Barftone
Well-Known Member
As part of the Overland Rally this weekend just gone KTM and Triumph kindly let us loose on some of their latest toys. The test rides were a 20 mile loop around the back roads of Oxfordshire in a convoy based rideout. Triumph 1200 was the first go and it kinda felt how I was expecting it to. Bit big and heavy, awesome engine, well fuelled and nice and stable. If you like a Varadero or 1150GS then this one may be a good option especially 2 up? Now the one thing I did notice was how warm my man bits got! The seat was set fairly low and all the engine heat seemed to just flow right up my inner thighs!! By the end of the ride (admitadely on a warmish day on Friday) it became a very iratating issue and I was humming "Chestnuts roasting on a open fire" to myself on the ride! KTM 1090R next. This is the one I was hoping I would like as it is a direct competitor to the Africa Twin with 21 inch front wheel, spokes, and TKC80s on it. Instant smile for this one as I headed off. Felt alive and quick. Fairly light feeling for a big bike as well. Not super stable on those tyres but it was a whole lot of fun. Fuelling was good and I had a play with all 4 modes. The small fairing did a bit of holding off the wind but it was a bit noisy. Seaty was supportive. I stood on the pegs a couple of times and it would need risers for my arms for the dirty stuff. If I had 12 grand it would a be a close run thing but I think the KTM might just pip a new Honda in my garage. Onto the 1290R, 19 inch front wheel but more roady conti's fitted. The ipad size dash catches the eye with its colour screen, vey bling but as it shows a speedo and analogue like rev counter is there much point?. Nice ride but I kinda struggled to ride it smoothly and it was difficult to know why? Perhaps the 160 geegees were a touch too much, not sure? Much more stable and felt a bit heavier than the 1090R. Engine heat again reared its head at the lights around my legs. Looked nicely finished as well. This thing can get you into trouble quickly, so much power and just so easy to ride on bumpy back lanes that you could perhaps be breezing along a touch quicker than is sensible at times? Maybe that was the issue? So if there are 2 of you take the 1290R with its bigger saddle. The standard 1290 has a wider saddle and bigger cast wheels so if you have no dirty stuff to ride that may be a better option. For me 1090R all the way......try one...especially if u like a bit of dirty fun at the Stella, etc.....however........if I were to set off to Auz tomorrow withich one would I take?.....oh yes my old RD07
