Narrowed it down to two (potential) bikes, help.

[Benbay001]

Mr2Mike said:

It's a 264kg behemoth. Probably great for doing trans-continental trips in comfort, but the KTMs undoubtedly have the fun factor for shorter trips. Not to mention being taller and narrower so better for filtering etc.

I'm hoping to go to Switzerland twice by bike this year.

[black-k1]

Benbay001 said:

Mr2Mike said:

It's a 264kg behemoth. Probably great for doing trans-continental trips in comfort, but the KTMs undoubtedly have the fun factor for shorter trips. Not to mention being taller and narrower so better for filtering etc.

I'm hoping to go to Switzerland twice by bike this year.

My K1300S is a "254kg behemoth" and I filter through London rush hour traffic as quickly as anyone else (I pass more bikes than pass me!) The bike weight is not the real issue as long as it has a low CoG which tall bikes tend not to have. The folding mirrors on the FJR compared to the non-folding on the KTM will be a big filtering advantage for the FJR especially if empty panniers are left at home when not needed to cary luggage.

[creampuff]

Benbay001 said:

You were all meant to suggest the infinately more practical FJR.
Anyone ridden both?

I've sat on a few KTMs and rode an FJR a few times. KTMs have just never done it for me. They are just ridiculously tall, they look like they were built for some Austrian alpha male with a stubble to tear up some African dirt track at 80mph and just accept getting a broken ankle once a month is part of the fun package. I had a lot more fun on a Honda Transalp than I think I'd ever have on a KTM.

The FJR is a very nice bike. If you put Akropovic cans on it, you will get a massive boner every time you start it. Very smooth and stloads of power and also very practical. But if you do need to pop wheelies and be a hooligan, then the FJR may well be too sensible and the KTM may be for you.

[michaeldouglas72]

The new KTM 1050 Adventure is fantastic. Had one for 6 months now after chopping and changing bikes many times over the past 5 years. This one is a keeper. KTM are doing deals on new ones but ex-demo ones are a bargain too.

Fitted a Scotoiler, v.easy to do, heated grips and changed the mirrors for something a bit stylish and racking up the miles. Friend has a GS1200 which feels like a barge next to the KTM; peach of an engine, best gearbox ever, light clutch, mega brakes, 400 mile comfy seat.

The KTM is a bike I make excuses for getting out on, the previous bikes were left standing until I really felt I wanted to go for a ride. It's a 100bhp but feels more punchy than the GS1200 (135bhp) and, not that anyone cares, but it is returning 50mpg with spirited riding.

In fact, I've decided, enough for today, I'm heading over the Sma Glen to Dunkeld on the KTM!