790 Adv vs 1200GSA

Snowy

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I've had my 2011 1200GSA for 8 years and since day 1 it's worn the crown of 'best bike I've ever had in 40 years of riding'.

I should've been on my way to Mongolia right now (thanks covid) via the 'Stans and the Pamirs but because of the route I'd chosen (the Bartang Valley, Wakhan Corridor, the edge of the Gobi Desert and avoiding as much tarmac as possible in Mongolia) I'd decided the GSA wasn't the right bike. It's been to Iceland on one of Tim's trips and although it did everything I asked of it, in the sand and numerous river crossings I found it somewhat challenging. I didn't want to be picking up a nearly 300kg (with luggage and fuel) bike on my own or even get to the stage where I couldn't pick it up.

After months of geeking the options the 790 Adv ticked all the boxes for me. It seems to carry its weight ridiculously low, I can plant both my feet if I need to and it has a huge range. I was offered an awesome deal from the usual KTM end-of-season sale in September so bought one. It's not a bike I lusted over, I don't think its pretty and it sounds like a bag of nails but bought it as a functional tool to get me to Ulaanbaatar. It sits next to the GSA in the garage and they couldn't look or be more different.

To put some miles on the 790, I've just taken it on a 2-week, 3000 mile blast down to The Algarve and back via the Picos. There was hardly a main road involved and the roads were stunning. I have to say the 790 has blown me away. I've completely fallen for it in a way I didn't think I would. It's not as refined as the GSA, obviously has different power delivery but it's more than quick enough, it's super-light in comparison and I love it. So much so I'm thinking of selling the GSA to fund another trip on the KTM to South America soon after I return from Mongolia.

I know all the jokes about KTM reliability and it's always in the back of my mind (the GSA has been faultless since I've had it) but so far so good. The seat is made from the hardest material known to man but the Air-Hawk has sorted that. Ian Chappel's bash-plate is brilliant, the Puig deflector got rid of the buffeting and the Rade Garage pannier frames are super-narrow and discreet.

For what I want it for, the 790 Adv gets the nod. However, if I was taking just tarmac roads it might be different.

Hopefully places open up and the Mongolia trip will go ahead next year !!!
 

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They look fine if you stand at the right angle with your back to them ;-)
 


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