So, I test rode a 2017 1290 and came back totally un-impressed ? My friend also said the same. It had no pull and we both kept hitting the rev limter.
It felt no quicker than my 990 with 40k on it. I've since heard from someone else (990 rider) who said the same thing before I'd even said anything.
How can this be, it must have at least 60hp on my bike plus weight a similar amount !?
So are KTM demo bikes restricted ? ie some sort of dealer mode ??

was it possibly in the ''RAIN MODE'' ?

even when I picked mine new it went like a bat out of hell no way would it be hitting the limiter , doesn't make much sense to me mate unless you are Valentino

Sounds like something wasn't right with that bike as I test rode the 2017 a couple of weeks ago and it tried to rip my arms off. I didn't even bother going into sport mode and left it in street and it was still batty as hell.

I have a 950 and the 1290. there is no comparison between the two. I know the 990 is a bit more HP than the 950 but if you got off the 1290 coming from a 990 and weren't impressed with the power something was wrong with the 1290.

I have felt similar things with the last KTM 500 XC-w I rode and got back on my 450 XC but it was just that the 500 felt lazy vs. the quick rev of my 450..

Also I gave the bike a handful in 3rd and it barely lifted the front wheel !?
Has anyone else ridden the 2017 demo bike at Premier Bikes - Didcot ?

Just for reference I test rode the 2017 BMW s1000r over the w/e and that was fast as hell everywhere - wasn't keen on the auto downshift or throttle / gearbox connection (I guess TBW !).

the front wheel will lift in 4th if you get it wrong , or right it depends

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a wee dealer trick that they can do with the electronics to keep things a bit calmer, with the intention of their demo bike always returning on its own wheels, rather than in a skip, but if it makes the bike too docile then it can be counter-productive by putting off potential buyers. I rode a 2016 1290 SDR from Premier Bikes last year and while it was pretty brisk, it wasn't quite as mental as I'd have expected..

Speak to the dealer. Tell them your concerns and that you were considering buying one but just weren't impressed as you thought you should have been with the power of the 1290. Like i said for me it blew the 990 out of the water for grunt.