As soon as KTM does lowered bikes, I am 5’10” but can’t do both feet down, then they will surge ahead. IMHO the KTM is a far superior bike.
Interesting write up
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Complete bollocks, I have a scotoiler installed on my XR and the chain is zero hassle apart from renewing every 15-20k and I ride all year round.
fred_jb
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Honda already do on one of their adv bikes , and everybody knows that Hondas are uncool :;
If you are referring to the X-ADV, then unfortunately the chain is not fully enclosed - it has a larger than usual chain guard, but it only goes over the outboard side of the chain, the inboard side is still exposed.
Im 5’10 and can flat foot both feet on my 1290S. And that’s with the higher PowerParts seat.
With Bmw selling nearly double the amount of GS s compared to its nearest rival I’m not sure the all rounder will ever be knocked off its number one spot , even by a focused Austrian machine .
I dont understand why they dont do more bikes with a belt drive
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Shaft is zero maintenance and that’s what I want, chain isn’t zero maintenance despite what you say - also the telever has yet to be bettered for heavy loads and pillion on the road. The duo-lever would probably be as good but no-one does one on an adventure bike yet as far as I know???
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Belt drive would be a consideration.
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The only thing that KTM or one of the other manufacturers could do is to make a direct copy of the GS and fix all the little niggles - why don’t they?
Good point . As I say both are great bikes but I think the KTM is too focused for many .
I also agree that shaft drives are the way to go for winter riding , especially this week with the tonnes of crud on the roads . Chain driven is fine if your prepared to put a reasonable amount of effort in cleaning after every ride , each to their own I suppose
Deleted account 211025001
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I ride my 1190R all year round and commute into work on it.
Modern chains and lubes are a world apart from what we grew up with and as ever you are taking out of your arse. I don't even have a chain oiler and I'm still on my original chain on a 14 plate with life left in it still.
What little maintenance I do to my chain at this time of year (clean and re-grease once a fortnight) is more than equalled by the amount of time you spend cleaning and Scotoiling your GS to prevent it dissolving before your eyes.
Back to the OP ~ I didn't read the article but in my opinion the GS is always going to have broader appeal than the KTM 'R'. The 'R' is a much more focused bike. For me that's a good thing but not for everybody. The GS has hit the sweet spot as a 'jack of all trades' bike but that's what turns me off them, it's good at most things but doesn't really excel at anything.
Now, if we compare the 'S' to a GS then I think it's pretty close. The 'S' has all the techno bollox that seems to appeal to a lot of GS owners. Is a gnats breath off being as good two up. Is better built and, well, just goes, stops and handles in a different league to the GS.
The GS is a tool. A good tool. But, a soulless tool.
The KTM has soul in spades and for me that's what biking is about. Soul
Andres
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My Thruxton R is:
Sex, Class A drugs and Rock & Roll all wrapped up in the best looking motorcycle on the market at present - it would be plain wrong to put a shaft drive on that, so I am happy spend time on chain maintenance but I only do about 5,000 miles a year on it.
My LC GS is a the best all year round workaday tool, the best tourer for all roads, the best load and pillion carrier bar none - and still great fun on the Alpine roads - I don’t want to be faffing about with chains when I am doing 1,000 miles a month.
KTM et al would do well to copy the GS.
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Deleted account Charles Martel
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Stick , the problem is these Journo-types get influenced by the huge BM Marketing machine ...
Bribed with advertising revenues, trips to fab hotels and freebies....
One guy on here has both bikes and he prefers the KTM. I think sometimes our loyalty to the GS blinds us to other developments and ideas.
Since he is unbiased, I think he's probably right.... it's more exciting and hugely capable.
(I still can't bring myself to buy one till they pop a shaft drive on it though , and the KTM dealers raise their game .....)
I think that goes for any manufacturer
Deleted account Charles Martel
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So how do you explain Nutty preferring his ?
Deleted account Charles Martel
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Because he prefers it ?
Why is that ? Do you think ?
( I do find the loyalty exhibited to the GS quite unexplainable ... probably due to the limited intellect of the posters here ....)
