KTM Super Adventure

[100milesaway]

Roger, you and I both know that you could go on any bike specific web site.   And European manufacturers are always at the top of the list of owner complaints. The Triumph Explorer for one.  BMW also have a shocking record on machine problems and warranty work. Ducati also suffer from massive and catastrophic failures. And  I dont think that I need to remind you Rog, regarding our day out on the supposed "magic carpet ride" Aprilia Caponord a 12 thousand pound bike, that was just a heap of  . Although I dont think that they will be inundated with warranty claims on that one, due to the fact that I have 12 months on from our test, yet to see one on the road. In my experience, which is lots( I'm 67 ya know) the Japanese make far and away the best bikes, and I cant see me buying anything else.    

[SirToU]

the Japanese make far and away the best bikes,

+1000000000000..........

However, I'm not a fan of Yamaha (Except Rossi), and Kawasaki Versys, doesn't really float my boat, nothing wrong with the bike, but if I'm going down a adv style bike, I can't guarantee those roads some of you (you know who you are) took us down two years ago, wouldn't turn into a little offloading.....

Yes, I know its 13-16k worth of bike, but isn't that what the designers had in mind?  ;-)

longevity is a worry though, at 54k, the GTR has been great - not 100% perfect, but certainly 95% perfect.

Its easy to read the forums, but as you say, I wonder whether I can blag a long day / weekend test ride....

Thanks for everyone's input.

Neil

[O.C.]

Sadly you have both completely missed my point  (maybe I didn't  explain thoroughly )  I wasn't using the posting capture to promote Yamaha  quite the opposite in fact......

I was trying to say 'try it and decide if the KTM is for you,'

Neil, I know you well enough to be able to confidently say that you will make an informed decision which will be right for you.

Good luck mate    

[Lonewolf]

Been looking at the K16GT as well, as b4 £16k is too much for an occasional bike, they are now starting to appear as used albeit with above average mileages, but it proves that they are bought to ride. I think I'm ready fo a new toy!

Coman

I had my doubts that the K16 could be-would be any better than the GTR despite the assurances I got from Winston, as usual he was right and I was way off the mark. I spoke to Chris before I bought mine and he looked at the one I was buying on line and I still recall his comments, "You've got a bargain there".
Mines the GT SE with all the toys on it, one owner and it came with a staggering 3750 miles on it. I paid £11200 for it. It was a no brainer! 

[SirToU]

At that price...... that does sound a good price.

Neil

[Lonewolf]

At that price...... that does sound a good price.

Neil

Yeah, and that was from a dealer, albeit a non BMW place.

[100milesaway]

I had my doubts that the K16 could be-would be any better than the GTR despite the assurances I got from Winston, as usual he was right and I was way off the mark. I spoke to Chris before I bought mine and he looked at the one I was buying on line and I still recall his comments, "You've got a bargain there".
Mines the GT SE with all the toys on it, one owner and it came with a staggering 3750 miles on it. I paid £11200 for it. It was a no brainer! 

How much would that bike have been brand new Steve?.

[Lonewolf]

In the region of £20k, perhaps a tad over.

[SirToU]

That's a huge depreciation....

But getting back.... I'm doing lots and lots of research and reading of reviews.

The more I read about the Super Adventure, the more I'm hooked.  The reviews are coming up with absolute minor points - the seat not being completely comfortable, the screen not it the right place or being too high.....  But I think these comments have been said before about another bike...... :-)

So, it's all very tempting........  But I'll keep you all informed over the next few months....

Sorry if I bore you all,  but it's been a little while since I've been this excited about a potentially new bike.....

Neil

[O.C.]

It's not boring at all Neil,  good luck with your search    

[SirToU]

Ps.  Tip of the week:  if your in love with your bike: don't wash it, care for it or even go out and look at it......  Cause you will fall in love again...   And you will be even more confused than you were before you washed it, cared for it etc etc etc....

[100milesaway]

Ps.  Tip of the week:  if your in love with your bike: don't wash it, care for it or even go out and look at it......  Cause you will fall in love again...   And you will be even more confused than you were before you washed it, cared for it etc etc etc....

I have loved my bike since day one of owning it.  I've been out on it for the last three days in a row. I wash it every single time it has been used, I love it more each time I ride it.  And I'm not confused at all.  It is tucked up in the garage looking like a new pin, and I love it to bits.

[Kawdolph]

I know of people who went offroad on the ktm big adventure ,not to happy said weight was an issue for this riding ,i have changed my bike for a 650 v strom miss the power a bit but the light weight feel easy handling and comfy riding position amply make up for that .I did my research last year regarding these types of machines Yam suzuki and kawasaki 650/1000 adventure bikes bullet proof but lack top end power,ktm have the top end but are by no means bullet proof also the newer bmw older bmw ad1150 great bike .An itch is an itch and will continue until scratched one way or  another .

[SirToU]

I said I do research, I bought three magazines yesterday - Bike,  Ride and Motorcycle.....   How about this 3 out of 3 loved the bike.....

And having read those three reviews, it looks like it might be a bye bye fireblade.....  But that doesn't change the fact that I can't test ride one until April sometime.  :-(

Weight for me is not an issue...  I feel at home on heavier bikes because of being 16 stone...  :-(  I'm shaving 70 kilos of the weight of the GTR........  That's a more than a small Italian!   ;-)

As always, keep you informed as to which way I go, but it's very unlikely I'm going to sell the GTR... :-)

Neil

[Martin#30]

Neil,

Do you like V-Twin bikes? Looking at your selection of bikes, I think they are all IL4s and speaking personally, I have never managed to get the same level of enjoyment from the twins. I have had Ducatis and Aprilias, all track bikes mind rather than road bikes, and I never really gelled with the totally linear power delivery. I was forever banging them into the rev limiter, and they never felt fast to me due to that lack of IL4 top end rush.

When I did ride them on the road, I also got intensely frustrated at the vibration and jerky power delivery at low rpm town speeds.

I am having similar 'should I change, just because the GTR is getting on a bit' thoughts as you. I am wondering, mine now at 63k, how long it will continue to be reliable for. I really want to like the R1200RT as the weather protection, gadgets,  and comfort all fill my long commute needs. I just cannot get on with the engine though, just seems so agricultural to me.

The K1600 would probably be perfect, but it is a lot of money to spend on something that I am going to ruin by riding through the winters and avoiding the bucket & sponge.

I think the GTR is almost perfect. Yes, there might by 10% better out there in the latest stuff, but I keep coming back to how great the GTR is for crunching big miles. I hope I can keep mine past 100k.

Martin.