I own a 2023 Super Adventure S and BTW, also owned a 2016 Super Duke R. Nice choices. My Pros/Cons are similar but simplified. Pros are same as you but the only two cons I have are Chain vs Shaft... I dislike maintaining the chain and would rather have a shaft drive. The only other con is the heat that rolls off the radiator/engine and onto my knee. It's bad and needs a solution. However, in winter this con becomes a pro HA! So go figure.
Thank you for your video. I own a 1290 SAS 2021, and I'm crazy happy. I have improved it with many extras and I don't think there is a motorcycle that can be compared on the market. It's a total ready-to-race spicule. Technologically very advanced. I come from a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, and it is a tractor, very heavy, and difficult to drive stationary. It's not bad, but the KTM 1290 always makes you smile. That's what I was looking for. I highly recommend it.
Good vid. I agree with most of what you said. I purchased a 2023 SAS in Nov 22. It does not have heated grip hardware. If I want heated grips it's > $400 for the hardware and software activation. I also had electrical problems at 260 mi on the odo with the bike not starting. I love riding it, but, it will take time to get trough some of the surprises.
About build quality and materials you said exactly my thoughts when I inspected this bike at dealership. I picked V4s instead of ktm 6 months ago, but now Im gonna get ktm
From KTM's presentation of the motorcycle back in 2021, the material choices were intentional and what KTM believes to be the best performing. They are thinner (but stronger) so they claimed. which intends to be weight saving. but as I expected, I believe KTM focuses on performance on their bikes so I think this is well within that.
I currently own a 2022 BMW R1250 GS. The build quality, suspension, and seat are significantly worse than my 2016 GS. That's why I'm looking into the SAS for my next bike.
The 1290r has terrible reliability issues. Agree with the cheap plastic and a few other items. I got rid of the HC1 clutch master. I had fan failure, wiring issues on the frame, MTC failures, gear selector bolt coming loose, exhaust clamp loose, ECU failure, quick shift failure, rear brake light permanent on. Just an endless list of things to fix.
@neilallen460 what makes the R less reliable than the S? I’d appreciate if you could expand on that as I’m currently debating wether to go with the S or R
Thanks for posting , I'm considering the 1290 as my next bike. I was confused about the color scheme 22 vs. 23. It seems the UK website has the new color scheme but not the U.S. website. You’re right about they’re not being many 1290's out there, not a buyers market for the 1290 SAS.
Yes, it is a very unfortunate state of the market. I jumped on this as soon as my dealer called that it came in... lots of deposits for this bike in every dealership I called.
active drive feeling and felt connection to the road is most impressive feature on a KTM 1290 SAS, and exactly same impressive is this V2 engine where you have the feeling you ride on a rocket. With regards to "plastic" - your 2nd con: plastic is much more light than steel or alloy and this one used on KTM is also quite durable. That´s probably also the reason why it weighs less than 240kg with full tank. That´s a great and extremely quick and usable adventure bike, not a road beauty. due to my own experience, 1250GS compared to the KTM rocket is an "old man vehicle". If you like to be extremely comfortable, disconnected from the road on an adventure bike and to drive a "soundless" boxer (like sewing machine ;-) ), you could be happy with 1250GS.
I have a bmw s1000xr looking at the sas next in the new grey colour which is due out here in the uk this year. Build quickly is a concern but I like to change my bikes every couple of years.
Don’t worry about the naysayers. The build quality is fine. I changed over after many GS,s. I’m so glad I did.. go for it, you won’t be disappointed.👍🏻
I have not found them to be attractive of heat more than usual. I mean being parked under the sun it's the same as my past GSA seats...but this KTM one is better padded and gripper
I am honestly very satisfied. I commented about difference in ride quality and comfort in the next videos after this one and in my point of view, the KTM is geared more towards performance. with that in mind, the ride will be on the "firmer" side of the spectrum (still comfortable.) while the GSA is more plus and couch riding. Both respects are fine its just that each brand has a different mission when it comes to their adventure bikes.
Had that myself with the Mitas tyres. With the Conti Trail Attack 3 that's history. The Mitas are rubbish. They are too stiff with not enough damping and the rubber only works well really hot.
Gran bella moto l’ho comprata 3 mesi fa Peccato che il motore ogni tanto si spenga improvvisamente e non riparta più Mi è successo 3 volte, 2 in autostrada col rischio di essere tamponato dalle auto che seguivano KTM non ci ha capito una mazza, hanno sostituito tutto il cablaggio elettrico Speriamo bene x il futuro
So I have owned 3 GS's.....2002, 2006 ADV and now the 40th annvs 21 GS. I keep trying to give the GS chances and I always go back to KTM. KTM has a fun factor the GS will never rival. I have a super duke evo and will be adding this 1290 to my stable. I truly do not like the boxer engine, the whole bike is simply sterile to ride. Why have a bike that does not provide fun. I know GS owners will disagree and they are great bikes for many reasons but I think my super adv's that I have had have all been simply better machines. I travelled on my GS and did a few thousand miles and could not wait to get off the bike, it gets remarkably uncomfortable pretty quickly so that is a big thumbs down. I was always more comfortable on my KTM's.
I elaborated on this on my next video after this one. I would say that the SAS is more on the performance side of the spectrum while the GSA is more comfort....the mission for each brand is different and both are respectfully good at what they aim for.
@@motoken the 2023 model has an orange frame in the back and the graphic on the orange plastic is diffrent. On the 2023 model it is only the number 1290.
@@motoken it doesnt belongs to the country. On the US website is also the R version from 2023. That is the new one. But your S is a 2021 or 2022 model. But have fun mate. It is a nice bike
I own a 2023 Super Adventure S and BTW, also owned a 2016 Super Duke R. Nice choices. My Pros/Cons are similar but simplified. Pros are same as you but the only two cons I have are Chain vs Shaft... I dislike maintaining the chain and would rather have a shaft drive. The only other con is the heat that rolls off the radiator/engine and onto my knee. It's bad and needs a solution. However, in winter this con becomes a pro HA! So go figure.
Thank you for your video. I own a 1290 SAS 2021, and I'm crazy happy. I have improved it with many extras and I don't think there is a motorcycle that can be compared on the market. It's a total ready-to-race spicule. Technologically very advanced. I come from a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, and it is a tractor, very heavy, and difficult to drive stationary. It's not bad, but the KTM 1290 always makes you smile. That's what I was looking for. I highly recommend it.
Have you had any typical ktm bugs, like electronics or mechanical?
Good vid. I agree with most of what you said. I purchased a 2023 SAS in Nov 22. It does not have heated grip hardware. If I want heated grips it's > $400 for the hardware and software activation. I also had electrical problems at 260 mi on the odo with the bike not starting. I love riding it, but, it will take time to get trough some of the surprises.
About build quality and materials you said exactly my thoughts when I inspected this bike at dealership. I picked V4s instead of ktm 6 months ago, but now Im gonna get ktm
From KTM's presentation of the motorcycle back in 2021, the material choices were intentional and what KTM believes to be the best performing. They are thinner (but stronger) so they claimed. which intends to be weight saving. but as I expected, I believe KTM focuses on performance on their bikes so I think this is well within that.
I currently own a 2022 BMW R1250 GS. The build quality, suspension, and seat are significantly worse than my 2016 GS. That's why I'm looking into the SAS for my next bike.
The 1290r has terrible reliability issues. Agree with the cheap plastic and a few other items. I got rid of the HC1 clutch master. I had fan failure, wiring issues on the frame, MTC failures, gear selector bolt coming loose, exhaust clamp loose, ECU failure, quick shift failure, rear brake light permanent on. Just an endless list of things to fix.
@neilallen460 what makes the R less reliable than the S? I’d appreciate if you could expand on that as I’m currently debating wether to go with the S or R
You’ve probably had a bad 1290 as you can get those issues on any bike! I’m on my third 1290 and no issues on any of them yet 🤞
I dont doubt someone had issues with the bike. I bought it new in 21 and now 40 k km without a single issue.
Thanks for posting , I'm considering the 1290 as my next bike. I was confused about the color scheme 22 vs. 23. It seems the UK website has the new color scheme but not the U.S. website. You’re right about they’re not being many 1290's out there, not a buyers market for the 1290 SAS.
Yes, it is a very unfortunate state of the market. I jumped on this as soon as my dealer called that it came in... lots of deposits for this bike in every dealership I called.
These were all over the Pacific Northwest when I picked up my 2022 SAS about three months ago. Paid $17560 with the full tech pack.
@@kj385 aren't you lucky
@@motoken yeah over a dozen up here within 200 miles of seattle. Almost all under sticker price.
@@kj385 I guess California's got all the ktm fans
What tall bag is that?
Seems your taste in bikes is exactly the same is mine. I test rode this bike at the KTM test ride even and I thought it was great
Have you ridden with a pillion. If so how is it?
Curious what height you are regarding the comfort nitpick. Can you please elaborate? I'm 6'4" and have heard it's great for taller riders.
I'd say the S1000xr is the Closest in comparison to the SAS.
active drive feeling and felt connection to the road is most impressive feature on a KTM 1290 SAS, and exactly same impressive is this V2 engine where you have the feeling you ride on a rocket.
With regards to "plastic" - your 2nd con: plastic is much more light than steel or alloy and this one used on KTM is also quite durable. That´s probably also the reason why it weighs less than 240kg with full tank. That´s a great and extremely quick and usable adventure bike, not a road beauty. due to my own experience, 1250GS compared to the KTM rocket is an "old man vehicle". If you like to be extremely comfortable, disconnected from the road on an adventure bike and to drive a "soundless" boxer (like sewing machine ;-) ), you could be happy with 1250GS.
Very true statements.
I have a bmw s1000xr looking at the sas next in the new grey colour which is due out here in the uk this year. Build quickly is a concern but I like to change my bikes every couple of years.
Don’t worry about the naysayers. The build quality is fine. I changed over after many GS,s. I’m so glad I did.. go for it, you won’t be disappointed.👍🏻
Actually debating between this and the s1000xr. Love that you can hit dirt roads on this where I’ve heard you can’t take the XR off-road at all.
I wonder if the seats on these get as hot as my 1090R? Any feedback? It's the one and only issue that's annoying.
I have not found them to be attractive of heat more than usual. I mean being parked under the sun it's the same as my past GSA seats...but this KTM one is better padded and gripper
There is also a Black and grey
How was your experience up to now. I am on the same kind of decision. I have a GSA 1250 but I have doubts jejjejejej thanks
I am honestly very satisfied. I commented about difference in ride quality and comfort in the next videos after this one and in my point of view, the KTM is geared more towards performance. with that in mind, the ride will be on the "firmer" side of the spectrum (still comfortable.) while the GSA is more plus and couch riding. Both respects are fine its just that each brand has a different mission when it comes to their adventure bikes.
Have you noticed any speed wobble yet? That seems to be a common complaint with these. Apparently swapping tires fixes it.
from my freeway trip home, I did not notice anything. I also made sure I have proper tire pressure before leaving the dealership.
@@motoken Nice
Had that myself with the Mitas tyres. With the Conti Trail Attack 3 that's history. The Mitas are rubbish. They are too stiff with not enough damping and the rubber only works well really hot.
Gran bella moto l’ho comprata 3 mesi fa
Peccato che il motore ogni tanto si spenga improvvisamente e non riparta più
Mi è successo 3 volte, 2 in autostrada col rischio di essere tamponato dalle auto che seguivano
KTM non ci ha capito una mazza, hanno sostituito tutto il cablaggio elettrico
Speriamo bene x il futuro
What I don't like is you get a download manual and a tool kit
that is true, I miss having the KTM binder with my KTM bikes. good thing I kept 3 of them from previous KTM's
I agree I hate chains who the hell has enough time to play games with stupid chains these days I wish everything was shaft driven maintenance-free.
I just got mine for 20.563. With tech pack heated seat s and grips
That's a great price, where did you get yours from?
The SAS is not a V4 engine.
Did I say that? If so, I mispoke. I owned a panigale V4r, so I know the difference.
So I have owned 3 GS's.....2002, 2006 ADV and now the 40th annvs 21 GS. I keep trying to give the GS chances and I always go back to KTM. KTM has a fun factor the GS will never rival. I have a super duke evo and will be adding this 1290 to my stable. I truly do not like the boxer engine, the whole bike is simply sterile to ride. Why have a bike that does not provide fun. I know GS owners will disagree and they are great bikes for many reasons but I think my super adv's that I have had have all been simply better machines. I travelled on my GS and did a few thousand miles and could not wait to get off the bike, it gets remarkably uncomfortable pretty quickly so that is a big thumbs down. I was always more comfortable on my KTM's.
What about ride quality and comfort between ktm and gsa
I elaborated on this on my next video after this one. I would say that the SAS is more on the performance side of the spectrum while the GSA is more comfort....the mission for each brand is different and both are respectfully good at what they aim for.
Donkey, Austrians will NEVER be Germans. 🤣🍻
Thanks for the clarification, donkey.
@@motoken Any time 🤣🍻
that is not 2023
Well, It is.
@@motoken the 2023 model has an orange frame in the back and the graphic on the orange plastic is diffrent. On the 2023 model it is only the number 1290.
@@motoken and the grey version is realy grey in 2023
@@DukeOfPain88 I am in the USA. Check the KTM US website.
@@motoken it doesnt belongs to the country. On the US website is also the R version from 2023. That is the new one. But your S is a 2021 or 2022 model. But have fun mate. It is a nice bike