First impression regarding the DCT box.Everything works seamlessly and I love it !
For those that don't know; You choose between Drive/Sport1/2/and 3.
Drive mode is a bit to "relaxed" for me - pulling away like a normal person I hit 6gear at 44km/h. Admitingly I am not use to it yet (only done 400km) it feels like not much is happening when i twist the throttle.
Sport 1 for normal relaxed everyday traffic driving is the way to go. Revs going up a little bit higher and stays just that bit longer in gear.
Side note: When starting the bike i flick the switch twice and its in S1 - easy and quick !
Obviously if you want to shorten those tyre lifespans, put it in S3 and she pulls like the 990.
At this stage my view coming from the 990 is that you must want a smoother little bit more sedated ride if you go dct OR keep it in S3 all the time but whats the point then?
Fitted with road tyres i have done about 20km dit so cant really comment yet apart from the fact that on fairly good gravel i do 130-140 without worrying to much. I used T1 setting on traction control and definitely feel a bit safer than on the 990.
The ABS off setting (which takes 3sec) switch the abs off at the back and keep it on in front. - It works FANTASTIC. I stoped very quickly on sand/gravel without any "o shit" moments.
She is FAST. Yes, compared to my 990. I am talking about top speed and the time to get there. I definitely ride faster in shorter time with the bike stressing less than the 990 Adv. Only took it up to 190km/h but will test gps top speed with my 120kg on it after the first service.
Gravel mode button apparently change the engine characteristics off road but I can't feel any difference with it switched on or off? Maybe when I start pushing it a bit more on gravel?
I LOVE the gear paddels. In any mode its takes a flick of the finger to change gear and it is HUGE fun to put in in manual mode and just drive with the "flick paddels" Honestly i don't know why they don't make all manual bikes like this? Its extremely easy to change up or down (obvious no clutch) and I don't have to worry about getting my offroad boot in there. (Also no gear lever to bend and clutch lever to brake when falling
)
Maybe a bit of dealer experience: KTM / HONDA shop in Klerksdorp gave me great service, very helpful and Beau the owner actually help personally to adjust the topbox mounting etc when I was there. They also own the Suzuki and Yamaha dealerships thats just next door so basically a one stop shop for a lot of different types of bikes. I was invited to ride the 1190R and 1290R on their offroad track as well before I made up my mind.
[For those that don't agree with my comments, please feel free to give your experience with the most reliable dual purpose bike available today]
Topic: Africa Twin Experience Living Thread (Read 9599 times)
