Maybe there was some humor in the "don't ask this bunch" statement so I'm going to give me op. anyway. Who knows, there may be some 1200GS owners and 950 Adventure owners subscribed that usually don't comment and will on this topic.
That said, I completely agree that you should read every print review possible and ask the dealers if you can be put in contact with recent of the bikes (the BMW dealer in Chicago did that for me, he had the okay from a customer to give out his phone number for his opinion on the bike I was looking at). Also, subscribe to an online forum where these bikes are discussed and read up and ask questions. Ducati.ms was extreamly helpful for me when deciding if I wanted an ST3 or not (the site continues to be a great source of information). I think finding a forum online discussing a bike your interested in is invaluable in making a purchasing decision. Of course try to get a test ride. Like Longride said in one post have a wad of cash in your pocket suggesting you are ready to buy "now" but not unless you get a test ride. It's worth a try. Don't get robbed on the way to or from the dealer. Maybe a check book would be better, depends on your hood
In the end, from what I've read on these two bikes, maladg's question of
"Ask yourself this question: do I want a great streetbike that is ok on dirt roads or a great dirtbike that is great on roads but would be a bit less comfy on long hauls?"
is probably what it will come down too. Although I'd think the KTM is more than a bit less comfy than the Beemer. But, the KTM will smoke the Beemer in the dirt. That has been the consensus in every review I've read comparing those two bikes.
Good luck. It's a blast buying a new bike.