I'm happy that i have buyed one for me. More than enough power, brilliant handling and low fuel consumption (in comparison to my aprilia bikes). Keep up with such as good videos. Happy to see your comparison with the 2018 GS and the brand new Triumph 1200 Tiger. Cheers
Cheers Andi - stay tuned!
Great real world review! Thanks!
You're welcome Spiros!
m looking at buying a 2016 super adventure T. IVE HAD 3 GS AND 1 GSA,,,I Feel like a change and this has convinced me im not making bubu .great info.thanks.
Great review TMF, loved it. Would love to see a review and long term test of the multistrada and how it compares against the GS and KTM
Stay tuned QuinnRider......just gave the MTS back to Ducati yesterday ;0) Loads to come on that....
Would love to know which of the big bikes you would go for post all your reviews, especially as a real life everyday bike for a mix of forging, commuting and a weekend run
Thanks TMF another great in depth review. I love the information you provide, helping us lot decide where to go next. I love the Superduke and GT but for touring I think the BMW GS is still King, particularly for pillions and luggage. The GS would be my choice and WOW that insurance made me cough a bit.
...me too, the highest quote I've seen yet! Mind you it is a very nice, and nickable, machine....
GREAT REVIEW !
Thank you....
Excellent review as always ! The only thing I miss from every review (not only yours) is the width of the panniers on the bike, so total width and is it within the width of the handle bars.... Sometime its hard to find out and even the dealer can not tell you because the bike is most of the time shown without panniers. Keep up the good work ! Regards from The Netherlands.
Yes good point - thanks Patrick....
I bought this bike and I love it! What more can I say?
755 for the insurance? in Portugal is 100 euros or something like that!!
I prefer Chain to Shaft, weight saving, and when it will go wrong, you can get a chain anywhere in the world. ;)
Your reviews are the best. Thanks
Aww shucks!
A great review again my friend. I ran a previous model in for those nice chaps at KTM and found seat comfort wasn't too much of a problem even when riding all day (I'm a bit taller than you and certainly heavier!!). For me, the most important feature on adventure bike is to know what range you have in the tank and that was where I found the previous model lacking. It told you the range to fill up but when you're on the last block and it's telling you 47ish to the gallon and 140 miles range you do start to disbelieve it!
When it came time to change my bike the overall cost differences steered me very much into the Versys 1000GT; not a perfect bike but certainly excellent value.
I think you certainly need to get Mrs Flyer set up with some kit so that she can give an objective review on pillion comfort.
I mentioned the lack of shaft to KTM and they told me that fitting one is just not in their 'Ready to Race' DNA.
Thanks for the learned feedback as ever Geoff! I have a Versys review "in the can" so stay tuned for that.....and about time we did a biker cafe meet up matey!!
Yep, let's get it sorted!
Wow... great review!
Thank you.....
Just chopped in my 2017 GS......Made the mistake of test riding the big Kato....The showroom ( fowlers Bristol) has 5 GS in which were all traded for the 1290. Yes the BMW will give better comfort for a 1000 miles/ day in the saddle BUT with the KTM ergo seat its just as good as the BM....Every other area, the KTM simply blows the BM away...handling /power...Did I mention the gearbox, no more tractor changes - its silky smooth. I have 3000 miles on the KTM and I simply cannot see how anyone would prefer the BM - its simply and old design that has mutated into a monstrosity. My Mrs is equally as happy on the KTM.The negative are the side cases, they are rubbish, fitted touratech same as my old BM..As for the chain, really its no problem, no adjustment in 3Kms only lubed once. As for build quality, I can see why riders are concerned as there is not as much shiny metal meaning more plastic BUT then your saving 30-40Kgs! In the UK KTM have sold double the adventure bikes that BM have this year....Now I can see why! If your unsure about buying a new bike THEN do NOT try the big Kato :)
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
Great info. I've just traded a 2014 GS for a 2020 SAS. Seems to be a great move so far!
Fantastic review!
+James ES44AC -2 Thank you :0)
I drove a short time really has an excellent engine but the heat coming from the cylinder is very uncomfortable, excellent review. keep up the good work.
Cheers
Ed.
Hot engines are a plus point when you live in the UK!! Although to be fair I didn't have any heating issues with this bike....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Heat is a big deal in general when you live somewhere where it's 85-105 F during most of the riding season. After living in the UK for just over 40 years, I had to get used to the strange phenomena of being too hot on a motorcycle, I don't recall that ever being an issue in the UK and didn't give it a thought until riding here. When it's 100 F or so it literally feels like the engine heat is burning your legs on bikes where the heat really comes at you,especially in stop start traffic.
Another stocker of a vid bud, loved that. I keep being told to test ride one of these as an alternative to the GS, but the chain and looks put me off I think? I'll certainly take one out though once I'm back riding again. Great vid mate, keep'em coming 👍
Cheers TP1 - I think you'd love the big KTM coming from your sportsbike background, the engine is a corker (but I'm with you on the looks)....
teapotone I've just sold my 57 plate gsa but like urself I'm not sure i wanna go back to lubing chains ... ( never thought I'd say that )
A good friend recently got the 1190 just after the 1290 came out (got a great deal) and he absolutely loves it. I've never seen him ride so fast and smooth as he does on that thing. It sounds mental too with a full Akro on it! But the bloomin' GS virus gets you doens't it. Once you've ridden one for a bit and lived with it, it just becomes the benchmark for all other all-purpose bikes out there. Looking forward to lots of testing in the new year then, stay safe 👍
Crazy isn't it. I used to listen to people moan about chains before I'd ever ridden a shaft-drive and think, what are they moaning about!? But now I've lived with the shaft drive, it just seems like so much grief to have to constantly lube and tighten the chain, especially when you're riding lots of miles all year round. 1st world problems eh! 😉👍
teapotone this was my 1st shafty after owning countless bikes and used to get some weird sadistic pleasure out of cleaning and lubing chains ... wouldn't mind I've binned about 7 cans of half full lube since having the gs haha
The cost of ownership would put me off straight away. My 2015 Tiger Explorer costs me £170 a year for Insurance, the first 500 mile service was £75 and the subsequent annual services were £160. The Explorer isn’t a perfect bike, but the current crop of adventure bikes just aren’t worth another five grand or so to ‘upgrade’. I’ll be keeping my Explorer for quite a few years yet, but I’ll probably invest in some aftermarket suspension upgrades next year. Great review MF and I’ll be looking forward to the next one. 👍😎
Cheers Mark.....
I think a chain is more of an inconvenience when you are on a trip, at home in your garage it's just a bit of extra tinkering, when you come out of your hotel it's nice just to be able to ride off with a glance at your oil window and check the TPMS to see if the tires are still where they should be. If you are riding in dirt and sand I can see the weight of a loaded bike and the power giving chains and sprockets a hard life over a long tour. However if I wanted a really fast adventure bike I could learn to live with it.
Great review. Had an Africa Twin, which was stolen, considering trading in my ZZR1400 for one of these, as I love the more upright position.
Watched this video a few times, and despite the “negatives” which are subjective, I think I will pull the trigger for one of these. Won’t be until end of July after my annual trip to the Nurburgring on the ZZR ;-)
Love your videos. 👍🏻
Cheers Bob - enjoy "the Ring"!
Outstanding video, would love to see a review on the 2018 Ducati 1260s as I'm torn between KTM and the Ducati for my next bike. Thanks again for the outstanding videos!!!
You're welcome Bryan - I'm riding the 1260 in 2 weeks time....stay tuned!
Excellent!!!! I currently own a 2016 RT and do love it, but I want something more sporty with the versatility and comfort of adventure bike...not interested in the XR, too buzzy.....I want to stick with a twin. Will be anxiously awaiting your review of the Multi. Thanks again!! And hello from Texas!!!!
Very nice review!
Thank you!
I regularly get 60.1 mpg dropping to 58.8 mpg, the worst I have had is 55 after a session round Thruxton, amazing economy for a big V Twin and better than I get with my GSA
Thanks for the great video. Does anyone know how the later model 1190 Adventure R compares with the 1290 in this video? Cost of ownership and the rest? Thank you.
Not sure applies but always found the centre stand was easy operation lifting the bike
Great review!! I have seen it many times :-) You got my sub. My next bike is either this or the gsa 1250. Now I am riding a 2015 s1000rr. Maybe the gsa is not powerfull enough? Greets from Belgium
I think you may be surprised by the 1250 GS - loads of real world power - and thanks for the sub!
Obviously I'm commenting a couple of years late but........ £750 for insurance!!!
I collect mine next week and at 51 yrs old with an average post code and 9 years no claims my insurance is £155. That includes protected no claims and pillion cover etc
Considering your cost of ownership was 2/3rds insurance this drops massively for me.
Great in depth review though 👍
Well done. I wish KTM would add a shaft drive and a GPS interface. Until then I’m still loving my R1200GS
It may be a nice machine in many ways,but the absence of shaft drive is a deal breaker for me.Thanks TMF.👍
Thanks for another great video. For someone who does not go off-road, would you recommend this bike, or even your GS, over a full tourer such as the RT, for all year use?
Well I never go off road on my GS so clearly yes :0) The RT is a lovely bike, I'm very tempted by it, but then the new GSA (like the KTM) is lovely too....choices choices...
Great review mate. Struggle with the costs but also you said the main use would be for touring, yet the panniers are not that great. I suppose it comes down to what you want it for. On another note had to buy a bike dryer today as wife bought her first bike bike and cause of your previous reviews. Keep it up.
Hope you used my amazon link Marc ;0P
Good review as always. It would be interesting to see you review a Multistrada 1260 if you can get your hands on one.
Stay tuned!
+TheMissendenFlyer 👍
Nice bike, great review, BMW GSA just has it so right with the tank size and how it mounts the Satan’s as its part of the bike, although the TFT screen on this KTM is lovely mounting a Satan’s seems to have been forgotten about,
Ive had 2 GSA’s now but I do really fancy a 1290, its just so hard to move away from the GSA which is just so well thought out.
Satan's what???
TheMissendenFlyer lol. Bloody predictive text. I meant mounting a SatNav. 👍
ooh I like the lean angle sensitive lights, fancy schmancy!
me too!
Great review. Love the yellow/white color combo. I wonder if you get better gas mileage by keeping the bike in rain mode all the time.
With Winter fast approaching, viewers might like your opinion on how well the bike keeps the rider warm. Things like hand grip warmers, how well the windshield protects from the cold, as well as the hand guards (when applicable). Maybe mention what layers you are wearing to remain comfortable while riding. I find I can ride relatively comfortable on my GS down to the mid to low 30's F. The one kink in the armor would be the hand guards. I do plan to upgrade them with the touratech add-ons (per your recommendation/video).
Again, great video. Very informative.
Thank you sir - and thanks for the idea!
What is the wheel base. Height of bike and seat.Engine heat is very important
You can keep shaft drive. When I went from an FJ1200, which I loved, to an FJR1300, I didn't think an extra 120lb was an issue, but the handling went out the window. The only thing holding me back from a KTM SAS is the heat which you don't comment on in England (possibly desirable), but here in California could be unbearable.
Another great review TMF, these long term one's provide good insight into actual ownership. In terms of actual running costs I'd also be interested to know what the dealer would charge for a set of new tires fitted and balanced same as those the bike originally came with. Curious after getting a new rear only original tire fitted on my own bike for the eqivalent of £220 (!) from my local dealer.
Good point - I shall try and remember to ask that in future!
Thank you for the great review, no bullshit, just honest facts.
I aim to please! Thanks for watching....
Nice review. I was thinking of the next gen 1290 sd gt as my next bike to replace my r1200rs but those service and insurance cost have me doubting that. Something to certainly check locally to see if it's as bad as you've found. Can I ask if you're going to comment on pilion accommodation you actually try it out. The bike had a centre stand so you could of tried it out, even on your own if you don't have a test pilot. Checking knee angles, foot clearances, grab handle position/angles and seat padding can't really be done by just looking at it and is very important to those of us that regularly take a pilion. Our buying decision can really depend on it so shouldn't be taken lightly especially for this class of bike.
Yes I would have liked to have taken a pillion but had none available at the time....must try harder...duly noted!
Hi I love watching your reviews I’m looking for a bike next year got to be good for pillion so it’s out of bmw gs or a tiger have you tried the versy or gtr1400 not found a good uk review on the gtr cheers Garry from Aylesbury
I have a review of the Versys "in the can" will be uploaded soon....stay tuned!
Another first class review with all the stuff anyone in the market for one needs to know. Will you be getting your hands on the GS 850 in the near future?
I've certainly got a request in for it - likely to be a while though I guess....but stay tuned!
Interesting point about stability... I've had my GS loaded with vario panniers and a roll bag ( tent etc) flat out ( IOM and overseas) ...and its rock-steady.
I really think you can't beat the Telelever design when you consider stability and playful handling. It's frankly unbeatable.
Yeah, I love the lack of dive on heavy braking, brilliant....
Having owned a new wet head GS for two years I have just pulled the trigger on a Black Super Adventure, which I pick up Friday. Cannot wait. However much I loved the GS this is next gen, even with a chain. BMW need to catch up soon.
Congratulations David, you're going to have a ball on this beast - out of interest did you try the 2018 GSA???
So how did it work out? I've just ditched a GS for a 2020 SAS and so far so good!
love how it changes the dash mode @9:10...cool feature
Cool feature but it does it a little too often for my liking!
It does it too often for you because you are driving where shading is constantly varying. It has nothing to do with the feature itself. Drive in plain day light and it will not change or drive at night and it will not change neither. I believe here you are trying to find a default and a downside to something there isn't any. This is actually a handy feature.
Really well-done review as usual but that bike is anything but usual! I'd agree the looks are somewhat polarizing but by all other metrics the positives - espeically that engine - are quite something to consider.
Indeed they are Scott - as I said, on a pure spec comparison the bike is hard to beat, it's a fabulous beast and got me all of a quiver at the time....
But I do like the look of that island tour. Many thanks
Nicely summerised,thks.
You're welcome as ever Bruce....
Love your channel, Question: I've just bought a 1290 adventure r and I'm having issues keeping the helmet paired to the bike. Once i turn the bike off I need to re pair the helmet intercom every time. Do you have any suggestions?
I have no idea - sorry (one of the reasons I tend not to use headsets!!)
Have watched a load of these videos before I purchase either this or the 1090, and I have to say that your work is the most thorough so far and I thank you for this.
My only question is to ask if you'd choose this or the 1090 for touring longer distances with some gravel and dirt road riding.
This....
Great review, I'm in the market for a new bike and this one is in the lead for me. Have you heard anything new for the 2021 model?
No I haven’t....
So if push came to shove the ktm or a gsa as a 2up tourer ? I'm leaning toward the gs but that ktm is very tempting. . Great vid
Well I'm working up to that....stay tuned!
How far do the panniers stick out beyond the width of the handle bars. Thanks......... Keep the good work, great vids.
I don't know the actual measurement but I do know this is the only bike I've ridden with panniers where I've clipped car mirrors when filtering....oops!
Hey mate, great review, just sold my 959 and will be chopping in the Africa Twin next spring and may just have one bike and thinking maybe the Super Adventure could be it, off to bike show Monday to see what’s about! Cheers, G-MAN
As a one-bike-does-all this would be great! Do say hello if you see me at the show, I'm there Monday too....
TheMissendenFlyer , Thanks for reply buddy, as you said it’s not a cheap bike but as I’ll just be having one bike and not 2 I guess I can justify it! Will you be on the Principal insurance stand, def pop by and say hi on Monday, cheers, G-MAN
Not officially I won't but I will be hanging out there from time to time so you may catch me there (or skulking about filming stuff)....
TheMissendenFlyer , will keep an eye out buddy, I’ll be making a vid of the show too 👍
I'd be terrified riding on those narrow roads with the hedges trimmed right to the edge . How do motorists see while pulling out of driveways ? What about critters ? And HELL man ,you guys ride on the wrong side of the road 😁 .
Great vids man !
Thank you Tim - I guess we're all just excellent riders! ;0) ....seriously, what choice do we have!!!
I loved the review. I still want one ! We only get the black S model in Australia. Demo model for sale at one of the dealers in Sydney. I’m going to call them tomorrow for a chat. Did you take it on a dirt road (not off road) at all ?
No I don't have any local dirt roads available unfortunately.....how odd that you only get the one model!?
Great review as always. Love the wet mode down to 100bhp (so
Cheers Steve, thought I'd better do away with any lycra for this one!
TheMissendenFlyer shrewd move! 😅
Thank you TMF, I have the same bike, and completely agree with your summary, including cost of ownership, which is high, although worth it, I think?
Is your insurance so stratospheric-ally high too?? .....or am I being singled out?? ;0)
Oh yes! Excuse the pun, The highest quote was £1800.00 finally paid less than half, after shopping around..