captainscarlet

Well it's been 12 months and I am still delighted with my choice. The 1290 is a brilliant bike and is just right for what I want from a bike at the moment. Much like the Tracer the engine is absolutely intoxicating although in a different way. This is my first twin and I must say I'm impressed. The torque and power seem simply endless. Since I posted the picture at the start of this thread I have made some minor additions/changes. I have fitted a black Arrow silencer; the looks and sound are so much better than the original. I've also fitted KTM original crash bars, an Outback Motortek bashplate and a Givi adapter plate for my topbox. The only other change currently on my to-do list is the screen which, like the Tracer's, is crap generating a lot of noise and turbulence. I find the suspension excellent and it is great being able to change settings on the fly. In fact the whole dashboard is really good with lots of info and easy to navigate. I have the bike paired to my phone and Cardo headset. Calls are displayed on the dashboard and can be controlled from the left hand grip. It also displays turn by turn navigation from my phone on the dash. The standard seat is fine for me although, much like this forum, the KTM forums I now frequent are littered with posts complaining about how uncomfortable the standard seat is. KTM do a comfort seat (with or without heating) which is supposed to be excellent. Fuel range is great, depending on riding style and I have seen just short of 400km before needing to fill up. Should be a great touring bike. No complaints or niggles so far. The only thing I don't like compared to the Tracer is the extra weight when moving it around the driveway. It's not that much heavier than the Tracer, but the extra weight is noticeable. CS

Yes, I bought a new seat. They had a special deal where it came with a free 1290 Super Adventure. Bloody expensive seat! 😋 CS

Ah ok, no the Dark Side was more a reference to this... ...as there is more than a passing resemblance.

Well after 5 1/2 years and a somewhat paltry 20000km I am parting ways with the Tracer and joining the ranks of General Grievous droid army. On Wednesday of this week this will be delivered into my garage: It's a 2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S that was only registered and put on the road by the dealer in July of this year, so essentially a new bike (there are no differences between 19 and 20 models). It will come with KTM's hard luggage and heated grips. For the first time ever I traded the Tracer in, I usually always sell privately. However I got a very good deal, including 3 years interest free credit....free money baby! I can't wait! Anyway I will miss the Tracer, it has been and still is a brilliant bike. Mine has been absolutely flawless; I have not had to do anything to it apart from routine servicing. Just wanted to sign off by saying it has been a privilege to share this little bit of cyberspace with you guys. The forum has been an invaluable source of knowledge for me and I hope I've also been able to give a little back. Compared to many my Tracer has been only mildly breathed on. I have changed suspension front and back, new slip-on, remap, windscreen and hand-guards, plus a few other minor bits and pieces. If I was to do it all again I would absolutely do the suspension first. In my opinion it is the single biggest improvement you can make to the bike. Well it's been a blast. CS

Have you considered a Tracer 700? They are 20 kilos lighter than the 900. Supposed to be a great bike too. CS

Sounds like the right plan. The new springs will get the suspension nicely in the operating range for your weight. Bike will be nicely balanced. CS

Ok so the Streetbox includes a new shock, new fork springs and fork oil. I'm guessing/hoping that the price you've been quoted includes fitting otherwise there are better/cheaper options. Initially I changed to a K-tech Razor Lite rear shock and K-tech springs in the forks. This sorted the rear end and made some improvement in the front. Just getting springs for my weight made a noticeable difference . However the real problem with the Tracer's front end is the fork hydraulics. To improve those you either need a valve kit or you can swap out all the internals and fit a cartridge kit. This is what I did. I bought K-tech 20IDS cartridges and was able to use the K-tech springs I'd bought the year before. Fitting the rear shock is easy if a little fiddly; it's just a couple of nuts and bolts and can easily be completed with basic tools. Working on the forks on the other hand is more involved. The process is not that difficult but does require a couple of special tools. You also have to remove the forks from the bike. There are plenty of options out there to buy shocks with remote preload adjustment like you have on your Tracer. K-tech do the Razor Lite with a remote adjuster. Another good choice is Nitron. Hyperpro I'm sure are also good. I guess the big question is how much of the fitting you want/can perform yourself. CS

If you're getting front and rear done for 750 Euros that's not bad. Also the guy is right in that both ends of the bike need fixing. I went with K-tech cartridges up front and a K-tech shock in the rear. Prices I paid you can read about here... I fitted everything myself. What components are included in the quote you've been given? CS

I got mine from here: Smoke Motorcycle Adjustable Clip On Windshield Extension Spoiler Wind Deflector Small motorcycle windshields, motorcycles stuck in the windshield... But there are a raft of them on Ebay and I suspect they are all pretty much the same product. CS

I am awaiting delivery of a wind deflector, similar to the Puig item, ordered from Ebay. I realise this varies depending on the individual, but what position works well for reducing turbulence at speed? I'm just looking for some pointers for initial position that I might try. CS

Good info, I have sent them an email asking about that and enquiring as to whether the seat can be had with a one piece covering. CS

Well there appear to be quite a few positive posts for Bagster and some that suggest only a minor improvement. Many thanks to all those who have responded. My own research has led me here Comfort seats for Yamaha MT-09 Tracer ('15-'17) Custom comfort seats for Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, for more relaxed... MotoK seem to receive extremely favourable reviews. I'm considering sending my seat to them during the coming winter hiatus. CS

@roadrash83, @Fleng and @Kenny A. how do you find the Bagster compared to the standard seat? I understand there are a number of options/specifications for the Bagster seat, which did you go for? CS

Thanks for a very informative post, that was just the sort of feedback I was looking for. Bit disappointing however that the Sargent seat pan was so weak. I have started looking for seat makers in country here in Sweden. CS

No it's a 525 chain but the D.I.D ZVM-X chain I fitted is more substantial and wider than the original OEM D.I.D chain.