Topic at work - BMW or KTM

[craigs23]

What are your impressions of each brand?

Including model range, image, performance, the Ewan and Charlie effect (whether KTM were wrong in denying them free bikes), advertising, etc.

Doesn't matter if you have or haven't owned/ridden one - this is a product perception thread.

Discuss.

[the grim reaper]

KTM for me, they have that slightly mental side to them which interests me far more than the BMW brand image of durability at the expense of excitement. I'm sure the K1200R is a quick bike but I'd still rather have the RC8, even if the build quality isn't as good.

Plus, BMW riders have that superiority complex that drives me nuts (cue BMW owners turning up with pitchforks). It may be a cliche but it seems to be true.

Cheers

Grim
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[Kickstart]

Hi

Immediate perception wise.

BMW - Reliable plodders, good for touring use and fairly solidly built.

KTM - quirky off roaders built for competition use and rarely seen.

Both perceptions are probably at least a decade out of date.

All the best

Keith
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[Kwaks]

BMW for me, reputation for reliability, bikes are functional and designed for their purpose, regardless of how fugly they end up. A lot of new innovations coming from BMW and seeping into mainstream.

KTM on the otherhand come across as more fun but less reliable.
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[brooky]

I would say that one of the major differences between these bikes would be the build quality. Up until recently BMW have always been renowned for their excellent build quality and bomb-proof desgin.

With KTM the complete opposite seems to apply, I have come accross many posts on various forums where the owner has complained at the complete lack of trust they have in their bike due to relentless problems their KTM has given.

I don't speak from experience as I have owned neither, I'm just expressing what I have heard.

I would like to own a BMW in the future though, I'm not so fussed about KTM as there are plenty of other brands which can do the same job but better.
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Suzuki GSX-R 750 K6.

[D O G]

BMW = more innovative with their technology (or at least prepared to do something different), well built, look good, designed for the rider rather than the press. Boxer engines, which unfortunately seem to be going out quietly.

KTM = Orange. Off road focus. Road bikes have different styling but ultimately don't offer much that Aprillia/Ducati don't, other than perhaps better build quality. (Although perhaps I should revise this having just read some of the other posts!!)

Can think of at least three beemers I'd like to own, can't say that about KTM. In fact I don't really fancy any KTM.

BMW for me.

[Dr. DaveJPS]

KTM for me

(though am biased as i own a KTM 950SM)

as for the question about build quality, there are a few problems with the KTM that all of the LC8 engines run the risk of sufferering. ( i've had one which is the clutch slave cylinder dieing and having to be replaced at the cost of ~£100)
but generally bolts and corrosion are not a problem. mine comes just as nice (when i do clean it) as when i bought it.

BMW's range might be wider, but generally seems duller. Also BMW's are far too pricey.
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[Mystery]

KTM for me better for looks and off roading and bmws are good there build quality but are to bulky looking for me
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[Skudd]

If I had to choose between a BMUU and a KTM for build quality it would have to be the Honda.
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[The Shaggy D.A.]

BMW - Plodding along with pipe, slippers and Belstaff waxed cotton jacket, service with a mallet and crowbar.
KTM - Screaming the nuts off it, dressed like a Transformer, rebuild every couple of hours using jeweler's screwdrivers and a loupe.
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[Bendy]

One's orange and one's grey.

Both are very tall.

[Rob]

I guess, similar to Keith, my initial impressions of both are:

BMW, solid, reliable, but a bit dull.
KTM, moto-x, trailie, off-roaders, possibly a little unreliable.

But saying that, there are some lovely looking KTM's out there and if that was my sort of bike they are predominantly the brand of choice that you see on the road so it's probably where I would look first!

BMW's.. now there's an interesting beast.... I was always under the assumption that KTM were MAD refusing the bikes for the show (which I put solely down to reliability) but now (after a lot of sales after the show I'm sure) they seem to be suffering with people saying 'you only bought that cos you saw it on TV' kind of comments..

I havn't ridden a whole bunch of Beemers but have many times ridden a K1200R and the thing is a beast... it's like riding a bucking bronco! If that is your thing then great and a lot of people that would enjoy it are put put off by the brand image... and the price!

I do love all the little extras you can get for the beemers (at a price) but personally, I don't reckon they will ever become accepted in the way that Honda and Yammy etc etc are in the mainstream, but I'm sure BMW owners are happy about that. I have a similar feeling about Triumph. It's nice to be in a minority and frustrating to see more Trumpets on the road... but that can only be a good thing for the manufacturer... possibly not so good for the consumer though!
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[Smooth]

[Rob]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

KTM for me.

BMW just seem really dull.
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[JAMSXR]

BMW to me are big heavy bikes with as many optional extras as their cars.... They are expensive, well built and capable of touring the world. Unfortunately 'most' BMW riders from my experience don't really have a passion for bikes and just see them as an effective mode of transport!

KTMs on the other-hand seem to produce more ballsy in your face bikes! I think generally there bikes seem allot more 'fun' then any BMW. You have the highly strung 2t EXCs, Enduro, Adventure, Superduke and the RC8. I know BMW do some similar bikes but I don't believe they have been as well reviewed as the KTM. I know for a fact some of the BMW dirt bikes have been known for there poor reliability. I know KTMs also come fitted with top of the range parts like WP suspension as standard, I'm not sure about BMW?

I am a little bias having owned a KTM which was bullet proof and fun!

Summed up in people below, who represents the BMW and who represents the KTM?
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[LeeR]

Both too expensive to consider.
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