Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
I'm really impressed with KTM's understanding of the needs of the 'bumbling around' off-tarmac adventure tourers; tubeless with 21/18 is a great combo for this  whilst those who want to play silly buggers pretending they are Dakar Rally riders can buy the tubed 'R' version.
Having suffered with mudplugging, I'd like to see a bigger gap 'twixt the tyre and front mudguard. Perhaps the R mudguard could be fitted.
And then I suppose there's the endless list of little things that you would think an adventure bike manufacturer would provide as standard and rarely does
- wide footpegs
- big foot on side stand (this must cost pennies at the build stage)
- loud horn
- LED aux lights so oncoming trucks realise you are not a moped
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The R mudguard could be fitted, yes - KTM say all the parts are interchangeable. But I suspect few of these bikes will see really, really heavy mud and in that case the mudguard will be the last of your problems. It's not a trail bike, and even then I've been on a trail bike with high mudguard in such sticky mud that it just clogs the forks and brakes and jams the wheel anyway.
KTM already list big footrests as an option I believe, as for the other things you mention they wouldn't be a very high priority for me.
Lastly before I fall off my soapbox, a thought on davebetty's points. The overslung tanks didn't appeal to me at first but the more I think about them the more I like them. KTM state they have tested them for impact resistance and from the look of them they have outer panels made similar to crash bungs to protect them in the event of a road spill. And of course they help keep the weight low, very important if you're travelling on a rough road or dirt track. If it's cafe posing you're after, stick to a big V-twin with a big fuel tank perched on top of a tall engine. To me small and simple is sweet.
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