KTM 1290 Super Adventure S - Heat Issues
Discussion
Currently, the exhaust pipe from the head to the Akra exhaust is having a ceramic coating applied. It should reduce some of the heat coming from the exhaust.
From a brief look, the wings heat shield is similar to the Akra one.
This range of bikes from KTM seem to be well known for having heat issues from under the seat - have all the kids you want before you get one of these things and ride for more than 20 mins!
Crazy that you can ride along at 70mph on the motorway and feel the heat on the legs - there seems to be no air flow taking the heat and sending it out the back of the bike, instead allowing it to radiate.
The issue was known about on the older bikes and the dealer of course said that it's all solved on the new model. Test ride for 20 mins was fine...as I've started this thread, it's clear that on longer journeys it's not!
From a brief look, the wings heat shield is similar to the Akra one.
This range of bikes from KTM seem to be well known for having heat issues from under the seat - have all the kids you want before you get one of these things and ride for more than 20 mins!
Crazy that you can ride along at 70mph on the motorway and feel the heat on the legs - there seems to be no air flow taking the heat and sending it out the back of the bike, instead allowing it to radiate.
The issue was known about on the older bikes and the dealer of course said that it's all solved on the new model. Test ride for 20 mins was fine...as I've started this thread, it's clear that on longer journeys it's not!
foxsasha said:
I had a 990SMT. Test rode an 1190 Adventure. Was ok until sat in traffic at which pint my inner leg was getting seriously toasted. No such problem on the 990.
I'm thinking on a 1290GT and had assumed the heat issue would have been dealt with. Will pay attention on the test ride.
I've got the 1290 GT - no heat issues whatsoever I'm thinking on a 1290GT and had assumed the heat issue would have been dealt with. Will pay attention on the test ride.
I had a first gen 1190 S and the heat out of the left side by your thigh was ridonculous. Riding around in 45 degrees in Africa didn't exactly help either.
I fashioned by own side plate that made a big difference and they then became readily available but mine was a piece of tin plate a zip ties. Not exactly professional looking but effective.
KTM improved the heat management on the Gen 2 bikes by putting heat shields under the seat and an exhaust shield (I think) but tit was still pretty bad.
Bottom line is you've got the exhaust header from the rear cylinder biased over to the LH side of the bike as it exits the head and it really kicks out some heat. Definitely look at the wings side guard or similar, makes a world of difference.
I fashioned by own side plate that made a big difference and they then became readily available but mine was a piece of tin plate a zip ties. Not exactly professional looking but effective.
KTM improved the heat management on the Gen 2 bikes by putting heat shields under the seat and an exhaust shield (I think) but tit was still pretty bad.
Bottom line is you've got the exhaust header from the rear cylinder biased over to the LH side of the bike as it exits the head and it really kicks out some heat. Definitely look at the wings side guard or similar, makes a world of difference.
PIGINAWIG said:
foxsasha said:
I had a 990SMT. Test rode an 1190 Adventure. Was ok until sat in traffic at which pint my inner leg was getting seriously toasted. No such problem on the 990.
I'm thinking on a 1290GT and had assumed the heat issue would have been dealt with. Will pay attention on the test ride.
I've got the 1290 GT - no heat issues whatsoever I'm thinking on a 1290GT and had assumed the heat issue would have been dealt with. Will pay attention on the test ride.
Andy XRV said:
I've not ridden mine in heavy traffic so I can't comment on the heat there. But at motorway speeds if I ride with my knees against the tank the air from the engine is sucked around the back of my legs and they do get uncomfortably hot. But as soon as I create a space between my knees and the tank the hot air is no longer sucked around my lower legs and the problem goes away.
Having your knees apart should be second nature to you Andy. You couldn't trap a pig in a back alleyI rode a 1290 S, followed by an R last week. The S, although a dealer demo with around 2,500 miles, felt as if it was going to shake itself apart and very agricultural. The electronic damping on the forks was constantly fighting against you, and to me seemed to make the bike understeer a lot.
The R on the other hand, although having a massive 21 inch front wheel, had a far better engine (even though they should be identical) and the feeling from the front end (non adjustable with a massive "cross-over" front tyre) was night and day.
I really wanted to like the S, and would have happy to do a deal, but am glad I had a 2 hour ride as this confirmed otherwise. I also had visions that the torque would be awesome low down, but the bike needed a decent handful of revs to move...
Time to try the Multistrada.
Didn't find any issue with heat though
The R on the other hand, although having a massive 21 inch front wheel, had a far better engine (even though they should be identical) and the feeling from the front end (non adjustable with a massive "cross-over" front tyre) was night and day.
I really wanted to like the S, and would have happy to do a deal, but am glad I had a 2 hour ride as this confirmed otherwise. I also had visions that the torque would be awesome low down, but the bike needed a decent handful of revs to move...
Time to try the Multistrada.
Didn't find any issue with heat though
I think the heat issues are just people not used to the lack of fairing (even the 990s had much more). I just did a 2600 mile eurotrip and the heat only really made itself known in standstill traffic in the cities and the like. Its a big motor, and I'm not sure where the heat is supposed to go. I've removed the cat, but I dont see that changing the seat area massively.
Also interesting to note, my 1190 has always blown me away with how it feels (power delivery, sharp handling). I rode someone's 13 plate 1190R the other day which was absolutely s
t. It could not have had half the power of mine, and his suspension was rubbish. I would not have believed the differences on 2 of the same bikes could be so pronounced. So I'd not write off a lineup due to one st feeling bike, but it does raise some questions.
Also interesting to note, my 1190 has always blown me away with how it feels (power delivery, sharp handling). I rode someone's 13 plate 1190R the other day which was absolutely s
t. It could not have had half the power of mine, and his suspension was rubbish. I would not have believed the differences on 2 of the same bikes could be so pronounced. So I'd not write off a lineup due to one st feeling bike, but it does raise some questions.Killboy said:
I think the heat issues are just people not used to the lack of fairing (even the 990s had much more). I just did a 2600 mile eurotrip and the heat only really made itself known in standstill traffic in the cities and the like. Its a big motor, and I'm not sure where the heat is supposed to go. I've removed the cat, but I dont see that changing the seat area massively.
Also interesting to note, my 1190 has always blown me away with how it feels (power delivery, sharp handling). I rode someone's 13 plate 1190R the other day which was absolutely st. It could not have had half the power of mine, and his suspension was rubbish. I would not have believed the differences on 2 of the same bikes could be so pronounced. So I'd not write off a lineup due to one st feeling bike, but it does raise some questions.
I'm not sure I follow - how would the lack of fairing make the heat greater?Also interesting to note, my 1190 has always blown me away with how it feels (power delivery, sharp handling). I rode someone's 13 plate 1190R the other day which was absolutely s
t. It could not have had half the power of mine, and his suspension was rubbish. I would not have believed the differences on 2 of the same bikes could be so pronounced. So I'd not write off a lineup due to one st feeling bike, but it does raise some questions.I'm also talking about there being quite a lot of heat even when moving along - not just when at a standstill in traffic.
Compare it to the BMW offerings - I know the engine is much lower on those bikes. There are plenty of other bikes with parts of the engine right under the seat that don't seem to have the same issues.
The Moose said:
I'm not sure I follow - how would the lack of fairing make the heat greater?
I'm also talking about there being quite a lot of heat even when moving along - not just when at a standstill in traffic.
The radiator vents on the tank are just in front of your knees effectively, but I cant honestly say I feel any heat unless wearing shorts. The right lower site of the motor has a oil heat exchanger, again I've never felt unless not wearing any gear. Dont get me wrong, it gets hot on the bike, but once on the move cools off quick. I'm also talking about there being quite a lot of heat even when moving along - not just when at a standstill in traffic.
The lack of fairing is um, pretty simple. There is nothing between you and a gigantic engine producing heat and the exhaust a few inches from your legs and seat. All "open" bikes I've had or ridden (Tiger, Multistrada, etc) have heated up noticeably in stop start traffic, more so than faired bikes like my K12S, but I think the K12S just hides it for a while a little better, but it certainly was also unpleasant at times too.
Killboy said:
The radiator vents on the tank are just in front of your knees effectively, but I cant honestly say I feel any heat unless wearing shorts. The right lower site of the motor has a oil heat exchanger, again I've never felt unless not wearing any gear. Dont get me wrong, it gets hot on the bike, but once on the move cools off quick.
The lack of fairing is um, pretty simple. There is nothing between you and a gigantic engine producing heat and the exhaust a few inches from your legs and seat. All "open" bikes I've had or ridden (Tiger, Multistrada, etc) have heated up noticeably in stop start traffic, more so than faired bikes like my K12S, but I think the K12S just hides it for a while a little better, but it certainly was also unpleasant at times too.
Oh, I see what you mean!! I was more thinking along the lines of - the lack of fairing would help with the air flow and clearing the heat.The lack of fairing is um, pretty simple. There is nothing between you and a gigantic engine producing heat and the exhaust a few inches from your legs and seat. All "open" bikes I've had or ridden (Tiger, Multistrada, etc) have heated up noticeably in stop start traffic, more so than faired bikes like my K12S, but I think the K12S just hides it for a while a little better, but it certainly was also unpleasant at times too.
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