DISTANCE: 4987 kilometres | 41,800 vertical metres
A "carefree hardtail" - that's exactly what I wanted my next long-term test bike to be. Ideally suited for short journeys to work and weekend tours - in all weathers.
The test editorial team chose the KTM Ultra Pinion. According to the manufacturer, it is an absolute "no-stress bike" weighing 13.6 kilos for 3199 euros. Well, I had imagined it to be a little lighter. Including pedals, bottle cage, speedometer and saddle bag, it quickly added up to 14.4 kilos. But well, despite the extra pounds, I was tempted by the new "Pinion", which everyone was talking about.
Even before the first ride, however, there was a bitter disappointment. The shift cable slipped during the second shift manoeuvre. Not even a few kilometres and already the first service. A problem with the frame (pre-series) or an assembly error? After a short pit stop, we were finally ready to go. The first ride was unusual, as downshifting while riding only worked with short interruptions in pedalling. The Pinion gearbox can do little with a full load. What is brilliant, however, is that you can easily shift into the lower gears even when stationary. After a short period of familiarisation, I was at one with the Pinion bike. The range of the 18-speed gearbox is commendable. Finely tuned gears enable smooth progress both on flat terrain and on steep climbs.
After a good 1300 kilometres, an indefinable cracking noise occurred - it could not be located. It was only quiet in the wet. Only after the KTM was taken to the workshop for a check-up, all screws were tightened and the rear quick release was replaced with a model with a higher clamping force was the problem 90 per cent eliminated. At kilometre 3200 the shift cable gave up again. The closed gearbox, on the other hand, appears to be absolutely leak-proof and maintenance-free, even after almost 5000 kilometres.
CONCLUSIONThe KTM with Pinion partially fulfils the claim of a carefree bike. The weak point was not the gearbox itself, but the control system. The bike could also be a little lighter.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 4 out of 6 points
DEFECTS / MAINTENANCE
- 0 km: Broken gear cable - The gearbox normally allows gear changes when stationary. The shift cable slipped before the first drive.
- 1300 km: Cracking noises - The mount for the gearbox was slightly warped on the pre-production frame. Together with the weak rear wheel quick release, this was a reason for cracking noises.
- 3200 km: Shifter cable breaks again - The cable breaks at the twist shifter. The cable is also already damaged when it enters the gearbox.
TUNING
Improve suitability for everyday use: Apart from small details such as the saddlebag and SKS mudguard on the front wheel, the KTM remains in its original condition.
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Why wander into the distance? The KTM Ultra was unable to record any spectacular highlights such as exotic destinations or Alpine crossings with endurance tester Robert. Instead, the bike had to prove itself in daily use on the local trails on the Ammersee and in the 5-lake region.
THE TESTER
Robert Egler, BIKE long-term tester
54 years / 1.80 m / 76 kg
Driver profile: Half-day/day tours, preferably without a long journey and preferably ending in a beer garden or at Andechs Monastery
Favourite areas: 5-Lakes Region, Ammersee-Lech region
WHAT THE READERS SAY
"Even wet conditions and road salt haven't affected the gearbox so far. Shifting gears felt a bit clunky for the first few hundred kilometres, but after that it was smooth as butter and unobtrusive." (Dirk Jäger, Facebook)
