KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Full Road Test & Review

[@richedwards4651]

First class review, as always 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Rich

[@barney3417]

Great review, first one iv'e seen where the bike hasn't had an electronics issue!!!!!

[@mancavemoto]

Maybe I was just lucky? but no issues in the 2 weeks I had it

[@VikingBagsYT]

Once again, amazing work on the video review! Keep up the good work!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Guys

[@dungbeetlemovies]

Nice review, Tony. Thanks. Although a rarity, it's good to know that manufacturers can make a screen that works well at higher speeds.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes thats why I thought i'd mention it

[@UncleWally3]

Most functionality problems, from phone to fridge, haven’t been mechanical - it’s been electronic. The fact that consumers can’t extend warranty on electronics alone doesn’t bode well for confidence in the product.

[@bradleybaker8894]

Excellent review. Keep up the great work.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Bradley, I'm in the process of editing an video where I revisit the 1290 SAS. that should be coming out next week sometime

[@iam_mono1892]

I saw one yesterday, the Exhaust is Massive!! Looked half decent in press pictures, but the thing is huge.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, euro 5 compliance unfortunately!

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

excellent review, sweet machine, cheers V!

[@huambo]

I owned a 2017 for a year, no issues, wonderful engine. Just part exed for a brand new GS Adventure . . . .guess what, i just sold it (after 3 weeks) and have put a deposit on a 22 Super Adventure. I think i'm sick.

[@ramrk2011]

Great review! Great videography! Looks like KTM is the clear winner in this segment (near 1200 cc) at present! - Ram

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks a lot!

[@Dan-56]

Excellent review Tony 👍! You did a fine job of telling us what the bike is like to ride and use in a real world environment. So many of the reviews have just been “Look how stonking fast this things is !”🤨. (As if we wouldn’t expect that from a Super Duke powered Adventure bike 🙄.) keep up the good work 😃👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Mate, thats what I was trying to achieve

[@inked-96]

Im now in the position to fund my 2 bike garage. After selling my 1250GSA, at 28 i didn't gel with it. So im either going down the route of.. 1. Tracer 9 GT+ 1290 Super Duke R 2. 1290 Super Adventure S. ?... Be interested to hear your thoughts. Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

All great bikes, personally i'd go with the 1290 Superadventure over the Super Duke R, purely from a comfort point of view. Tracer 9GT+ is a lovely machine too

[@joeherbert4329]

Good video. Now I have to get a used bike for 8k. Had 1200 GSA, Ducati, 800 in BMW and triumph. Been looking at this KTM page for a while. Moving back to Scotland, what say you Sir?

[@mancavemoto]

You can pick up used ones for that sort of money now, even up to about 2017/18 models if your not too fussy about mileage

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great review TONY it was a very close call but today I’ve ordered a GSA just fitted me better as I’m a big lump but was extremely impressed with it ,fun rides alone I would have definitely gone with the KTM 👍👍👍👍

[@mancavemoto]

Congrats, lovely bike and may you have very many happy miles on it! Ride Safe

[@andrewbooth4341]

Great review Tony. What’s the jacket you are wearing in this review.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Andrew, its a Knox Urbane Pro Utility - tinyurl.com/Knoxarmour

[@fjrboy]

Good review!...I have the 2019 model and my arse was on fire yesterday in 29'c of heat (UK)....any improvement in that department?

[@mancavemoto]

Apparently the new bodywork helps to dissipate the heat a bit better. When compared to my old 1050 it’s soo much better, and I can’t say that I really noticed the heat that much

[@Bladerunner264]

What gloves are you rocking? Need some smart summer gloves and difficult to reach a decision!

[@mancavemoto]

They are a pair of Knox Orsa MK 2 gloves. Good warm weather gloves!

[@joshnolan8826]

Not sure if it was me but felt the majority of the video a little under exposed, but great production, loved the conclusion and overall composition. Great review!

[@mancavemoto]

Stanley Kubrick I am not. But also the GoPro doesnt have that great a dynamic range. Glad you liked the review

[@michaelking9818]

Great report full of information , just taken back about the amount electronic

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you, yep theres a lot on there, but thankfully it doesnt interfere

[@shaimordekhai6385]

Hello there. great video , much appreciated. I wanted to ask if at any time did you feel extreme heat coming from under the seat? I sold my 2019 adventure S for a couple of reasons but the heat was a significant factor. I do live southern California so i wanted to know if KTM did anything to improve this issue. Thank you

[@mancavemoto]

I didn't no, but to be fair the weather wasnt particularly warm when I rode it. I used to have a 1050 adventure and the heat off of the back cylinder manifold was terrible. This is much much better, part of the restyling and changes was to flow the warm air away from the rider. They seem to have done a decent job

[@shaimordekhai6385]

@@mancavemoto Thank you. much appreciated.

[@jonasbaine3538]

Heat management on new SAS is better with 2 split radiators

[@timrodierides]

Great video! Trying to work out whether to get one of these or its even madder naked brother…

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, this is deffo more practical of course

[@andrewewan624]

REAL-WORLD review ....... thanks for sharing ...stay safe

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Andrew

[@emak4558]

I just traded away a 1250 GSA for one of these fellows. Definitely an upgrade.

[@Neiljitsu]

How is it going for you now? Any issues or regrets?

[@ulaskvlcm]

Perfect review; ı have a 890 Duke R ; is it worth for swap?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks! It depends on what you want to do with the bike, for mile munching and touring its a god swap, but I waould say its not quite as much fun as the 890 Duke

[@oztursen]

I just rented out a 1250GS (my dream bike) for the day before deciding to put a factory order in. I somehow really didn't like it even though I tried. Coming from a KTM 790 ADV, I found it to be very noisy (both the engine and wind), unrefined and very slow/clumsy. I then decided to put a deposit in for 1290 ADV sight unseen (we don't have those bikes in the US, yet). Do you see this bike as an upgrade over your 790 or is it completely a different beast?

[@mancavemoto]

For me it’s a different beast, there are obviously some ‘family’ similarities, but generally it’s a much more focused fast upright tourer

[@oztursen]

@@mancavemoto I love my 790 but I don't find it easy or comfortable to ride a slow pace on it, if you know what I mean. All those reviews, including yours, gave me the impression that you can go slow on the 1290 and enjoy the ride when you want.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes that is teue

[@oztursen]

@@mancavemoto Bike has finally arrived and I think your review was spot on. When I expected it to rip my arms off when I twisted the throttle, based on other reviews and fueling experience from my 790, I was just surprised on how well behaving the bike was. I am sure you can go Chris Northover on this thing easily but for me it is such a well balanced machine for relaxed rides.

[@palerider4015]

Good review ... thank you. There are so many very good bikes in this genre these days. Big problem is that they are far too complicated and far too expensive. They are becoming unrealistic for most budgets. Manufacturers are appealing to the wrong end of the market in my view. Motorcycles for most are a second mode of transport, and asking north of £15000 pounds is getting out of hand. People who say that this sort of money isn’t that bad and you get what you pay for... need to take a long look at themselves in the mirror and stay off the strong cheese. They need to offer more affordable bikes , for the average budget and getting younger guys and girls into motorcycling. The only people who can really afford new bikes like the GS, KTM, AT etc, are either retired with a generous lump sum to dip into, or have the income to afford PCP payments. This is only my opinion, so please don’t reply with abuse.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes its hard to buy a bad bike these days. My comment about the price was relative to what other big adventure bikes cost, but yes its going to be hard to bring new riders in at these prices. Mind you there are plenty of more affordable bikes available now.

[@mikehamilton9128]

I would love to have a KTM Adventure S and yes, I can afford one but I think I will probably keep my Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 for a while yet. The stories about electrical gremlins with KTM, Ducati and BMW have scared me off I'm afraid.

[@keithhayward6027]

Fair comments for sure on price. I think that the pricing is all part of the strategy to feed the Pre Owned Market. Buying this bike 2 yrs from now will bring price down and the economic machine just keeps going.

[@davidcolin6519]

Like it or not, the world's motorcycling population is ageing, which is just another reason why the high power sports bikes no longer sell as well as they used to. And that is one reason why these big bikes are so much money; older people tend to have more cash to splash on their passions. But the fact is that these bikes are just the very pinnacle of automotive two wheelers. Yes, a 2021 SA-S is a better bike than the 2019 model which, in turn, is better than the 2014 or whatever. But these have been in competition with the GS1150, 1200 and 1250 all that time, and both models have been selling in quantities that make the other manufacturers envious. But that also means that there are enormous numbers of GSs and SAs, as well as plenty of others, like Africa Twins, Super Ténerés out there. And, although they may not be as mind blowing CAPABLE as these pinnacle bikes, you should NEVER lose sight of the fact that even the very worst of these bikes is just stupidly FUN to ride. It is really easy to get caught up in the oneupmanship and envy of the latest, best, fastest etc. But above all, even the lowliest bike is still hugely fun to ride. Yeah, if you've got the money, knock yourself out, but if you haven't, there are still plenty of hugely capable FUN bikes out there that will set you back a lot less than this pinnacle of achievement. Finally, this may be the pinnacle of achievement, but very few riders ever get close to getting the best out of their bikes. Better to hone your skills on something that may be less capable, but just as much fun.

[@mikehamilton9128]

@@davidcolin6519 Absolutely spot on! Not only that, but our roads are getting worse through lack of maintenance and are subject to stricter speed limits. Over the past 10-15 years, some of the finest roads have had speed limits reduced from 60mph to 40mph or have had average speed cameras installed. Bikes producing more than, say, 120bhp are redundant.

[@B0M0A0K]

What's the mesh jacket you are wearing on this review please? - Oh, forget it, this is the Knox Urbane Pro Utility you reviewed recently.

[@mancavemoto]

It's the ......oh ;)

[@davidcolin6519]

I was originally convinced that I wanted the SD1290GT, primarily because I'm only interested in a V twin, but also because I have no intention of going off road. However, I will certainly take one of these for a test ride just to see whether it is more capable as a tourer than the GT. I'm 6'0" tall, so height shouldn't be a problem. It'll be interesting to see the differences. I know you've tried the GT, as a pure sports tourer, which would you go for?

[@mancavemoto]

If I was going to choose one, I’d probably go for the Super Adventure, I think it’s all round just a more practical bike

[@davidcolin6519]

@@mancavemoto Yeah, I got that impression. However, practicality really isn't my reason for riding. Obviously, I want it for touring, but I also want it for outright fun. I'll have at least 1, probably2 bikes for riding off road (one is a classic, full on factory-engined bike from 1995, the other will be a much more recent enduro, possibly new, possibly a bit older, still to decide). What I really want is something capable of touring on, getting to the other end, pitching camp and then blasting off for a bit of (possibly) light scratching. It's the latter that I have my doubts about. OTOH, a V twin is always fun, whether scratching or not, I think it'll all come down to the test ride.

[@69chickenstew]

Have they iron out all old gremlins the first model had ? I had mine 2 years & had nothing but problems & KTM didn't want to know until I went to MCN & slated them for bad communication ,warranty cover none genuine parts fitted etc etc

[@mancavemoto]

No idea, I only had the bike for two weeks, but I didn’t have any issues in that time. I think the reliability has improved across the range, but it’s a hard label for any brand to shake off

[@Youtuberngajelas]

How is the suspension comfort compared to the gs? Can it be set to be just as soft as the gs

[@mancavemoto]

I've not ridden a GS for a while, but my first impression was that this was a bit 'taughter' but in comfort mode its very compliant

[@brucekendall52]

Thank you.

[@petertaylor7603]

Great review thanks, picking mine up on Saturday, Northampton KTM are doing the base model at £13999 which left almost enough for the Tech pack! Can't wait...I've been like a kid on xmas eve since I ordered it :-) Anyone else thinking of getting one be aware that essentials like crash bars and rad guards are currently on back order for delivery mid November !!

[@mancavemoto]

Nice One! enjoy the bike

[@King_Harrold]

@petertaylor7603 what's it been like 2 years on?

[@petertaylor7603]

@@King_Harrold Hi mate, it has been an absolute joy, I’ve done 19000 miles so far and just riding through another winter. Not a single problem and I’m blown away by it. Still looks and feels like new. It’s a keeper for sure.

[@King_Harrold]

@@petertaylor7603 cheers for replying. I'm coming from Japanese sports bikes .but at 37 I've got a lot of martial arts injuries, so wanting a more upright beast. I'm really glad it's been trouble free. I bet most issues are caused by owners who use poor fuel, don't service and maintain or fail to tend to the battery through a tender etc.

[@petertaylor7603]

@@King_Harrold I was the same mate, I came from 20+ years on a 98 R1 wth zero tech. Had a MT09 for a short time and then this which has been a game changer, same (ish) reasons, knees and back injuries from military service. No problems at all with this and very capable of leaving a lot of sports bike in its wake 🙂

[@nicholaschai4458]

Looking forward on your thoughts for the new tracer 9 gt

[@mancavemoto]

Would be great if I could get hold of one!

[@nicholaschai4458]

@@mancavemoto I’m sure u can…😉😉😉

[@raycollington4310]

Has this model resolved the need to live close to a dealer and be prepared to have the bike connected to KTM for regular updates and bug fixes. I wish I could trust KTM reliability, I just feel it would be a Bret Tkacs experience. Thanks Tony

[@mancavemoto]

Was that the case with the previous 1290 SA? What problems did you have with yours?

[@raycollington4310]

@@mancavemoto I like the look of KTM bikes but their reliability reputation always puts me off. There are so many tales of defects from people I know and social media, I am reluctant to give them my money. I generally hold Austrian engineering in high regard. A new dealer is opening a mile from where I live and it's not in a farm! I will be taking a look at this bike. Are you confident it will be reliable?

[@mancavemoto]

I think sometimes they get a RAW deal and its hard to shake of a reputation. I have no brand loyalty and I’m not one of those types that defend a brand without any reason. I own a 2019 790 Adventure with 17k miles on it and have had no issues other thats a factory recall. My friend has a 2014 690 Duke R with 25k on the clock and he’s not had any issues either. But I did have a 1050 which had a voltage drop issue that was never rectified. So I’m just curious if its a bad reputation sticking to the brand or a genuine problem?

[@davidcolin6519]

@@mancavemoto I think it's probably a bit of both. I have a friend who's on his second SD R and never had even the slightest problem. But I also know of others who have had lots. It does seem that KTM do eventually get stuff sorted (unlike some I can think of) and it also seems that some other manufacturers can avoid getting a bad rep because of their nationality. I have heard all sorts of problems with BMWs over the past years (pretty much since the launch of their "proper" sports bike range (RRs and the like) and not only related to the 4 cyl. machines, but suggest that BMW have a reliability problem and you'll have rioting in the streets. Similarly, the big 4, but everybody is ready and willing to join the chorus with KTM, Aprilia and Ducati. Funnily enough, Triumph in Spain have reputation that is possibly worse than KTM's, yet in the UK they're poles apart.

[@stephenalbert856]

Thanks nice video

[@BN1960]

I really like your perspective on bike reviews Tony I'm looking for a new bike and being a bit of a BMW man have considered the GS of course. But you're right, these big ADV's are in fact touring bikes and as such, this KTM is now on the radar And is a lot better priced than the BM too. Jim Aim may be having a visit soon I think.

[@Hemlck]

Don’t forget the electronics pack is £1100 ...making the price £16,100 ...if comparing to the GS TE for example👍

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Nigel, if you head into Jim Aim's for a test ride, tell Alastair I sent you ;)

[@BN1960]

@@Hemlck Fair call - still a decent price however once you add luggage it starts getting up there. I'm not a massive fan of metal enduro style luggage and tend to use soft bags but a top box is maybe useful. Plenty to think about for sure.

[@davidcolin6519]

@@Hemlck Hang onto your money for a year and you'll probably find that KTM will throw in the pack and luggage for free.

[@ridemfast7625]

@@davidcolin6519 Its been a year and no free luggage...

[@dazzer4220]

Nice review as always Tony. For me reliability is still a massive concern, everyone I know who has brought one has issues...mostly electronic. Be nice if it didn't have a chain for touring riders as well. Power and weight look good though 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Darren, is that the new 1290 SA or the older model? just interested

[@dazzer4220]

@@mancavemoto 2019 model Tony....been back several times including a new TFT display

[@davidcolin6519]

I believe the SA can be ordered with a Scottoiler fitted. Having used Scottoilers in the past, I'd not hesitate. In my experience, a Scottoiler simply eliminates almost all the advantages of a shaft and, seeing as the ONLY time I've ever been stuck by the side of the road was when the shaft chewed its teeth off, even the advantages of shaft drive seem to be overstated. FZR !000 without Scottoiler = constant chain adjustments, dead chain in 8000m FZR 1000 with Scottoiler = occasional top up of oil, 1 adjustment in 22,000m Admittedly, the Scottoiler leaves your rear wheel covered in fling-off, but I'd rather have that than shaft reaction, in with a paralever.

[@petertaylor7603]

This is worrying, I pick mine up on Saturday and I haven't spoken to anyone with a 2021 model that has had problems with electronics, I've canvassed a lot of opinion, have you got any links to known issues with this model, better to be aware!

[@mancavemoto]

I wouldn't be worried, there are always scare or overblown stories online. I question if a lot of them even come from riders that actually own the bikes? People state "just search online and you'll find people with problems" well guess what if you type "KTM 1290 super adventure problems"...what are you going to find? There was a sharp intake of breath from a few commenters when i bought my 790 adventure, apparently I was mad and i'll have loads of issues. The bikes done 17k miles in 2 years, the only issue being a little bit of condensation on the sides of the TFT screen.

[@speedfinder1]

Great review, one for the "grown ups" in the audience!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Greg

[@Hemlck]

Put nearly 3000 miles on a new 2021 super adventure s. Just gone back to a GS as it’s just way more refined in all respects. The KTM pegs are too high, the seat is very uncomfortable and broken in design in that you can’t put it in the high position ( to give more leg room) as it just falls back. The switch gear is worse than the previous version and you can’t be sure when you have switched em on or cancelled em. The mirrors vibrate and with a top box the shoddy steering damper means head shake like you wouldn’t believe. On the positive It’s fast , handles great and it’s pure fun to ride fast......but it’s not a better tourer or all round bike than the GS for sure....not even close👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info. I dont think you can ever call a KTM 'refined' ;) but this isnt too bad. I thought the seat was pretty good, but of course thats subjective based on the rider. The switch gear is great imo, but I did think that the head angle was pretty slack at 65 degrees

[@Hemlck]

@@mancavemoto I just think it’s poor how you can’t have the seat in the high position due to the manufacturing/ design fault...affects riding comfort. KTM have pulled all the ergo/ heated seat options from sale whilst they try and fix it the design..it’s so cheap and flexible when compared to the BMW seats...I do consecutive 150 to 200 mile days when touring and I was more comfy on the Superduke GT than the new SA with the seat on the low position 😳👍

[@flapjackbeans]

I too am 2,600 miles in on my new first ever KTM 1290s 2021/ Coming from 11 GS, GSA, and 1250 bikes on the bounce. Then the Ducati V4s MS then the NEW KTM I agree the BMW is more refined BUT! the KTM is far more agile even just to push in and out of the garage, the fun factor is back and the seat is easy fix i have mine set in high all the time bin off the rubber inserts from pegs extend the gear lever out and its great. On 360mile ride other day to Wales I was pleased with the KTM. The build quality on the BMW is going South fast and just look at the plastics on KTM far superior wash the bike remove the seats see the under saddle is dry look at BMW after doing same the bike is filthy! and very wet.So until BMW get some quilty back into there build and a lighter bike instead of all the weight Ill stay here. The day BMW get rid of tele-lever is the day the GS will die.Each to there own.

[@davidcolin6519]

@@flapjackbeans Yeah, it seems that BMW's QC has been going south for some time.

[@benkelly2190]

I have had mine for Six months with 5k miles on it. Several tours and I find it comfortable enough, handles well and makes me grin, far more than any GS could. Each to their own I suppose.

[@emak4558]

I don’t think USB is 12v ?

[@mancavemoto]

No, I slipped up on that point, usb is 5v

[@toofastnobrakes]

I wonder if KTM will every make a muscle cruiser with the 1290 platform 🤔

[@mancavemoto]

I doubt it, doesnt seem to be their thing? The 1290 Superduke GT is probably the closest they will get

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@mancavemoto who knows 🤷‍♂️ street bikes used to not be there thing. Brands tend to diversify. I think it could be cool

[@terrydaniel8698]

Which one would you cry BMW or a KTM

[@mancavemoto]

If i had to choose between just those, I’d have the KTM. If I was spending my own money on a ‘big’ adventure bike I’d take the Africa Twin DCT

[@Hemlck]

Had both...and covered nearly 3000 miles on the new KTM. GS defo between the two..no question ...but there are some incredible deals to be had on Africa Twins so worth checking out...I would look at the AT purely for the DCT tbh as I have a dodgy left wrist and hand due to a bad break.👍

[@emak4558]

Also disagree about the quick shifter. I don’t think it is all that. It is fine, works well. Maybe a bit better than the quick shifters on the boxers. But you have to be intent / firm / direct with it or you get some issues. So I would call the quick shifter - average. As well, the comments you made on the wind screen - what ??? This thing blows your hat off at highway speeds. Terrible wind screen even at top setting. Needs another two or three inches.

[@mancavemoto]

Maybe I’m just used to KTM quick shifters? And the screen is obviously going to be different for everyone, your height, build, helmet etc are all going to have an impact. I can only report back what my personal experience is in these reviews

[@emak4558]

Have to disagree about the steering. Wiggling the bike side to side on a straight road is not - Tony - a test of steering. Come on. This thing turns.

[@mancavemoto]

Well obviously that wasn’t the full extent of me making my opinion, it was based on riding it for a couple of weeks in all scenarios. It certainly does turn, but it’s a binary on/off experience at low speeds.

[@jjrider6758]

It's clear you're very impressed with the electronic gadgetry on the bike, of course it would be even easier if the heated grips just had an on/off switch and a temp setting so you could pay proper attention to the road ahead instead of p*ssing about with your settings - just another case of unnecessary gadgetry on modern bikes, designed to make the novice and inexperienced feel like instant Moto GP pilots when really they're nothing near that good..

[@jerometaft]

For real

[@1990-t1j]

I can't help thinking my old 950 Adventure looked so much better than this. A lot lighter as well.

[@mancavemoto]

I think the 950/990 is still the best looking KTM adventure bike

[@1990-t1j]

@@mancavemoto I agree.

[@jimbob67]

It's a lovely bike. But there just to big like the 1250GS. I have moved away from these monsters having been there ect. My 850GS is a nice balance of power and size and really even that could go on a diet.

[@mancavemoto]

This is not as big as you'd imagine

[@Adrian-uq9mq]

why would anybody in their right mind by KTM

[@mancavemoto]

OK, I’ll bite and purely for your entertainment only, I have no particular brand loyalty… why not?

[@davidcolin6519]

I can think of plenty of reasons, but you're claiming that I'd need to be mad? I'm also up for some enlightenment.

[@Adrian-uq9mq]

@@davidcolin6519 they are unreliable piece of junk. I like my bike to start, I like my brake calipers not to fall off this list could go on and on and on just ask Bret

[@davidcolin6519]

@@Adrian-uq9mq I could equally the same for other makers. And I could could equally give you other riders who've ridden KTMs for years, day in, day out and not had any problems. I actually have a friend who has put something in the region of 100,000 miles on a KTM and literally only done routine maintenance. Just because you're incapable of recognising these things doesn't make your view the only truth. But claiming that all are alike just makes you into a waste of space. BTW, I could equally point out major flaws in models made by the big 4, but you don't want to hear about that do you? You're perfectly happy in your bigoted opinions. That's fine by me, but just like S**t, it's best not to spread them around because people will get wise to you. BTW, I've also had 3 KTMs over the past 15 years and not had a single problem with them. Beg your pardon, I had the stator go on my 24 year old factory competition KTM engine. Such terrible reliability.

[@Adrian-uq9mq]

@@davidcolin6519 clown

[@triv7252]

two wheeled vibrator more like, the most uncomfortable bike I've ever ridden

[@mancavemoto]

Maybe you sat on it too hard? ;) only kidding, I can offer you a list of more uncomfortable bikes if you'd like to try them.

[@wheelsdown7076]

1290 SAS has a dangerous wobble with hands off. Nobody knows why, manufacturer keeps silent :-(

[@mancavemoto]

I can’t say I experienced it, when do you notice it happening?

[@joedoe7506]

poor mpg, that says all

[@mancavemoto]

Fuel consumption hovvered around the 50mpg mark over the time i had it. Not bad for a 160hp 1300cc engine?

[@emak4558]

I see pretty decent fuel economy also. Better than my 1250 GSA.

[@bigred8438]

I have heard a fewcreviews of this bike before, but none of those suoerlatives were used. Instead, l heard "unreliable electronics", and "why does it still have such a hard seat" and finally "why do they persist in making such an ugly bike".

[@StuHNomadBiker]

I just think it's ugly ... 😕.. I prefer the Harley !!! Work that one out ..

[@mancavemoto]

I like the Harley too, I've never found KTM's particularly nice to look at, although the old 990 Adventure had some rugged good looks.

[@davidcolin6519]

The problem with the Harley is that the dealers, in Spain at least, are beyond appalling. If you don't go into the dealership ON a H-D, you can literally spend an hour waiting to be served. I know, I tried it once. I can't think of a single time that I've had a nice experience in an H-D dealer's.