Thorough review - thank you, and well done. As an owner of the 1290SA here’s my thoughts: 1. Chain drive is fine, and I believe is actually better if you’re a serious Adventure rider as you can actually replace it easily. I fitted a Pro Oiler with GPS that sends a metered dose of oil to the chain according to the distance travelled, which can be varied via the handlebar switch if there’s heavy rainfall. Never had a problem. 2. The luggage is dreadful, and I’m very happy I went with the SW Motech Trax Adventure with the quick detachable frames...is there any better? Superb. 3. Tyres are crap if you get off the asphalt for long. Mine got bogged in wet grass leading into my garage at the farmhouse. I fitted Heidenau K60 Scouts which have been great all round, although I’m speed limited to 190 km/h, and have cruised at 170 without issue 4. Lights are okay, I didn’t think they’re as good as TMF did, but maybe that’s down to my ordinary eyesight. I fitted pretty good Givi S320 LED lights to the crash bars as daytime running lights & of course for foggy and rainy days. I also fitted a Laser 750 Triple R light bar that neatly fits between the stanchions, and used some custom CNC fork tube brackets. It throws massive light 900 metres down the road. It looks reasonable, neither beautiful nor ugly, but it’s incredible UK manufactured kit. 5. The only failure has been the main switches on the left handlebar, which does all the menu settings and headlight beams. My dipper switch failed, necessitating a whole new switch being fitted under warranty. Failure is not unheard of, but regardless of that it’s a terrible design and very easy to inadvertently turn on high beam 6. Size & bulk - it’s quite large, but not heavy at rest and therefore not heavy underway. I’m 1.79m tall, and it’s at my limits for handling ease because of the height and bulk, but it’s certainly manageable in almost all circumstances. I do need to be extra cautious at rest in traffic because of my tippy toes, and also when doing very slow car park turns at walking pace...practice makes perfect 7. Maintenance - oil and filter changes are easy, if somewhat clumsy & potentially messy because of the twin drain plugs, with the rear plug nestled above part of the exhaust pipe...all doable, but some concentration required. Rear wheel removal was easy when I got a puncture...but it’s a big wheel and tyre assembly. Tank removal is somewhat involved because of the cowling etc, but it’s pretty logical. I have the 30 litre tank, which is a beast, so I like to get it below half when I remove the tank. There’s two very useful Accessory power outlets that are switch activated, which really helped adding lights & chain Oiler pump. Ones up front on the rear left side of the headlight, and the other is back near the tail light assembly under the pillion seat. I wired in a PDM60 for all of my accessories and it was really easy to find clean routes for all the cables because it’s quite a large bike. I easily installed an Arrow header (with much smaller cat, and it fixed the backfiring that began when the after market muffler was fitted)...pretty good access to everything. KTM alloy bash plate easily fitted. Generally easy to work on, perhaps because it’s so effin big that you generally have good access. Cleaning - agree with TMF; plenty of nooks and crannies especially around the headlight and wind shield. 8. Riding (isn’t that why we buy them?) - generally brilliant!!! Love the semi active suspension, but don’t really trust its durability (no issues to date, just a fear of the unknown and complex). Brakes, ABS, traction control & slipper clutch are all superb and confidence inspiring. No problems with engine heat in a European summer, but the US, Australia etc could be a different issue. Riding modes work very well, especially throttle control. Heated grips and seat are for the Arctic. I cook on high. Balance is superb largely due to the engine design. A happy owner, who wishes he had more free time.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Wow - great feedback thanks for taking the effort to write that lot down....

@thebingleywheeler

5 жыл бұрын

Ronan Rogers just dropped on this excellent response...very informative...I've just acquired a low mileage 2017 Superadventure and love it....and yes I've had to have the RIGHT hand switch unit replaced under warranty (race on button etc). I have the Bumot panniers and the big Givi 58l Trekker top box....can you say where is the best place to wire in a pair of aux led lights attached to the engine bars (see profile picture)? Does the 30l tank alter the external dimensions of the bike (is it available as an upgrade?)

@raywilkinson3129

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing man 👍👍 I live in British Columbia, I'm gonna get the 1290 R this spring. Cant wait.

@Bob-Maplethorpe

5 жыл бұрын

@@raywilkinson3129 I am getting one to ride from Ontario to BC. I maybe see you!)

@blackbird69xxx

2 жыл бұрын

Great summary.. much appreciated.. ride safe

just picked up the 2020 model , great bike , a turned in my Versys 1000 SE 2018 for this one, no regrets and i am still running it in drove 220 km today, got a week to run it in , next saturday she gets her 1000 km service. It is a great bike very much fun, and i love the 2 cilinder engine, thanx for the review it helped making my choice between the BMW 1250 GS and this one, great channel keep up the great work. greetings from the Netherlands, Richard

@TheMissendenFlyer

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard - all the best!

Im not a biker but i really enjoy your channel,its fascinating to learn about a new subject which you explain in such easy no nonsense terms plus you are great company and a nice person,thanks alot for sharing your brilliant videos

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, perhaps we should go out on a date?

@rockafella1690

6 жыл бұрын

TheMissendenFlyer 😂😂😂

As always my friend, a fantastic video! I've been looking into this for my Spring 2018 purchase and riding season!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir - lovely machine, you won't go far wrong with one of these....

Another practical and balanced review. My go to channel when I want to get real views of a bike that says it like it is. Many thanks -already looking forward to the GS v KTM comparison, keep them coming Mr.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Will do Richard, thanks for the kind words! - TMF

I've noticed here and on a couple of other reviews that heated grips are buried in the menu. All you need to do is press the up arrow on the menu selector and you are immediately into the heated grips menu. similarly, pressing the down arrow puts you immediately into the heated seat menu (if equipped). there is a menu selection to establish this quick action if yours doesn't come that way, as mine did.

@erkful

2 жыл бұрын

I put heated grip in the quick selector

Hey, great review. These reviews are always more useful a couple of years on, as they become available on the secondhand market, post PCP deals etc. I'm looking at this bike and thought I'd check insurance. For comparison: Current bike is a 2005 Honda CBR600RR. Comprehensive insurance £180. KTM Super Adventure 1290s 2017 (got a reg off an eBay advert) is £260 comprehensive. Not that much of an uplift for me. 33yr old male in Derbyshire. Comprehensive and 9yr protected NCB. Office management job. Licence 15years. Hope this helps any perspective buyers.

I absolutely love long-term reviews because of the depth of information they give. This one was especially great, thank you.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Emilio...

First of all, thank you for this quite interesting video. I will be switching from 1290 SDR 2016 to 1290 SAS 2020 in few days, so your feelings and analysis for this bike were nice to hear. I totally agree with you on the fact that the only thing that could "prevent" you from choosing this bike over others in that category is the design... the only point that made me hesitate, a bit.... That LC8 engine is a work of art and is sensational. You add all these great electronic features and the confort of a long travel suspensions bike and you get what I would call the best all around bike of the market. Price of insurance is less expansive in France (in my case) and maintenance service seems to be a little cheaper also....

I just wanted to give you a quick shout out - I have been following your channel for more than 3 years. I really enjoyed your content about the BMW R 1200 GS when I was in the market to make the move to an adventure bike. I had the bike for 2 years and switched to the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S for the 2018 season. Of course I watched everyting I could find about the KTM before I made the switch including your excellent reviews! So in both cases your reviews were very helpful. Anyway, I thought I just let you know that I enjoy and appreciate your content a lot! Greetings from Berlin, Germany!

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

Greetings motovibes and thanks for getting in touch! Glad you like the channel!

Great review, your doing a brilliant job, keep them coming.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir - will do....

Another great video, TMF. I really appreciate you doing balanced reviews - there isn't enough coverage of downsides to new bikes (although i acknowledge top-end new bikes are very good these days), appreciate your efforts!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

That is the issue! You have to be real knit picky to find stuff wrong with bikes these days!

What a great review, thanks for putting so much info out there. You do a great job!

@TheMissendenFlyer

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Thank you for the review. Always a pleasure to watch. I believe that it would be more fair to have insurance quote from multiple insurers (although KTMs are in high risk insurance group and thus are expensive to insure). As R1200GS owner, i gave driveshaft vs chain a bit of thinking in the past and now strongly believe that the strongest point behind driveshaft is lack of maintenance. With chain you can get scottiler (or similar) and reduce maintenance (bike will be more messy due to potential oil spill). Driveshafts are nice until there is an issue with them. New one costs close to $1000 and reconditioned ones around $400-450 (no idea how long they will last) and that is for part only. Rubber boots around driveshaft joins are $80 each and final drive $600 (all prices approximate). That is a lot of money if any of these will fail. In contrast, $175 will buy you chain and sprocket kit for KTM 1190 (just as an example). Additionally, unless you ask dealership/mechanic to check your final drive, you cannot see its condition (unlike chain). Driveshafts can last for a very long time but there are posts on the forums when they failed on people with 15k-30k miles. In such case cost of driveshaft and labour associated with replacement will greatly exceed cost of 2-3 sets of chain and sprockets.

Great feed back pal as always. On the back of your review and many others I’ve bought a new one, cheers

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Nice one - enjoy!

Me: has no money, no job, no parking space, no riding experience Also me: *I want this bike*

@mhks68

4 жыл бұрын

Get a job. Get some money. Buy a bike. Not this bike. But a bike. Ride a while. Experience. Save. Money. Buy. This bike! Job done.

@knighthawk3559

3 жыл бұрын

@@mhks68 fuk all that. Go to bike shop. Get PCP finance. Ride bike.

Great reviews always use yours when thinking of buying a bike I am interested in the 2021 super adventure keep the good work up

Thanks for taking the time to post this video. I found the flicking between daytime and nighttime mode on the screen annoying. But the engine is mental. 3rd and 4th gear round the back roads smile a minute. Glad you mentioned the insurance, I better check that as I'm seriously thinking about chopping in my Tiger sport for one of these.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah my quote may just be a freak one, when I queried it it seemed the keyless ignition loaded the premium, so best specify that (or not) when you're getting your quotes sorted....

Andy, a good balanced review as ever, with your own USP of KZreadrs 👏 I’m seriously looking to add a new ‘22 version of this, and was surprised not to find a TMF update for the 21/22 model with its many changes.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Nope - not ridden it this far!

Superb review Mr flyer, lovely bike, costs a little eye watering. As you know still in love with my Tiger Sport . Keep em coming always look forward to your updates on the tube :)

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul - I love the Tiger Sport, but you know that...

Another very fine "real world' review....good job once again.

Fantastic review as always! Can't wait to see your review for the 2018 Triumph Tiger 800!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

It's on it's way...stay tuned!

Yet another great review. Many thanks

Very nice and thorough review thumbs up big time

Finally test rode one yesterday. ❤️ IT! 🙂 Been out on my Street today. Not ready to give that up just yet. Think I might have to get used to living on bread and water.

Thank you! Great review. Been looking at one today.

Another stocker of a vid bud, loved that. I keep being told to test ride one of these as an alternative to the GS, but the chain and looks put me off I think? I'll certainly take one out though once I'm back riding again. Great vid mate, keep'em coming 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers TP1 - I think you'd love the big KTM coming from your sportsbike background, the engine is a corker (but I'm with you on the looks)....

@TinsonTour

6 жыл бұрын

teapotone I've just sold my 57 plate gsa but like urself I'm not sure i wanna go back to lubing chains ... ( never thought I'd say that )

@teapotone

6 жыл бұрын

A good friend recently got the 1190 just after the 1290 came out (got a great deal) and he absolutely loves it. I've never seen him ride so fast and smooth as he does on that thing. It sounds mental too with a full Akro on it! But the bloomin' GS virus gets you doens't it. Once you've ridden one for a bit and lived with it, it just becomes the benchmark for all other all-purpose bikes out there. Looking forward to lots of testing in the new year then, stay safe 👍

@teapotone

6 жыл бұрын

Crazy isn't it. I used to listen to people moan about chains before I'd ever ridden a shaft-drive and think, what are they moaning about!? But now I've lived with the shaft drive, it just seems like so much grief to have to constantly lube and tighten the chain, especially when you're riding lots of miles all year round. 1st world problems eh! 😉👍

@TinsonTour

6 жыл бұрын

teapotone this was my 1st shafty after owning countless bikes and used to get some weird sadistic pleasure out of cleaning and lubing chains ... wouldn't mind I've binned about 7 cans of half full lube since having the gs haha

As always a great informative review sir. Being a Triumph man the pannier hassles are a problem. My Tiger 1050 top box and panniers remove very easily. An experiment I conducted shortly after purchase revealed no problems up to 200 km/hr fully loaded with luggage, I backed off at that speed as I ran out of my road. I have considered at length my next bike a KTM and this review gives food for though. Thank you for the time and effort taken. Cheers.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it of interest Scott....

755 for the insurance? in Portugal is 100 euros or something like that!! I prefer Chain to Shaft, weight saving, and when it will go wrong, you can get a chain anywhere in the world. ;)

Really enjoy your reviews. Nice to compare cost of insurance, price and cost of ownership of the Ktm 1290. Thanks from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦

Another great review. Just traded in my GSA for a 22 plate one. Really excited now. Cheers !

@TheMissendenFlyer

Жыл бұрын

Congratulations David!

Very great review. I'm happy that i have buyed one for me. More than enough power, brilliant handling and low fuel consumption (in comparison to my aprilia bikes). Keep up with such as good videos. Happy to see your comparison with the 2018 GS and the brand new Triumph 1200 Tiger. Cheers

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Andi - stay tuned!

Outstanding long term review!! Thanks so much. This is one of two bikes I am considering, the GSA being the other. Like you my Head says GSA but after my KTM demo days rides my Heart is shouting KTM, KTM....lol.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

In that case - go for the KTM!

m looking at buying a 2016 super adventure T. IVE HAD 3 GS AND 1 GSA,,,I Feel like a change and this has convinced me im not making bubu .great info.thanks.

Great Vid. Really enjoyed it. Would you be able to try a long termer with the S1kXR? One of the new models with the supposedly “fixed” vibrations.

Thanks TMF another great in depth review. I love the information you provide, helping us lot decide where to go next. I love the Superduke and GT but for touring I think the BMW GS is still King, particularly for pillions and luggage. The GS would be my choice and WOW that insurance made me cough a bit.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

...me too, the highest quote I've seen yet! Mind you it is a very nice, and nickable, machine....

Great review TMF, been looking forward to this video from you for a while, as I've mentioned in the past this bike is at the top of my list for next year's adventure bike purchase, so now we just have to see how good the new Explorer XRT is now Triumph have finally thrown the extras toy box at it. Look forward to your review and comparison on that 👍.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Chill, I imagine it will be a while before I can get a decent got on the Tiger 1200, I'm well down the pecking order when it comes to press bike loans!

@eubikedude

6 жыл бұрын

Likewise, but the T1200 will be of no interest to me until they up the torque and add another 30+hp. The one I tested last year was a damp squib compared to the 1290 SA or the Multi.

Just chopped in my 2017 GS......Made the mistake of test riding the big Kato....The showroom ( fowlers Bristol) has 5 GS in which were all traded for the 1290. Yes the BMW will give better comfort for a 1000 miles/ day in the saddle BUT with the KTM ergo seat its just as good as the BM....Every other area, the KTM simply blows the BM away...handling /power...Did I mention the gearbox, no more tractor changes - its silky smooth. I have 3000 miles on the KTM and I simply cannot see how anyone would prefer the BM - its simply and old design that has mutated into a monstrosity. My Mrs is equally as happy on the KTM.The negative are the side cases, they are rubbish, fitted touratech same as my old BM..As for the chain, really its no problem, no adjustment in 3Kms only lubed once. As for build quality, I can see why riders are concerned as there is not as much shiny metal meaning more plastic BUT then your saving 30-40Kgs! In the UK KTM have sold double the adventure bikes that BM have this year....Now I can see why! If your unsure about buying a new bike THEN do NOT try the big Kato :)

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF

@robertkilgannon8823

3 жыл бұрын

Great info. I've just traded a 2014 GS for a 2020 SAS. Seems to be a great move so far!

A great review as usual. Personally I don't really like the looks of it (or many KTMs) but I appreciate its qualities. Thanks for doing 'proper' reviews on all aspects, not just performance. Appreciated ;)

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

I have a 2018 and ive had it for 1 year. Love it today as driving it from the dealership except got some skills now......agile ....fast...tough reliable and attractive. From harleys. Dirtbikes. Cafe style...i owned them. Nothing comes close to the feeling i get from this bike.

A great review again my friend. I ran a previous model in for those nice chaps at KTM and found seat comfort wasn't too much of a problem even when riding all day (I'm a bit taller than you and certainly heavier!!). For me, the most important feature on adventure bike is to know what range you have in the tank and that was where I found the previous model lacking. It told you the range to fill up but when you're on the last block and it's telling you 47ish to the gallon and 140 miles range you do start to disbelieve it! When it came time to change my bike the overall cost differences steered me very much into the Versys 1000GT; not a perfect bike but certainly excellent value. I think you certainly need to get Mrs Flyer set up with some kit so that she can give an objective review on pillion comfort. I mentioned the lack of shaft to KTM and they told me that fitting one is just not in their 'Ready to Race' DNA.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the learned feedback as ever Geoff! I have a Versys review "in the can" so stay tuned for that.....and about time we did a biker cafe meet up matey!!

@geoffakachuckstrummer

6 жыл бұрын

Yep, let's get it sorted!

Great review. Had an Africa Twin, which was stolen, considering trading in my ZZR1400 for one of these, as I love the more upright position. Watched this video a few times, and despite the “negatives” which are subjective, I think I will pull the trigger for one of these. Won’t be until end of July after my annual trip to the Nurburgring on the ZZR ;-) Love your videos. 👍🏻

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Bob - enjoy "the Ring"!

Another brilliant real world review. Thank you sir 🖒

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome....

I bought this bike and I love it! What more can I say?

Saw one of these in London today. It was enormous! Panniers all over it, it had to be ridden like the owner had a car. I did love the front lights though

These companies should pay you commission. Love your channel, I was all but settled on a new GS...but now I found your Super Adventure S videos. Either way I go it'll be because of your videos! Cheers

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

I wish! ..and thanks for the kind comments - all the best - TMF

Thank you. Excellent comprehensive review.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Stephanus - I try my best!

Great review TMF, loved it. Would love to see a review and long term test of the multistrada and how it compares against the GS and KTM

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Stay tuned QuinnRider......just gave the MTS back to Ducati yesterday ;0) Loads to come on that....

@quinnrider

6 жыл бұрын

Would love to know which of the big bikes you would go for post all your reviews, especially as a real life everyday bike for a mix of forging, commuting and a weekend run

Incredibly thorough review!

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

I aim to please!

Your reviews are the best. Thanks

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

Aww shucks!

Excellent review as always ! The only thing I miss from every review (not only yours) is the width of the panniers on the bike, so total width and is it within the width of the handle bars.... Sometime its hard to find out and even the dealer can not tell you because the bike is most of the time shown without panniers. Keep up the good work ! Regards from The Netherlands.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Yes good point - thanks Patrick....

Thanks for the great video. Does anyone know how the later model 1190 Adventure R compares with the 1290 in this video? Cost of ownership and the rest? Thank you.

Great review mate. Struggle with the costs but also you said the main use would be for touring, yet the panniers are not that great. I suppose it comes down to what you want it for. On another note had to buy a bike dryer today as wife bought her first bike bike and cause of your previous reviews. Keep it up.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Hope you used my amazon link Marc ;0P

Thanks for another great video. For someone who does not go off-road, would you recommend this bike, or even your GS, over a full tourer such as the RT, for all year use?

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Well I never go off road on my GS so clearly yes :0) The RT is a lovely bike, I'm very tempted by it, but then the new GSA (like the KTM) is lovely too....choices choices...

I drove a short time really has an excellent engine but the heat coming from the cylinder is very uncomfortable, excellent review. keep up the good work. Cheers Ed.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Hot engines are a plus point when you live in the UK!! Although to be fair I didn't have any heating issues with this bike....

@fiveowaf454

5 жыл бұрын

@@TheMissendenFlyer Heat is a big deal in general when you live somewhere where it's 85-105 F during most of the riding season. After living in the UK for just over 40 years, I had to get used to the strange phenomena of being too hot on a motorcycle, I don't recall that ever being an issue in the UK and didn't give it a thought until riding here. When it's 100 F or so it literally feels like the engine heat is burning your legs on bikes where the heat really comes at you,especially in stop start traffic.

Outstanding video, would love to see a review on the 2018 Ducati 1260s as I'm torn between KTM and the Ducati for my next bike. Thanks again for the outstanding videos!!!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Bryan - I'm riding the 1260 in 2 weeks time....stay tuned!

@birddog6827

6 жыл бұрын

Excellent!!!! I currently own a 2016 RT and do love it, but I want something more sporty with the versatility and comfort of adventure bike...not interested in the XR, too buzzy.....I want to stick with a twin. Will be anxiously awaiting your review of the Multi. Thanks again!! And hello from Texas!!!!

Great review. Many thanks. Love the bike.

@TheMissendenFlyer

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure - thanks for watching!

Another good review,,, I am picking up my new 1290 Super Adventure s next week... In Australia KTM has an offer on where they are dropping $6200 off the price, on the road price is now $22990 which is an offer no one could refuse,, thats about 12,675 Pounds Sterling at the present rate..

@TheMissendenFlyer

3 жыл бұрын

Wow - lot of bike for the money - congratulations and enjoy!

@biker_dan

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheMissendenFlyer Thanks mate,,,, pick it up tomorrow ;)

First class channel - thanks for your efforts

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Raysaw - much appreciated...

@khalidaldhufairi

6 жыл бұрын

yes indeed

Great review. Love the yellow/white color combo. I wonder if you get better gas mileage by keeping the bike in rain mode all the time. With Winter fast approaching, viewers might like your opinion on how well the bike keeps the rider warm. Things like hand grip warmers, how well the windshield protects from the cold, as well as the hand guards (when applicable). Maybe mention what layers you are wearing to remain comfortable while riding. I find I can ride relatively comfortable on my GS down to the mid to low 30's F. The one kink in the armor would be the hand guards. I do plan to upgrade them with the touratech add-ons (per your recommendation/video). Again, great video. Very informative.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir - and thanks for the idea!

Great in depth review, fantastic bike but that insurance quote, my god!!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly!

I think a chain is more of an inconvenience when you are on a trip, at home in your garage it's just a bit of extra tinkering, when you come out of your hotel it's nice just to be able to ride off with a glance at your oil window and check the TPMS to see if the tires are still where they should be. If you are riding in dirt and sand I can see the weight of a loaded bike and the power giving chains and sprockets a hard life over a long tour. However if I wanted a really fast adventure bike I could learn to live with it.

Great real world review! Thanks!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Spiros!

Wow... great review!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you.....

Really well-done review as usual but that bike is anything but usual! I'd agree the looks are somewhat polarizing but by all other metrics the positives - espeically that engine - are quite something to consider.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Indeed they are Scott - as I said, on a pure spec comparison the bike is hard to beat, it's a fabulous beast and got me all of a quiver at the time....

I regularly get 60.1 mpg dropping to 58.8 mpg, the worst I have had is 55 after a session round Thruxton, amazing economy for a big V Twin and better than I get with my GSA

Nice review. I was thinking of the next gen 1290 sd gt as my next bike to replace my r1200rs but those service and insurance cost have me doubting that. Something to certainly check locally to see if it's as bad as you've found. Can I ask if you're going to comment on pilion accommodation you actually try it out. The bike had a centre stand so you could of tried it out, even on your own if you don't have a test pilot. Checking knee angles, foot clearances, grab handle position/angles and seat padding can't really be done by just looking at it and is very important to those of us that regularly take a pilion. Our buying decision can really depend on it so shouldn't be taken lightly especially for this class of bike.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Yes I would have liked to have taken a pillion but had none available at the time....must try harder...duly noted!

Nice bike, great review, BMW GSA just has it so right with the tank size and how it mounts the Satan’s as its part of the bike, although the TFT screen on this KTM is lovely mounting a Satan’s seems to have been forgotten about, Ive had 2 GSA’s now but I do really fancy a 1290, its just so hard to move away from the GSA which is just so well thought out.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Satan's what???

@SRKarting

6 жыл бұрын

TheMissendenFlyer lol. Bloody predictive text. I meant mounting a SatNav. 👍

Another great review TMF, these long term one's provide good insight into actual ownership. In terms of actual running costs I'd also be interested to know what the dealer would charge for a set of new tires fitted and balanced same as those the bike originally came with. Curious after getting a new rear only original tire fitted on my own bike for the eqivalent of £220 (!) from my local dealer.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Good point - I shall try and remember to ask that in future!

Good review as always. It would be interesting to see you review a Multistrada 1260 if you can get your hands on one.

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

Stay tuned!

@77archibald

5 жыл бұрын

+TheMissendenFlyer 👍

The cost of ownership would put me off straight away. My 2015 Tiger Explorer costs me £170 a year for Insurance, the first 500 mile service was £75 and the subsequent annual services were £160. The Explorer isn’t a perfect bike, but the current crop of adventure bikes just aren’t worth another five grand or so to ‘upgrade’. I’ll be keeping my Explorer for quite a few years yet, but I’ll probably invest in some aftermarket suspension upgrades next year. Great review MF and I’ll be looking forward to the next one. 👍😎

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mark.....

Interesting point about stability... I've had my GS loaded with vario panniers and a roll bag ( tent etc) flat out ( IOM and overseas) ...and its rock-steady. I really think you can't beat the Telelever design when you consider stability and playful handling. It's frankly unbeatable.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I love the lack of dive on heavy braking, brilliant....

Great review!! I have seen it many times :-) You got my sub. My next bike is either this or the gsa 1250. Now I am riding a 2015 s1000rr. Maybe the gsa is not powerfull enough? Greets from Belgium

@TheMissendenFlyer

3 жыл бұрын

I think you may be surprised by the 1250 GS - loads of real world power - and thanks for the sub!

Very nice review!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

GREAT REVIEW !

@TheMissendenFlyer

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you....

Fantastic review!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

+James ES44AC -2 Thank you :0)

Well done. I wish KTM would add a shaft drive and a GPS interface. Until then I’m still loving my R1200GS

Have watched a load of these videos before I purchase either this or the 1090, and I have to say that your work is the most thorough so far and I thank you for this. My only question is to ask if you'd choose this or the 1090 for touring longer distances with some gravel and dirt road riding.

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

This....

So if push came to shove the ktm or a gsa as a 2up tourer ? I'm leaning toward the gs but that ktm is very tempting. . Great vid

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Well I'm working up to that....stay tuned!

Hey mate, great review, just sold my 959 and will be chopping in the Africa Twin next spring and may just have one bike and thinking maybe the Super Adventure could be it, off to bike show Monday to see what’s about! Cheers, G-MAN

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

As a one-bike-does-all this would be great! Do say hello if you see me at the show, I'm there Monday too....

@GMANS_BIKES_CARS

6 жыл бұрын

TheMissendenFlyer , Thanks for reply buddy, as you said it’s not a cheap bike but as I’ll just be having one bike and not 2 I guess I can justify it! Will you be on the Principal insurance stand, def pop by and say hi on Monday, cheers, G-MAN

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Not officially I won't but I will be hanging out there from time to time so you may catch me there (or skulking about filming stuff)....

@GMANS_BIKES_CARS

6 жыл бұрын

TheMissendenFlyer , will keep an eye out buddy, I’ll be making a vid of the show too 👍

Thank you TMF, I have the same bike, and completely agree with your summary, including cost of ownership, which is high, although worth it, I think?

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Is your insurance so stratospheric-ally high too?? .....or am I being singled out?? ;0)

@lmartin0

6 жыл бұрын

Oh yes! Excuse the pun, The highest quote was £1800.00 finally paid less than half, after shopping around..

Excellent review as usual. I'd agree about the running costs, they're horrendous and are the sole reason I got rid of my KTM- pre-tft- and moved to a GS. All KTMs are all about the engine/chassis combination; they're not very fuel efficient once you rev them, utility that's the nature of the beast. In terms of smiles per mile, they're the best; but those running costs..... Insurance is heavily influenced by replacement parts cost. Overall, I found, and still find, the GS to be the better real-world option.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Interesting - so did you find high insurance costs too???

Not sure applies but always found the centre stand was easy operation lifting the bike

You can keep shaft drive. When I went from an FJ1200, which I loved, to an FJR1300, I didn't think an extra 120lb was an issue, but the handling went out the window. The only thing holding me back from a KTM SAS is the heat which you don't comment on in England (possibly desirable), but here in California could be unbearable.

Great review, I'm in the market for a new bike and this one is in the lead for me. Have you heard anything new for the 2021 model?

@TheMissendenFlyer

4 жыл бұрын

No I haven’t....

What is the wheel base. Height of bike and seat.Engine heat is very important

Great review as always. Love the wet mode down to 100bhp (so

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Steve, thought I'd better do away with any lycra for this one!

@SteveInskip

6 жыл бұрын

TheMissendenFlyer shrewd move! 😅

Love your channel, Question: I've just bought a 1290 adventure r and I'm having issues keeping the helmet paired to the bike. Once i turn the bike off I need to re pair the helmet intercom every time. Do you have any suggestions?

@TheMissendenFlyer

4 жыл бұрын

I have no idea - sorry (one of the reasons I tend not to use headsets!!)

A great review, well done on giving us the information that matters. I think the running cost thing is all subjective my FJR AE costs as much to service and the intervals are more frequent. Insurance is all relative too, you and I are the same age, I have no convictions or accidents against my name and I live in Lancashire in a post industrial town where crime is on the up, My quote was £425 (fully comp). This bike, well the Adventure T, along with the MTS 1200s/Enduro and the new Exploder are pretty much my short list for my next bike, so ideally I'd like to see and ride the new Exploder which has the benefit of being a shaft. Again thanks for a good review, much better than the nonsense you posted yesterday.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much....I think....

@thedarrendasher8134

6 жыл бұрын

Don't take it badly, an East Lancastrian will always tell you what he or she thinks, no offence is meant or offered in any way Tosh. Next time you're up this way, let me know and I'll show the good roads to ride.

@lifeasithappens5188

6 жыл бұрын

What do you mean "much better than the nonsense you posted yesterday" ?? Those ladies were stunning !! I don't think TMF even remembers what the purpose of the shoot was.

Obviously I'm commenting a couple of years late but........ £750 for insurance!!! I collect mine next week and at 51 yrs old with an average post code and 9 years no claims my insurance is £155. That includes protected no claims and pillion cover etc Considering your cost of ownership was 2/3rds insurance this drops massively for me. Great in depth review though 👍

Loved the honest and the "rider real" review. Ignore his Insurance quote... he's sponsored and paid by a SINGULAR insurance provider. If you're an experienced, no claim type rider you can get a policy for less than half that he'd quoted. I do every year! So the real life ownership costs can be vastly lower. For me...The engine, power delivery, handling and riding experience completely trump the "Belly Button" (everyone's got one) GS owner experience Apart from if you're mechanically inept and hate the idea of a chain final drive. I don't mind personally. I commute through mega traffic on my KTM too. I don't see ANY GS's filtering on my commute nor do I see GS's in their droves through the Alps and hairpins of Europe. My machine does 200 miles on a tank and will out perform any GS......Parts can be expensive though.

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by Gil, though I detect a bit of antiGSism creeping in! All the best for 2019 - TMF

@colterhikel9819

5 жыл бұрын

It does seem steep. I'm 40 in the us, pay 1k US yearly for 4 bikes including a 18 SA-r and a 17 enduro-r

Another first class review with all the stuff anyone in the market for one needs to know. Will you be getting your hands on the GS 850 in the near future?

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

I've certainly got a request in for it - likely to be a while though I guess....but stay tuned!

Having owned a new wet head GS for two years I have just pulled the trigger on a Black Super Adventure, which I pick up Friday. Cannot wait. However much I loved the GS this is next gen, even with a chain. BMW need to catch up soon.

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations David, you're going to have a ball on this beast - out of interest did you try the 2018 GSA???

@robertkilgannon8823

3 жыл бұрын

So how did it work out? I've just ditched a GS for a 2020 SAS and so far so good!

These full "living with " reviews combined with your balanced unbiased style are invaluable to anyone considering a purchase. You get so much deeper than the traditional magazine reviews even their "long termers" which you only get piecemeal month by month. Good to see you getting a mention in MCN keep up the good work

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Fabulous, thank you Andy, glad you like this format....I try and cover the sort of things I'd look for if I were buying....

ooh I like the lean angle sensitive lights, fancy schmancy!

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

me too!

It may be a nice machine in many ways,but the absence of shaft drive is a deal breaker for me.Thanks TMF.👍

Great review ...question slow speed ....did you have any issue with rear cylinder heating up rh thigh friend off mine actually suffered burning .....admit it was a bit warmer weather wise and an extended slow pace just asking whats you or your subscribers view

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

No Steve I didn't, no heating issues noted at all....

Great unbiased review as always(even though you ride a GS) the insurance you were quoted is high, through the same broker insured R for under £380 with pretty much same post code. Agree with pannier issues so opted for tail rack with a dry bag and thus far has worked “sufficiently” be great if you can get a long term 2018 GS to compare?

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

How interesting on the insurance front??? ...and stay tuned for my SA v GS comparison!

@StanLMAO696

6 жыл бұрын

TheMissendenFlyer Will keep an eye out, I have ridden past Bahnstomer and was tempted to take the GS You reviewed on your channel, may well take the plunge however as you do say it’s personal preference and having owned a number of KTM’s of different flavours you get used to a manufacturer

the good points agree totaly ;) engine,qs+,light nights, nice and usefull tech... just wish you tested it with the last firmware upgrade got navigation on screen and nice user interface changes :)

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

Sounds good!

Hi I love watching your reviews I’m looking for a bike next year got to be good for pillion so it’s out of bmw gs or a tiger have you tried the versy or gtr1400 not found a good uk review on the gtr cheers Garry from Aylesbury

@TheMissendenFlyer

6 жыл бұрын

I have a review of the Versys "in the can" will be uploaded soon....stay tuned!