Contemtplating trading the rocket for a ktm 1290 adventure

[Robm422]

i know, i know, this is a rocket forum, but I must say I am tempted in trading my roadster for the ktm. I find myself wanting to explore the mountain fire roads when i'm riding the twisties, and doing some camping. The problem is I love the rocket so much, i know i would miss the heck out of it. I don't know, i need to test ride the bike first before i can make a decision. I can't afford two bikes, and the adventure does more.

 

[LimeyDave]

Say it isn't so...

 

[TOMCAT]

Maybe after test ride you'll just have to have both bikes .. what else you going to spend your hard earned on after all.

 

[jaredmt]

i know, i know, this is a rocket forum, but I must say I am tempted in trading my roadster for the ktm. I find myself wanting to explore the mountain fire roads when i'm riding the twisties, and doing some camping. The problem is I love the rocket so much, i know i would miss the heck out of it. I don't know, i need to test ride the bike first before i can make a decision. I can't afford two bikes, and the adventure does more.

This isn't quite the same comparison, but last year I did a lot of foreign traveling, sold my old RIII, house, etc and off I went. When I got back I had similar thoughts ... wanted more of a dual purpose bike and ended up with a Ducati Scrambler. Fun bike. But I don't do off road that much and find I don't like it nearly like I thought it would (spend too much time fretting about dropping the bike on rough terrain). After having her for a a few months, I bought my current RIII. I still have the Duc ... and I hardly touch it. Nothing against it. It just isn't the Rocket III. I'll probably sell it this spring (if anyone want's a Duc Scrambler!)
Just in case my experience helps.

 

[Jag]

Sellers remorse is a terrible thing!!!

 

[tdragger]

I hate dealing with chains. The KTM seems to be an awesome machine but the chain drive kills it for me. I'd like to do fire roads and be somewhat comfortable on the way out to get to them so a Triumph Explorer is more suited for me. Next year will see TEXs with all the electronic gadgetry that the KTM has.

 

[Blackthou]

Pass the smelling salts.

 

[GPMAZ]

I hate dealing with chains. The KTM seems to be an awesome machine but the chain drive kills it for me. I'd like to do fire roads and be somewhat comfortable on the way out to get to them so a Triumph Explorer is more suited for me. Next year will see TEXs with all the electronic gadgetry that the KTM has.

BMW R1200GS, no chain. Sold mine to buy the Rocket and occasionally regret it. Best all around bike I ever owned.

 

[Robm422]

Yeah, the chain drive is the one thing i don't like about the bike

 

[IdahoRenegade]

I love ADV riding and if I could only have one bike it would be an ADV of some sort. I have a Tiger 800XC and added a Rocket a couple months ago. If you just want to explore some fire roads, do some overnight campouts, etc, the KTM is overkill for your first ADV bike. You will drop it and beat it up, nature of the sport. Not to mention that the 1290 is a tall, heavy bike. I'd start with something smaller and much less expensive for your first ADV. Keep the Rocket and try a DR650 or KLR and see how much you enjoy the sport would be my advice. The price of either, used, won't break you. ADV bikes aren't like street bikes, there is a lot more differentiation between them, and too much weight or power, first time out especially, can get you in a lot of trouble.