Hi all,

I've posted on here a few times in the past, and introduced myself a year or two ago when thinking about changing my 08 Street Triple R for the 990 Superduke R. Hope you've all been keeping well in the meantime and are still loving KTM. I still have the Street, and I'm now looking at picking up a 1290R instead. New probably as some of the dealerships are selling 2014 bikes on 2015 plates for £13K. I can't find any info if there are any differences between the 2014-2015's except for the different finish on the exhaust heat shield. Are there any?

The 1290 looks to be quite a refined beast, so I'm sure I'd be more than happy with the performance of the bike. I was hoping you guys could give me some info on the bike and whether it's a wise and reliable purchase? I've read a fair few horror stories about the problems with the rear hub wobble, which KTM say is in tolerance, but is clearly a bit dodgy. And other bits and bobs about oil leaks etc. where from? Any other issues?

I'm hoping that these issues are far and few between and that the UK KTM dealerships are not as shit as I keep reading they are. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

incidentally, i was reading today about the rear hub issue and i went to check mine.
I didn't noticed any problem in the back wheel. Mine is a '15 one.

The 1290r is the best bike I have owed to date. Yes it has issues! Front rotors drag when rolling it around garage, some have oil leaks. Most have the play in the rear wheel. But most of it was taking out with the higher torque spec bulletin. Are at least mine was. Stock seat is to low for proper riding position. Power parts seat much better for carving in the corners but a little soft though. OEM tyre are shit. Bike want to fall in to corner. Replace with Dunlop Q3. Problem solved. Neutrals Steering.

What's to like: it's all about the motor . Also they got it right this time with a smooth throttle. Handling is good as well. But if you want it even better put the Ohlins on the back. 20% better with a plusher ride.

Picked up my 2014 1290r last May. No issues. No wheel wobble. No oil leaks. Nothing. I have dropped a fair amount of cash into the bike for the Akra full system, carbon fiber power parts, and BST wheels. The bike is amazing because of that torquey but very fast engine. I also got the race dongle and a firmware update so the bike now remembers prior settings. So yeah, I love the bike!

Standard tyres are excellent . I did swap them out for some Pirelli Supercorses but swapped back to the standard tyres for a touring trip . I will stick with the standard Dunlops from now on they excellent grip and wear