The next chapter...KTM Super Adventure S

PhilPhilippines

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My kids & granddaughter live a mile from Bobs BMW so when we were planning to go out last Friday I stopped in to see if I could rent/borrow something for a several hour test ride. The conversation went something like this:

Salesguy #1: Hi, what can we help you with?

Me: [Back story about friend dropping bike off for service and me wanting a bike to go together while friend is on a loaner.]

Salesguy #1: Sorry, we don't rent, test rides are supposed to be 20 minutes or less, and loaners are for valued [yes he said that] customers who bought from us or are having service.

Me: Mmmm - Too bad - Oh well. OK - Thanks anyway [Turning to leave]

Salesguy #1: What do you ride now?

Me: A 2014 Super tenere [fishing to see if he recognizes a potential sale because my bike is "older"]

Salesguy #2: [Condescending sound] Oh. OK. Well let us know if we can improve your ride.

Me: [I'd been about to just end it till that comment so yes I said] That's OK. My bike's been all over the continent and I still enjoy being the BMW recovery vehicle because the Yam just never breaks.

Salesguy #1: Ouch - That hurt. Sorry we can't help you.

:cool:
Take a cattle prod next time...
 
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ballisticexchris

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Salesguy #1: Sorry, we don't rent, test rides are supposed to be 20 minutes or less, and loaners are for valued [yes he said that] customers who bought from us or are having service.
You should come out here to Irv Seaver BMW. They are more than happy to let you take extended test rides on BMW's.
 

PhilPhilippines

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I had a similar experience on the car side of bmw. They wouldnt give me the time of day due to my age and deportment.

I drove my bmw over after buying it elsewhere and all of a sudden they wanted to talk.

Idiots.

Money doesn’t wear a suit anymore.


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Hahahaha..... Reminds me of a conversation I had with a bank manager I had one time. I had got my life in order and after the bank manager had established why so much cash was going into the account (franchise driving school and cartel runs :) ) he couldn't do enough for me... So, I explained how enamoured I was with the new attitude towards me and asked him to immediately close the account. Should've seen his face - fawning w*nker :D

They used to charge me to bounce a cheque every month, even though I had already informed them of the imminent arrival of funds. I subsequently learnt that it was illegal, but I should have informed them by letter. I remember a day I had to choose whether to put the last pound coin in the electric or the gas... Sat in the kitchen sink under an Ascot heater to wash. GRIM!!
 

Dirt_Dad

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Salesguy #1: Ouch - That hurt. Sorry we can't help you.

:cool:
My first experience at this dealership was over the top impressive. The sales guy (Paris) knew we had recently purchased my wife's bike within the last few months. He knew I said I was not in a hurry to get rid of my Tenere. I was not in the market for anything at that point, not even the boots DM wanted to see. Still he didn't try to push anything on me, walked DM and I around the behind the scenes of the dealership. Chatted candidly about BMW world for at least 30 or 45 minutes. I remembered his name, and came away impressed with the operation.

No doubt the spark plug stocking issue/non-issue was annoying. DM asked if I'd use them again...I had just ended my 340 mile ordeal and told her I could not answer that question right now. I can for certain say I will not be using them for the $600 - 18K service. Whicn is an oil change and fork oil change. Think I can handle that one and save $500.
 

bigbob

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My first experience at this dealership was over the top impressive. The sales guy (Paris) knew we had recently purchased my wife's bike within the last few months. He knew I said I was not in a hurry to get rid of my Tenere. I was not in the market for anything at that point, not even the boots DM wanted to see. Still he didn't try to push anything on me, walked DM and I around the behind the scenes of the dealership. Chatted candidly about BMW world for at least 30 or 45 minutes. I remembered his name, and came away impressed with the operation.

No doubt the spark plug stocking issue/non-issue was annoying. DM asked if I'd use them again...I had just ended my 340 mile ordeal and told her I could not answer that question right now. I can for certain say I will not be using them for the $600 - 18K service. Whicn is an oil change and fork oil change. Think I can handle that one and save $500.
But do you have to pay them $200 to plug the computer in to tell the bike it is done?
 

Dirt_Dad

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Nothing new on the bike other than I am rapidly closing in on the required 9K service. Less than 800 miles to go and I couldn't get an appointment until the end of next month. May have to call in a favor.

Why is 9K "required?" Because to keep the warranty active for 2 years you need to have the bike inspected between year one and two. I'm only at 9 months, but there is a 9K service due by the book, so I'll just do it then. The next 9K should happen much quicker than this first 9. Definitely will have the dealership do the 18K valve check, so I suspect they will be seeing the bike again in the fall.

I was talking to Larry on Saturday. All you Romney Camp N Ride guys will remember Larry as the GM during those events. His current dealership has 6 major lines which includes more than a year with KTM on the floor. Out of curiosity I asked Larry if they are constantly doing warranty work on the KTMs. Without hesitation the answer was "no." He told me they see a lot of maintenance work, but could only point to two issues with they've seen with KTM. One was caused by the owner installed GPS power wiring that grounded the bike when pressing on the seat in a certain location. The other was a 890 that has a TFT needing to be replaced. That's it. Have to admit I was happy to hear it.

He told me he sells a lot of big GS bikes. They don't sit on the floor long and are a good business for him. Apparently there's a constant stream of GS riders who trade in for a SAR. Funny, I've never seen a KTM at a BMW dealership. I commonly see one at his shop.

DM was with me as Larry and I chatted about the coming newly designed Super Adventures. He's always teaching me things about the motorcycle industry, I'm always keeping him up to date on chatter I see from the buyer side. I told Larry that when I finally get tired of my bike, I'm really pleased to know KTM has something out there that is a clear advancement. Told him I have no interest now, but someday. Larry said he won't get them until later this year but he still wants me to ride it when it comes in so he can get my take on the bike. DM just smiled at Larry and said, "you know he'll buy it if he does that." They laughed together as if they know something I don't know. Just because Larry has sold me my last 8 of 9 power sports products in the last 10 years doesn't mean DM and he know me better than I know me.

Let's face it, when you have the type of motorcycle addiction that I have, a good friend in the industry may be a double-edged sword.
 

Dirt_Dad

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DM and Larry got your number..... :p:p
Lol we all have !
They may think they have my number...but I can be disciplined. I'm thoroughly entertained by my current SAS. While I'm intrigued with the new model, I want to give KTM some time to workout whatever issues are going to surface in the early models. I won't be surprised to find one in my garage in a few years.

You are a fortunate man to have ever met DM!
True, and stories of that day are still told at parties. I can say when it comes to motorcycle acquisition, DM has never been an impediment. In fact, I usually have to hold off on telling her I'm thinking about getting this or that bike. I know she'll immediately start pushing me to do it...and she usually gets her way.
 

fac191

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Look forward to your opinions on the new one. Still the 2020 is so much bike for the money whatever the new one will do.
 

greg the pole

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I started a new chapter yesterday.



Put a little more than 250 miles on it yesterday. One more shorter day of riding today before I'm ready to give initial impressions. Those thoughts are still forming.

A few brief observations. Easy to see how this bike could cause a degradation of riding skills. With a quick shifter, in the first 250 miles, if I wasn't starting or stopping, I doubt I touched the clutch lever more than 10 times. There really isn't any reason to do it other than muscle memory. Quick shifting is faster and smoother than I could ever be. Just hold the throttle open to whatever point and keep shifting. My wife's GS has a quick shifter and we've used it as a novelty. Four or five times in a ride my wife would report over the bluethooth she just shifted without her clutch. I'm mumble something and that would be it. I'm glad I have the 690 Enduro to keep me honest, 'cuz I'm done using a clutch for up and down shifting on this one.

There is an incredibly strong sense of déjà vu with this bike. Back in 2003 I bought an ATV that Kawasaki has been advertising heavily. The ad was a well done TV spot showing this was the fastest ATV out there. When I took it to the track for the first time I had people coming up to me constantly asking if it was really all that fast. That day I had to respond, "I have no idea, I'm just breaking it in." I always follow the required break-in. I know there's lots of opinions about break-in, but I always have and always will do it by the book. So if you ask me if this bike is as fast as claimed...I have no idea. Haven't had it above 6,500 RPM. I feel like I'm short shifting everywhere. Been mostly riding it in the 5500-5900 range, so when I hit the throttle, there's not much room left. After 600 miles I'll finally get to take it up to the full 10500 red line and see what it will do. I'm chomping at the bit to get there.

More when I finish forming my initial impression after today's ride.




Need to rearrange the garage.




JUST KIDDING.... No Romney did not start selling KTMs. I only stopped out to say hello and catch up with the owner and some of his crew.

Purchased the bike at Motomember in Purcellville, VA. The have 4 more of these things at an amazing discounted price of $13,882. Get 'em while they are hot... and trust me, this bike is very hot. Sweated my legs away yesterday as the bike cooked me. Going to need to figure out that one.


Oh by the way... yes, the ATV was that fast. I'm hoping this bike will live up to that former experience.
you're going to hate going to oranges..
I know I did.
Consider getting a filler sock for it.
Besides some issues on the fuel pumps, they are highly entertaining, and well set up as standard bikes.





Enjoy!
 

Dirt_Dad

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Nice to see you back. Yes, entertaining is the right word for it. Easily the most entertaining bike I've ever owned. Still hate each time I have to get off this thing...even when it's just for gas.
 

Dirt_Dad

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I realize this video is talking about the 2021, but in all honesty, the reviewer, in just 40 seconds, perfectly sums up what it's like to ride my 2020.

Watch from 16:05 to 16:46 on this video. It's what riding the SAS is to me. Couldn't care less that he's talking about a 21. This is what the SAS does to its riders.
 

PhilPhilippines

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I realize this video is talking about the 2021, but in all honesty, the reviewer, in just 40 seconds, perfectly sums up what it's like to ride my 2020.

Watch from 16:05 to 16:46 on this video. It's what riding the SAS is to me. Couldn't care less that he's talking about a 21. This is what the SAS does to its riders.
It is certainly a bike that is insistent that it is fun... :D and IMHO much more desirable than the other quick options.
 
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ballisticexchris

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I realize this video is talking about the 2021, but in all honesty, the reviewer, in just 40 seconds, perfectly sums up what it's like to ride my 2020.
Having ridden a few different versions of the KTM Super Adventures I don't get it at all. Lot's of power but just does not excite me like the Super Tenere or my Beta.

When I ride a bike like a KTM, Ducati, or BMW it's more like anxiety. I'm always wondering in the back of my mind when something is going to break or when I will be left stranded. To me those Super Adventure bikes (or anything with big HP) are only good for the track or controlled area where I can actually use the horsepower of the machine.

For me, excitement is all about getting on the bike and riding without drama. My Ninja 650R was a perfect example of that. Slap on some Cortech soft bags and do a cross country ride with nothing more than one single chain adjustment. Only reason I did that was because I installed a new chain before my trip.

My Beta has proven to be the same. Installed a 5 gallon aux tank on the back and peel off an Iron Butt without a hitch. Remove the tank and have a single track machine. Being able to pull out of my driveway early morning and ride to the desert/mountains for a full day of technical single track then back home with no mechanical issues is what I look forward to.

These new "Super Bikes" bring back memories of my dads Triumphs and BSA's that would leave you stranded with a failed Lucas ignition or letting the BSA cool down after seizing the engine, hoping it would start and get you home.
 

PhilPhilippines

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Having ridden a few different versions of the KTM Super Adventures I don't get it at all. Lot's of power but just does not excite me like the Super Tenere or my Beta.

When I ride a bike like a KTM, Ducati, or BMW it's more like anxiety. I'm always wondering in the back of my mind when something is going to break or when I will be left stranded. To me those Super Adventure bikes (or anything with big HP) are only good for the track or controlled area where I can actually use the horsepower of the machine.

For me, excitement is all about getting on the bike and riding without drama. My Ninja 650R was a perfect example of that. Slap on some Cortech soft bags and do a cross country ride with nothing more than one single chain adjustment. Only reason I did that was because I installed a new chain before my trip.

My Beta has proven to be the same. Installed a 5 gallon aux tank on the back and peel off an Iron Butt without a hitch. Remove the tank and have a single track machine. Being able to pull out of my driveway early morning and ride to the desert/mountains for a full day of technical single track then back home with no mechanical issues is what I look forward to.

These new "Super Bikes" bring back memories of my dads Triumphs and BSA's that would leave you stranded with a failed Lucas ignition or letting the BSA cool down after seizing the engine, hoping it would start and get you home.
Ah, the joy of Lucas ignition...
 
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