V Strom 1050XT v KTM
Discussion
Right, after doing some insurance quotes and having a think about what type of riding I actually do I am lead away from a superbike/naked/sportstourer towards AVD style.
I keep coming back to the KTM 1290 Adventure S (2017 2019) or the V Strom 1050 XT (2020 2022) budget just over £8k. Nothing else really floats my boat in this sector. Both have all the toys (IMU, Cruise etc) that I want and no other model really interests me.
I assume I'm right in thinking are far better suited to crappier A and B roads than my VFR1200F.
Any idea how the old Strom matches up against the KTM? I've managed to sit on both but not been able to find one ready to test ride. Also never ridden anything with a 19" wheel before so am slightly concerned if it'll be any different re turn in them my VFR on those nadgery back roads? I'm also taking a wild guess that the stock Strom suspension won't deal well with my 18 stone weight and it'd be a good idea to remove my Nitron shock from the VFR....
I keep coming back to the KTM 1290 Adventure S (2017 2019) or the V Strom 1050 XT (2020 2022) budget just over £8k. Nothing else really floats my boat in this sector. Both have all the toys (IMU, Cruise etc) that I want and no other model really interests me.
I assume I'm right in thinking are far better suited to crappier A and B roads than my VFR1200F.
Any idea how the old Strom matches up against the KTM? I've managed to sit on both but not been able to find one ready to test ride. Also never ridden anything with a 19" wheel before so am slightly concerned if it'll be any different re turn in them my VFR on those nadgery back roads? I'm also taking a wild guess that the stock Strom suspension won't deal well with my 18 stone weight and it'd be a good idea to remove my Nitron shock from the VFR....
I can't see how you'd end up with these two on the same list
You either want a dull cruiser or a comfy rocket ship - which is it?
KTM has approx 50 BHP more and the suspension is in a different league
I have the 1190 S which I updated to cast wheels and the 19" isn't problem. Although I have bought a 17" from a GT to see if it makes much of a difference but I like fiddling with things
I haven't ridden the 1050 but I did ride the 600 and 1000 and found them to be the dullest bikes ever, although I suspect it will be more reliable it just isn't in the same class
You either want a dull cruiser or a comfy rocket ship - which is it?
KTM has approx 50 BHP more and the suspension is in a different league
I have the 1190 S which I updated to cast wheels and the 19" isn't problem. Although I have bought a 17" from a GT to see if it makes much of a difference but I like fiddling with things
I haven't ridden the 1050 but I did ride the 600 and 1000 and found them to be the dullest bikes ever, although I suspect it will be more reliable it just isn't in the same class
Currently have a 2023 1290 SAS and used to have a 2017 VStrom 1000 (very similar to the 1050XT just bit uglier)
The KTM is in a COMPLETELY different league. But is a lot more expensive for the 2 bikes I've had. I've heard bad stories of the prev gen 1290 but I could be wrong (i.e. the one you're looking at).
The KTM is in a COMPLETELY different league. But is a lot more expensive for the 2 bikes I've had. I've heard bad stories of the prev gen 1290 but I could be wrong (i.e. the one you're looking at).
I'm biased as I have a 1290 which I love but you'll be looking at tatty gen 2s for 8k so expect niggles.
Have had a go on the vstrom and they are completely different bikes. The vstrom is more versys 1000, good tool but dull. Adventure bikes shouldnt be 1290 fast.
Test ride them both!
Have had a go on the vstrom and they are completely different bikes. The vstrom is more versys 1000, good tool but dull. Adventure bikes shouldnt be 1290 fast.
Test ride them both!
Generally, they're pretty reliable, usual KTM l problems with the dash, the odd random message generally cured by turning it off and on again or disconnecting the battery
A few have reported issues with head shake generally with load or top box
My 1190 although you should be able to turn off MTC whilst it's running, mine has to be done when it isn't - think they call it character
Most KTM owners, buy another KTM, I currently own five of them. Fantastic bikes but they have the odd niggle
A few have reported issues with head shake generally with load or top box
My 1190 although you should be able to turn off MTC whilst it's running, mine has to be done when it isn't - think they call it character
Most KTM owners, buy another KTM, I currently own five of them. Fantastic bikes but they have the odd niggle
I had a V-Strom, although an older one. It was very capable, very comfortable, the engine was quite tractable but it was like swinging a pendulum around corners. Hard work to ride fast, wasn't really that fast. but for touring two up, I'd imagine it would be one f the better options. The XT is a much more modern version of mine but I'd imagine the weight and handling will be similar.
Currently have a KTM 1290GT but have ridden the 1290 Adventure S. As mentioned above, the KTM is light years ahead of the V-Strom. Much faster, much better suspension and much better handling, it's a premium product compared to a middle of the road bike.
Unless you want to go off road, I'd suggest you look at the KTM 1290 GT. Has semi-active suspension, adjustable riding modes, 170bhp, it ballistically fast for a sit up bike and with the heated comfort seat, very comfortable, suitable for 700 miles a day with ease.
Currently have a KTM 1290GT but have ridden the 1290 Adventure S. As mentioned above, the KTM is light years ahead of the V-Strom. Much faster, much better suspension and much better handling, it's a premium product compared to a middle of the road bike.
Unless you want to go off road, I'd suggest you look at the KTM 1290 GT. Has semi-active suspension, adjustable riding modes, 170bhp, it ballistically fast for a sit up bike and with the heated comfort seat, very comfortable, suitable for 700 miles a day with ease.
KTMsm said:
I can't see how you'd end up with these two on the same list
You either want a dull cruiser or a comfy rocket ship - which is it?
KTM has approx 50 BHP more and the suspension is in a different league
I have the 1190 S which I updated to cast wheels and the 19" isn't problem. Although I have bought a 17" from a GT to see if it makes much of a difference but I like fiddling with things
I haven't ridden the 1050 but I did ride the 600 and 1000 and found them to be the dullest bikes ever, although I suspect it will be more reliable it just isn't in the same class
I initially hankered after a Blade but insurance is literally triple the cost of either the strom or the 1290 GT/Adventure. I was dead against an adventure bike for not wanting to become another Ewan/Charlie but I'm coming round to the fact that they're probably much better than a Sports Tourer or even the KTM GT for back roads.You either want a dull cruiser or a comfy rocket ship - which is it?
KTM has approx 50 BHP more and the suspension is in a different league
I have the 1190 S which I updated to cast wheels and the 19" isn't problem. Although I have bought a 17" from a GT to see if it makes much of a difference but I like fiddling with things
I haven't ridden the 1050 but I did ride the 600 and 1000 and found them to be the dullest bikes ever, although I suspect it will be more reliable it just isn't in the same class
I'd never considered the Strom either but I've got a friend with the 650 and my Uncle has the 2017 1000 and both absolutely adore them - I guess it's as much in getting a "newer" bike albeit with arguably slightly less tech.
SteveKTMer said:
I had a V-Strom, although an older one. It was very capable, very comfortable, the engine was quite tractable but it was like swinging a pendulum around corners. Hard work to ride fast, wasn't really that fast. but for touring two up, I'd imagine it would be one f the better options. The XT is a much more modern version of mine but I'd imagine the weight and handling will be similar.
Currently have a KTM 1290GT but have ridden the 1290 Adventure S. As mentioned above, the KTM is light years ahead of the V-Strom. Much faster, much better suspension and much better handling, it's a premium product compared to a middle of the road bike.
Unless you want to go off road, I'd suggest you look at the KTM 1290 GT. Has semi-active suspension, adjustable riding modes, 170bhp, it ballistically fast for a sit up bike and with the heated comfort seat, very comfortable, suitable for 700 miles a day with ease.
You were definitely harder to keep up with on the KTM than the Vstrom! Currently have a KTM 1290GT but have ridden the 1290 Adventure S. As mentioned above, the KTM is light years ahead of the V-Strom. Much faster, much better suspension and much better handling, it's a premium product compared to a middle of the road bike.
Unless you want to go off road, I'd suggest you look at the KTM 1290 GT. Has semi-active suspension, adjustable riding modes, 170bhp, it ballistically fast for a sit up bike and with the heated comfort seat, very comfortable, suitable for 700 miles a day with ease.
OK I've ridden both, owned the Strom.
The Strom I complained about being dull but I was shocked to calculate that I'd ridden it for a lot more miles than I thought that I had. It'll ride to Africa and back.
The valve service cost is circa £800 also. The spokes corrode.
However it's dull, it's engine has no character. It is like driving a Skoda Super estate 2.0TDI.
I'd have the 1290 all day long, 1000%. Buy privately and you'll get alot of bike for 8k. Plenty out there if you are patient. It's got character and boy with an aftermarket exhaust
The Strom I complained about being dull but I was shocked to calculate that I'd ridden it for a lot more miles than I thought that I had. It'll ride to Africa and back.
The valve service cost is circa £800 also. The spokes corrode.
However it's dull, it's engine has no character. It is like driving a Skoda Super estate 2.0TDI.
I'd have the 1290 all day long, 1000%. Buy privately and you'll get alot of bike for 8k. Plenty out there if you are patient. It's got character and boy with an aftermarket exhaust
Edited by Hugo Stiglitz on Friday 16th February 09:57
snagzie said:
Currently have a 2023 1290 SAS and used to have a 2017 VStrom 1000 (very similar to the 1050XT just bit uglier)
The KTM is in a COMPLETELY different league. But is a lot more expensive for the 2 bikes I've had. I've heard bad stories of the prev gen 1290 but I could be wrong (i.e. the one you're looking at).
What bad stories out of interest?The KTM is in a COMPLETELY different league. But is a lot more expensive for the 2 bikes I've had. I've heard bad stories of the prev gen 1290 but I could be wrong (i.e. the one you're looking at).
HairyMaclary said:
I'm biased as I have a 1290 which I love but you'll be looking at tatty gen 2s for 8k so expect niggles.
Have had a go on the vstrom and they are completely different bikes. The vstrom is more versys 1000, good tool but dull. Adventure bikes shouldnt be 1290 fast.
Test ride them both!
Wouldn't have said the ones I've seen are "tatty" or at least not in respect of what I'd consider tatty. I was actually pleasantly suprised how one with nearly 50k miles had shrugged off almost any corrosion, apart from a few furry bolts it was pristine. Have had a go on the vstrom and they are completely different bikes. The vstrom is more versys 1000, good tool but dull. Adventure bikes shouldnt be 1290 fast.
Test ride them both!
SteveKTMer said:
I had a V-Strom, although an older one. It was very capable, very comfortable, the engine was quite tractable but it was like swinging a pendulum around corners. Hard work to ride fast, wasn't really that fast. but for touring two up, I'd imagine it would be one f the better options. The XT is a much more modern version of mine but I'd imagine the weight and handling will be similar.
Currently have a KTM 1290GT but have ridden the 1290 Adventure S. As mentioned above, the KTM is light years ahead of the V-Strom. Much faster, much better suspension and much better handling, it's a premium product compared to a middle of the road bike.
Unless you want to go off road, I'd suggest you look at the KTM 1290 GT. Has semi-active suspension, adjustable riding modes, 170bhp, it ballistically fast for a sit up bike and with the heated comfort seat, very comfortable, suitable for 700 miles a day with ease.
How do you mean pendulum? Any ideas if this is just chassis or crap OEM suspension? I admit I haven't quit been able to understand if it is effectively a tarted up 20 year old bike or if there are major frame changes etc from then....Currently have a KTM 1290GT but have ridden the 1290 Adventure S. As mentioned above, the KTM is light years ahead of the V-Strom. Much faster, much better suspension and much better handling, it's a premium product compared to a middle of the road bike.
Unless you want to go off road, I'd suggest you look at the KTM 1290 GT. Has semi-active suspension, adjustable riding modes, 170bhp, it ballistically fast for a sit up bike and with the heated comfort seat, very comfortable, suitable for 700 miles a day with ease.
Currently trying to find somewhere I can test ride.
How did the S and the GT compare? For some reason I seem to see a lot less issues about that year S vs the GT.
I fully appreciate a lot of what I want is for my own ego - I can't help feeling I'd be somewhat disappointed in my head with the Strom albeit I wouldn't be pushing it to it's limits. I would like something that is the "easiest" to ride fast between A and B rather than having to really wrench it round corners etc.
KTMsm said:
If you were after a Blade, there's no way you'll be happy with a VStrom !
The main difference between the GT and the Super adventure is the riding position - it should be obvious when you sit on them, which you prefer
Blade was more of a known Honda quality but being able to experience a superbike as opposed to a sensible decision ha. I definitely fitted the Adventure better albeit it was the first bike I've ever not had bent knees on when straddling it on the sidestand. The main difference between the GT and the Super adventure is the riding position - it should be obvious when you sit on them, which you prefer
Went to look at a 2021 V Strom 1050XT and a 2015 1290 Super Adventure T today.
The dealer who had the Strom let me test ride it and offered a good trade in price, will also let me keep the Nitron Shock from my VFR to either sell or see if it can be modified to fit the Strom (oem Strom suspension is pretty poor). The Strom felt unbelievably easy to ride, much less intimidating than the big VFR and I was riding considerably quicker on the backroads. Initially I thought it was a slouch but after looking down at the speedo I was well in excess of what I thought - the screen is brilliant. At 2000 miles it's basically brand new and utterly mint.
Rode the VFR 90 miles in the other direction to look at the 1290, got given a miserable attitude by the salesman and a crap trade in value on the VFR. Oh, and he wouldn't let me test ride it 2 hours prior to closing "incase it breaks down and we have to come out"!!!! Huge amount of rusty bolts all over as well. Not exactly selling the reliability factor there.
Currently then the Strom is the winner..... Might not have the savage power but there is enough and it really did handle nadgery back roads beautifully.
The dealer who had the Strom let me test ride it and offered a good trade in price, will also let me keep the Nitron Shock from my VFR to either sell or see if it can be modified to fit the Strom (oem Strom suspension is pretty poor). The Strom felt unbelievably easy to ride, much less intimidating than the big VFR and I was riding considerably quicker on the backroads. Initially I thought it was a slouch but after looking down at the speedo I was well in excess of what I thought - the screen is brilliant. At 2000 miles it's basically brand new and utterly mint.
Rode the VFR 90 miles in the other direction to look at the 1290, got given a miserable attitude by the salesman and a crap trade in value on the VFR. Oh, and he wouldn't let me test ride it 2 hours prior to closing "incase it breaks down and we have to come out"!!!! Huge amount of rusty bolts all over as well. Not exactly selling the reliability factor there.
Currently then the Strom is the winner..... Might not have the savage power but there is enough and it really did handle nadgery back roads beautifully.
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