I’ve now spent almost a year with my 1290 Super Adventure S and covered just over 6000 miles including a couple of 1000 mile trips. Previously I owned a Ducati Multistrada Enduro, before that a regular Multistrada and before the Italians a succession of BMWs. It’s interesting to read the viewer’s comments, especially regarding the devotion to shaft drive. It’s as though folks want every bike to be exactly the same as a GS. The KTM definitely isn’t remotely like a GS, but the features on the KTM that some think would be a problem simply aren’t. I fitted a Scottoiler electronic and I haven’t needed to adjust the chain or even clean it since new. Cue the ‘you need to service your chain’ comments but seriously, I inspect it weekly and it’s spotless and well lubricated. It doesn’t fling oil onto the bike either. What it does do is connect the motor to the rear wheel with mechanical efficiency that bevel gears can’t match. Of all the bikes I’ve owned the KTM is the best by far. There were a few niggles, like the automatic lighting not being able to decide whether it should be on or off, the Bluetooth failing to reconnect and the keyless system constantly telling me that the key was out of range, but those have been fixed in the latest software update. Handling, power, precision, all the stuff that defines a great motorcycle the KTM offers in spades. You might question comfort but it’s fine for me and weather protection is great. Each to their own of course and I wouldn’t criticise anyone for taking a BMW in preference, but if you haven’t tried a Super Adventure S maybe you should.
I've ridden them all, the KTM felt the most planted and had the sweetest balance. Greatly improved over the earlier iterations. Definitely more 'sport' than tour oriented, but yeah, all that make a motorcycle exciting.
How the hell can one bloke be so bloody blessed!! All these great bikes to ride and review, seemingly when you want to. Motorcycle journalist would be an apt description for you, as you present the best detailed reviews that I have seen. Keep them coming mate. Ride safe brother.
Thank you Andrew, I'm far from a motorcycle journalist, I just love bikes and riding them so yes I am very fortunate to spend my time doing the things I like best!
Hey @TheMissendenFlyer: Very cool that you ride this Bike in a long term test. I have buyed my 1290 SAS in July (with your recommendation) and have now 4000 km down with it. Many short rides, going to work and weekend rides. Longest ride was 6 hours with one brake (than my ass hurts a little bit with the original seat). I love that machine. I have always set the suspension to comfort (need no street and sport) and the machine setting between street (gas is little smoother for the city) and sport (for the passes). I also have the Akrapovic Exhaust, with this it sounds amazing and sporty as hell (for an adventure bike). The standard wheels (Scorpion II) are also very nice, as i said above, 4000 km and more than the half of it on it. Looking forward to more movies of this incredible machine. Greets, Daneras
After owning 2 GS's I took the plunge last March and bought a KTM SAS... I've now put 6500miles on it and I can honestly say it's the best bike I have ever owned. I'm not regretting moving away from BMW one bit. . The seat has softened up and is now very comfortable, the quick shifter is super slick, the engine is superb as is the build quality, of course the TFT screen is amazing. The Acropovic and engine bars are a must though, as are the heated grips. It was a bit strange at first going back to a chain drive but I'm in the habit now of giving it a squirt every time I fill up, plus of course I don't have the worry of spending upwards of a grand when my shaft drive tries to eat itself! My only niggle is that the stock screen does buffet you a bit (there's a few aftermarket options I'm looking into) and I wish I opted for touratech panniers as the KTM plastic ones are crap. The rear tyre needs replacing now but at least a short arse like me can get both feet flat on the floor. 54mpg and 240 miles tank range... I'm a very happy bunny. (I always give other bikers a nod, especially GS riders... If a little ironically ;))
In the UK your nemesis is the white van but here in Texas it’s the the big ass pick up truck that plods along at 5 mph below the posted speed limit and you can’t pass it because you can’t see around it! Great video by the way!
Thanks TMF for another well presented review.I have spent the last six months or so trying to find a bike to replace my current GS,same colour,same reg as your own.Problem I have is a 29 inch inside leg so when I tried out a 1290 S,it became a serious issue for me.I liked the way the bike rode,I liked the screen,the colour etc,it's a well made,well designed bike.Had the bike for a whole day and put on 250 miles of riding on various roads.I am of the opinion that you don't need 165 hp on UK roads,full of potholes,blind car drivers,rain,mud,traffic etc but what you do need is handling,this is where the GS shows it's credentials,it's far superior in this department to the KTM and so is the all important fuel consumption. Whilst we are at it,I have a bone to pick with you Mr TMF. I have finally found the bike that is perfect for me in almost every way,The 2018 model RT LE,3 weeks left to collection. I watched your review on the 2015 RT,this pointed me in the direction of the RT so I maintain that it's your fault that I have been forced to spend many thousands on this bike! Keep Smiling.
Thanks TMF for keeping these reviews coming. We appreciate your good work. It will be interesting to see which way you go for your next adventure bike as each review you do for the KTMs and GSs, the bike you are reviewing seems to be the one. It would be easy to gravitate toward the GS if you have previous happy ownership history.
Very helpful, went to PH Motorcycles in Crawley at the weekend and fell in love. Was concerned over height but at 5'8 I can get the balls of my feet on the ground.With one foot on the peg I am flat footed on the other. I noticed that Touratech make a low comfort set which I may purchase as an option. This will be my next bike.Thanks for the review as always.
I am so glad you have this beast on a long relationship basis as I am set on getting one next year. Please keep them coming as all information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
An absolutely fantastic machine, to be sure, but if you are considering it as a replacement for the GS for touring then it'd have to equal it on seat comfort, tank range and luggage-ability. Also where/how do you fit a sat nav? And chain maintenance vs shaft drive? I think the inevitable conclusion is that you need both ;o) Paul.
I don’t get why someone would hate one a bike. If you don’t like it, leave it to those who do like it. We are all riders, what bike some one else rides is not the point. The point is with others to meet and talk and laugh, share stories. At least i think so. Thanks for a great channel!!
I had this bike out a couple of times before deciding on the new GS Adventure Rally, for me it made me realise you don't need 160 bhp for one thing also where the GS seems to just go in any gear the KTM motor bogged down if you were in to higher gear. Great looking bike the KTM, I would think would suit somebody coming off a sports bike to a adventure bike. To be honest I don't think there is a bad bike out there at the moment, it will be interesting to see what the new Honda Africa twin has to offer plus the new Tigers in 2018.
Nice review. I also loved your previous review. Sadly in Australia we only get the S model in black and can’t get them until 2nd half 2018. Im told by the dealer most people here want the R but I’d prefer the S. As such long wait time and no orange color.
Such great reviews, Mr TMF! Great many thanks! After having been on a 10-day tour with 17 bikes of which 10 were GS's, I'm already selling my K1600GTL and having it narrowed it for the next one to be the GSA Rallye (blue-white, TFT display) or this KatyM1290S. I'd spec panniers, crash-guards, etc. I have test-ridden the GSA just recently and loved it, but could not ride the 1290S and probably won't be able to, until spring time (well, it's Eastern European dealers, you know). After the K1600's 6-pot, I feared that I'd miss the grunt on the GSA, but having enjoyed it so much, I said I'll compromise ... But now with this video, dear Mr. TMF, You made me reconsider, again :-) ... Since You just reviewed both (GSA Rally w. TFT and this) , your statement on "possibly no.1" gave away quite a clue. Or is that the real chronology of making these videos?!? But either way it's TFT vs. TFT, shaft vs. chain, low-end torque vs high-end kraft, tele-lever vs. semi-active WP, really-low-boxer-CG vs. 10% lower weight amazing looks vs. amazing looks At the end it's still such a neck-to-neck result. So questions: Is handling of KTM really on par with GSA? How 'bout a little off-road, like some people asked here (like gravel roads)? Is reliability any better with either of them? I heard people complain on both ... These are really the 2 best bikes in the biggest selling segment, it's just such a difficult decision ... Arrrggggghhhh!
I share your dilemma Balazs! You are right, I don't necessarily publish my videos in the order that they were made and I rode the new BMW GSA with TFT after the Super Adventure.....so a difficult decision, both bikes are neck and neck in terms of desirability, really comes down to which you like the look of most!
I had to check urban dictionary about stonking, :) but now I know and happy to hear, because I try to make a hard decision between GS or KTM SA.. Gorgeous revievs, good to come here to your channel.. Greetings from Hungary!
I found this one the second best - the one on the Super Duke R I found the best of any quickshifter I've tried, incredible bit of engineering, even worked when the engine wasn't under load (this one wasn't far behind)....
When I first got the SuperDuke it was good but not the best I’ve used, however, after a software update it’s now definitely the one the beat. I love how a software update can improve the mechanical action of changing gears, awesome!
That TFT screen just is amazing. I love the way it goes into blurred mode when the local speed limit is reached or exceeded. An absolutely brilliant piece of kit .... I take it that function is a special KTM after market software upgrade?? ha ha ha :-)
Another great review Mr TMF, I'm guessing your be making room in the man cave for a new addition 👍🏻 I have only owned one KTM and that was a 990 which had its problems but was still a good bike. Safe riding buddy ❄️
The KTM ADV's are great on paper and even on the road when they are working right. Unfortunately I, and many others who have owned these machines, have found that they are prone to mechanical issues. Do some research into leaking airboxes, malfunctioning electronics/suspension and hopping front wheels and you might be singing a different tune.
TheMissendenFlyer yes agreed the R was huge! I'm 6'2 and found it big and heavy, even to manoeuvre. Once rolling of course the weight disappears but yes amazing machine.. A touring shootout between this and the GT would be interesting..
Nice review. Going to get a test ride booked now. How other motorcyclists choose to ignore fellow bikers is a bit bizarre. I ride small and big bikes and you tend to be ignored all lot on the small ride......hey ho. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing you do a review of the BMW F800GS.
I'd like the 1290 a lot better with a shaft and lowered a few inches. The 1090 is complete overkill in the engine dept for this genre of bike. I think that one with analog gauges and a chain, it would more than suit any long distance dual purpose rider's requirements. The electronics are going to quash the power output as soon as the wheels start spinning off road anyway. I'd like to see KTM do something closer to the GS with the 1290. With all that extra power, a shaft, would be a nice addition for those with deep pockets who aren't into regular chain maintenance. It would go good with the HD TV screens and robotically controlled suspensions and AI headlamps for those consumers who want the latest in high tech. Unlikely they'll be guys taking them out on single tracks and jumping streams with them anyway. It'd be more convenient to do trips to Wales and Scotland on though.
As always the very nice review. Thanks. I used to ride '13 R1200GS and owned it for 4 years. Now I've got KTM SA 1290 S and just like you I am amazed with the engine. And I love those handguards - they are great - no wind or rain on my gloves (that's the nice change after GS even with touratech extensions). But after a few thousand kilometres I must say that this bike has some issues. The worst thing is the handling at high speed - I mean High Speed. At 180 kph and more it is much less stable than the GS. It tends to wiggle a bit. It gets much worse when you get some wind from the side. At low speeds you must use some more force to make tight turns tha on the GS. The other thing is the wind screen - in GS it was no problem to go with helmet shield open, in KTM it is impossible - you get all the wind in your eyes. (I am 6' 4''). The KTM my ride sometimes just stops seeing my phone (android, high model, very popular brand). Anyway I think it's a great bike but as in No5 of your pro's - it's not the GS... and i'm not sure if that's good ;-)
The screen isn't quite high enough for us tall folks (I'm 6'4" too). I use a Puig wing (the small version) with the KTM screen and the seat height adjustment in the low position. It's perfect for me, I can ride with my visor open and the low screen position provides better protection for my shoulders. The bike is also more stable at speed with the screen low and sitting lower. With the seat set high and the screen high the bike feels less planted at motorway speeds. The KTM definitely turns in more easily than the GSA and, in my experience, it's easier to position when exiting turns under power too. The KTM fits my idea of what a motorcycle should be. That doesn't mean that the BMW's aren't incredible machines, they obviously are, but somehow the KTM speaks to me of where the priorities should lie, a great engine, a great gearbox, efficient final drive and great handling in the turns. I'd sacrifice a little in the way of motorway manners and general convenience for those things anytime.
Quite often the people who have the strongest opinions on certain motorbikes are the ones who have read or listened to others yet may actually have never tried for themselves.
The KTM and GS are always pitted against each other as they are both big ADV bikes, but I would love to see a comparison between the KTM and the BMW R1000XR as there is more parity on BHP. I have no doubt that the KTM will come out on top, but it would be interesting to see how close the XR comes. As yet I have not seen a comparison like this on RU-vid.
If you are up for it I would suggest that you fully load (luggage etc) both the KTM and the XR and take them for a real world test. I would love to know what your thoughts are. I am a biased viewer as I own a GS and have come to the conclusion that the GS really is in a class of its own, as it does not compete with the KTM Super ADV and Ducati Multistrada in terms of bhp, but is bigger better touring bike compared the likes of the Honda African Twin with its more off road focus. On paper the XR is cheaper, but packs the same punch as the Super Adventure, but which is the better bike to own long term? I get the feeling that people buy the KTM and the Ducati for the engine, but people buy the GS for the whole package. I could be wrong, but it is the impression I get from every comparison review I have read. Why don't you get a couple of mates together are compare the XR to KTM and Ducati? Be a ground breaker... Happy to assist... :-)
Interesting what you say about the Multistrada being top heavy TMF. I've gone from a 2013 to a 2017 Multistrada and I've noticed a huge difference. The 2017 is just so much more flickable and whilst I loved the original, the new one is top trumps imho. Maybe have a ride if you get the chance or maybe wait for the 2018 Multistrada as I'm hearing good things.
Enjoyable review as always. a superb machine that KTM, in my opinion better value for money than the GS. So here's the question. Would you part/ex your GS for one of these? Honest answer please!!
Excellent review as always TMF, so are we saying the Superduke S is better than your 2014 GS? I only ask as there are many updates on the latest crop of GS's on the suspension that may put it on par, I was planning on buying a new GS this week and this review has got me second guessing.
+Andy wilson Yes it is a better bike than my GS (on paper at least) - you defo need to ride one! I’m not saying I’d have one over a new GS having now ridden the GSA with TFT though!
That's the bit of info I was after! I'm having a go on the new GSA later this week, been waiting to see how it goes with the new suspension upgrade. Thanks for all the reviews and tours they are very helpful!
One thing that I am never too sure about with these new bikes is the electronics, what do you do when the warranty elapses and it starts to play up ? Take out a second mortgage. Guy I know has an issue with the ABS on his Yamaha super Tenere, got a quote of A$2500 to repair it. The secret with new cars is to trade them before they run out of warranty, hope this does not become the case with bikes.
Hello. Thank you VERY much for all these thorough AND interesting reviews 👍. I've got a question that could seem a bit odd, but here it is. I'm quite torn, at the time between the Super Adventure and the Superduke R. Crazy ? Perhaps, but since the SA can blast the twisties in the Alps, and the SDR seems comfortable enough to travel to these very same twisties + do a few track days in the year... I leave on the west coast of France, so in every case, I need to travek a few hundred miles to find 'decent' roads. Yes, I cannot decide... I ride a SMT, which is almost perfect for these uses (track included), but I want more power and a 'midlife crisis bike' ;-)
vince halls This is not a common problem everywhere. Here in Finland KTM has been the most popular new bike this year. That is why it's easy to get parts and sell your bike. Parts are actually sometimes even cheaper than with the Japanese bikes.
I live near Clare Suffolk, Jim Aim is the local dealer, As a tanker driver I drive most parts of the country, I see plenty of BMW, Ducati, Honda & the other Japanese dealers but apart from Jim, I have only driven past one other KTM dealer & that was in Pontypridd South Wales. Just been on the KTM website there are 17 dealers few and far between, one of the Kawasaki dealers said I hope your not on a KTM difficult yo move on! when purchasing a bike you have to take into account how easy it is to trade in or sell on,
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure and the BMW GS 1200 adventure are the only real bike to consider in this class, everything else is just many steps below. KTM is really going after BMW, it's a very hard decision I'd you are buying one. I'm not crazy about the closest KTM dealer here unfortunately.
I'll nod at all riders but, 'GS'ers' do pee me off a bit. Reason being, it's an adventure bike has light off road capabilities. So ride off road!!! Nothing serious, just little gravel roads and green lanes. If you're going to stay on the tarmac, why not buy an RT?! All the best, Josh
Lovely bike , l was not to keen on the orange colour , but the newer colour schemes have grown on me ! I you heard of any reliability issues with KTM ? It seems there are some problems when you go on the forums . However if you read the forums on all makes you would never buy a bike 🤣🤣
Hey my 1290 s just arrived today.. Overall amazing bike.. But i just find it that it rides much firmer and harder on bumps than i expected. A bit dissapointing really.. Even in comfort mode.. Do you find you bike rides the same? And what do you reckon we can do to smoothen out the ride to perhaps atleast close to GS comfort. Thankss you opinion is greatly apriciated. Sorry for me english.:) greetings from indonesia:)
Hey don't apologise about your English, it seems pretty good to me! Not sure what you can do about that if you find the ride a little harsh - unfortunately KTM seats also seem a little hard to me compared to (for instance) the BMW GS.....after market seat perhaps??? Other than that....great bike though eh?
Still.. An Amazing bike..the Power is just beyond believe:D thanks forthe reply.. cheers mate!! Keep up the good work mr TMF. Or should i say the best moto vlogger there is!:p
Compared to the GS, which would you say is more comfortable for the pillion? I know you don't do much off road with you bikes (neither do I), but some of these bikes will restrict/lower their bhp when in off road mode. Do you know if the KTM is one of them?
I did a bit of research and found the following: "Well, in a nutshell, it means multiple riding modes (four total, including a 100 hp “Offroad” mode), lean-angle-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, and KTM’s RACE ON transponder/key" Not sure if it is necessarily a bad thing. Is it a safety feature? (rhetorical question) Seeing I don't do enduro riding, I won't find out. Maybe another reader knows the answer. I love the color scheme of the bike.
Hello Mr Flyer.... you are probably the person I am most jealous of on the planet... You ride all the bikes i'd love to play with... your missus lets you have 4 bikes at once (WTF) !!!. I suspect you drive a decent motor aswell and I think I remember you saying that you fly light aircraft. You produce the best bike reviews on the web (do you have some crazy machine that slows down time ?), I know the area you live in and its not exactly budget belt, Your workshop looks great, but I think I might have you there, I reckon i'm better equipped than you (oooh er missus), warranty work aside I still manage to do 100% of my bike and car maintenance myself, the electronics can be tricky but I still have the technology. The good news is I couldn't resist test riding the super adventure..... what an awesome bike, but even though it is incredible It wasn't enough better than my Africa Twin DCT as an everyday proposition to buy one. Yes the electronics are amazing if your about to crash but my ride to work doesn't include Donnington, 95% of the time, the "only" 95 horse on the AT smokes everything. I guess what I am saying is be true to yourself, nearly all modern bikes are better than me, the electronics are only there to make bikes with the power of a 70's super car rideable... doesn't mean I don't want one though.. Keep up the excellent, unbiased, informative work.
MissendenFlyer, what can you tell about vibrations since 6500 - 7000 RPM and till the red line? I had a test ride this year at one of the Germany KTM dealer and unfortunately, that bike had incredible level of vibrations after this range RPM. It was the main disadvantage for me comparing with my S1000XR (it also has vibs at 5000 - 6000) But interestingly enough, if all Super Adventure S have the same vibration level, you won't want to twist a throttle because it's obviously unpleasant for.
First time I hear anyone mention vibrations from an SAS. Mind you, if you think they are bad when you have ridden an XR (the absolute vibration king) I suppose they must be something of a concern.
I'm drawn to these KTM's. Ridden a couple of them over this last year or so ,impressive, but i think they may be targeted towards the slightly younger person. Then again most bikes seem to be targeted at the younger person from my perspective. A mate rode that honda scooter thingy and raved about it .could that be my next port of call? Have you tried it yet?
It’s hard to deny the KTM is a stonking machine. But there just something with the BMW that pulls me towards it. Anyway it’s a nice problem for you to have...Good choice either way.
Yes. Depending on options also hill hold control, up/down quick shifter, heated grips, heated seats, tyre pressure monitors. They've thrown the book at it.
Wouldn't it be better to constantly blur the speed. Now everybody knows: look the speed is blurred, therefore he must be speeding. Nice orange colour-sceme: colour of the Netherlands.😋
Quite like the thought of these MF, but the big or should I say tall problem for me is the seat height. Why oh why don't KTM do a lower model like BMW do on the GS. At 860mm it's just too tall for me and I suspect quite a few others who would otherwise be looking to buy one. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it compared to the GS once you've clocked up some miles.
The cornering ABS actually stops the bike standing up in corner braking. ;) So it stays stable/going where you pointed it under braking. Tablet/smart phone, less of this Apple promotion please! :) Sporty SISTER (SD R) Got to love the quality of the QS too.
Hey nice video MF. I do have a question though, I'm same height as you and I tested this bike myself the other day what do you think about the the height of the bike? did you have problems getting your foot to the ground? what seat did you have on the bike? I thought the stock seat was a very wide rock.
Crikey. Stonking power is great, but without equally stonking comfort and reliability, as well as the fact that on dirt the KTM should do much better than it actually does, this bike becomes more of an exotic dancer you had a fling with before marrying the BMW GSA.
I've never heard anyone say they'd take a GS over a SA in the dirt; nor on a twisty (in other words, the 'fun' parts of riding these). you may have a point on comfort tho.... the seats on this newer version is an improvement.
Anyone who has an issue with a GS is simply jealous. Not the best selling bike year after year for no reason. Doesn't matter what KTM, Ducati or Triumph do they can't knock it off its perch, must really frustrate them
