Looks like an SMT replacement, meh.

looks like a SD with a windscreen, I'll take the windscreen. Love the spy pic.

Not much positive comments on the bottom of that article, seems people are getting to know KTM's crappy quality control and warranty service!

I like the last guy "KTM has some exciting designs, but they need to deal with quality issues before they start behaving like BMW."

Even though BMW has a 40% failure rate after 4 years which was the highest out of everyone in this test besides CAN AM

Not a lot of bikes are faultless specially not in the first year release. It is just the way the manufacturer deals with it that makes a difference.
BMW for example is very quick and helpful if any issues. If mileage is compared BMW riders seem to do a lbit more than others too.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a beemer fan for both bikes and cars. Solely on bike itself and for me personally the 1290 is still the bike, just fed up with all the drama and the value for money.

The naked not adjustable preload QS derived 1290 SDR is the same price here than the full fat S1000RR with electronic suspension, QS up and down and heated grips and.....

Not that I want one, just saying KTM should have a proper look where they are in the market en where they want to go.

BTW that poll seems very US biased, plenty of HD's on the side of the road at the best of times!

such a crap. Instead of creating an SMT version they make a touring SD ? What for ? What's the difference in putting some bags and a windshield in 1290 R?

Iirc the subframe is stronger so it can bare more weight as well.