Had one and I miss it (moved out of the country and could not take it). Switched from an F800GS, this bike is amazing. I cannot tell you how fun, comfortable, and enjoyable it was. I did a total of 15K touring Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Everyday was an absolute joy on this thing! Very comfy and fun on the highways, very stable and nimble in the dirt and mud. I even felt safe riding on those scary muddy, rocky, torn apart back roads. I will get another one soon.
Took this bike out for a test ride today; really enjoyed it and agree with a lot of Toby’s comments e.g. great engine, electronics, handling and hard seat. However, at the end of the day I prefer my GSA and not just because of the chain drive on the KTM. Something about it just didn’t seem right and when I got back on my BMW, everything fell into place. Choosing bikes, as well as tyres, is horses for courses; there’s one that is made for everyone, and my body and riding style are just totally suited to the GSA. I’m really glad I rode the KTM, it is a great bike, but it just confirmed that I made the right choice with the motorcycle I have. Thanks Toby and Mark for your continuing and entertaining insight into our wonderful world of motorcycling. 👍👍
Excellent stuff Andrew. Thanks for the kind words and we agree about horses for courses when it comes to a whole host of things especially bikes... gotta love the GSA :) Ride Safe
There are nice aftermarket mirror extenders (takes them out about an inch I think) which should sort out the mirror problem. Pity KTM dont refine such things. The bike is awesome and pretty much a choice of the SAS or the Multistrada S when my retirement comes round in October.
Thanks for this video. I currently own an R1200GSA "15 and I love its steering behavior. Only I am getting crazy about the vibration through the footpegs, which has to do with the boxer engine of course. Going to test drive the Super Adventure soon.
A really good video guys of a motorcycle that completely interests me and has done for a while. My local KTM dealer is about 35-40 miles away so might pop down and look at one, maybe take it for a ride. Couple of things though - do I really need 160+hp, the 125 on my GSA is plenty; the other of course is the chain as I do like the minimum maintenance of shaft drive. I have heard that KTM do not sell enough of these bikes to warrant the R&D required to convert from a chain final drive. On another note, is that a new Klim suit Toby? Thanks again Mark and Toby, look forward to the video on the R version. Cheers, Andy.
Thanks for the comments Andrew. Really appreciated. It’s nice to have 160bhp but my 125bhp on the Beamer is fine for me. This is a fab bike and the chains have come on leaps and bounds over the years it’s just the lubing that puts me off as I’ve seen loads of people going from country to country having to change the rate it flows to the chain. For me a total pain. It’s the 2018 Klim I have and it’s really good. Did a review on it. It long ago :) got it at the nec bike show ;) Ride safe and the ‘R’ review is next week
I am not just saying this to make you feel good but you guys are great at this sort of thing. Really, really good video and review with humour and very easy to watch and listen to. Now, I would go for this bike but for one thing - seat height. Being short of leg ( 5'8") KTM, alas, are just too tall. BMW's range of bikes are much more accessible for the shorter rider with the lowered models and so have stolen a march and widened their customer base. I prefer shaft drive but chain drive would not be a deal breaker due to the all important reduced weight. But hold on, BMW maybe about to strike back. Rumour has it there is going to be an uprated VVT boxer engine with an output of 150bhp. This would surely go in the all conquering GS/GSA range and would be a belter ! The BMW TFT screen can only develop and improve with time and they should also consider back lighting their switchgear. So what would you choose then - KTM or BMW GS/A. I think I know where my money would go it this were to come to pass. Unless KTM then decide to offer lowered versions - aaaargh, decisions , decisions ! What do you think ?
I’ve just got a new 1200 GS, just done a thousand miles on it - wow, I could be tempted to change already. Really love that bike, but the chain may put me off slightly..
@@RiderCamTV Chain maintenance is a breeze - I have done 10k on my KTM and only needed to adjust the chain once. My last GSA, BMW had to replace the whole bloody drive unit and swinging arm due to corrosion and paint issues.
Great bikes as they are (though the looks don't do it for me) the chain, lack of heated grips - had to use mine yesterday and a seat height only fit for giants means I'll stay with BMW thanks. Loads knock the GS as being common as muck, but that's because it's such a great bike and remains the best selling bike in it's class. My 2018 GS has hill hold-why it switches off on the KTM to me is bonkers as like you say Toby I use mine at traffic lights on hills and relax knowing the bike's going nowhere, so I want it to stay on until I decide to release it manually or ride off using a bit more throttle, not end up scrabbling for the brake to reapply it in a panic. My TFT is very nice too though neither built in sat navs would replace the BMW Nav5 I have. KTM quote a wet weight of 238kg so is about the same as the standard GS.
Great video, has confirmed all i was looking for about the KTM SAS. Just one question (not related to the bike) what is the hi-vis vest you're wearing?
Great review as always! Thanks for this, it is on my short list of future bikes. As you point out about the chain, I think of years gone by that it was never a question. Their is one glaring point that you briefly touched on and that is the price... at BMW price of $24,000- US and the KTM at $17,500 that is a huge difference. Could pay some tech to clean and lube the chain once a week for that difference for a long period.....lol.
They come as optional extra, had them fitted to mine at extra cost . Quickshifter also... As far as the seat is concerned, fit the ergo seat,far better comfort.
Amazes me that KTM never seem to fully load their demonstrator fleet. When I first rode a 1290 SAS it was in winter and I'd arrived on my GSA TE and got on a bike with no heated grips! I didn't buy one there and then (I did later and I love it) I can't bring myself to go back to a BMW GSA as it would seem far too sensible! The whirrrly thump and snarly howl of a V twin trumps the baaarp and drone of that flat twin any day!
@@brucecutts8841 Got mine with 5 k on it from a KTM main dealer he didnt even know it had the blipper installed on it or the heated grips selling it with 7 k on it 6 months later always wanted the green gs ( im ex army lol)
Hi I had my 2015 R1200gs serviced recently and my loan bike was an RT which had hill hold, great feature. when I got back and told them how great it was I was told that it was a software upgrade on my bike £170 not sure I want to spend that
Re-watched this video as a friend has just gone from a GS to this bike. Am very tempted, but agree with you completely the only thing that puts me off is the chain. Do like the TFT and phone integration, much better than the BMW version. My '17 GSA has the old style clocks, along with the Nav 6. But like the idea of having everything in one place, including somewhere to store your phone. Only small criticism is that the cubby for the phone needs to be lockable, or you have to unplug and remove it whenever you are off the bike (petrol stations etc).
I’d say that the fonts and look of the tft on this bike is a bit better than the bmw one but the turn by turn is larger on the BMW’s tft. Having said that they are both exceptional screens
With a scottoiler or a cobrra nemo the chain thing is a nonissue tbh. I may be biased though since i ordered a 1290 and right now im lurking videos of it since ive got about 2 weeks untill delivery... My main thing testing this and the GS is that the KTM was much smoother and had much more power, the BMW was just to jerky for me.
The 1200 GS is more refined, probably a bit more reliable, and you don't have to do maintenance on the chain. However, the KTM has three advantages - two semi-major, and one major-major. 1) It's less expensive; 2) It's lighter, and the major-major one, 3) That engine. The power is just f**king *awesome*. You have to experience it to "get it". In comparison the BMW is a tractor.
hey Terry, thanks for the kind words. the Airvest we wear are from Helite and are called Airvest. We reviewed them on the channel and mark set his off! awesome bit of kit and great in all weathers too
OK Thanks. I am considering this one as it has the back protector as part of the vest. I was going to look at back protectors but actually it makes sense to go for this vest. Expensive but it looks like the best on the market. Hopefully the price will reduce in time as it looks a good bit of kit. Can also use it on a horse which I may well do in the future.Regarding the KTM chain which to me is the only down side (and I'm being picky now) Everything else on the bike is amazing. I have friends who have the GS but they love the KTM. So much quicker and easier to ride, but both bikes are great. I have the comfort pack (gel seat etc) and I've done some good distance miles and felt very good. I'm 6ft and the gel seat is a little bit higher than standard which suits me. Would I ever by a GS in the future? Maybe...... maybe not :) KTM is just epic :)
although i think that the mapping does use the GPS from your phone too. so probably a compromise between the 2 technologies but should work in most areas
nice but the competition has gone to another level as far as design concerns.It is almost the same look of old 1190 except of the strange headlight.Same frame design too far from use of aluminum or at least a bit of using it as Ducati do with hybrid frames.Super Tenere is coming next year,maybe a new honda sa and bmw prepares the next big step on GS.
Well--the KTM MOTOGP bike also uses steel tubular frame and is already giving the MOTOGP Aprilia and about half the field fits as far as race results--wait till they get a top-tier rider (they are working on it).. So--seems good enough. I like the look exposed trellis steel tubes frame--and the whole Darth Vadar face. Still then, it is far lighter than a GS and even 12-14 lbs. lighter than a Ducati Multistrada 1260. Plus--I am frankly surprised how many thumbs up the bike gets on road for an Adventure. Also--Heated grips are a $150 add-on. No big deal. 3 and 4th gear wheel lifts are amusing as well.
A good review of a brilliant bike. I have had shaft drive bikes for some time now, but the chain on this bike would not be a deal breaker for me, chains have come a long way. I think the TFT screen on this bike is the best out there. I spoke to someone recently who bought one, he had always had BMW's, but having had his new KTM 1290 S just for a few weeks he said he would never go back to a BMW!! He also felt the build quality of the KTM was better than the BMW!! It's certainly a bike I am going to look at seriously when my 1200 GSA is due for a change. Keep the reviews coming, I would love to see you review the Ducati Multistrada sometime.
Hey Peter. Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the vid. They are exceptional machines indeed. Whichever a buyer chooses they will have one of the pinnacle of bikes today :)
I've got the 2018 GS Rallye TE and the TFT does everything the KTM one does, and in my opinion is better, but both are very good. Both rely on a phone to provide the data for the turn by turn but BMW goes one better because it integrates the NAV 5/6 where you can switch between the two. Thus providing coverage where no mobile phone coverage is available (on the way to COSTA's lol). Having said that the Bluetooth support for any helmet or device is restricted annoyingly, only seems to work flawlessly with the BMW helmets. I have found out the SENA 20-S works OK though.
Hey Ian. Thanks for the info. I think they are both competing but which ever a rider chooses they are both great. Although the ability to use the nav 5/6 when no phone signal is there is a big plus. Wish bmw did a waterproof case on the bike for the phone like ktm do though :)
Yeah completely agree, ref the case, hopefully the 1250 150HP VVT next year will? Great video, KTM is my guilty pleasure hopefully getting wee EXC 450 6 Days if I can persuade the log haired general ha ha
Hey buddy. Not putting me on the spot at all. For me it would be the GSA. Purely for the luggage space and the shaft and cruise control as standard. But I wouldn’t turn a ktm down.
Seems that if a bike is too common then that is a fault which is illogical. If it’s common then it’s good so to choose something less common is accepting it is not as good as the more common choice. So why do that?
Hey Gary, thanks for the comments. What we were meaning is that ktm totally have the edge on looks as with loads of BMW’s touring people don’t notice but when a ktm goes past you can see people’s heads turning as they are so on point with the sounds of their bikes as well as the Fab styling. :)
LoL! You kept saying this KTM has so much power but I don't think you went above 57mph most of your riding was 40-45mph and below. At 31mph you said now at slow speed and dropped to 17mph. I was waiting for a farmer and his tractor to overtake. You are slower than Capt. Slow. The ideal bike for you is a C90. LoL. Sorry but such a boring review and didn't give any indication of what this bike is really like to ride.
Hi Alex. Thanks for the comments. We value our licence and power is not all about how fast you can go at all. If you are looking for power this bike has loads but without a track to ride on we don’t thrash the bikes and I’m sure there are plenty of reviews on RUclips that show the speed, but that’s not what our videos are about. Ride safe
Thank you for your reply. But I am not talking about riding like you were at a track day, at license losing speeds or speeds that would give you a holiday courtesy of Her Maj. Just get a wriggle on.
The power is immense and 160 bhp is amazing, but you dont have to use it all with a fistfull especially on a new bike thats not run in and hadnt had the first service. 60MPH is the speed limit on the road unfortunately :(
Okay so I found your video on the adventure s. Obviously you guys have ridden with each other numerous times and I'm sure the both of you has switched bikes and taking turns. Which bike would you prefer the s or the r? Has any of you taking the s off road? A friend of mine and I are planning on doing a road trip Vegas and so forth with moderate off-road. No hill climbing nothing stupid but we will definitely be hitting the dirt. I need to make a decision whether I get the s or the r. Thanks guys you're hecka funny
We did both try both bikes, and i think we both liked the S model as had a lot more in common with our style of riding and of course with the massive ability to go offroad. If i was going offroad all the time it would be the R. Thanks so much for the kind words, as it really does mean a lot to us both. We love making the videos and also seeing that our videos are watched by other people.... Ride safe and good luck with the choice. A tough choice but hopefully we helped a little.
Had one and I miss it (moved out of the country and could not take it). Switched from an F800GS, this bike is amazing. I cannot tell you how fun, comfortable, and enjoyable it was. I did a total of 15K touring Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Everyday was an absolute joy on this thing! Very comfy and fun on the highways, very stable and nimble in the dirt and mud. I even felt safe riding on those scary muddy, rocky, torn apart back roads. I will get another one soon.
I love the attitude of KTM. Many motorcycles are superfiscially "styled", but KTM's have industrial design at their core.
100% with you on that one Christian :)
Took this bike out for a test ride today; really enjoyed it and agree with a lot of Toby’s comments e.g. great engine, electronics, handling and hard seat. However, at the end of the day I prefer my GSA and not just because of the chain drive on the KTM. Something about it just didn’t seem right and when I got back on my BMW, everything fell into place. Choosing bikes, as well as tyres, is horses for courses; there’s one that is made for everyone, and my body and riding style are just totally suited to the GSA. I’m really glad I rode the KTM, it is a great bike, but it just confirmed that I made the right choice with the motorcycle I have. Thanks Toby and Mark for your continuing and entertaining insight into our wonderful world of motorcycling. 👍👍
Excellent stuff Andrew. Thanks for the kind words and we agree about horses for courses when it comes to a whole host of things especially bikes... gotta love the GSA :)
Ride Safe
There are nice aftermarket mirror extenders (takes them out about an inch I think) which should sort out the mirror problem. Pity KTM dont refine such things. The bike is awesome and pretty much a choice of the SAS or the Multistrada S when my retirement comes round in October.
So what did you choose?
Thanks for this video. I currently own an R1200GSA "15 and I love its steering behavior. Only I am getting crazy about the vibration through the footpegs, which has to do with the boxer engine of course. Going to test drive the Super Adventure soon.
A really good video guys of a motorcycle that completely interests me and has done for a while. My local KTM dealer is about 35-40 miles away so might pop down and look at one, maybe take it for a ride. Couple of things though - do I really need 160+hp, the 125 on my GSA is plenty; the other of course is the chain as I do like the minimum maintenance of shaft drive. I have heard that KTM do not sell enough of these bikes to warrant the R&D required to convert from a chain final drive. On another note, is that a new Klim suit Toby? Thanks again Mark and Toby, look forward to the video on the R version. Cheers, Andy.
Thanks for the comments Andrew. Really appreciated. It’s nice to have 160bhp but my 125bhp on the Beamer is fine for me. This is a fab bike and the chains have come on leaps and bounds over the years it’s just the lubing that puts me off as I’ve seen loads of people going from country to country having to change the rate it flows to the chain. For me a total pain. It’s the 2018 Klim I have and it’s really good. Did a review on it. It long ago :) got it at the nec bike show ;)
Ride safe and the ‘R’ review is next week
The abruptness on the power may be due to you possibly having it in sport mode. Touring mode is gentler. Nice review thanks.
Best review a have seen on the Ktm. Very good job 👍🇸🇪
I am not just saying this to make you feel good but you guys are great at this sort of thing. Really, really good video and review with humour and very easy to watch and listen to. Now, I would go for this bike but for one thing - seat height. Being short of leg ( 5'8") KTM, alas, are just too tall. BMW's range of bikes are much more accessible for the shorter rider with the lowered models and so have stolen a march and widened their customer base. I prefer shaft drive but chain drive would not be a deal breaker due to the all important reduced weight.
But hold on, BMW maybe about to strike back. Rumour has it there is going to be an uprated VVT boxer engine with an output of 150bhp. This would surely go in the all conquering GS/GSA range and would be a belter ! The BMW TFT screen can only develop and improve with time and they should also consider back lighting their switchgear.
So what would you choose then - KTM or BMW GS/A. I think I know where my money would go it this were to come to pass.
Unless KTM then decide to offer lowered versions - aaaargh, decisions , decisions !
What do you think ?
Very thorough, informative and enjoyable review. Thank you, sirs.
Every BMW driver needs to try one LOVE THIS BIKE !!!👏🏻
So did we :)
Looks like I need to add another bike to my test ride list, love it in black and as much as I love my GS, they are too common...thanks Toby🙄😉
Hey buddy glad you liked the video. As you say it is amazing in their colours and an amazing bike too
Great video lads, i'm saving at the moment for one :)
Thanks buddy. Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a brilliant machine indeed :)
What a good time to be alive!!
GS1200 or KTM 1290, or even a CF Moto 650.
They are all great! ;)
They certainly are, so much choice of such great bikes! The only hard bit is deciding which is right for you :) ride safe buddy :)
If money is no limit, just buy one or two of each!! HAHAHA
With you on that one matey :)
So many good bikes out there 😬. Great review, thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
Hey buddy thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. And your right there are so many great bikes out there :)
I’ve just got a new 1200 GS, just done a thousand miles on it - wow, I could be tempted to change already. Really love that bike, but the chain may put me off slightly..
Same with me. Amazing bike but for me (I know people will hate me) the shaft beats the chain every time
enjoy your gs man! that’s an amazing machine... give it a year at least and then go test ride a 1290sa
@@RiderCamTV Chain maintenance is a breeze - I have done 10k on my KTM and only needed to adjust the chain once. My last GSA, BMW had to replace the whole bloody drive unit and swinging arm due to corrosion and paint issues.
Great bikes as they are (though the looks don't do it for me) the chain, lack of heated grips - had to use mine yesterday and a seat height only fit for giants means I'll stay with BMW thanks. Loads knock the GS as being common as muck, but that's because it's such a great bike and remains the best selling bike in it's class. My 2018 GS has hill hold-why it switches off on the KTM to me is bonkers as like you say Toby I use mine at traffic lights on hills and relax knowing the bike's going nowhere, so I want it to stay on until I decide to release it manually or ride off using a bit more throttle, not end up scrabbling for the brake to reapply it in a panic. My TFT is very nice too though neither built in sat navs would replace the BMW Nav5 I have. KTM quote a wet weight of 238kg so is about the same as the standard GS.
Agree totally matey. I’m sticking with the bmw too ;)
It’s got heated grips
Very good review guys! I´m going to call my dealer now thanks!
Great video, has confirmed all i was looking for about the KTM SAS. Just one question (not related to the bike) what is the hi-vis vest you're wearing?
Great review as always! Thanks for this, it is on my short list of future bikes. As you point out about the chain, I think of years gone by that it was never a question. Their is one glaring point that you briefly touched on and that is the price... at BMW price of $24,000- US and the KTM at $17,500 that is a huge difference. Could pay some tech to clean and lube the chain once a week for that difference for a long period.....lol.
Hey Scott, thanks for those kind words. Totally agree about the tech guy to sort the chain out 😬 heheh
Fit a PD Oiler and forget about the chain its really no problem and that's coming from a BMW rider now loving the KTM
there is heated grips on it m8 you just need to find them on the TFT to turn them on !!
They come as optional extra, had them fitted to mine at extra cost . Quickshifter also...
As far as the seat is concerned, fit the ergo seat,far better comfort.
Amazes me that KTM never seem to fully load their demonstrator fleet. When I first rode a 1290 SAS it was in winter and I'd arrived on my GSA TE and got on a bike with no heated grips! I didn't buy one there and then (I did later and I love it) I can't bring myself to go back to a BMW GSA as it would seem far too sensible! The whirrrly thump and snarly howl of a V twin trumps the baaarp and drone of that flat twin any day!
@@brucecutts8841 Got mine with 5 k on it from a KTM main dealer he didnt even know it had the blipper installed on it or the heated grips selling it with 7 k on it 6 months later always wanted the green gs ( im ex army lol)
Hi I had my 2015 R1200gs serviced recently and my loan bike was an RT which had hill hold, great feature. when I got back and told them how great it was I was told that it was a software upgrade on my bike £170 not sure I want to spend that
I know what you mean. It’s a lot of money for a software upgrade but it’s a good tool in the arsenal of biking :)
Re-watched this video as a friend has just gone from a GS to this bike. Am very tempted, but agree with you completely the only thing that puts me off is the chain. Do like the TFT and phone integration, much better than the BMW version. My '17 GSA has the old style clocks, along with the Nav 6. But like the idea of having everything in one place, including somewhere to store your phone. Only small criticism is that the cubby for the phone needs to be lockable, or you have to unplug and remove it whenever you are off the bike (petrol stations etc).
totally agree buddy. loved this bike. wish they would do a shaft version
RiderCamTV Haven't ridden the KTM yet, am loathed to do so as it could get expensive!! 😉
In your opinion is the TFT screen better than the BMW version as that has a turn by turn sat nav?
I’d say that the fonts and look of the tft on this bike is a bit better than the bmw one but the turn by turn is larger on the BMW’s tft. Having said that they are both exceptional screens
With a scottoiler or a cobrra nemo the chain thing is a nonissue tbh. I may be biased though since i ordered a 1290 and right now im lurking videos of it since ive got about 2 weeks untill delivery...
My main thing testing this and the GS is that the KTM was much smoother and had much more power, the BMW was just to jerky for me.
Good info. Although I’ve never had a good experience with scottoiler, that’s not to say they aren’t good I just don’t like them.
Ride safe buddy
What a great review, Thank you
Keep the day job Toby. KTM is very tempting though.
will do John, hope you are well :)
The 1200 GS is more refined, probably a bit more reliable, and you don't have to do maintenance on the chain. However, the KTM has three advantages - two semi-major, and one major-major. 1) It's less expensive; 2) It's lighter, and the major-major one, 3) That engine. The power is just f**king *awesome*. You have to experience it to "get it". In comparison the BMW is a tractor.
very true about the power and the engine. They are all such great bikes
After two test rides I'm hooked. Pick mine up next week 😊🏁
excellent choice Pete, great bike all round!
Great video as always !!!! Which was more comfortable for long days in the saddle, this or the Africa twin adventure sports ?
Hey thanks buddy. The Africa twin seat is so comfy. I’d say that one wins the comfort stake :)
great review. just wondering what air vest you have. I have tihs bike, and have most of the extras. It's amazing.
hey Terry, thanks for the kind words. the Airvest we wear are from Helite and are called Airvest. We reviewed them on the channel and mark set his off! awesome bit of kit and great in all weathers too
OK Thanks. I am considering this one as it has the back protector as part of the vest. I was going to look at back protectors but actually it makes sense to go for this vest. Expensive but it looks like the best on the market. Hopefully the price will reduce in time as it looks a good bit of kit. Can also use it on a horse which I may well do in the future.Regarding the KTM chain which to me is the only down side (and I'm being picky now) Everything else on the bike is amazing. I have friends who have the GS but they love the KTM. So much quicker and easier to ride, but both bikes are great. I have the comfort pack (gel seat etc) and I've done some good distance miles and felt very good. I'm 6ft and the gel seat is a little bit higher than standard which suits me. Would I ever by a GS in the future? Maybe...... maybe not :) KTM is just epic :)
Where's the obligatory red rear reflector?
Not just the heated grips missing!
That’s very true. Thanks for picking up on that ;)
Nice and deep review I really like it . Thanks
Which would you choose, the KTM or the R1250GS? Thanks.
for sheer grunt and that Wayahh! moment, the KTM and for touring and the 'do everything' the GSA :)
Is the navigation GPS or cell signal? Cell coverage is spotty where I live.
hey buddy, its from your phone so would be cell signal :)
although i think that the mapping does use the GPS from your phone too. so probably a compromise between the 2 technologies but should work in most areas
The app isn't available anymore
nice but the competition has gone to another level as far as design concerns.It is almost the same look of old 1190 except of the strange headlight.Same frame design too far from use of aluminum or at least a bit of using it as Ducati do with hybrid frames.Super Tenere is coming next year,maybe a new honda sa and bmw prepares the next big step on GS.
True true although KTM has that iconic look :)
Well--the KTM MOTOGP bike also uses steel tubular frame and is already giving the MOTOGP Aprilia and about half the field fits as far as race results--wait till they get a top-tier rider (they are working on it).. So--seems good enough. I like the look exposed trellis steel tubes frame--and the whole Darth Vadar face. Still then, it is far lighter than a GS and even 12-14 lbs. lighter than a Ducati Multistrada 1260. Plus--I am frankly surprised how many thumbs up the bike gets on road for an Adventure. Also--Heated grips are a $150 add-on. No big deal. 3 and 4th gear wheel lifts are amusing as well.
A good review of a brilliant bike. I have had shaft drive bikes for some time now, but the chain on this bike would not be a deal breaker for me, chains have come a long way. I think the TFT screen on this bike is the best out there. I spoke to someone recently who bought one, he had always had BMW's, but having had his new KTM 1290 S just for a few weeks he said he would never go back to a BMW!! He also felt the build quality of the KTM was better than the BMW!!
It's certainly a bike I am going to look at seriously when my 1200 GSA is due for a change.
Keep the reviews coming, I would love to see you review the Ducati Multistrada sometime.
Hey Peter. Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the vid. They are exceptional machines indeed. Whichever a buyer chooses they will have one of the pinnacle of bikes today :)
Ive one. Ridescso hrash. And stiff even in comfort mode.im changing to gs
I've got the 2018 GS Rallye TE and the TFT does everything the KTM one does, and in my opinion is better, but both are very good. Both rely on a phone to provide the data for the turn by turn but BMW goes one better because it integrates the NAV 5/6 where you can switch between the two. Thus providing coverage where no mobile phone coverage is available (on the way to COSTA's lol). Having said that the Bluetooth support for any helmet or device is restricted annoyingly, only seems to work flawlessly with the BMW helmets. I have found out the SENA 20-S works OK though.
Hey Ian. Thanks for the info. I think they are both competing but which ever a rider chooses they are both great. Although the ability to use the nav 5/6 when no phone signal is there is a big plus. Wish bmw did a waterproof case on the bike for the phone like ktm do though :)
Yeah completely agree, ref the case, hopefully the 1250 150HP VVT next year will? Great video, KTM is my guilty pleasure hopefully getting wee EXC 450 6 Days if I can persuade the log haired general ha ha
With you on that matey. Good luck getting it past the general ;)
So, ktm 1290 or bmw 1200 gs ? Be honest?! Sorry to put you on the spot Toby.
Stixtoo GSA no problem...
Hey buddy. Not putting me on the spot at all. For me it would be the GSA. Purely for the luggage space and the shaft and cruise control as standard. But I wouldn’t turn a ktm down.
Thanks for you honesty. Going to get one or the other.
No probs mate. Which ever you get you will have one of the best out there. Good luck with the choice :)
@@RiderCamTV The 1290 SAS has cruise control as standard. Nive video so, thanks!
👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻
Great review.
Thanks buddy 👍😎
Seems that if a bike is too common then that is a fault which is illogical. If it’s common then it’s good so to choose something less common is accepting it is not as good as the more common choice. So why do that?
Hey Gary, thanks for the comments. What we were meaning is that ktm totally have the edge on looks as with loads of BMW’s touring people don’t notice but when a ktm goes past you can see people’s heads turning as they are so on point with the sounds of their bikes as well as the Fab styling. :)
What jacket is that you are wearing ?
It’s the klim kodiak jacket. Check out our video on it :)
RiderCamTV Thanks
RiderCamTV Thanks
i’m too short for these monster bikes! why is nature so unjust?!
I can truly appreciate some “Hot Buns”, just not my own. Otherwise a spectacular machine.
definitely a fab machine, and who doesnt appreciate hot buns.. ride safe matey
Can we get Bruno's voice seeing as they are Austrian an' all that?
😂😂
How can you say about BMW like that????
Good vid but you lost a great oportunity to compare S & R models side by side... Such a waist.... :((
Thanks for the comments :)
Looks fugly at the front.
Even if you squint? 😬😂
LoL! You kept saying this KTM has so much power but I don't think you went above 57mph most of your riding was 40-45mph and below. At 31mph you said now at slow speed and dropped to 17mph. I was waiting for a farmer and his tractor to overtake. You are slower than Capt. Slow. The ideal bike for you is a C90. LoL. Sorry but such a boring review and didn't give any indication of what this bike is really like to ride.
Hi Alex. Thanks for the comments. We value our licence and power is not all about how fast you can go at all. If you are looking for power this bike has loads but without a track to ride on we don’t thrash the bikes and I’m sure there are plenty of reviews on RUclips that show the speed, but that’s not what our videos are about.
Ride safe
Thank you for your reply. But I am not talking about riding like you were at a track day, at license losing speeds or speeds that would give you a holiday courtesy of Her Maj. Just get a wriggle on.
😂
A review of a 160bhp bike where the rider doesn't go over 60mph. Hmmm, forgive me if I don't believe any conclusions you come to.
The power is immense and 160 bhp is amazing, but you dont have to use it all with a fistfull especially on a new bike thats not run in and hadnt had the first service. 60MPH is the speed limit on the road unfortunately :(
Okay so I found your video on the adventure s. Obviously you guys have ridden with each other numerous times and I'm sure the both of you has switched bikes and taking turns. Which bike would you prefer the s or the r? Has any of you taking the s off road? A friend of mine and I are planning on doing a road trip Vegas and so forth with moderate off-road. No hill climbing nothing stupid but we will definitely be hitting the dirt. I need to make a decision whether I get the s or the r. Thanks guys you're hecka funny
We did both try both bikes, and i think we both liked the S model as had a lot more in common with our style of riding and of course with the massive ability to go offroad. If i was going offroad all the time it would be the R.
Thanks so much for the kind words, as it really does mean a lot to us both. We love making the videos and also seeing that our videos are watched by other people.... Ride safe and good luck with the choice. A tough choice but hopefully we helped a little.