MCN ADV Bike Test: GS, Explorer, Tenéré, 1190R

http://youtu.be/f1SZbgLxOGQ

That KTM 1190 looks like a V-Strom. Funny they would style it after the ugliest cheapest liter adventure bike around. Just my opinion. YMMV

Yes, hard to get past it no matter the performance.

Like the GS is a real beauty queen?? Beauty is in the eye of the throttle holder.

I had a V-Strom before the GS. I guess I'm drawn to the homely.

Forget the looks you girlies, the KTM looks to be a better off road ride :)

Yeah but to old KTM was / is a looker.

BMW with cases, KTM without cases.
Also were the tires the same?

Don't kid yourself, you could put street tires on the ktm, load it up with cinder blocks and it would still be the better off road bike.

I kinda like the look of the new ktm. I love boxers but the new wc just doesn't cut it for me, too much of a "plastic" look. A buddy rode the wc and said the wc boxer was leaps and bounds better the the 12 gs in every aspect (I value his opinion).

Even though they are labelled "adv" bikes they are all sorta different purpose bike. I see the ktm as the only one capable or semi designed for off road, the others designed for roads (gravel orpaved).

My two cents


Dale

Always thought KTM's slant nose looked a little strange, but a little cool as well. And once I heard that the 1190 is 500lb and 150hp...I've changed my opinion to "it looks awesome!"

I have been riding a GS for 13 years now and about 250,000kms so I guess that makes me a fan of the bike but never would I say the GS is good looking.
This new KTM 1190 Adventure R though, in my opinion is the best looking Big Trailie bike yet and I don't see one bit of resemblance to a V-Strom. The fact that it is so much more capable than my GS off pavement only makes it more handsome to my eyes.

Just get rid of those slicks, install a proper set of tires and some soft luggage....can't wait to test ride this bike.

+1
I like the looks of the KTM, not a fan of the brand but this bike looks good.

OK, you got me, that one looks good. I was commenting on the one in the video. BTW, a wise man once told me, beauty is only skin deep but ugly is to the bone!

I think he meant that it's better to bone a beauty.

I think that statement is quite a stretch.

I wasn't saying one is better than the other, all I'm saying is, was the test equal?

If you load a KTM down, I'm not saying it's better or worse, it all depends on how high the weight is, and the tires do make a difference.

Getting same grief from wife who thinks my M109R LE was the bomb!! The GSA Triple Black is in her words, Homely...

I think the GSA is the "beast"..love it.

Now don't get me wrong I love my 08gsa. I know there are faster GS's. I hear the WC GS handles better as well but mine is mine. We have a history, so I'm keeping her. With that said the new KTM is a hot bike, I'd have to look at it if I were shopping. Thank god I'm not