Hudson
Well-known member
To be clear, Fred, I don't have one yet. Just a secure place in line when the next one arrives locally in May/June. Given the relative scarcity of the R bikes on the West coast, I figured it would be wise to line one up in advance.
To be honest, I still have minor reservations about a chain vs. shaft drive bike, mostly for the extra expense of chain maintenance. A shaftie like the STen would be nice, plus the extra reliability of the Yamaha is a plus. But....factor in the great stock suspension, the trick ABS, traction control, and then look at the major power differences....well, those doubts tend to be overlooked. Although, reading the Orange Crush section of ADVRider, it's clear that the STen is the much easier DIY bike.
And Kevin, flattery will get you a test ride.
Don, I'd like to say "to be negotiated" but I haven't heard of anyone getting a material discount of list. MSRP for the R is $16,800, and $16,400 for the standard, which is slightly more than the new Tenere, and less than a similarly equipped GS. Somehow I doubt I'll be getting much of a break unless I want to wait till next winter. On the plus side, farkles seem to be much cheaper than expected. Heated grips add $150, a skid plate is under $300, and it comes well equipped as standard. Other than potentially adding some side cases/bags if I want to tour, some decent tires, and a tank bag, not much to add.
Gee Duane, I think the STenere as you and George have equipped it is quite the rig. I sure enjoyed the test ride on yours, short and on-road as it was. And the new STen has the upgraded e-suspension from the FJR now, albeit the MSRP is up to $16,100 (likely discounted though). It's still a great contender, and if I already owned one AND a 690, I'm not sure trade the flexibility of the wee 690, especially if you plan to spend some time in the drier Central WA climes where that smaller bike would be much more flexible than the bigger KTM. I'm not selling the Husky for exactly the reason that it is a 275 dirt bike with a license plate. The AltRider guys sure seem to have fun:Well documented Dave! Now, of course, I must own one...so it looks like the KTM 690 Enduro R must find a new home this Fall, to encourage the entanglement with the new 1190R! Naturally, by then I'll be able ti ride it like your Kiwi video friend, and I won't miss the light and lithe 690R.
Please watch carefully in Sept/Oct as pigs fly in your area, too...LOL
Yummy, yummy bike the 1190R is. Well done Crusty!
To be honest, I still have minor reservations about a chain vs. shaft drive bike, mostly for the extra expense of chain maintenance. A shaftie like the STen would be nice, plus the extra reliability of the Yamaha is a plus. But....factor in the great stock suspension, the trick ABS, traction control, and then look at the major power differences....well, those doubts tend to be overlooked. Although, reading the Orange Crush section of ADVRider, it's clear that the STen is the much easier DIY bike.
And Kevin, flattery will get you a test ride.
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