XT1200 Super Tenere dropped by Yamaha in Europe/UK

[Dirt_Dad]

Ktm is just doing the software side of the electronics a lot better than yamaha imho.

If i could get a bike with the power/weight and software of ktm but the reliability of yamaha, i would never ride anything else.

I understand. I've had more Yamaha bikes than any other brand by far. Of the at least 12 Yamaha bikes I've owned 8 of them have been different XT models from the 225 to four different Teneres. I'm firmly a Yamaha fan. So it was a lot for me to overcome the attitude of "KTM is the best bike you can ride if you have a mechanic back in the tent."

I took a chance with my current S model. Perception of high maintenance, questionable reliability, and that chain drive all put big road blocks in the way, but a low entry price made it worth the risk. 6000+ miles later the bike has shattered all expectations, been flawlessly reliable, made me forget about any concerns, and even adjusted my attitude about the chain.

I know 6000 miles is very little, and time will tell if it continues, but the bike has taken riding to a whole new level for me. I can not say I'll never ride anything else, but my hesitation about considering a KTM has (for now) evaporated.

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . "KTM is the best bike you can ride if you have a mechanic back in the tent.". . . .

I've always heard similar said about all the European supercars. (not that I'll ever find out.)

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I've always heard similar said about all the European supercars. (not that I'll ever find out.)

I don't have any supercars, but I have had a significant European Invasion in both my car and motorcycle garages over the last 18 months. So far, so good...

 

[gunslinger_006]

I understand. I've had more Yamaha bikes than any other brand by far. Of the at least 12 Yamaha bikes I've owned 8 of them have been different XT models from the 225 to four different Teneres. I'm firmly a Yamaha fan. So it was a lot for me to overcome the attitude of "KTM is the best bike you can ride if you have a mechanic back in the tent."

I took a chance with my current S model. Perception of high maintenance, questionable reliability, and that chain drive all put big road blocks in the way, but a low entry price made it worth the risk. 6000+ miles later the bike has shattered all expectations, been flawlessly reliable, made me forget about any concerns, and even adjusted my attitude about the chain.

I know 6000 miles is very little, and time will tell if it continues, but the bike has taken riding to a whole new level for me. I can not say I'll never ride anything else, but my hesitation about considering a KTM has (for now) evaporated.

That is a great review. I can feel the orange calling me a bit, but i need to stay frugal for another few years at least. Someday!


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[Johnwesley]

I understand. I've had more Yamaha bikes than any other brand by far. Of the at least 12 Yamaha bikes I've owned 8 of them have been different XT models from the 225 to four different Teneres. I'm firmly a Yamaha fan. So it was a lot for me to overcome the attitude of "KTM is the best bike you can ride if you have a mechanic back in the tent."

I took a chance with my current S model. Perception of high maintenance, questionable reliability, and that chain drive all put big road blocks in the way, but a low entry price made it worth the risk. 6000+ miles later the bike has shattered all expectations, been flawlessly reliable, made me forget about any concerns, and even adjusted my attitude about the chain.

I know 6000 miles is very little, and time will tell if it continues, but the bike has taken riding to a whole new level for me. I can not say I'll never ride anything else, but my hesitation about considering a KTM has (for now) evaporated.

Thats what has kept me off of them, the rumors and watching friends with on going issues. Most recent was last year Matt got the new 1290 what a great bike but it seemed to know when it was far from the house and no signal, at that point it would just die. 3 times in 6 months with dealer saying it was fixed each time. He traded it off on a tiger and has never look back, nor has he been stranded. Just not a chance I want to take on a touring adv bike. I believe you can get a good KTM without issues just like you can get a S10 with issues it’s just not the norm. Recently watched mototrek give a glowing review, but then gave the issues he is working through. He’s happy with it as many are but just don’t want the time needed to walk through fixing the issues. Right now I’m waiting to see what Kawasaki releases the end of January and then decide on what to do for a more aggressive adv bike like the T7. Man those KTMs sure seem to have the stuff, I love the feel of them, it’s been a while since I rode one. They are such a well balanced, well suspended, powerful machine.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I have definitely gotten the no (key fob) signal many times on the bike. Each time I can chalk it up to key placement in my pocket and other contents in the pocket...such as aluminum lined packets blocking the signal. Worst case I've needed to hold the fob against the antenna and no further problem. My buddy does have a 2018 1290-R that he just bought used. It had a no signal issue that he was able to get around with the backup key for the bike. Haven't checked with him since he took it to the dealer to see what they said. Physical keys do have their advantages.

I haven't had the bike 6 months yet, so reliability is still to be proven to me. I am active with another S model thread on ADV and I see the occasional concern over this or that, but it does appear to be isolated in most cases. I see a lot of people who have had them for years and never had any significant issue with them. Time will tell.

 

[Johnwesley]

I have definitely gotten the no (key fob) signal many times on the bike. Each time I can chalk it up to key placement in my pocket and other contents in the pocket...such as aluminum lined packets blocking the signal. Worst case I've needed to hold the fob against the antenna and no further problem. My buddy does have a 2018 1290-R that he just bought used. It had a no signal issue that he was able to get around with the backup key for the bike. Haven't checked with him since he took it to the dealer to see what they said. Physical keys do have their advantages.

I haven't had the bike 6 months yet, so reliability is still to be proven to me. I am active with another S model thread on ADV and I see the occasional concern over this or that, but it does appear to be isolated in most cases. I see a lot of people who have had them for years and never had any significant issue with them. Time will tell.

I wish you luck cause they are a blast, the key fob deal wasn’t his issue. While driving down the road it would just die and would not restart. Let is sit over night and it would start and run good till it didn’t.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Dang, first I've heard of that one. I do hope it's the last I hear of it.

 

[gprogers]

Still on the Canadian website as a 2021

 

[Checkswrecks]

Still on the Canadian website as a 2021

Thread title changed to be more accurate

 

[kaptain_zero]

For what it's worth, I bought a 2021 in Manitoba, Canada a week ago. The only one the dealer figured he'd get this year.

 

[kaptain_zero]

With 2021 being EOL, it might be an idea to grab any accessories you are wanting sooner, rather that later. I don't know if the end of the line will influence aftermarket accessory availability, but my guess is that it likely will. I intend to pick up the stuff I want now, rather than a year or two from now.

 

[fac191]

With the ES im lucky the single rider preload is right on for me. I have tried it single rider plus luggage but you can tell your kind of sitting on top of the spring and it doesnt feel right. Add to that the damping changes when you add preload so it kills the travel and plushness. For me single rider normal damping is spot on for normal riding. I weigh about 95kg in my gear. On road when im pushing on and it starts moving around too much pop it onto hard and its great. I think its sprung just right for me out of the box.

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . I intend to pick up the stuff I want now, rather than a year or two from now.

Bear in mind, all but a few pieces will fit both Gen 1 & Gen2. So, you can get a used skid plate, crash bar, saddle bag, etc, for a lot less than new.

 

[fac191]

One more thing with suspension. I cant recall his name but a guy on youtube very well known who does set up days i watched nearly every sports bike that comes in is running way way too much preload. The rear is ridgid. He lifts the rear of the bike up and it doesnt move there is no sag. Only reason i can think of for this is it makes the bike steer quicker which gives the impression of better handling. May be ok on the track but no good for the road. Dangerous aswell.

 

[Sierra1]

With the ES im lucky the single rider preload is right on for me. . . . I weigh about 95kg in my gear. On road when im pushing on and it starts moving around too much pop it onto hard and its great. . . .

Which would coincide with 200lb per helmet, and 50lb for luggage. She has a 450lb max load, and those numbers seem to be within reason. I was using two helmets for my 300lbs, but ended up dropping it to one helmet + luggage, and dialed up the rebound/compression. It still gives me enough spring for pushing it, but took the "buckboard" out of it. But, with the wife is riding with me, the preload gets set to max, rebound/dampening adjusted as needed for our crap roads.

 

[fac191]

Which would coincide with 200lb per helmet, and 50lb for luggage. She has a 450lb max load, and those numbers seem to be within reason. I was using two helmets for my 300lbs, but ended up dropping it to one helmet + luggage, and dialed up the rebound/compression. It still gives me enough spring for pushing it, but took the "buckboard" out of it. But, with the wife is riding with me, the preload gets set to max, rebound/dampening adjusted as needed for our crap roads.

If you dont get the preload in the right range messing with damping settings gets you know where.

 

[Sierra1]

You might be on to something there. The compression/rebound settings did seem to have more influence at the lower preload setting. But, I have it set to "hard", and 0, which doesn't make sense to me as to why it work so well. And, don't forget, everybody has a different preference as to how the bike rides. Suspension discussions and oil discussions will probably start the same amounts of fights.

 

[fac191]

Lol to the oil. The spring has to be able to move up and down. Overdoing the rear preload stops that. It cant rebound properly without any range.

 

[Longdog Cymru]

One more thing with suspension. I cant recall his name but a guy on youtube very well known who does set up days i watched nearly every sports bike that comes in is running way way too much preload. The rear is ridgid. He lifts the rear of the bike up and it doesnt move there is no sag. Only reason i can think of for this is it makes the bike steer quicker which gives the impression of better handling. May be ok on the track but no good for the road. Dangerous aswell.

It’s Dave Moss Tuning https://davemosstuning.com/