Well said Cliff ... and why I was mystified by Sandro's original post that seemed to want to compare/divide fans of both. I see now it's mostly a communication issue.

Hope you continue to have good and safe riding on your KTM!
Many dealers across Russia/Caucasus?

I think people will find much less of a "divide" here than in certain paper magazines. Just like "What Tool" magazine will certainly have opinions on which electric screwdriver is best, the bloke mending a fence will just pick up the first suitable tool, probably a hammer (the slots are for taking them out) and get on with it. I suspect many here don't believe a word of the manufacturers propaganda and buy the bike on the best deal, with the most support that fits them best. Even the old shaft vs chain debate drops away as many here can fit a clip link, lube, change oil, change a drive seal as required.


Now there is another market where having the badge whose brand fits the image you'd like to project is important. I suspect those guys buy more magazines and less petrol and probably do want their team to win.


Andy

KTM gave me an 1190 to try out. I already own both a 1200 and a 990. The 1190 well it has better brakes and abs than the old 990, feels more like a BMW than the traditional KTM. It even looks more like a BMW than a KTM. The way you sit, sound, feel, etc. In fact, both bikes have moved closer to each other. Just doesn't appeal to me as a KTM

I took it back and said I would rather keep my 990. But when I trade in my 1200 I would consider the 1190 as a replacement. In my mind it is an upgrade on a 1200, not a 990.

Instead of diverging the market is converging and the differences are actually getting less. The 990 and 1200 were very different rides. the new 1190 and1200 no longer. So the winner and loser comes down to marketing. It looks like KTM is grabbing market share from BMW and I see more 1190s than LCs. Used to be 1200s far outnumbered 990s. the super 10 and multistrada and triumph haven't really grabbed significant market share and. well not here. Is winners or losers based on who sells the most bikes?

In my opinion:
1190 pros: price, power at top end (if you ride fast on tar), brakes, still lightest of large adv DS bikes
cons: new design so has bugs, heat, no longer a traditional ktm, heavier than 990


BMW pros: low end grunt, BMW on call lol! tested design although putting the old lady on steroids to get last bit of HP out of her may lead to problems and longevity issues so not sure if it is a pro.
cons: price. Its a lot of money for a lot of weight and plastic, top heavy, the stigma of poser bmw riders lol. Charlie and Ewan image lol!

End of the day, neither the LC nor the 1190 appeal to me as must have bikes. There is no new bike I really want these days and manufacturers are moving away from what I am happy with. Both are heavier than their predecessors. I will probably buy an 1190 in a few years when the bugs are ironed out. BMW? I will wait till there is a new generation, not the same old boxer filled with botox and face lifts. They got all they can out of it now.

Just my opinion. I like what the BMW and KTM were, not so much where they are going.

Guys I'm sorry but It wasn't my intention to compare BMW and KTM.

I just said that instead of talking about them as many riders and magazines do, I would like to dedicate a thread on new competitors of those bikes, which aren't shown so much....
...Just like the two in the pic above: Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 or Aprilia Caponord 1200!

Some of you have never tried or own them?

Thanks,
Alessandro