finally i receive my bike Monday lunchtime. i didn't test ride the bike and it was my first 1290 experience as well:) Truly impressive my wife thinks its even better then Ducati Multistrada as a pillion. I already have my heated seat fitted, its quite nice and padded. Also fitted with a BIKETRAC Road angel Tracking device as i promise my self never have a bike without it. Now waiting for the exhaust. Next month i like to buy the belly pan and tail tidy.
So What is the difference and first impressions ?
after riding so many bikes you kind of become a very hard to please customer. Is ktm 1290 GT perfect bike? No it isnt but its very close to it, with some little twiks it can be very close to be a perfect bike. So far i have been commuting and must say its so light and easy to get around. Alot easier then Ducati Multistrada. The weight is hidden very good centre gravit is very low in the middle, weirdly the seat as high as Multistrada but you dont feel strugle like on a Multistrada. Specially two up there is no diving on breaking. The suspension is slightly on the firm side even in comfort mode, but still she soaks the uneven road surfaces.
There is a screen but you still have wind on your chest but no buffeting or wind noise on the helmet very weird. i think the problem is you are sitting far to high, the screen is good enough.
- Breaks doesn't bite as Multistarada but i guess they are very new
- Clutch isn't as light as 1190 adventure but the gear changes seems to be smoother.
- Quick shifter is (yes and no, mahhh) after riding a bmw with quickshifter or a panigale or a Aprilia , ktm system feels like from 90's
they have alot to upgrade about that. it isn't seamless you can really feel the engine cut of and changing. BUT again it might be because the bike is new and i cant past 6500 rpm.- Talking about gears and changing the shifter for gear feels cheap. I wish Ktm should have make it alittle better. That will be a update for me for the future. It lever is adjustable however i couldnt get a comfort lever and my feet size 8.
- Siting position and Pillion position is just superb ! we both happy, it almost feels like i dont carry anyone, i have this feeling before at BMW K1600gt
- Engine is nice and torqy but also slightly vibey. No hands vibes but the feet suffers alittle but i will ask the dealer to check it out.
- My horn doesn't work, sometimes it work but very quite. I dont know why it is like an after though ?
- Mirrors are ok with no vibe but Multi mirrors was alot better. With Ktm there are too many blind spots
- So far so good ride in the rain for 2 days nothing stop working ( oh yeah the horn
)VERDICT
Best bits
Pillion comfort
Orange colour! its very bright!!!!
Suspension is clever and doesn't fails , ( anti dive on Street mode is a God send )
easy to ride ! low or high speeds
She is still a beast a more pretty one.
worst/bad bits
Horn
Cruise control looks like a 1960 computer or a commodor 69 ,its huge!
Quickshifter alittle dissapointing i just though even Triumph got a better one.
Last thing
From the design view this bike should have come with a belly pan or as an extra, for me belly pan tidy up the bike and make it less NAKED and street bike, more of a sport touring look.
I am very happy with the bike cant stop riding it
