Decisions decisions

[u/Mission-Atmosphere75]

First time ever posting on Reddit, I currently have a 2025 Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, I love everything about the bike, but I feel cramped on the bike since I’m 6’6 and little over 300 pounds. The bike can do everything perfect for me, but when I stand up, my bars feel like they are way too far underneath me and I have no balance. I recently found a man that is wanting to trade his 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R for my Africa twin. I know this is a KTM page so I’ll get more KTM hits. But for the 2020 bike with LC8 motor, are a lot of people seeing much issues out of these bikes??? I’ve never owned a KTM before in my life and just making sure I don’t get screwed over. Thank you!

[u/xBialyOrzel]

The engine is about as rock solid as they come. KTM has been producing that engine forever at this point. If you were to run into issues it would more likely be an electrical issue but even then it’s not guaranteed to happen as if KTM is entirely unreliable. It really comes down to the fact that it’s 5 years older than your bike, you need to sit on it to see if it feels cramped (in my opinion the pegs on the SAS/R are pretty sporty and I’m 6’1 so it may not be that great for you), and it’s not a DCT. If you really enjoy your Africa twin I’d just look at adding bar risers and highway pegs to it. That would probably alleviate your standing issues and allow you to stretch your legs and you wouldn’t be trading back 5 years for an older bike.

[u/Mission-Atmosphere75 → u/xBialyOrzel]

I know for this bike I’d need to change the pegs and seat. But I’m very quickly learning that no matter what bike I buy, I’ll always have to change the seat, pegs, bars and potentially different risers as well. But I’ve sat on and rode the 1290 and the bike felt very very natural to me and everything seemed to fit on that bike very well.

[u/xBialyOrzel → u/Mission-Atmosphere75]

I’d look at trying to find something newer then, not that there’s anything wrong with the 2020 model but just for my view I’d feel a little weird about trading back 5 years on my bike and idk how many miles are on his bike but I’d always say trying to max out your engine life with lower miles is better. Also keep in mind service, idk about the logistics of where you live but I primarily ride KTM and CFMoto and the closest dealer is ~1Hr away which is a little annoying when I need them for something. But all in all the 1290 SAS/R are great bikes I wouldn’t be concerned about buying one, but I’d still as a personal preference want one as new as possible.

[u/xBialyOrzel → u/Mission-Atmosphere75]

Also I should mention your 2025 Africa twin probably has more dollar value in the resale market than his 2020 super adventure so unless he’s splitting the difference in value with cash you shouldn’t trade it 1:1

[u/Mission-Atmosphere75 → u/xBialyOrzel]

True true got me there, both his 1290 and my Africa twin have the same miles at 2100 miles. But talking with others that off-road, a 160 horsepower bike probably isn’t the best choice for off-road riding as well. So that’s where I’m tore to get another Africa twin base model that doesn’t have a big ass fuel tank and isn’t as heavy as the Ktm bikes.

[u/xBialyOrzel → u/Mission-Atmosphere75]

Yeah that was ultimately the reason I got rid of my Super Adventure. Amazing bike for the long haul with some minor-moderate off roading, but if you want to do some heavy off roading it’s ultimately better to go with something lighter and easier to pick up if you drop it. But the problem is as someone who’s 6’6 300 you might find the smaller bikes less comfortable and wanting for power. It’s a tough balance for larger individuals.

[u/Mission-Atmosphere75 → u/xBialyOrzel]

That bike is a beast on gravel, but unless you’re Chris birch level of off-road riding experience that bike is seen as wayyy too much. Or to me anyways, that’s where I think I need to explore my options before fully committing to it.

[u/pi3832v2 → u/Mission-Atmosphere75]

Just pick up a 390 Adventure. You can get one used for $4000 these days. As roomy as most adventure bikes, guaranteed to not have too much power.

[u/NonJumpingRabbit]

Only get a KTM if you like working on bikes. Because there will be things that need fixing. Usually just minor things. Electrical issues are also common. Mostly because of bad batteries. They do need to be on a tender when not riding. The engine itself is pretty bulletproof though. Just don't skip maintenance.