Had quick spin on one whilst my 1290 was being serviced and its not as different as some in the press claim - and how would they know when they probably have not ridden the old model since its launch 4 years ago, seems the just swallowed the KTM press pack at face value.
To me it is a bit like when I switched from 1190 to 1290 there are pros and cons, but more pros this time I would say.
The new engine is definitely a bit smoother, although maybe the difference seemed a bit bigger as it is so silent and my bike has an Akra, but no doubt it can pull from lower revs a bit better.
The suspension felt good, probably better, but not massivley IMHO, what is more important for me is the fine adjustments you can make, a real bugbear on my model is the 4 preload settings, the new one has a slider that goes from 0-100% in 10% increments - so 10 settings instead of 4, but it was set to 70% and I upped it to 80% without it feeling too hard / high so not so sure it has any more scope for 2 burly folk and luggage than old bike.
What I really liked is that you can adjust preload on the fly, very handy as I always set off with it in the last mode and if it needs changing I have to stop to do it. I was unable to test the dynamic setting and anti-dive adjustments as these are paid for extras not on demo bike - which I find a bit annoying as how do I know if they are worth the dosh if I cannot try them 1st, Dealers should either put them on demo's, or KTM offer a 2 week / 500 mile trial mode, easy enough in this day and age of electronic unlocks.
One big difference is that you sit in rather than on the bike, like a GS, will mean a lot more people can fit on it but for me less leg room, probably get soem back with seat options, which reminds me, I managed over half an hour without the seat killing my arse, a new record for me!
On the road I think it's a bit more nimble and possibly hugs road better, maybe with more feedback but hard to be sure on short test ride on local roads, also on different tyres to my bike, but I found the lower seating position felt strange and as if the bike had collapsed at the rear - I am sure more time and it would feel natural, but initial impressions are I prefer the "Sat on" stance of mine.
TC seems to work a bit better and allows a bit more front wheel float under power and does not shut down power as abruptly, but a very minor point as it only really applies to full bore acceleration in 1st / 2nd, might also allow a bit better floating over crests but I did not get to test such behaviour.
Would love to see if QS improved as I would say mine is good rather than great (but much better than the "GS Quick shifter" as that is an oxymoron. Dissapontingly not on demo bike, whereas the radar cruise is, I would much rather has the QS as standard, did not test the RADAR, sure it works fine but I find the normal cruise works well enough for me.
I am fairly certain there is less heat on legs with new rads, but it was not that hot during the ride, but I sat ticking over for a bit and managed to catch a red traffic light and pretty sure I would of felt more heat on mine.
Overall an improvement, pretty much as good or slightly better in every department, especially for anyone under 6 foot. Felt as if it has moved a shade more towards a GS and road bike.
Having done a weekend away on mine keeping up with mates K13's / XR's and Gixxers in the twisties and having all day comfort and no heat issues (with ambient temps of 20-22) I think I proved it is not worth the (C) £6k I would need to spend to upgrade my 2 year old / 8000 mile bike, but in a couple of years I may well go for one.
I think it will be a hit for KTM as current owners of 1x90's will like it and it is more likely than ever to lure GS riders, and other (not so tall) folk who fancy an adventure bike, or are looking to upgrade one.
