KTM990 Adventure vs BMW1200GS

[ZReX12]

Now here's the question......KTM990 Adventure or BMW1200GS?
Anyone ridden both?
Which one do you prefer and why?

Have a spot in the garage that needs filling and can't make up my mind.
Finding these things to test ride seems distressingly difficult.

[NordieBoy]

Depends what type of riding you're looking at doing.

Get the one that's done the Dakar, oh wait.
Get the twin, oh wait.

The GS is shorter and better 2-up.
The GS is the more road biased of the two and the KTM more dirt biased but they will both do both.

What's the price difference?

[skelstar]

I know this isn't really what you were asking, but saw a KTM990 in a dealer today and FARK ME that must be the most ugliest bike ever!

Having said that the fastest rider I've ridden with sat on it and it looked better. Not sure what that says about you J....sorry!

[windboy]

Now here's the question......KTM990 Adventure or BMW1200GS?
Anyone ridden both?
Which one do you prefer and why?

Have a spot in the garage that needs filling and can't make up my mind.
Finding these things to test ride seems distressingly difficult.

Difficult one...

I reckon the GS has been the "industry standard" of adventure riding for a while now. They are more comfortable for touring than actual touring bikes. They are built to take drops and not hurt, they're built to last.

The ktm is more performance oriented, more acceleration, more rally driven. I've heard the standard seat isn't the most comfortable out there.

They both more than handle gravel and a bit more (if you're strong and brave enough). May be a visual impression but the GS seem to carry the weight lower down, which makes it instantly better for loading her up on a big trip.

Shaft drive, ummmm bloody appealing especially for the dirt. However the penalty is the extra weight... low down though. For me, a big plus on the ktm is the water cooling... call me a luddite but I ain't gonna pay more than $20k for something that's not water cooled. Luckily (or unluckily) They're both too big form me, I'm glad I'm not in your boots... At the same time I'm jealous! :angry:

There's a 2 wheel magazine comparison report (Jul-06), you're welcome to borrow it if you're around jafaland. They rate them very similarly, they praise the injection mapping of the beamer and slag the ktm one a bit on lower revs (injection first year release hiccups, may be fixed by now).

Otherwise just check the attachement, good luck and let us know what you get...

[clint640]

www.advrider.com has GigaBytes worth of discussion on such topics, some of it even informed & sensible.

I've only had a brief ride on a KTM950, I'd buy one over the beemer cos it would suit the riding I do & cos it gives me wood. For more road & 2-up there's no doubt the R12 is the more sensible option.

Cheers
Clint

[pritch]

BIKE mag did a comparison back in November 2005, and gave the decision to the KTM. I'd like one, my only reservation is the problem they had (with more than one bike apparently) where the starter just goes on strike for no reason.

All four testers went for the KTM:
"The winner is the KTM, smooth power through the rev range, loads of torque. Handling on the road is unbelievably good. "

"The BMW will do pretty much anything you want, the trouble for BMW is that the KTM just does it all just as well or better. ..a crisper sound and more together feel"

" The KTM is the best giant trailie out there."

Of course, KTM was first choice of the "Long Way Round" crew.
KTM must still be kicking themselves over that...

[NordieBoy]

Otherwise just check the attachement, good luck and let us know what you get...

22L tank on the KTM?

[magicfairy]

Of course, KTM was first choice of the "Long Way Round" crew.
KTM must still be kicking themselves over that...

Well it was Charlie's choice, Ewan wanted the Beemer but went along with Charlie till KTM pulled the plug.
I read somewhere that LWR increased BMW sales of Adventure bikes by something like 25%

[warewolf]

Finding these things to test ride seems distressingly difficult.As they say on advrider.com, FILL IN YOUR PROFILE, N00B!! :sunny: If we knew your location, we just might be able to commend to you a local dealer stocking demonstrators. For example, Thunderbike in Nelson have a new 990 Adventure demonstrator (http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/sales/bikes/newbikes/ktm_index.htm). :innocent:

Personally, the Beemers don't ring my bell. I've ridden the R100GS, the R1100GS, and the R1150GS. The 1200 is supposed to be miles better (lighter, for one, and weight is an issue for me) but I've not ridden it.

KTMs are extremely competent and satisfying to ride. In comparison the Beemers are just... dull. Better than a car, but only just. :shutup:

[warewolf]

22L tank on the KTM?Yeah it's one of the downers on the v-twin series. One of the Aussie tank manufacturers have just released their after-market big tanks, 42L or something. They look real flash, too.

[Dazza]

22L tank on the KTM?Yes it has, mates 640 Adventurer even has a 30ltr tank. Cannot give you a comparison with the Beemer but having spent Monday arvo & Tuesday morn on one. Bruce @ AMPS lent me a recently traded 2005, just serviced(was getting 30,000k service done on the Super Duke) with now 20,600k's on the clock with a new scorpion fitted to the rear. Bruce gave me a good piece of advice, because of the tyres, be smooth when cornering. This was most rewarding even on unfamliar roads around southern northland (if that makes sense).I really liked the power it made (07 990 injected now, but you'd be onto that) and was most impressed with the carburation (sp), no snatchyness whatsoever, was a pleasure to cruise in top @ 110kph (which is essential with the no. of points left on my licene) & the odd strop out to faster speeds as you pass those three dawdling cars, most impressed at how stable she was @ these speeds, did about 60k's of gravel roads out the back of Tokatoka & was impressed again having to remind myself that I'm a long way from home & nobody know's where I am.Back through Dargaville, Whangarei & stayed with friends @ Mangapai. Next day came out @ Paparoa then back around the west coast back to Auckland. Only had one moment as I saw the Woodhill/beach sign post so made my way to the beach where a sign said 4WD's & bikes only, so made my way down the whoopdy doo's but got 3/4's to the beach & chickened out (didn't fancy explaining to the salesman how I got their bike booged), it was abit of a mission trying to turn her around in the soft sand. Managed to get her back to the hard without bogging/dropping her.Long story short, an f'n great motorcycle, ideal for going around our fine country checking out roads I wouldn't generally hunt out. Cheers to Bruce @ AMPS for the loaner, even if it did have over 500k's more than when he gave me the keys !!:Punk:

[mickeyboy]

Dude, You want an Adventure Bike that can pull wheelies on the power in 2nd can deal do GSXR's on twisty pavement, can handle the roughest adventure roads , has side mounted low centre of gravity fuel tanks so when you have full tanks you don't feel like someone has put a pallet of bricks between you and the handlebars , has won the Paris Dakar 6 times , Runs white power suspension and brembo brakes , has 18 inch and 21 inch wheels, sounds like a motorcycle should (with aftermarket mufflers) can do 220kph on the road, is mega fun ,wow's your mates at it's ability, makes you a better rider, the list goes on, then get the KTM 950 ! , not 990. My mates who have traded up to 990's from 950's don't like the injection or abs and all say the 990 uses more gas. There are 950's for sale on trademe. If you want an old mans bike and enjoy mashed bananas as your staple diet then the BMW is your bike.

Mickey

[chris]

I've done quite a few KM's on both. I'm guessing that at the end of the day, you'll be doing way more road than off-road in which case buy the BMW. This is part of what I wrote for the mag:

"Arriving back home we both step off the bike feeling as though we could turn round and do the journey again, proving that comfort hasn’t been forgotten by BMW’s design team. New Zealand has approximately 90,000 km of road, both sealed and unsealed and the BMW R1200GS Adventure could deal with every single kilometer in a completely effortless manner. With the excellent panniers fitted, I would go so far as to say that it’s the ultimate bike for New Zealand and would make touring this wonderful country an absolute breeze. Excellent handling, more than adequate power, superb ergonomics, a 33 litre fuel capacity giving a theoretical 750km range and the prospect of bullet proof reliability all combine to make the riding experience a delight.

BMW’s new R1200GS Adventure is a significant step forward from its predecessor, the 1150GS, and fully deserves any credit thrown its way. Criticisms of the machine are few and far between (a weak high beam and front brakes that don’t offer as much feel as they could) and won’t put off potential buyers. To own one would make sense in so many ways that it’s a no-brainer. It’s great. I love it. Buy one. It is that easy."

[Dazza]

Dude, You want an Adventure Bike that can pull wheelies on the power in 2nd can deal do GSXR's on twisty pavement, can handle the roughest adventure roads , has side mounted low centre of gravity fuel tanks so when you have full tanks you don't feel like someone has put a pallet of bricks between you and the handlebars , has won the Paris Dakar 6 times , Runs white power suspension and brembo brakes , has 18 inch and 21 inch wheels, sounds like a motorcycle should (with aftermarket mufflers) can do 220kph on the road, is mega fun ,wow's your mates at it's ability, makes you a better rider, the list goes on, then get the KTM 950 ! , not 990. My mates who have traded up to 990's from 950's don't like the injection or abs and all say the 990 uses more gas. There are 950's for sale on trademe. If you want an old mans bike and enjoy mashed bananas as your staple diet then the BMW is your bike.

MickeyWhat this man said :yes:

[NordieBoy]

Yeah it's one of the downers on the v-twin series. One of the Aussie tank manufacturers have just released their after-market big tanks, 42L or something. They look real flash, too.

That's right, it's only a couple of cm wider each side but adds a huge amount of capacity.

[ZReX12]

Thanks for that lot. Confused? You soon will be......

I currently have a F650GS, hate the 19" front wheel, lack of horse power (after 20 years of 1000cc+ Japanese 4's) and the complete lack of anything even slightly resembling sex appeal. Like the apparent bullet proofness of the thing, frugal fuel consumption, (which probably explains the lack of horses) and low seat heat when the track turns to wet clay, grass or dry sand, which is where I hate that bloody 19" front wheel (even shod with TKC's its dodgy in the slippery stuff)

Love the look of the KTM compared to the BMW, price difference also helps the KTMs case. Concerned about the KTM's pillion comfort for a long trip and how the 21" front handles the tar.

Point taken on the profile bit, must up date it a bit. Test bike in Nelson's not going to help much unless I feel like a ferry ride one weekend....

Cheers

[skelstar]

Point taken on the profile bit, must up date it a bit.
WOO HOO Wellington!!! :rockon:

[mickeyboy]

Thanks for that lot. Confused? You soon will be......

I currently have a F650GS, hate the 19" front wheel, lack of horse power (after 20 years of 1000cc+ Japanese 4's) and the complete lack of anything even slightly resembling sex appeal. Like the apparent bullet proofness of the thing, frugal fuel consumption, (which probably explains the lack of horses) and low seat heat when the track turns to wet clay, grass or dry sand, which is where I hate that bloody 19" front wheel (even shod with TKC's its dodgy in the slippery stuff)

Love the look of the KTM compared to the BMW, price difference also helps the KTMs case. Concerned about the KTM's pillion comfort for a long trip and how the 21" front handles the tar.

Point taken on the profile bit, must up date it a bit. Test bike in Nelson's not going to help much unless I feel like a ferry ride one weekend....

Cheers
Mate The 21 front is great on the road, if you are a punter of any calibre you will be able to nail most road bikes on most roads with the standard Pirelli Scorpions onboard. The KTM is VERY Underated scratches bike, ridden well you surprise a lot of unsuspecting road riders and will have a gas offroad, two up is not a problem. 1 thing you need is the Gel seat option the standard seat is as hard as wood.

[mickeyboy]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/photos/a-99174628/p-40652588.htm

thats your bike man

[NordieBoy]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/photos/a-99174628/p-40652588.htm

thats your bike man

Anyone want to buy my DR for ummm... $19000 ono?

[cooneyr]

Anyone want to buy my DR for ummm... $19000 ono?

You'd have to start the newby post thread all over again!

R

[NordieBoy]

Yeah but for $19000 I'd put up with it :D

[hondav2]

www.advrider.com has GigaBytes worth of discussion on such topics, some of it even informed & sensible.

I've only had a brief ride on a KTM950, I'd buy one over the beemer cos it would suit the riding I do & cos it gives me wood. For more road & 2-up there's no doubt the R12 is the more sensible option.

Cheers
Clint

Well spoken Clint. Ive ridden the BMW, brilliant on paved roads, eat up the ks with ease but they are crap in loose gravel ( small front wheel ) KTMs rode the 990 duke , fuel injection is crap around town in traffic, my 950 SE is like any other bike on paved roads but get on the gravel and it will give you the biggest woddy u ever had, will wheelspin in most gears, Im only 1.7m tall , lowered front end and cut the seat and can only get my toes down so its fun. If I was 60+ and going touring I would have a BMW want some fun get a 9fiddy. Cheers Toddy

[wilber]

Try TSS in L/Hutt they have a 990 out there, not good if your short i'm just under 6' and still only front of foot on ground ,shes real a tall bike.

[Dazza]

Well spoken Clint. Ive ridden the BMW, brilliant on paved roads, eat up the ks with ease but they are crap in loose gravel ( small front wheel ) KTMs rode the 990 duke , fuel injection is crap around town in traffic, my 950 SE is like any other bike on paved roads but get on the gravel and it will give you the biggest woddy u ever had, will wheelspin in most gears, Im only 1.7m tall , lowered front end and cut the seat and can only get my toes down so its fun. If I was 60+ and going touring I would have a BMW want some fun get a 9fiddy. Cheers Toddy
Mate, you have a 950 SE, your one :sick: puppy, it'd have to be the tallest bike I've ever had the pleasure of sitting on !!! Would love to take one for a strop on a gravel road :yes: Everyone keeps going on about the low speed fueling on the SD, after 35000k's I must be used to it :love: !!!

[cooneyr]

Mate, you have a 950 SE, your one :sick: puppy, it'd have to be the tallest bike I've ever had the pleasure of sitting on !!! ....

I'd have to agree. I'm a 6'1" ape i.e. long limbs and couldn't get my heals down on the brand spanker SE in Superiors. Damn they are tall but wouldnt it be fun to have a fang (or two or three :D).

Cheers R

[warewolf]

Mate, you have a 950 SE, your one :sick: puppy, it'd have to be the tallest bike I've ever had the pleasure of sitting on !!!The 640 Adventure is taller; 945mm, 30mm higher than a 9x0 Adventure S. The 950SE is 920mm.

But seat height is not everything. The KTMs, as a gross generalization, are set up fairly stiff for an aggressive rider, with the smaller bikes sprung for a lighter rider and the bigger bikes for a bigger rider/load. Plus the suspension on a new bike is not bedded in and subsequently even more stiff. My 640 took about 5000km to loosen up; those triple-bush front forks are uber-stiff.

I've got lowering links on my 640 to bring it down to 917mm, but with the correct suspension sag I can get the balls of my feet comfortably on the ground (I'm 5'7", sub-75kg in riding gear). I've sat on mickeyboy's bike, and set up for him the suspension didn't move even when I bounced up and down on the seat... I was on tippie-toes at best. The v-twins are also wider at the seat which increases the distance your legs have to cover to get to the ground.

I've sat on a new 950SE at Thunderbike, again it didn't compress under my weight and I couldn't reach the ground on the thing. There wouldn't be too many people that could ride one of those things to its limit, but there's sure as shit plenty of us that would love to have one! :yes:

[hondav2]

Mate, you have a 950 SE, your one :sick: puppy, it'd have to be the tallest bike I've ever had the pleasure of sitting on !!! Would love to take one for a strop on a gravel road :yes: Everyone keeps going on about the low speed fueling on the SD, after 35000k's I must be used to it :love: !!!

I had a VTR 1000 with 2 bros and around town just on the gas was a little rough but the Duke I rode had nothing there , didnt like it , some guys have told me the 9fiddy is smoother and better engine braking as well compared to 990. I had to soften the rear spring as well ,( no dog bone to change on rear.)When i come to a stop I cant do a left turn as I have to get my ring off the seat and right leg down. I going to have to put an extension on the side stand as some times my toes cant flick it up. But once you get going and get on the gravel its all worth it. Another 2-3 L bigger tank would be better .BTW on short wet grass covered in cattle shit its lethal especially going down hill when you roll the gas off the compression locks the back wheel. Thats when I prefer my old 6fiddy. Cheers toddy

[windboy]

Well... good to hear there are other short arses out there adjusting their bikes to fit their inseam. I purchased the overpriced lowered seat on the tranny, yeah made a huge difference in terms of reaching the ground, the down side was that the pegs then got much closer to the seat and the wicked comfort that the bike had for the long haul was suffering because of this.

I opted to sell the lowered seat and took about 30mm of preload from the rear (quite a mission in the tranny, involves chiesels and big hammers...). It's a lot better now. When sitting, the increased sag helps me get the ball of my feet on the ground when wearing boots (at 5'8" and 75kg).

I guess when loaded up, the bike would tend to bottom out easier but unladen has never happened to me yet... BTW, I'd love to be able to ride a big 950 or 990 too.:love:

[cooneyr]

Man it must be nice to be light so that to can just loose preload and the suspension will work (to an extent although would propbably still be a little harsh I guess). I think my rear spring is a bit naff cause there is no preload adjustment left i.e. it is wound right up and the thing is still to soft for me!

I know what you are saying about breaking the suspension in WW. When I tried the SE on for size the suspension would hardly even shift with my large arse jumping on it. That hast to be stiff new suspension or KTM make the stuff crazy stiff which I dont believe. I recon a broken in SE with a 18l tank would make a wicked adventure bike. Pity about the $ and the tank size.

Cheers R

[warewolf]

Man it must be nice to be light so that to can just loose preload and the suspension will work (to an extent although would propbably still be a little harsh I guess).It's not a question of being light, but being matched to the spring. The lowering links change the leverage on the shock, which makes it effectively a bit softer, and unfortunately the shock doesn't quite sit in the ideal part of its stroke. But the upside is that the softening via the lowering links means I don't have to change the spring out for a lighter one!

The 200 fits me well out of the box; not only is it lighter and shorter (wheelbase) than the bigger bikes, 250 and up, but it is sprung for a lighter rider... I'm in the overlap between the std spring and the next one lighter. I'd definitely have to change the springs on the 250. [Edit: actually this is not true. All the bikes are set up for my weight, it's just that the bigger bikes use the next size up springs to achieve this.]

I put a lighter spring in the Ohlins on my Honda Dominator (NX650) and have also put the lightest spring available in the Ohlins on my Trophy. So being on the lighter side of the mythical standard rider can be just as bad as the other side.


I think my rear spring is a bit naff cause there is no preload adjustment left i.e. it is wound right up and the thing is still to soft for me!Well that could be two things: the spring is simply too low a rate for you, or it is poked. People seem to think suspension systems last forever. They don't. The OEM shock in my Trophy only lasted about 20,000km before the damping went off and the spring was sagged out after twice that. No amount of twiddling will fix it when it is inherently poked. The Ohlins gets serviced every 20-25Kkm.

The shock in my DR-Z250 was serviced as soon as I bought it; used with 8,000km on it. It only had half the amount of oil it should have, ex-factory. That shock got serviced every year. It only cost a couple of hundred bucks to have it serviced and re-valved the first time, expensive because the non-removable end-cap had to be replaced with a removable RaceTech part. After that it was something like $80 to service... but it was hugely better than a stocker. I wonder how many DR650s have got poked shocks, possibly ex-factory too?

The thing is, people seem to know that fork oil needs to be changed regularly, but they forget about the shock. The forks have around 1L of oil, the shock only 200mL... and it probably works harder.


I know what you are saying about breaking the suspension in WW. When I tried the SE on for size the suspension would hardly even shift with my large arse jumping on it. That hast to be stiff new suspension or KTM make the stuff crazy stiff which I dont believe.What you're feeling is the stiction, much of it from everything being new & tight. Plus the forks are probably dry which will make it worse. Initially I rode my 640 with the compression damping backed right off, and the rebound backed out considerably, until one day I got the shits with it because it was too soft. Reset the clickers to near std and it's been great since. Its better again with fresh fork oil.

The 200 has the compression backed all the way out, it only had 30-odd hours on it when I got it (1000km) but I've heard a good fix is to reduce the fork oil weight from 5W to 2.5W. I'll try that next change. The other thing is to remove the third bush to reduce stiction; I'm not landing 50ft supercross jumps so I don't need the extra support.

[Dazza]

I had a VTR 1000 with 2 bros and around town just on the gas was a little rough but the Duke I rode had nothing there , Cheers toddy Very interesting grasshopper, I've ridden the 950 in Adventurer & SuperMotard guise & found the fuelling wicked and no problem wityh the SD but hey it's not for tootling around town @ part throttle, it's a get out there & ride it like you stole it sorta thing. I'm in the 100+Kilo club so have replaced the rear spring for a heavier one so it's stopped scraping shit on the road !!much more confidence inspiring now :sick:

[Oscar]

Man it must be nice to be light so that to can just loose preload and the suspension will work (to an extent although would propbably still be a little harsh I guess). I think my rear spring is a bit naff cause there is no preload adjustment left i.e. it is wound right up and the thing is still to soft for me!

I know what you are saying about breaking the suspension in WW. When I tried the SE on for size the suspension would hardly even shift with my large arse jumping on it. That hast to be stiff new suspension or KTM make the stuff crazy stiff which I dont believe. I recon a broken in SE with a 18l tank would make a wicked adventure bike. Pity about the $ and the tank size.

Cheers R

I found the suspension on the SE fine (the one I rode had 1800km on it), bearing in mind it's intended use.

Riding on the road, I got 155k's on a tank before the warning light came on.

As for the price, it's just been dropped in Aussie...

[ZReX12]

Finally got a short ride on the 990.......very nice, haven't found a 1200 to test yet but it would have to be very bloody good to feel better than the KTM. The height wasn't as much of a drama as I thought it could be, although I really didn't have time to try it on any difficult cambers.
Tons of grunt, tall gearing, but being chain drive this can be tweaked. Did I mention tons of grunt? Not quite ZRX12 size but pretty dam impressive. The 21" front makes it''s self felt after years of 17" and 19" fronts, a wee bit disconcerting for the first turn or three.
Now where's a bemmer?

[windboy]

... I've got lowering links on my 640 to bring it down to 917mm, but with the correct suspension sag I can get the balls of my feet comfortably on the ground (I'm 5'7", sub-75kg in riding gear)....

Hi Colin,

Sounds like we're similar build. I'm 1.72m and 74-75kg.

The reason I got a transalp was mainly seat height, it was either a funduro or the tranny. At 840cm I reach the ground same as you said "with the ball of my feet". Every other bike was simply camel tall.

How much sag do you get out of your 640 after changing the rear link? From 917 to 840mm there quite a long way...

Either your legs are much longer than mine, your bike sags about 100mm or the fact that the single is narrower than a twin is giving you a huge advantage?

Does this mean I could ride a 640 adventure lowered???? :shit:

[warewolf]

How much sag do you get out of your 640 after changing the rear link? From 917 to 840mm there quite a long way...

Either your legs are much longer than mine, your bike sags about 100mm or the fact that the single is narrower than a twin is giving you a huge advantage?

Does this mean I could ride a 640 adventure lowered???? :shit:Yeah you probably could. Answer is probably a little of everything.

Static laden sag is 1/3 travel so yeah, it sags 100mm when I sit on it. The lowering links change the travel a bit (I think that's how they work) but the sag point would be close, maybe lower.

Lessee... 300mm std travel, 28mm lowering links = 272mm travel, 1/3 sag = 91mm, so 91 + 28 = 119mm, ie 19mm lower with the links, at correct sag. Presuming that the 28mm measurement comes from the pre-sag position.

Now the question is, how do they measure the seat height? Unladen? Bike on wheels with std spring and preload? And how does that relate to the above calculations? Who cares? :zzzz:...time. :D

[NordieBoy]

Now the question is, how do they measure the seat height? Unladen? Bike on wheels with std spring and preload? And how does that relate to the above calculations? Who cares? :zzzz:...time. :D

And what tyres and what pressure?

[spsduc]

Now here's the question......KTM990 Adventure or BMW1200GS?
Anyone ridden both?
Which one do you prefer and why?

Have a spot in the garage that needs filling and can't make up my mind.
Finding these things to test ride seems distressingly difficult.

Hi there I have a 2006 KTM 990S. This is one awesome bike. The 1200 GS are also very good from what I understand. Technically they pretty much do the same job, however they go about it a bit differently. If you are planning on mainly road riding, you could argue the 1200 is better. The 1200 definitely has a far better range. I managed to completely empty my tanks in 270kms the other day! But boy did I have a grin on my face!! If you are doing more gravel and off road, go for the 990. I rode a 07 990 and the injection is much smoother than my 06, so no problem there.

I never considered the 1200 as they are just too sensible:)
That KTM just makes me grin like hell everytime I ride it. It must have been contagious as two of my mates have just bought brand new ones also!!!
Don't be fooled by BMW reliability. They have their weaknesses like any bike.
I took mine on the South Island Safari back in January and it was unbelievable. We went some awesome places. (See photo)

At the end of the day, buy what gives you the horn. End of story.

[mickeyboy]

The BMW is not in the same ball park , its a touring bike full stop. Its on and off road manners are in know way comparable to the KTM. If anyone thinks that the GS is in the same ballpark , they haven't ridden the KTM. Who gives a toss about fuel range , when in this country are you more than 200km's from a gas station. Ride a KTM 950 990 and you will buy one, everyone I know who has including me, did just that, they are the best thng going. !!

[ZReX12]

Test rode a 990 a couple of months back, only took about 30seconds before I knew the BMW had lost. A big orange thing now owns the garage (when I'm not riding it that is). Now for some decent pipes.........

[mememe]

Considering the purchase of one of these.
Anyone have an idea of actual tank range or ks per litre.
Any comments from other owners appreciated.

[mickeyboy]

mememe, the ktm holds 22 litres , 11 per side, I get between 320 and 360 per tank, depends how hard im punting. GET THE KTM MATE !! You won't regret it.

[Balrog]

Can't say about the new 1200 but my 1150 Adventure gets around 450ks on its
30ltr tank.


Considering the purchase of one of these.
Anyone have an idea of actual tank range or ks per litre.
Any comments from other owners appreciated.

[Dusty D]

Hi guys.
Own an 05 950 and have to be torn of the seat at the end of the day.
Ride two up with the wife 80%of the time and have no problems with comfort. did 700 ks for the day last weekend and with the usual fuel and food stops the comfort level doesn't factor.
Have ridden this bike with side panniers all round NZ on tar and gravel and can say it does everything I ask of it in spades. Run mitas tyres on her and get great ks. These are available from DAS in Christchurch.
Great bike and the one we will be heading overseas with.

[young1]

mememe, the ktm holds 22 litres , 11 per side, I get between 320 and 360 per tank, depends how hard im punting. GET THE KTM MATE !! You won't regret it.

How far does it go b4 the fuel light comes on? I am trying to work out how far my 990 will go.

[deanohit]

I think this sums up the original question. :Pokey: :lol:

[Dusty D]

Hi
Crusin at about 115 with two up I get between 300 to 320ks before the reserve light comes on. When pushed that will come down to about 280 to 290

[Dazza]

I think this sums up the original question. :Pokey: :lol:Nice :2thumbsup definately says it all !

[NordieBoy]

I think this sums up the original question. :Pokey: :lol:

Welllll....
The BMW in the pic needs to be an ADV prepped HP2 to compare :whistle:

[spsduc]

How far does it go b4 the fuel light comes on? I am trying to work out how far my 990 will go.

I emptied my tanks in 270km of scratching. Both on gravel and tarseal. This was not cruising on the highway. This was all twisty backs roads and I was being less than economical with the throttle.:clap: 220km and the light came on, then 270 it was dry. I had a 5 lt fuel container on the back because I was curious how far I could get.
I would imagine 300-350km cruising no problem.

Hope this helps.

[warewolf]

The BMW in the pic needs to be an ADV prepped HP2 to compareAnd after all that, it would still be a BMW... :whistle: :dodge:

[Oscar]

Welllll....
The BMW in the pic needs to be an ADV prepped HP2 to compare :whistle:

Not really - the HP2 goes up against the 950SE (not that it matters, 'cause any ole 950 is gonna kick the HP2's ass..)

[NordieBoy]

Not really - the HP2 goes up against the 950SE (not that it matters, 'cause any ole 950 is gonna kick the HP2's ass..)

But an ADV prepped one? :D

Any ole 950?
What if it's Simo Kirssi riding the HP2?
<img src=http://www.figl.com/gallery/photos/normal/acc/DSC_1471.JPG>

:whistle:

[buzzard]

I have a '06 990 Adventure. I was test riding heaps of bikes looking for a replacement for my '05 600 Fazer. From the moment I first test rode one of these I knew it was the bike for me. It is just so much fun. Heaps of power, a comfy riding position, great in traffic and excellent on the open road. I dont use it off road much, which is probably a massive waste (and you guys will probably give me heaps of shit for it but hey thats life).

Before i got back to NZ from the UK last year I looked around to buy a KTM with no luck as there apparently werent many in the country at that time. I eventually managed to pick one up from a dealer, some english guy had done one trip around the country on it then had to go back home. So far the bike has been brilliant and I have had no problems at all with it.

It you can get one of these I would definately recommend it. You wont look at a another bike (until they release the 1190 version in '08/'09).

I just cant wait to get on it in November when I am heading to the Burt Munro from Auckland. 10 days of riding with no wife and kids!

[Krusti]

KTM rocks.

[ZReX12]

Hi
Crusin at about 115 with two up I get between 300 to 320ks before the reserve light comes on. When pushed that will come down to about 280 to 290

How the hell do you manage that? I can't get more than 250k before the little red light becomes an attention seeker. And thats gentle (110) two up roadwork. Expect it will get better with age but I won't hold my breath, not that I'm complaining....didn't buy for economy runs:2thumbsup

[Zapf]

Question.... for someone with no dirt bike experience, who has been riding multi-4's for the last few years. And wanting a bike that can handle and feel confident on the odd gravel road (comparing with road bikes like CB900 Hornets / CBR1100's) Would the KTM 950/990's be too big a step? Keeping in mind that I would want to use this bike for touring as well.

Also, how much is the average servicing cost of KTM's? As I am used to the 2xx odd dollars every 6'000k's of my Honda's. Since some dealers have quoted me 4~500 dollars every 6'000k's which I feel is on the high side.

thnks in adv.

[warewolf]

Question.... for someone with no dirt bike experience, who has been riding multi-4's for the last few years. And wanting a bike that can handle and feel confident on the odd gravel road (comparing with road bikes like CB900 Hornets / CBR1100's) Would the KTM 950/990's be too big a step? Keeping in mind that I would want to use this bike for touring as well.The hardest part is defining what you mean by "the odd gravel road," and over time that may change.

Compared to a road bike, anything heading towards the adventure spectrum is going to be easier on gravel. KTM 9x0's are not hard to ride, and the later non-S models aren't so bad in the seat height. I reckon that whole class of bike make better tourers than anything road-oriented, particularly in this country: lots of gravel bits, lots of bumps, and then there are the actual gravel roads!! :2thumbsup

But be aware that the KTM tends to be rated as more off-road capable and less comfortable than the like of the BMW GSs. 21" front wheels are similarly rated as better in the gravel. But there is such a wide variety of machinery and riders out there, nothing is impossible.

The KTM 9x0 would be too big a step if you are going to trail ride the thing. If that is ultimately your intention, consider getting a cheap dirt bike hack to ride in the forest and build up your skills before getting a big expensive road/trail compromised where you know you want to be. I started with a Triumph Tiger and then kept getting smaller and dirtier bikes to match my riding. Gravel roads were not enough, I had to get into the forest for a day of proper off-road riding. Should've just bought a proper dirt bike at the start.

Welcome to the dark side!

[Krusti]

I have gone and got myself a 950 this year, still have the z1000. Have riden the 950 Ashburton to Rotorua in one hit and it is my preferred ride.

As far as metal road riding goes, if you have some off road experiance and or you can ride with some self control then you will have a ball.

Remembering that as far as dirt bikes go the KTM is a very powerful and heavy bike. Approaching a corner at too higher speed on a metal road is nothing like you may have experianced on a lighter trail bike!

Using the torque of the motor on metal roads and not high revs means ground can be covered very quickly without excess wheel spin etc. Grab a fist full of throttle and all you get is wheel spin.

Have run the Coro loop on it and was scraping boot on the road on the dual purpose tyres!

If I owned only one bike the KTM would be it. As far as servicing costs go, I have not had the bike long enough.

[buzzard]

I have had mine over a year now and have had the guys at AMPS in Auckland look at it a couple of times. I cant recall the exact cost but I dont think it was that expensive. I am heading to the Burt Munro next month and they are giving it a once over before I head down. Ill let you know the cost after that. AMPS have been great with the bike and really seem to know what they are doing.

These are great bikes, I only have the 990 and love it. I had a few 600s prior to the 990 and have had no problems so far. Its great around town, as you sit up really high so great visibility, and it great on the open road. The problem is that they do lend themselves to excessive acceleration and your facial muscles get really tired from grinning like a mad bastard all the time.

Take one for a test ride and there will be no going back.

[Dazza]

Just do it. A while back I had my Super Duke in for her 30,000 k service @ AMPS(ouch, now that was painful $wise) & they needed the bike for 9hrs. They gave me a Adveturer 950 for 2 days so made the most of it & took the long way round to Whangarei, it was fitted with a brand new duel purpose tyre on the rear & I had a ball. Did a few K's on the gravel roads out the back of Tokatoka (sp) & really loved her on the gravel (& the seal for that matter) just had to change my riding style whilst cornering in the tighter stuff.On the way back to Auckland found the turn off to Woodhill Forest & never having been there went to check it out.Thought I'd check out the beach, made it 3/4 of the way down the sandy whoop dee doo's & chickened out as feck it was big in the loose sand & I don't Bruce would've been too happy with me getting it bogged.Didn't like the buffeting @ 120-130clicks but aparrently a different screen fixes that.If I was a rich man I would certainly have one in the stable beside the Super Duke,one day !:drool:

[Zapf]

I would certainly have one in the stable beside the Super Duke,one day !:drool:

A thought did cross my mind of swapping all my bikes for a pair of SD and 950/990...Adv.

What are KLE500's like? A bike mech friend of mine told me that the KLE's are nicer to ride than the KLR's... (slighly off topic I know)

[Dazza]

A thought did cross my mind of swapping all my bikes for a pair of SD and 950/990...Adv.Now there's some level headed thinking :niceone::devil2:

[warewolf]

What are KLE500's like? A bike mech friend of mine told me that the KLE's are nicer to ride than the KLR's...The KLE is a parallel twin (so smoother, more power cube-for-cube), much more a road-oriented bike in terms of comfort and capability.

[Zapf]

Super Duke in for her 30,000 k service @ AMPS(ouch, now that was painful $wise) & they needed the bike for 9hrs.

Well that is exactly what I am talking about, 9 hours for a 30'000k service. I got my Honda 900 Hornet in for its big 36'000 k service (valve clearance / shims etc) and the bill was around 3~4xx dollars. It means I have more $ for tires and riding. That is a big -ve for me against KTM atm, but I have just found someone who can service KTM's and is a good well know mech.

Anyone wants to teach me how to ride dirt / gravel roads?

[Cary]

I'm looking at an upgrade next year. Will either be the R1150/12 or 950/990 Adv. Any feedback on the pillion seating as want to get partner out more so comfy seat a big decider. Read quite a few reviews on both but bugger all said about pillion comfort.

[ZReX12]

I'm looking at an upgrade next year. Will either be the R1150/12 or 950/990 Adv. Any feedback on the pillion seating as want to get partner out more so comfy seat a big decider. Read quite a few reviews on both but bugger all said about pillion comfort.

Don't know about the BMW, but the 990 gets a thumbs up from my other half for comfort.
The stock seat is comfy and with a packrack to prevent unexpected near exits all seems well on the pillion front. The height of the bike make the pillion position comfortable on the knees,ie no squatting position like on sports bikes.
Two up the bike handles superbly, far far better than my old ZRX12. Probably due the longer wheel base which has the pillions weight on the front side of the rear axle a bit more. And much better than the F650 which had the pillions ass going numb after 20minutes or so.
Several hours nonstop two up on the 990 is no problem whats so ever, even for us old farts

[Krusti]

Only problem I have with a pillion on the 950 is I tend to feel wind between me and the pillion. Proabably has something to do with my height and screen.

The wind seems to pass over my helmet and straight down my back.

Pillion loves the ride though and can not believe the speed and ease with which we cover distance.

[Cary]

Cheers Guys, I've just read about and keen to do 'Passes Ride' so i'll be looking to upgrade round mid Jan and the KTM is sounding good :niceone:

Cary.

[Pete_Hoult]

I have taken both for a thrash. Ended up buying an 07' R1200GS due to the better luggage capacity and two up comfort. Have now done 30 000km with no objections from "the Boss" and still had the room to take the kitchen sink. Also splurged and got the tank bag which when fully loaded (four month trip around sth island including moleswoth rd) settled the front end down a bit especially on the gravel.
Only draw back is the service costs a bit costly.

[Oscar]

Only draw back is the service costs a bit costly.

More than $800 for a first service?

[pete376403]

The KLE is a parallel twin (so smoother, more power cube-for-cube), much more a road-oriented bike in terms of comfort and capability.

Sorry for thread hijack but I'd suggest you try the '08 KLR before deciding . Nice and smooth on the road, quite comfortabel at 140km/hr. Excellent brakes, superb lights. Yes I have one.

[Kawazuki]

Rode both, bought the KTM990. The KTM begs you to behave like a bogan, while the Beemer made me wonder how it ever won Bike of the Year in 2005. Maybe because 990's weren't invented then.

[ZReX12]

Rode both, bought the KTM990. The KTM begs you to behave like a bogan, while the Beemer made me wonder how it ever won Bike of the Year in 2005. Maybe because 990's weren't invented then.

Out of interest, how do you decide which to ride (assuming you've got both the the ZRX and the 990)?
They both make you want to behave like a bogan, just sound different. Both love lofting the front wheel and wrecking rear tyres.

[beemr boy]

I know the KTM is a good bike but after putting 20,000k on the bm in 12 months accross all types of terrain I love it more and more. It's hard to believe where you can get them - and I have primarily road tyres on...besides...orange....really!

[Oscar]

I know the KTM is a good bike but after putting 20,000k on the bm in 12 months accross all types of terrain I love it more and more. It's hard to believe where you can get them - and I have primarily road tyres on...besides...orange....really!

My KTM is Silver.
And I don't have to worry about primary drives shitting themselves...

[Cary]

So got a Tiger :D

The Tiger was new with panniers and cost about the same as 2nd hand 950's on the market(25000k on clock) without luggage. Very few 1200GS's on the market and were out of my $$ range.

Actually think the Tiger slots in between the two nicely & with my limited seat time i think i'm gonna be happy with it. Couple weeks in S.I. in Feb will tell.

[NordieBoy]

I think the Tiger slots in well below the KTM and GS1200 in dirtability but compares really well in the sealability department.

[Cary]

I think the Tiger slots in well below the KTM and GS1200 in dirtability but compares really well in the sealability department.

KTM sure but wouldn't say 'well below':argue: compaired to GS (from what i've read/heard) sure gonna be fun finding out tho:D

Good 2up even on gravel and yeah, a real hoot on the seal.

Not gonna be taking it too far off road. got the WR for that:2thumbsup