Mega Adventuer-Tourer Showdown Poll

[Rincewind]

Of these existing, new and upcoming Mega-Sized Adventure-Touring bikes, which do you think you'd buy and for what reasons?  This is not necessarily which one is "Best", or which one got the most awards, but which one trips your trigger.  

[Yankee Dog]

the new Trumpet 1200. plenty of power. plenty of amps for two sets of heated gear and extra lights. not outrageously priced. reliable. and a nearby dealer.

[JReazor]

The KTM. I don't have a logical reason for picking it. I just dig it.

[garry]

KTM for its (relative) off-road prowess.

[darkstarmoto]

I picked the TreK because it's sexy and I'm a sucker for something off the radar.

[Dan K]

Tre K,  I've ridden one and I like it a lot - great power delivery and handling.

Likely go for the Triumph, but having not thrown a leg over it, can't say I'd buy it.  KTM is too off roady for me, and the others, well, let's just say I lke the Tre K.

[black hills]

because it does everything second best, but it does everything:

[PatM]

I fell in love (lust??) with the Super Tenere at last year's moto show.  

[Clovis]

I'm really digging the super tenere. The triumph is a close second.

[schmii]

Tenere because I know a few people with them and they   it.

[R Doug]

I have to pick one?  I would buy several for different reasons.  But, if I had to chose one, I've already casted my vote with my own $$$ and I would do the same if I had to do it all over again.

I agree with Black Hills that this bike does nearly everything second best, but it does everything.  However; if you get a better seat for it along with some 17/19 wheels, this thing becomes an absolutely brilliant choice.  





Just FF to the 6:44 mark if you don't wish to see the entire video.  

[shawn and gwyn]

i just wish i could reach the ground on most of them.. .

shawn

[R Doug]

 

That's generally the biggest concern of most folks.  And, at first, it was an issue with me.  I'm only 5'8" with a 30" inseam (on a good day).  The trick is to realize that you only need to get one foot down.  Even on extreme off road situations, the Jimmy Lewis School I took last year taught me this one important thing.  That is, it doesn't take a lot to balance these bikes.  

[shawn and gwyn]

ya thats about my stats too. ..  being over 200 helps settle the bike a bit.. LOL.  and it was the only way i could ride the KLRs we used to have.  wife could flatfoot them.  we are thinking of getting an older tiger to replace them.  would be a little better two up and better on the hi ways.

shawn

[bubba zanetti]

If you actually are gonna go off road, you better take the KTM. Why? Suspension. If not, whichever looks nicerest to ya.

[bearcat263]

if money was not a problem the ktm 990 without a doubt would own it today  

[14kmtnman]

I chose the Triumph 1250, & would use it 99% of the time for on road only,  because I have a KLR 650 for doing off road. If I had to have just one bike it would be the KTM 990 Adventure.

[black hills]

I'm obviously partial to the KTM, but my thoughts:
if you ride off road at all the KTM wins hands down, its still a pig but with proper setup the suspension works suprisingly well.
  on road it is far more comfortable than I thought it would be (most likely not as nice as the others) I have found it to be far superior choice for touring than my CBR. while the CBR was fine, the KTM has better wind protection, better range, and offers more "wiggle room" to help with the little aches/pains that come with a long stretch of straight highway. Plus it is easy to stand up on, not only for off roading, but for a nice stretch after and hour of slabbing it without stopping.
  in the twisites it is no sportbike, but works far better than expected. you can easily pass the normal squid as long as there are no long straights. the tires are the limiting factor, but as mentioned before an extra set of wheels eliminate that problem. it is a long way over the top from full right lean to full left, you may not notice it as much on the standard as I have the R with taller suspension.
  as far as price you should be able to find left over '11's or even a '10 at a pretty good discount - $10-11,000???
  In the end I am far happier with it than I thought I would be, to the point that I rarely ride the CBR any more.........I have found it to be a blast to go straight to a destination insterad of following the pavement. just go in the general direction whether it be asphalt, gravel, fire road, or single track. nothing makes you giggle more than pulling off a trail onto vanocker canyon, passing a couple sportnbikes, pulling back onto a trail and passing a couple 4 wheelers
  and, if you are after attention I have found the 990 attract more gawkers and comments at a stop than any bike I have ever had

[Justin]

While the KTM 990 really moves me I went with the BMW GSA. As hard as I see myself "off-roading" the GSA would be plenty for me. Would be plenty for the more sedate dirt pass roads here in CO. It also seems way more comfy for long hauls. Shaft drive would be nice as well, so I can spend more time riding than cleaning, adjusting and lubing a chain

[black hills]

While the KTM 990 really moves me I went with the BMW GSA. As hard as I see myself "off-roading" the GSA would be plenty for me. Would be plenty for the more sedate dirt pass roads here in CO. It also seems way more comfy for long hauls. Shaft drive would be nice as well, so I can spend more time riding than cleaning, adjusting and lubing a chain

the GSA is nice and I have had a couple shaft drive bikes, I have never cleaned a chain, just lube when its dry and adjust if needed (a 3-5 min. job) and replace every once in a while (maybe 45 minutes total??). If you are not doing anything more than you would drive a car on the KTM is a waste. it needs to leave the ground every once in a while