Any KTM Adventure 1290 S owners here?

[dave1068]

Hey Geesers,

I have an opportunity to pick up a 2019 KTM 1290 S model, Ive never had a KTM but know they are great, well made and high end bikes. Anyone here have this model?

Ive done the typical online research which shows, 160HP, 4 computers, lights that come on when your corner, electronic suspension plus akropovis exhaust, saddlebags, and higher fairing, etc etc

At 6'3 the bike fits me great and will try to testride tomorrow.

For people who;ve had this, tell me your thoughts, good bad and ugly...

Thanks,
-Dave

[Guzzistajohn]

More of those on the market now that the Yamaha 7T is hitting the US.

[JL Rich]

There is an article on ADV Rider that has some interesting information on the 1190 Adventure.  The author had ridden one for a long time and it is his favorite motorcycle.  You will probably enjoy it.

https://advrider.com/from-a-ktm-1190-adventure-to-the-890-adventure/

[Scud]

I only have personal experience with KTM 950 Adventure, which is the most dirt-oriented ADV made at the time (and possibly still is). I liked it a lot, but it was too thirsty for long-range riding and I preferred smaller dirt bikes in the dirt.

Your signature line shows several ADV bikes, so you probably know what you're getting into - and if you do buy it I would be curious to hear what you think in relation to your other ADV bikes. Good luck with your decision.

[yellowheader]

My main riding buddy, who also happens to be my brother in law has a both a 1290 SA-R and a 1290 Super Duke GT. He loves them both, but he takes the SA-R on more trips. I think it's because of the cargo capacity (he has the full Mosko Moto luggage set) and its versatility for the variety of roads we find ourselves on. That said, it's a big beast even for him, who's about your height and 230 lb. He's had a lot of tipovers, especially when dismounting on uneven ground. When it's fully loaded and gets past that tipping point, there's not much he can do to stop it. 

[dave1068]

Took the bike out and was not overly impressed with it, plenty of power but even at 6'2, the pegs are a bit too far back and the seat has little to no wiggle room for those of us with declining lower backs.

Very tight shifter but oddly enough I found my smaller V85TT much smoother and comfortble....

[LowRyter]

You might check on maintenance and costs.  I've heard that can be quite a bit and lots of dealer dependency.  That was conveyed to me by  990 owner. 

[Guzzistajohn]

You might check on maintenance and costs.  I've heard that can be quite a bit and lots of dealer dependency.  That was conveyed to me by  990 owner.

Didn't want to be a Debbie downer, but that's what I hear.

[Bisbonian]

You might check on maintenance and costs.  I've heard that can be quite a bit and lots of dealer dependency.  That was conveyed to me by  990 owner.

I'll grant that my experience was with an older 640, while I didn't need the dealer for much (no electronics) maintenance was much higher than with other bikes I've owned.
Perhaps the newer bikes have gotten better.

[dave1068]

That was the first thing I asked about and I know its more than MGs but when they took the bike in, they went thru it, put on a new set of tires, replaced a pannier and something else.

My issue was even though I want a bike with a little more oomph for freeway use, this bike definitely had that but it was not comfortable, back and leg room.

Perhaps Ill find a stelvio made after the tappet issue and return to it.

[DaddyRabbit]

really happy with my 2018 SA-S.  i changed the pegs to a larger size, put Rox Risers on it, and the heated comfort seat.  i rode it all over Utah (avg 46 mpg) in May this year and was completely happy.  i think its like any bike change...the ergos are always a little different, but for me at 6'2" 235lbs its my sweet spot.  I have remarked many times that it was made for me.

Currently, the only thing i'd swap it for is a new one

[dave1068]

Im about that 6'2, 210, 34" legs, I found my legs were a bit to rearward and the stock seat had no room to scootch back and very little support. Glad you like yours, like you said, coming from one bike to another we're use to is often a discomfort.