READERS RITE
Don’t forget to write! We mean it. We love to hear from you and everyone else does too; these pages are among the most popular in the magazine. Preferably, keep letters under 300 words so we can fit more in, though we will allow the odd exception without taking to it with the editorial knife. Yes, we will chop ’em when we have to. Do include your real name and some contact details just in case we need to clarify something. Please write to gleech@universalmagazines.com.au or send mail to Road Rider, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113.
TALL IN THE SADDLE
Your launch story for the new KTMs in issue 140 was, as usual, entertaining and informative, but it might be time for a magazine like Road Rider to finally stand up and say bikes like the 1290 Super Adventure R are simply too tall and heavy to be really useful as adventure bikes.
Sure, if you’re 6ft 4in and you’re just going to be using it to be comfortable on big road trips it might make some sense, but otherwise what is its purpose?
As you point out, it’s heavy enough with a dry weight of 217kg, but add fuel and luggage and you’re certainly looking at 240-250kg. Combine this with a non-adjustable seat height of 890mm and you have a result only
