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....
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.
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.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
Oh yes I remember now you could sit at 90 on the strom and think you were at 70 a second ago!
Point was I was a good 20/30mph higher than I thought I was considering how strangled the sound of the Euro 5 engine was and lack of wind Edited by Biker9090 on Sunday 7th April 09:54
KTMsm said:
It's more a question of what's right with them to justify the extra cost
In my case, particularly because I wanted a road bike as I have other off-road bikes, so the 19 front is better
My 1190 came with later cast wheels which was another advantage as far as I was concerned - not having to clean / deal with rusty spokes
I've never wanted cruise control - the whole point of motorcycling to me is for fun, so I don't do motorways
Unfortunately broke my hand some years ago so sitting at any constant speed holding a steady throttle is incredibly painful.In my case, particularly because I wanted a road bike as I have other off-road bikes, so the 19 front is better
My 1190 came with later cast wheels which was another advantage as far as I was concerned - not having to clean / deal with rusty spokes
I've never wanted cruise control - the whole point of motorcycling to me is for fun, so I don't do motorways
If I can find a dealer not willing to either be a complete prick or wanting me to put a deposit down before riding I'll have another look at the KTM but if this is how the pre sales is then I'm having none of it.
carinaman said:
My thoughts earlier having seen the thread about which model year to avoid due to problems or spec. was to just get the Suzuki.
I am disappointed the KTM dealers you've dealt with haven't been great. If they're being muppets before you've brought a KTM I can only imagine how they'll be if there are problems with the bike. Is the deposit stuff or placing an order before riding part of the sales qualification process and idntifying whether you're a serious propect in which case it seems to be about securing a sale rather than you as a customer getting the right bike for you.
Timmywoo the ex Top Gear YouTuber has used P&H and owns a KTM. Because I only know your approximate region from your profile I am now wondering which KTM dealer it was who's messed you around. Could it be the dealer with the same name as a Ferrari and Triumph? I am not bothered which KTM dealer it is but it kind of taints all of them which is a bit of a shame as my KTM dealer is pretty good and almost offered me a 1290 SDR loaner once, the dealer principal thought I was an A2er rather than someone who got their licence before A2 was a thing.
For me motorcycling is about getting out and about and away from everyday life crap. That doesn't work if the bike brings additional problems into my life and the dealer isn't receptive and responsive. The ultimate solution is if I don't own a car or a motorcycle they can't cause any additional hassle.
One near Oxford which does have a Triumph Garage literally attached to it. I was ignored the moment I got there whilst they talked amongst themselves. I then got a load of huffs and sighs when I wanted to sit on the bike nevermind before I asked re test rides. I made it clear from the offset I'd be part exing and brining my VFR with me.I am disappointed the KTM dealers you've dealt with haven't been great. If they're being muppets before you've brought a KTM I can only imagine how they'll be if there are problems with the bike. Is the deposit stuff or placing an order before riding part of the sales qualification process and idntifying whether you're a serious propect in which case it seems to be about securing a sale rather than you as a customer getting the right bike for you.
Timmywoo the ex Top Gear YouTuber has used P&H and owns a KTM. Because I only know your approximate region from your profile I am now wondering which KTM dealer it was who's messed you around. Could it be the dealer with the same name as a Ferrari and Triumph? I am not bothered which KTM dealer it is but it kind of taints all of them which is a bit of a shame as my KTM dealer is pretty good and almost offered me a 1290 SDR loaner once, the dealer principal thought I was an A2er rather than someone who got their licence before A2 was a thing.
For me motorcycling is about getting out and about and away from everyday life crap. That doesn't work if the bike brings additional problems into my life and the dealer isn't receptive and responsive. The ultimate solution is if I don't own a car or a motorcycle they can't cause any additional hassle.
It seemed like they just wanted to focus on people who wanted a finance purchase. I don't want finance, I've been made redundant 3 times since covid so the thought of it scares me. I also don't want to wipe out my savings both of which are why I have a firm budget in mind that doesn't stretch to a newer bike.
Just pisses me off this one was very close to home and I got dicked around. The other dealers were honest in that they wanted rid of the strom as it had been there a year and people were drawn in by good finance deals on much fancier bikes they had in stock but either way they made the effort and didn't f
k me around. I reckon I could get even more money off the list price considering they'd had it so long.KTMsm said:
We all have different requirements, again I don't sit at a constant speed although I believe there are various aftermarket solutions
The problem is that Dealers are constantly messed about by people wanting test rides - that costs time, fuel and cleaning ( admittedly more with the latest bikes than an old 1290)
I'm a small dealer in used bikes, I ask that they pay for the bike then can test ride it - it eliminates all the idiots, I've yet to have anyone test ride and not buy the bike
It helps if you want to test ride to make that clear when you call and book an appointment and turn up on the bike you want to PX
Yeah I'm not buying one without testing. Made that mistake in the past nor am I handing over money. At most I would pay for fuel without issue. The problem is that Dealers are constantly messed about by people wanting test rides - that costs time, fuel and cleaning ( admittedly more with the latest bikes than an old 1290)
I'm a small dealer in used bikes, I ask that they pay for the bike then can test ride it - it eliminates all the idiots, I've yet to have anyone test ride and not buy the bike
It helps if you want to test ride to make that clear when you call and book an appointment and turn up on the bike you want to PX
I did turn up on the bike I wanted to part ex along with details of service info etc
carinaman said:
Interesting stuff on that dealer and them recently changing hands. I called them late on a Friday afternoon last spring so no sales ppl around, but the chap who dealt with my call was professional. I am a professional snoozer and loser so my fault for calling late on Friday.
I know someone who's recently bought a lightly used bike from that dealer remotely having only seen the inages online, they'd previously bought another bike unseen from years ago and it was in immaculate condition.
Yeah, I am being a bit hard on the bike. Overall it was good, I was just suprised at my 44k mile 2010 VFR having no rusty engine bolts but the 17k 1290 was covered in them as well as all over the pannier rack - think I had a mild case of PTSD remembering how fI know someone who's recently bought a lightly used bike from that dealer remotely having only seen the inages online, they'd previously bought another bike unseen from years ago and it was in immaculate condition.
king appalling my BMW was when all the Torx bolts were either seized or rounded off.....Had he not have treated me like a pain he may have been able to change my mind somewhat.
SteveKTMer said:
Sorry, I missed this. By pendulum I meant the way it felt turning it into corners, the weight felt quite high, so I had to push the bars quite hard to get it up and then over onto the other side for faster riding. Once it was down it was very stable and would hold a line well, but it was hard work. So it felt like an upside down pendulum, flopping from side to side. Sounds worse than it was, at average speeds it was perfectly acceptable but who rides at average speeds, that's not why I have a bike.
The V-Strom was an older design than the KTM and it's also not a premium model, so the brakes and suspension were average - they worked but it was nothing like the KTM, not even close.
The KTM 1290GT is an absolutely stonking bike, it's got fantastic brakes, suspension, handling, feedback, power and torque, it's a fantastic package and I still don't know what I'd buy instead. Possibly aTuono V4, that's about the only bike that has been in my mind recently but the new 1390GT will be out end of this year early 2025, and I've already got a finger in for one of those.
I only test rode the KTM Adventure S, not owned one, and it felt very pedestrian compared to the GT, I think the engine calibration is softer and the whole bike is more supple and less taught, which is probably how it's supposed to be for its intended use. It weas still fast but it lacked the sharpness of the GT.
Gotcha, thank you. The V-Strom was an older design than the KTM and it's also not a premium model, so the brakes and suspension were average - they worked but it was nothing like the KTM, not even close.
The KTM 1290GT is an absolutely stonking bike, it's got fantastic brakes, suspension, handling, feedback, power and torque, it's a fantastic package and I still don't know what I'd buy instead. Possibly aTuono V4, that's about the only bike that has been in my mind recently but the new 1390GT will be out end of this year early 2025, and I've already got a finger in for one of those.
I only test rode the KTM Adventure S, not owned one, and it felt very pedestrian compared to the GT, I think the engine calibration is softer and the whole bike is more supple and less taught, which is probably how it's supposed to be for its intended use. It weas still fast but it lacked the sharpness of the GT.
Yeah it's difficult understanding it tbh. Compared to my VFR the Strom turned in unbelievably quickly - apparently the 2020 update makes a difference - but then the KTM would obviously do so even more. As much as I adore the VFR it is showing it's age with more modern and agile bikes in that and other departments.
I've contacted a few more today re KTM so shall see. Albeit, I'm not a quick rider and even with riding for 17 years and at 18 stone in gear I find my CBF500 more than adequate 90% of the time...... Maybe the 1290 would be wasted on me.
Well, deposit paid on the Strom in the end.
Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
Thanks.
Only issue now is the DVLA being utter James Hunts about my private plate on the VFR (Family heirloom). Can't do the transfer online as it's been untaxed for more than something like 30 days in the last 5 years (whilst it was at a VAT registered dealers prior to me getting it!).
Only issue now is the DVLA being utter James Hunts about my private plate on the VFR (Family heirloom). Can't do the transfer online as it's been untaxed for more than something like 30 days in the last 5 years (whilst it was at a VAT registered dealers prior to me getting it!).
KTMsm said:
Already a member
HairyMaclary said:
Enjoy the vstrom! Ktm ownership is exciting even when you aren't riding the thing...
You must be on different Facebook groups to me and I think I'm on all the main ktm ones. I've only seen one stalling issue on a brand new 1290 SD this week.
I've smashed 15k miles on mine and the only fault has been an ambient temperature sensor which cost me £15 to replace.
Can't remember off the top of my head as I've now unfollowed any of them. You must be on different Facebook groups to me and I think I'm on all the main ktm ones. I've only seen one stalling issue on a brand new 1290 SD this week.
I've smashed 15k miles on mine and the only fault has been an ambient temperature sensor which cost me £15 to replace.
That's the issue though. Even if it had of been totally reliable I would still have seen posts like I've seen this week and quite literally been kept awake at night by it.
Well, had my VFR collected on friday and the suzuki delivered. Spent saturday coating it in XCP Rust blocker and clearcoat and adding a few things.
Took it out for a short 120 ish mile trip to Mega Motorcycle Store's sale in Swindon - which was a massive mistake as I don't have any luggage for it and needed a family friend to come and take my haul back (Oxford AA jeans for £10 each x 2, Richa Gloves reduced to £30 and a HJC Nos helmet for £25).
I don't think I've ever ridden the crappy cross country route so quickly, and I can't say I was even trying, I have to say it's effortless at handling poor road surfaces and tight corners. I had it in my head the shock would need immediate replacement but it's really not bad. Forks definitely need adjustment though as it dives terribly on braking. Tried out the cornering ABS to see how it works and can really see how it would be a godsend in certain situations. You don't get any of that tugging feeling when the bike's trying to upright itself or and drift out of your lane.
After the notoriously appalling fuelling of the big VFR (and it's thirst) I'm over the moon at how smooth this is, regardless of throttle opening or gear selection. I was also looking at close to 60mpg average. They really have done an incredile job of sorting out any and all issues this bike has to make it a nice place to be.
My only real complaints so far are the footpegs are in an incredibly annoying position. Right where you want to put your feet down when stopped. Even with my being 6ft 1 and long in the leg it would occasionally have me on tip toes. The seat is also pretty poor with my right arse cheek going numb by the end of it!
So yes, overall I'm incredibly please I made the decision to go for this one. No, the engine isn't in the same league as the big VFR or the KTM but it's more than enough for me in the real world riding I do. I have to say I'm a full convert to the adv style bike now. It just makes sports tourers seem archaic and severely limited in their use.
Oh, even with the ostentatious bright yellow paint scheme, LED lights and a hi viz sam browne belt (appalling weather) I got pulled out on TWICE yesterday......
Took it out for a short 120 ish mile trip to Mega Motorcycle Store's sale in Swindon - which was a massive mistake as I don't have any luggage for it and needed a family friend to come and take my haul back (Oxford AA jeans for £10 each x 2, Richa Gloves reduced to £30 and a HJC Nos helmet for £25).
I don't think I've ever ridden the crappy cross country route so quickly, and I can't say I was even trying, I have to say it's effortless at handling poor road surfaces and tight corners. I had it in my head the shock would need immediate replacement but it's really not bad. Forks definitely need adjustment though as it dives terribly on braking. Tried out the cornering ABS to see how it works and can really see how it would be a godsend in certain situations. You don't get any of that tugging feeling when the bike's trying to upright itself or and drift out of your lane.
After the notoriously appalling fuelling of the big VFR (and it's thirst) I'm over the moon at how smooth this is, regardless of throttle opening or gear selection. I was also looking at close to 60mpg average. They really have done an incredile job of sorting out any and all issues this bike has to make it a nice place to be.
My only real complaints so far are the footpegs are in an incredibly annoying position. Right where you want to put your feet down when stopped. Even with my being 6ft 1 and long in the leg it would occasionally have me on tip toes. The seat is also pretty poor with my right arse cheek going numb by the end of it!
So yes, overall I'm incredibly please I made the decision to go for this one. No, the engine isn't in the same league as the big VFR or the KTM but it's more than enough for me in the real world riding I do. I have to say I'm a full convert to the adv style bike now. It just makes sports tourers seem archaic and severely limited in their use.
Oh, even with the ostentatious bright yellow paint scheme, LED lights and a hi viz sam browne belt (appalling weather) I got pulled out on TWICE yesterday......
Edited by Biker9090 on Monday 29th April 10:35
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