Just test rode the GS1250 for about 4 hours and then the KTM for about 15 minutes before I bought the KTM. For four hours on the BM I was thinking "Do I? Should I?" After 15 mins on the KTM it was "I gotta have it".
I got my KTM SAS last September. After 6 months and about 10,500 miles I'm still loving it! I did upgrade the seat! Worth every penny! One thing that I love about this bike is how it looks! It's an awesome looking bike! I got the crash bars and skid plate which really sets off the appearance.
Yes, the seat is pretty hard. I heard that the Ergo seat makes the bike taller? That might be an issue. Crash bars are going on very soon, just trying to work out what ones to get.
@@WildlifeMoto yes the ergo seat is a bit taller. I put on the factory crash bars and added the SW motech upper crash bars. I'm happy with the way it looks. Not sure if the other options are better or worse. Honestly I didn't really shop around. I wish that I would have bought the Black Dog Cycle works skid plate! Check that out before you buy one. I got the KTM one it's probably good enough but the Black Dog seems way better
I only ever use Sport, even in heavy rain and offroad...it has an instantaneous response and you can manage power with your wrist. Offroad I use Sport/ABS OFF-ROAD mode. I can see why they have lower power modes, but once you’re used to the power, brakes and suspension, Sport is all you need.
I got mine last October. It is a brilliant machine. Arrow exhaust going on soon. Stand out features for me include screen, quick shifter, suspension and that motor 😁🏁
Nice. I've got the Quick Shifter but I've been told by KTM not to use it before the first 600-mile oil change. Looking forward to testing it. Is it a full Arrow system? I was thinking about the Akra can.
I Have new One 2 weeks. Leo Vince, Quckshifter... full options. It's amazing bike. Not boring even after CBR 1000RR :-). Sitting PowerParts is much better but a little high and wide than standard. Dashboard is a cosmic. BMW GS yes but- Be a Rebel ! \m/ Hi from Poland.
It is my 3 KTM (990,1190 and 1290) and yes you are right, this is a great machine, your forgot THE most enjoyable option and it is the Quick Shift, just like my track bike!
London Street Rider yes, but I agree with your comments on liking the alternative to the GS. I just want that something 'extra' that you seem to get with a KTM!
Great coverage...agree entirely....I've added a few extras the best of which are the Heed engine bars (in KTM orange!) and the much bigger Puig Touring screen with spoiler which has completely eliminated buffeting (I'm 6'1") also the "proper" Bumot adventure luggage with large Givi Trekker top box....looking forward to seeing if your "don't likes" also coincide with mine
Are the Heed bars good? I've been thinking about these VS the SW Motec. I like the heed as they are a single unit but was worried about having them bolted to the main frame.
Hi.....the Heed bars are excellent....there are four anchorage points on each bar and it's very straight forward....the most fiddly bit is connecting the bars up front with the supplied link bar but if I can do it then anybody can. The coverage is right up to the upper forks and once all bolted down is very, very solid. Available in black or orange (ORANGE!)...if you have a look at my TH-cam channel there is a video on all the extras I've added including the Heed bars (though I forgot the Puig screen which is also superb)
Im collecting mine on Friday, one thing you didnt mention was quickshifter? If you didnt have it enabled you may want to, another feature that I scoffed at until I had one on my last bike, wouldnt want a bike without it now. Good video by the way, thanks
Tim H Thanks Tim. Congratulations on the new bike! Yes I have the Quick Shifter but the dealer recommended that it’s not used until after the first 600 mile service. I probably should have mentioned that. Hope you enjoy your new 1290 as much as I am.
Really well made video. I liked the review. I did my first TH-cam video the other week testing the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, The GSA 1250 & the Triumph Tiger 1200 xca. I ordered a GSA 1250. You made a really good point. If you only had one bike the KTM would do as that one bike. I guess I could agree with that if you changed the seat. I personally needed a long distance comfortable mile muncher. I found the suspension hard no matter what setting it was in. I found too many things I didn't like about it. I was disappointed with it tbh. After riding the GS I found everything else to be a compromise. Glad your loving the KTM though.
Thanks sir! The next video on the channel is all about the negatives with this bike, some of which you've mentioned in your comment. I agree, it's not perfect. I shot the video on the weekend but sadly I need to re-shot the whole thing as my GoPro footage got corrupted and I messed up some of the audio (what a pain). It's coming soon though :)
@@WildlifeMoto I look forward to watching that. Hey what editing software do you use? The graphic that spins round is cool as. I'm going to bin my gopro 3. Not sure what to buy. A ghost maybe. Looks easier to plug a mic into.
@@Nightcrawler666 Editing is done on Premiere Pro and Graphics in After Effects. I'm a video professional (the day job) so I have quite a lot of gear. I record my audio externally from my camera, on a Zoom H1. The recent GoPros need a stupid adapter for external mics. You may want to check out the Sony fdr-x3000 too.
I’ve just swapped to the 2019 GT from the SAS and it’s does everything just a little bit quicker and it’s a bit nimbler, but that’s simply down to the design of each bike. It just depends if you can justify the extra cost of the GT. Weather protection is better on the SAS but both are very capable motorcycles. Both need the ergo seat if you’re planning long trips
Great review. ! Going to be getting my R in a couple of weeks. Is the quick shifter worth it? Is it a program they install at dealership? Or is it mechanical off the actual shifter. I’ve heard of Ecu errors after install. So skeptical
Silvers Ss The quick-shifter is activated with software (same with Cruise Control). I would negotiate with your dealer to activate as part of the sale, I did. I’ve not tried it out yet as I was told not to use it until after the 600 mile oil change. Looking forward to trying it out.
KTM stuffed up when Ewan and Charlie asked them to support their trip. BMW made billions after that. My R1200GSA is the best bike I have owned, and i have done all the Japanese bikes since 1976.
Just test rode the GS1250 for about 4 hours and then the KTM for about 15 minutes before I bought the KTM. For four hours on the BM I was thinking "Do I? Should I?" After 15 mins on the KTM it was "I gotta have it".
It's a heart over head decision for sure.
I got my KTM SAS last September. After 6 months and about 10,500 miles I'm still loving it! I did upgrade the seat! Worth every penny! One thing that I love about this bike is how it looks! It's an awesome looking bike! I got the crash bars and skid plate which really sets off the appearance.
Yes, the seat is pretty hard. I heard that the Ergo seat makes the bike taller? That might be an issue. Crash bars are going on very soon, just trying to work out what ones to get.
@@WildlifeMoto yes the ergo seat is a bit taller. I put on the factory crash bars and added the SW motech upper crash bars. I'm happy with the way it looks. Not sure if the other options are better or worse. Honestly I didn't really shop around. I wish that I would have bought the Black Dog Cycle works skid plate! Check that out before you buy one. I got the KTM one it's probably good enough but the Black Dog seems way better
@mld I went with the 2piece Powerpart seat. I wanted to have the option to put plate in place of the passenger seat so I can strap down camping gear
@mld it is comfortable! It's adds about an inch to the seat height
@mld part number 60707940000 and 60707947044
I only ever use Sport, even in heavy rain and offroad...it has an instantaneous response and you can manage power with your wrist. Offroad I use Sport/ABS OFF-ROAD mode. I can see why they have lower power modes, but once you’re used to the power, brakes and suspension, Sport is all you need.
Thanks for a great review of what I call a great make of bike Ktm. I'm glad someone else likes to be different like me.
Cheers Dave.
I got mine last October. It is a brilliant machine. Arrow exhaust going on soon. Stand out features for me include screen, quick shifter, suspension and that motor 😁🏁
Nice. I've got the Quick Shifter but I've been told by KTM not to use it before the first 600-mile oil change. Looking forward to testing it. Is it a full Arrow system? I was thinking about the Akra can.
@@WildlifeMoto Just the end can. My dealer didn't say not to use the quick shifter when I first got it 🤔
And the Arrow can is worthwhile. It has deeper tone and you get a subtle popping on over run. It also saves 3 kgs.
Peter O'Connell The Arrow looks good and half the price of the Akra.
I Have new One 2 weeks. Leo Vince, Quckshifter... full options. It's amazing bike. Not boring even after CBR 1000RR :-). Sitting PowerParts is much better but a little high and wide than standard. Dashboard is a cosmic. BMW GS yes but- Be a Rebel ! \m/ Hi from Poland.
Cześć, ja wlasnie zamawiam takiego. Wciąż jesteś zadowolony ?
@@sawomirdebski4426 tak
polecam forum na FB
It is my 3 KTM (990,1190 and 1290) and yes you are right, this is a great machine, your forgot THE most enjoyable option and it is the Quick Shift, just like my track bike!
You sound like me, I’ve had all three plus a 990 super duke. Gotta say though the adventure bikes are so good all round.
Great video! Am on a 2017 GSA at the moment, but very tempted by one of these!! Thanks for sharing.
Scott C Thanks mate. Both great bikes but the KTM is certainly more lively.
London Street Rider yes, but I agree with your comments on liking the alternative to the GS. I just want that something 'extra' that you seem to get with a KTM!
Hurry up with the follow up vid as im just about to throw my money at the local dealer for this bike.
Love your work :)
Hi, thanks for your comment sir! Video coming very soon but honestly, nothing that should stop you from going for it :)
Bought 1190 this weekend. 0 regrets
Congratulations
Great coverage...agree entirely....I've added a few extras the best of which are the Heed engine bars (in KTM orange!) and the much bigger Puig Touring screen with spoiler which has completely eliminated buffeting (I'm 6'1") also the "proper" Bumot adventure luggage with large Givi Trekker top box....looking forward to seeing if your "don't likes" also coincide with mine
Are the Heed bars good? I've been thinking about these VS the SW Motec. I like the heed as they are a single unit but was worried about having them bolted to the main frame.
Hi.....the Heed bars are excellent....there are four anchorage points on each bar and it's very straight forward....the most fiddly bit is connecting the bars up front with the supplied link bar but if I can do it then anybody can. The coverage is right up to the upper forks and once all bolted down is very, very solid. Available in black or orange (ORANGE!)...if you have a look at my TH-cam channel there is a video on all the extras I've added including the Heed bars (though I forgot the Puig screen which is also superb)
Im collecting mine on Friday, one thing you didnt mention was quickshifter? If you didnt have it enabled you may want to, another feature that I scoffed at until I had one on my last bike, wouldnt want a bike without it now. Good video by the way, thanks
Tim H Thanks Tim. Congratulations on the new bike! Yes I have the Quick Shifter but the dealer recommended that it’s not used until after the first 600 mile service. I probably should have mentioned that. Hope you enjoy your new 1290 as much as I am.
Aha, yeah maybe it is best to get the first oil change done first
I'm wondering whether it's worth upgrading from my 2015 KTM1190 Adventure to the SAS 1290. Do you think there's much in it performance wise?
Do you still have the bike? Are you still happy with it?
No I don’t have this bike anymore. It was a fantastic machine but I wasn’t using it to its full potential.
@@WildlifeMoto good to know that you liked it, I’m looking 890 or 1290 , still don’t know which one.
Really well made video. I liked the review. I did my first TH-cam video the other week testing the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, The GSA 1250 & the Triumph Tiger 1200 xca. I ordered a GSA 1250. You made a really good point. If you only had one bike the KTM would do as that one bike. I guess I could agree with that if you changed the seat. I personally needed a long distance comfortable mile muncher. I found the suspension hard no matter what setting it was in. I found too many things I didn't like about it. I was disappointed with it tbh. After riding the GS I found everything else to be a compromise. Glad your loving the KTM though.
Thanks sir! The next video on the channel is all about the negatives with this bike, some of which you've mentioned in your comment. I agree, it's not perfect. I shot the video on the weekend but sadly I need to re-shot the whole thing as my GoPro footage got corrupted and I messed up some of the audio (what a pain). It's coming soon though :)
@@WildlifeMoto I look forward to watching that. Hey what editing software do you use? The graphic that spins round is cool as. I'm going to bin my gopro 3. Not sure what to buy. A ghost maybe. Looks easier to plug a mic into.
@@Nightcrawler666 Editing is done on Premiere Pro and Graphics in After Effects. I'm a video professional (the day job) so I have quite a lot of gear. I record my audio externally from my camera, on a Zoom H1. The recent GoPros need a stupid adapter for external mics. You may want to check out the Sony fdr-x3000 too.
Great Vlog. I love mine, great all rounder practical and fun. Oh and the looks... I love em.
I have one as well. My friends that ride Harley's are jealous because people walking by stop and ask me about my bike and ignore their Harleys!
Great Review. I have heard about heat issues from the motor on the 1290. Have you noticed this?
Yes it does heat up when stuck in traffic. Not ideal if you live in a hot country. Thankfully I don’t.
@@WildlifeMoto I live in Tennessee and average summer days are in the 90s (f). I don't have much traffic where I am, however. Thanks for the response.
have you ridden the GT? curious about your thoughts comparing this bike w/ that one :)
I’ve just swapped to the 2019 GT from the SAS and it’s does everything just a little bit quicker and it’s a bit nimbler, but that’s simply down to the design of each bike. It just depends if you can justify the extra cost of the GT. Weather protection is better on the SAS but both are very capable motorcycles. Both need the ergo seat if you’re planning long trips
like this bike, but me being 5' 8" I don't think I'm tall enough to pilot this tall beast.
Great review!!
Thanks!
Great bike👍
Great review! I did a test ride myself but found that the buffeting was a pain. I’m about your size, what is your experience?
It’s a bit of a lump to move around but I love it.
Wildlife Moto I do not mind the lump that it is, had a problem with the noise from the buffeting. Was wondering how your experience with that was.
@@robato28 Not to bad, many people upgrade the screen to a Givi or add a deflector. I've not felt the urgent need to do that, but it's an option.
Great review. ! Going to be getting my R in a couple of weeks. Is the quick shifter worth it? Is it a program they install at dealership? Or is it mechanical off the actual shifter. I’ve heard of Ecu errors after install. So skeptical
Silvers Ss The quick-shifter is activated with software (same with Cruise Control). I would negotiate with your dealer to activate as part of the sale, I did. I’ve not tried it out yet as I was told not to use it until after the 600 mile oil change. Looking forward to trying it out.
KTM stuffed up when Ewan and Charlie asked them to support their trip. BMW made billions after that. My R1200GSA is the best bike I have owned, and i have done all the Japanese bikes since 1976.
RamsFan Agreed, a marketing disaster for KTM.
The 1 thing i hate , the price 😬
She's expensive but you can get great deals 2nd hand now.
@@WildlifeMoto yes
I bought it for 14.999 USD brand new this wknd
Hard seats. Harsh suspension. Amazing engine tough..
Not sure I agree that the suspension is harsh. The seat is hard though (you can get the ergo seat to fix that)