Rode both the 1200S and 1290 R on the same day last week. Both great fun. For me, the Monsters have never really done it. Except for the old Foggy model. Both of these bikes have supreme motors. The KTM being smoother down low. I guess they got the map tuned a little better. The Ducati hits hard and smooth wherever you are in the rpm's as does the KTM. The traction control on the KTM is more advanced as it offers lean angle control which the Duc does not. I actually accidentally kicked it in and when the front wheel started to come up exiting a first gear corner and it just kept pulling without me backing off, I was sold!! Hero status awaits! I dig the quirky looks of the KTM and like the orange better than the black. Both were available for demos last week at Sloans in Murfreesboro TN. Akro slip on and the orange/white lighter wheels when available will both be on mine!! Now I have to decide which of my stable to sell!
I agree on the orange paint scheme and the orange lighter wheels, hope they are available soon, otherwise we'll just need to paint them like Wilks mate did. I prefer the looks of the 1290 to tuono. The KTM is up on power and torque when compared to the aprillia as well, according to the MCN review. The ergos on the KTM were better as well. The standard seat was also comfier. The 1290 I test rode had akra slip fitted, suspension was soft but Im sure this was due to it being set up for the salesman who was riding it, he was of marathon running build.
I rode the 13 aprillia, no abs and a smaller tank than 14 model. The 14 model has some slight changes to ergos and seat, this had the stock can on it as well. I never noticed much difference in ergos or seat when sitting on 13 and 14 model. Can't comment on mapping / fuelling etc which is also said to be improved. The Tuono made me smile when the engine got over the 4k in revs. It was soul stirring, it surprised me, my mate convinced me to test ride it before I laid the deposit out on KTM. Little more weight on wrists but not much more compared to KTM. Definitely more vibes through the Tuono handle bars. This could probably be improved with some heavier bar ends.
Although its not a major point for me the other thing that sets the Tuono apart is value for money, I think the KTM is over priced here for what you get stock. $25k for stock bike and add $4k to get the full akra which personally I think is a must to get the soul stirring. Thus a $29k bike.
The special edition tuono has ohlins suspension as per the factory RSV, ohlins steering dampener. Plus numerous bits of carbon such as front fender, hugger, under seat skirts, belly pan etc. This stock bike is $27k, add $1500 for Akra slip on and I reckon sound will be comparable if not better than the full system on the 1290. $28.5k, tried and tested WSBK winning engine and associated reliability where as 1290 is first gen.
Although I bought a 2012 Pani S, so not really fussed on the first gen thing to be honest.
AAAHHHH decisions decisions
