I've been following and wanting a Super Duke for a long time. But hearing all the complaints with KTM and issues with the bike I'm starting to have second thoughts. I know on forums people will post all the negatives about a bike as I've done with my Aprilia and Ducati in the past, but still love them and I might of swayed someone from buying one.
So my question goes to current 1290 owners, if you had it all over would you buy it again?

No question that I would buy it again even after hearing that some are having aggravating problems with theirs!

Doing that would be an easy decision for me. I didn't want a bike, I wanted this exact bike! Right now there's nothing else on the market that gives me what my 1290 does. Nothing.

I have not had any issues with my bike and i only have 3 things that i can fault it.

1. It's a bit overpriced
1. It doesn't have a quickshifter.
3. The electronics could have been done better with more options.

Coming from an aprilia I especially miss the quickshifter, and being able to adjust WC separately from TC, oh and the ape has better front end feeling.

I dont regret it..yet, and I dont know if I have a wobbly rear wheel yet (out of town for the entire summer and winter and learned about it here just a few months ago) but after reading about the problems and KTM's lack of "give-a-shit" Id have checked out the BMW for sure. Love the bike, but considering Im not a trackday racer, Im pretty sure Id have loved the BMW too.

I'd buy the 1290 again in a nano-second. IMHO nothing else comes close to mating performance and attitude like the SDR. Riding position and handling are perfect, TC and ABS are outstanding, OEM tyres more than adequate, and the bike's horsepower and torque are a thrill-a-minute.

And, of course, Motorcyclist and Motorcycles.com have both named it Motorcycle of the Year.

Bravo KTM. You nailed it.

No, too many little and big issues that I don't care to wait around for KTM to fix and/or figure out. A longer manufacturer warranty may have changed my mind as well as more definitive owner reports related to the rear wheel fix. Hoping that the oil leak/porous casing issues are isolated and not widespread.

Great motorcycle on so many fronts, loved riding mine.

i would buy this bike again in a heartbeat
i have been riding for 47 yrs
this is the most fun bike i have ever
owned !!!!!!!!

Well I'm from the US and i wouldn't by this bike again. I was a pure KTM fan up until now. With them trying to dismiss the issues that this bike has, it has spoiled the love I once had. I loved my 990 SD and my 560 SMR. This bike is fun to ride but at what expense. The cost was far too high for them not to jump on any issues that developed with first year production. Instead they say "It's within tolerances". It's my f-ing life that they are toying with and I don't appreciate it one bit! It was my dream bike and came with chinese bike issues! That's utter crap! Had they addressed the issues in a different manner my feelings would be differently. But I cannot just accept the dismissing way KTM has treated us as customers of such a high dollar bike.

It sounds like a USA KTM issue as KTM Australia have already started fixing the faulty ones here. Shame that there is a fair bit of inconsistency between dealers.

my dealer says he will take my hub
apart and replace any thing i want
i can honesy say they have been great
to me so far

I have to shake my head in sorrow at the attitude of those who have let this rear wheel issue kill their opportunity to enjoy a really fun bike.

1. There's not one report of this issue causing any harm.
2. KTM hasn't told anyone that their bike is unsafe to ride.
3. Hearing reports from one or two who have the problem saying that they've "felt" the bike misbehaving in a turn tells us nothing. Reports of feeling things from people with no credentials can't be considered reliable.

One group of those who have the issue (and are justifiably irritated that KTM is pissing around while they figure out what to do about it) are out enjoying the bike they bought.

Another group has decided sit in the corner pouting, spending all their energy feeling wronged, passing up all the joy that they could be experiencing while riding the bike they decided to buy. Doesn't look to me like this group is making a rational decision.

Why not just get over the fact that there's a way too high percentage of assholes and idiots in KTM's upper management and get on with life?

I'm not in any way implying anyone else should feel the way I do. The thread asks "Would you buy the 1290 again?" I would not and explained why. You shouldn't feel the need to become defensive about it or try talking down anyone for it. I do appreciate the way you judge someone that you know absolutely nothing about by saying they have no credentials. That just shows how poor your character is. This shouldn't be a pissing match between us lovers of this bike. It was my dream bike! I bought the first one I could find. I was more than willing to accept first run problems. But when the company completely dismissed the issue I had an extremely hard time coping with that type of treatment from the company I had so much faith in. My dealer is taking care of the problem out of pocket to cover the companys credability. I'm on the same page as everyone the bike is fun to ride. Doesn't live up to the hype that we were fed before it reached the showroom, but it is still a blast to throw into a corner and fly into the straights. I just do not feel safe riding it how it is at the moment. My life. Do with yours as you see fit.

Disrespect you? You're the guy that calls a guy ignorant because he's got a
different opinion from you. Bear in mind there are 1000's of 1290 world wide and
a relative few have had an issue. You need to chill and take your meds.

Steve,

I did not insult you. The definition of ignorant: Is lacking knowledge of a specific field. You were getting your info from someone else. You were not stating facts, you were stating opinion just like you said above.

The reason I want you to stop saying this hub issue is a none issue. Is because mine really does have play and it shouldn't. I want it to be fixed. I don't know about all the other 1290r out their. From what I have read. Most of them don't have any play. That's why I don't understand why mine dose. And after I ride it, I can feel even more play. Yesterday before I left for my Sunday ride I could not feel any play. I've had that happen one other time. But after the 5 hour ride. The play was back at it's worst.

If you lived near me. I would gladly invite you over to feel it your self. Then you would know what I was talking about.

You have insulted me. But I'm ok with that. I'm an adult. I can take it. No heart feeling on my side.

The factory guys told you yours is in spec still you doubt them
What more can be said

Well... forums like this certainly have a knack for concentrating any negativity. Talking mostly about faults and complaints, not online drama. was hoping there'd be a bit more going on in terms of aftermarket/factory upgrades and the electronics.

Just for the record I would like to say there is no other bike on the market at the moment I would rather be on.
Having said that if this turns out to be a correct diagnosis, I feel a recall coming on

I think people need their eyes checked!

Almost every 1290 had some issues, some minor some big and mostly several.
Doesn't mean it is not a great bike when it goes, it is, that is part of the problem.

Anyone downplaying there are no issues should read a bit more on the forum.

Also most people understand there are some problems to expect on a new model, difference is the way they are handled by the factory and the amount of issues there are.
All up not a good effort so far...