What bike do I buy?

[BrendanZX9R]

Hi all, I'm looking for some help from the experts!
I'm wanting to get back into adventure riding, I used to do a bit on my old xr650r and then a klr. I got tired of the 650's on the road once all my mate's gradually "matured" and got road bikes. I guess as we weren't doing much gravel the idea of a road bike seemed like a good idea. Anyway my plan is to sell my current bike (2007 yamaha fz1) and get an adventure bike. My budget will be around 12k. What I would like to know is what would you guys and girls buy? I really like the ktm950/990 and bmw 1200gs but am seeking advice before I pull the trigger.
Is it possible to get a 950/990 or 1200gs in my budget?
Which one would you buy and why?
What should I be looking out for with either bike?
Should I be considering another 650? I quite like the ktm 690.
Dad owned a r1200gs adventure so I have some experience with the Beemer. I'm in Christchurch so my riding will be throughout the south Island.
Thanks

[R650R]

Get a late model low km DR650 for about $6500 then spend the remaining $5500 on Farkling it here http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html
The KTMs and Beemers are nice but you pay big $$$ for them...

[clint640]

The odd KTM 950 comes up within your budget, I'd do a bit of research (Advrider.com - Orange crush) on the issues with the earlier ones so you know what you're in for. Get a ride on one if you can, they're a lot more 'dirtbike' in feel than an R1200 but still pretty comfy on the road.

Definitely get a ride on a 690 too. The earlier ones are coming up for that sort of money. The seat is terrible but with that replaced & a little windscreen added they make a pretty good roadbike, hell grunty for a single, nice brakes, much smoother than your old 650R but with similar abilities offroad. Personally I like an adv bike that crashes well & I can pick up so of your list the 690 gets my vote.

Cheers
Clint

[ducatijim]

The odd KTM 950 comes up within your budget, I'd do a bit of research (Advrider.com - Orange crush) on the issues with the earlier ones so you know what you're in for. Get a ride on one if you can, they're a lot more 'dirtbike' in feel than an R1200 but still pretty comfy on the road.

Definitely get a ride on a 690 too. The earlier ones are coming up for that sort of money. The seat is terrible but with that replaced & a little windscreen added they make a pretty good roadbike, hell grunty for a single, nice brakes, much smoother than your old 650R but with similar abilities offroad. Personally I like an adv bike that crashes well & I can pick up so of your list the 690 gets my vote.

Cheers
Clint

Seat is also very terrible on 990's. I personally reckon that if you do not fit Mr Hitlers ayrian supremeist ideal of a man, then go for summit smaller if you want to enjoy anything rougher than gravel road!
But then Im a weak, pudgy piss poor rider so wtf would I know!

[Devil]

I was expecting the seat on my '12 690 Enduro R to be horrible (having previously owned an '08 690SM) and weirdly i've actually had no problem with it so far. Such little issue that it's actually gone completely to the bottom of my farkling list, if not off it completely.
But everyone is a different shape and build so you just have to factor the possibility in if you head for a 690.

[Devil]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-580789624.htm

[GPS MAN]

If I were in the market to do it all over again: I would go for a KTM 690....but, that's me

[BrendanZX9R]

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

[dino3310]

i saw this on trade me tonight, for the price i thought i'd throw it in the pot, if it didnt suit you would get ya coin back on it at this price http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-588231686.htm

[Night Falcon]

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

I've toured the SI on mine, the engine is primo and will handle highway speeds (plus) no worries, heaps of power, if you like wheelies look no further. Seat needs sorting though. Stock 12ltr tank will get you about 210klm. I have a safari tank fitted which extends range to 450klm. don't even notice the extra weight.

Maintenace is two oil changes a year plus valve clearance check so not too expensive if you do the oil changes yourself. fuel problems seem rare in NZ- mainly in North America - maybe poor fuel but who knows, mines been fine. There are some quirks with them, tank bolts need replacing as they snap, ditch the stock exhasut & seat, speedo's have problems with digits fading. so its not perfect but it is light weight, handles well, excellent suspension and the engine.....well take one for a spin if ya can and find out for yaself! Oh and they eat rear tires :corn:

[dmoo1790]

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

I have about 16000 km on my 2011 690 Enduro R. I'm a lot lighter and about 3 in shorter than you. You would probably fit the taller R model better than I did until I lowered it. The seat IS rubbish. The foam is too soft and thin except in one spot. So you end up sitting on the seat base if you slide back. I use a sheepskin which helps a little on long runs.

The incidence of fuel and electrical problems does seem a bit higher than it should be. I haven't had a fuel pump problem yet but I know one guy who has. Wiring is not good. I had a good look at some of the wiring on my bike recently and found many places where wire bundles were rubbing on the frame. One bundle was chafed through the covering but not the wires. If you get a 690 I would suggest going over the wiring to check for chafing or bad connections before you go bush.

Genuine KTM services are expensive IMHO.

Having said all that the 690 is an awesome bike and I do not regret buying it.

I have got 260 km on one tank doing a mix of gravel, tar and a little trail. Bike is basically stock except for air filter. It is extremely economical on highway cruising. Better than 22 km/l in my experience.

[Gremlin]

Well the most important thing is, what riding are you going to be doing? If it's your only bike, are you doing a bit of everything? What's everything? For some, an adventure bike is needed for gravel roads, but in reality, it's a very deep dark trappy hole beyond gravel roads, involving lots of mud, rivers and a whole lot more. :eek:

If you want to tackle more gnarly stuff, but still road ride, then a mid capacity bike is going to suit more, but you can also get away with more on a bigger bike due to your size.

As an example, I'm 6'3 and 100kg and I have a R1200GS Adventure, and I've done Skippers Rd, Danseys, Hakataramea, Nevis, Lees Valley etc. I like the versatility, and you can still do 1000km+ days on sealed roads and your arse will remain intact. However, she's a hell of a handful in rough stuff (especially with luggage) and the smaller bikes will float right on by while you're doing your best impression of a submarine. I don't have any desire to go really rough, so no problem for me.

imho, your riding requirements, followed closely by your skill, will dictate bike choice the most. Still, bike shopping is fun, so if you get it wrong (like most do) you can always try again. :laugh:

[clint640]

As a tall bugger you'll be able to get a higher more comfy seat made up for a 690 no worries. Another good point about the 690's (well the 08 I spent some time on anyway) is that they are quite stiffly sprung standard so will suit a guy your size well in that regard.

To throw another bike in the mix, How about a KTM 950 SuperEnduro? Not common but I've seen a couple come up near your price range. They are one of the lightest of the 2 cyl adv bikes & would be a good rig if you want to try & find the sweet spot between 650 singles & big twin adv-tourers. Plus they'd put a horn on a jellyfish :devil2:

Cheers
Clint

[Night Falcon]

I have got 260 km on one tank doing a mix of gravel, tar and a little trail. Bike is basically stock except for air filter. It is extremely economical on highway cruising. Better than 22 km/l in my experience.

mine has Ackro map and FMF exhaust 17.307 km/l; maybe I should change back to stock map and thermo exhaust...na, the cost of setting the strangled LC4 free is worth it :laugh:

[NordieBoy]

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

UMO Pom rode the TAT on his and he's tall and uses really low bars.

But he's a weirdo.

[BrendanZX9R]

Thanks again for the responses, very helpful. Lucky for me I have time on my side, I have to sell my current bike first which means I won't be rushing the decision. And My wife and i have twins due in 5-6 weeks so there won't be much riding done for awhile. I will also miss the brass monkey as they are due that week - not happy but what can you do eh?
I want to be able to ride to the dirt roads I will be riding ie chch down to otago to do the dunstan trail, so I need something that can do both. Unfortunately that means a compromise somewhere. Hadn't thought about the 950se as they are hardly ever seen for sale, but I'd pounce on one if I got the chance!
Leaning more and more towards the 690 with a better seat and screen so thanks again for the advice from you guys who have them.

[Devil]

mine has Ackro map and FMF exhaust 17.307 km/l; maybe I should change back to stock map and thermo exhaust...na, the cost of setting the strangled LC4 free is worth it :laugh:

I have the derestricted map with the latest updates and an FMF 4.1 Racing with baffle out on mine and consistently get 21-22km/l.
Standard ignition setting...

[vegeman]

I have the derestricted map with the latest updates and an FMF 4.1 Racing with baffle out on mine and consistently get 21-22km/l.
Standard ignition setting...

690's...rule:headbang:

I'm with Night falcon on the economy..but can get 20km/l for general commuting which is 180K's till the fuel light. When had standard exhaust and map it was 210-220kays. The right hand controls the fuel consumption.

With the mods' the 690's have almost TWICE at the rear of the other 650's...so it's worth it, and makes slabbing on roads fun.

I use a Airhawk seat cushion for the extended road sections, and then rely on the KTM gel set once at destination (that upgraded seat "theoretically" is the comfort seat...which means the austrlans have a fucked sense of comfort)

The 690 will haul your extra kilos just fine...990 super enduros will rip your arse off...

[10bikekid]

I'm running a KTM950ADV and a DR750Big at the Mo and would have to say If you want a mean road bike/metal roader the 950 is the biz even with stock scorpian tires, or with TKS80s you can do non mud type off roading with ease

950ADV would not be as comfortable on road as the BMW but way better on the metal and off road, you need to rear steer them a bit and louder pipes help to let you hear what the engine is doing to stop to much wheelspin and the rear coming around to much.

I have ridden with 690s often on the metal and would have to say the 950 is a match and them some ridden as above. But they are not for the faint hearted as speed just keeps building relentlessly and stupidly till you give up and say enough is enough, seen about 175kph on gravel myself but have a friend in the South Island who has reported doing over 200kph which I'm not going to try:no: as every rock becomes a boulder at over 160kph.

Will admit though if you are considerer doing trickier off road stuff a single with less power and weight would be better and my DR runs trackmaster DOT knobbies and can be ridden even in the dunes a feat only a paddle tired 950 ridden by Hercules could hope to achieve.

I found one bike couldn't span my ADV and off road riding needs fully but I'm guessing the KTM690 would be pretty close in Modern bikes, or A DRBIG if you could get a good one (smaller bikes aren't so much fun for doing big mile days)

The KTM and DR have just come back from a 500 plus km ride from Auckland to Pouto point in Dargaville including 10ks of beach work, did it easy in reasonable comfort home for dinner with barely an ache on the 950, DR rider had a slighty sourer rear end though as 950 has sheepskin

So I guess it comes down to where you think most of your riding will be done, you need a twin for major to medium road trips with a little offroad in the dry and a single for major offroad wet or dry with a medium to moderate amount of roading, easy <_<

[Devil]

690's...rule:headbang:

I'm with Night falcon on the economy..but can get 20km/l for general commuting which is 180K's till the fuel light. When had standard exhaust and map it was 210-220kays. The right hand controls the fuel consumption.


I get pretty consistent k's. Thats with commuting, and gravel riding.
What mine saves in gas it uses in oil though heh. 300ml/1000km. Sheesh.

[vegeman]

I get pretty consistent k's. Thats with commuting, and gravel riding.
What mine saves in gas it uses in oil though heh. 300ml/1000km. Sheesh.

wow....thats a shit load of oil. I've never heard of the 690's using oil, mines 33000K's now and still fine on that dept.
I've just ordered new rocker arms though, as its got pretty clacky and have heard that their is a newer version of them now, so cheaper to replace and prevent worrying about. I use every bit of the now increased rev range, and don't want any bits flying apart when dealing to the gravel at speed as mentioned above.

[Devil]

Looks like it's fairly common with the true 690cc engine, ie the new duke and enduro R. Brought it up with the dealer who spoke to KTM and they said that 250/1000km isn't unexpected. Bit of an irritation.

[Night Falcon]

Looks like it's fairly common with the true 690cc engine, ie the new duke and enduro R. Brought it up with the dealer who spoke to KTM and they said that 250/1000km isn't unexpected. Bit of an irritation.

I'm quite happy with my slow old 654cc LC4 and the rare requirement to top up the oil. Between 5k oil changes it would be lucky to require more than 200mls. If I didn't already own the coolest 690 around I'd defineatly consider buying one :corn: