Should I buy a KTM950 Adventure?

[Tony W]

I am pretty well satisfied with the two bikes I currently ride. R1100 RS, DRZ 400.
I also like new toys. I love orange and black. I love the looks and concept of the
KTM 950 Adventure. BUT ...I have not yet ridden one.
I am after your opinions about this KTM, and also your views on buying an ex
rental.
Here are my criteria if I were to sell both bikes and sub. one KTM.

1. It must be BMW comfortable for my pillion wife. She loves the 1100.
( no wife jokes; she LIKES bikes, cars, AND gives me money !!! )

2. Maintenance and reliability.
My idea of this is: waterblast, lube, check and change oils and filters when
scheduled.

My inner brain tells me " the KTM engine will BREAK "


(I have been a trailbike owner since 1976,so the modded 400 I have is not
" too small " for adventure riding, as someone who is a roadbike rider
switching to adventure riding might think.
I bought my first roadbike last year.)

I welcome your views, esp. from cynics and skeptics

[Crisis management]

Um, short answer I don't know, however I will burble on a bit anyway.

You're suggesting selling the road & trail bikes for a KTM950, one tool does all sort of scenario? I am having a similar dilemna with wanting something that does adventure riding (longer distances) more comfortably than the DR and the ability to carry a pillion comfortably so have been looking at the KTM950 as well.
My thoughts so far...
950, or GS1150 would do the longer distance / pillion stuff and still have reasonable off road ability.
They are huge bikes compared to a DR 650 and the extra 60kgs (in the case of the 950, more for the GS) would probably prove my undoing. I have yet to ride one somewhere faintly off road ish but am hoping to scrounge a ride this weekend. Are you listening Mike?
I realise people ride these things anywhere, look at Busa jim and the number of 950s punted around the Capital Coast ride, but I doubt I have the skill to do that. So, it may depend on where you expect to take the bike and your skill level.
Comfort, the 950 has a hardish seat I believe, it would be a huge (negative) difference to the 1100rs but seats can be changed so it's not a big issue. Suspension is great and the fairing works well so overall with a new seat comfort should be fine.
Reliability, don't know, but I wouldn't be considering them if I thought they were crap, servicing is 7500kms (oil change) and 15000kms tune etc $600?

If the bikes you are considering are the ex rentals from XXXmoto in Auckland they seem to be a fair price, I have had a look over them and they are in good condition.

In summary, my current thinking is that the 950 / GS size of bikes is too big for me and the adventure riding I want to do so I may have to go the multiple bike route to achieve a longer distance/soft adventure bike.
I will be interested to follow this and see the opinions as i'm open to persuasion either way at the moment.

Keep us posted!

Edit......Why not join us this saturday on the MMMM ride from the Rangitiki pub thru Waikaremoana, in your case then back home and that way you will be able to see at least one 990 in action with a selection of other sized bikes?

[Bass]

I will burble anyway.


They are huge bikes compared to a DR 650 and the extra 60kgs (in the case of the 950, more for the GS) would probably prove my undoing.
In summary, my current thinking is that the 950 / GS size of bikes is too big for me


But you are so skinny that you vanish when you stand side on and have to run round in the shower to get wet.

You have a point though. I threw a leg over a KTM in Dalby. They are a tall beast.
He better not be a short arse

[Crisis management]

But you are so skinny that you vanish when you stand side on and have to run round in the shower to get wet.

I'm just trying to think of a witty reposte....this may take some time :spanking:

[young1]

Yep I am listening!

You are more than welcome to have a ride of my bike at the mmmmm. I think that there is also going to be a 950 there (one of the guys has a 450EXC and a 950 and I am unsure what bike he is going to take).

But as I said, you are more than welcome to have a ride.

Things I have noticed (compared to my DRZ400). Far nicer on the road, can cruise constantly at good speeds. Fairing (for my height) is crap. At MMMM last year we had a fantastic blast through a forest, with the extra weight (and not the nobblies of my 400) it does take a bit more stopping. The power puts a smile on my face.

See you Friday

M

[Tony W]

Thanks "Crisis".
This is the kind of solid feedback that I'm after.
Cheers.

[Tony W]

Appreciate your offer Young 1, will consider.
Have done that Hastings-Minginui-Raupunga-Hastings loop 5 times!
What a racetrack!!!
Did Motu 3 weeks ago...exhilarating....Could be a bit nasty, if wet, on
a BIG bike...?

[Crisis management]

Did Motu 3 weeks ago...exhilarating....Could be a bit nasty, if wet, on
a BIG bike...?

Camera! I knew I forgot to pack something! Cary, you can definately go first now, this I have to record.....

[EJK]

......
I realise people ride these things anywhere, look at Busa jim and the number of 950s punted around the Capital Coast ride, but I doubt I have the skill to do that. So, it may depend on where you expect to take the bike and your skill level.
.....


This sentense consumes your doubts about "the KTM engine will BREAK". Psychologically speaking, the reason you have posted this thread is because you have already purchased it in your heart. It's inevitable :love:

True isn't it? ;)

[Tony W]

Yep I am listening!

You are more than welcome to have a ride of my bike at the mmmmm. I think that there is also going to be a 950 there (one of the guys has a 450EXC and a 950 and I am unsure what bike he is going to take).

But as I said, you are more than welcome to have a ride.

Things I have noticed (compared to my DRZ400). Far nicer on the road, can cruise constantly at good speeds. Fairing (for my height) is crap. At MMMM last year we had a fantastic blast through a forest, with the extra weight (and not the nobblies of my 400) it does take a bit more stopping. The power puts a smile on my face.

See you Friday

M

Would like to meet up with both you and Crisis Management on Saturday morning at approx 0830. How will I know yiz !?

[offrd]

Its a tough trade, More power, more weight.... Thats why i got the F650 GSD especially after watching some "off's" with big GS bikes on youtube.

But sometimes - - - - - i wish i had more power, after watching "long way round" and "LW down" something cool about cruising along the highway fully loaded and lifting the front wheel, because you can......

But i guess thats the hoon in me.... :innocent:

Ahhhhh but wife say "no" at least untill i buy her a bike anywho!

[Crisis management]

This sentense consumes your doubts about "the KTM engine will BREAK". Psychologically speaking, blah, blah, blah
True isn't it? ;)

No. Being polite, you're spouting absolute drivel...:bash:


Would like to meet up with both you and Crisis Management on Saturday morning at approx 0830. How will I know yiz !?

I imagine if you turn up at the Rangitaiki lodge we will be there and varying amounts of lies will be exchanged.
Me: skinny bald white guy, medium height.
Mike: skinny bald white guy, taller height.

Check with Clint (Clint640) that he's ok with you joining in, he has spent huge amounts of effort organising it so he really has the final say.

[CrazyFrog]

You wont be disappointed with the KTM, so long as your legs are long enough. Handling is superb for a big bore dual purpose (compared with BMW R1150GS), tons of power, good fuel range etc. Weight is also better than the Beemer. V-twin sounds wicked.
Mate of mine working at Thunderbike raves about them, perfect bike for NZ he reckons. My demo ride on one left a smile on my face for weeks. So long as you do your routine maintenance, oil changes, filters, etc, they seem to be fairly reliable. The big twin is also refreshingly smooth after the vibration of the 640 Adventure.
Try a Google search, or check out review on ADV rider....
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40458
Best of all, get your mitts one one at a dealer, and take it for a half decent test ride.....enjoy!

[young1]

Appreciate your offer Young 1, will consider.
Have done that Hastings-Minginui-Raupunga-Hastings loop 5 times!
What a racetrack!!!
Did Motu 3 weeks ago...exhilarating....Could be a bit nasty, if wet, on
a BIG bike...?

When we went through the forest last time I saw 130km/hr come up on my speedo, an amazing blast.

Last time we did the Motu it was wet and the bike got through okay. I would be able to go through there much faster on my 400 but that isn't why I do these adventure rides.

Mike

[Ruralman]

Look for what it worth (I haven't ridden the big KTM) heres my observation

I think the big KT will be a bit like going to a trail ride on an older bike and looking in amazement at the apparent skill of guys flying past at much greater speed etc on newer machines (eg a Wr450) - you sometimes assume that it is all rider skill - WRONG
When you get a a ride on one of these machines you suddenly find that you are a far better rider than you were on your old bike!! - believe me its true - the advances in everything on a bit of kit like a WR450 on a trail ride or the big KTM on an adventure ride just make what used to look impossible become surprisingly easy. They are easy to ride well - of course a genuinely skillful rider will always beat the less skillful in a competition, but the average rider will still look, feel and go a hell of a lot better than he/she did on their old bike.

I looked close at a 950 as well - I went for the Tiger for rider and pillion comfort on road trips, including gravel. I get my dirt kicks on a dirt bike. If I was to only have one bike then the KTM would probably be top of my list, ahead of the BMW probably because it has something that appeals to the hoon in me that the big Beemer can't match.

Choice of tyres for the purpose will be critical - would be great to have a spare set of rims and be able to swap them as needed.
Good luck with your choice

[jezzaNZ]

Yes.......I bought Ian's S model as featured in the latest Aussie TBAM mag, page 54, will go most places within reason and has plenty of grunt and all the creature comforts as you would expect in a big machine. Took it down to the Brass Monkey this year and did some fairly aggressive offroad riding no problem. Kept up with DR650's XR500's and the like.

But at the end of the day it really depends on what type of riding you do and your ability as a rider. I still have the 450 EXC in the garage should I need a little more stimulation!!!!

[terbang]

Have ridden the 990 Adventure. A great all around package that performs really well. Its a rock solid bike. Dunno about the way it looks, bit too Germanic for me, but thats a matter of personal taste. Don´t worry about the height, my mate who has one isn´t very tall and can only get one foot on the ground. He´s got it sorted and rides it extremely well in all sorts of untidy spots.

[NordieBoy]

I think the big KT will be a bit like going to a trail ride on an older bike and looking in amazement at the apparent skill of guys flying past at much greater speed etc on newer machines (eg a Wr450) - you sometimes assume that it is all rider skill - WRONG
When you get a a ride on one of these machines you suddenly find that you are a far better rider than you were on your old bike!!

Oh yes.
I'd be much faster through the Maungatapu on the DR650 than the XR250.
In fact with knobblies on I'd probably be faster at a cross country as well.

[cooneyr]

Yes.......I bought Ian's S model as featured in the latest Aussie TBAM mag, page 54, will go most places within reason and has plenty of grunt and all the creature comforts as you would expect in a big machine. Took it down to the Brass Monkey this year and did some fairly aggressive offroad riding no problem. Kept up with DR650's XR500's and the like.

But at the end of the day it really depends on what type of riding you do and your ability as a rider. I still have the 450 EXC in the garage should I need a little more stimulation!!!!

Whadda ya mean when you need more stimulation. I would have though it would have been quite stimulating enough taking the beast through the snow/mud/rivers etc we did at the brass.

Cheers R

P.S. I think it was us trying to keep up with you much of the time.
P.P.S Are you sick of the Adv S yet?
P.P.P.S It really is too tall for you ya know
P.P.P.P.S :weep:

[Quasievil]

Wait for the BMW800 GS, its out late next month at your dealers as a demo bike, sales cannot start until November (apparently)

From what I have read this will be a awesome machine capable in most areas for its intended purpose, ie a mile munching adventure tourer

RRP is around $18k (I think)

Im planning on getting one!!

[Cary]

Camera! I knew I forgot to pack something! Cary, you can definately go first now, this I have to record.....

Think the Tiger will surprise you.......but

I'm still scratching around for tyres so may be doing it on bald road tyres:crazy:

[young1]

Think the Tiger will surprise you.......but

I'm still scratching around for tyres so may be doing it on bald road tyres:crazy:

My tyres, I have a new TKC80 on the front but the rear is the standard tyre (more road orientated) hopefully that wont be too much of a problem this weekend.

Quasievil - can I book in a ride on your BMW when you get it!!!

[Cary]

My tyres, I have a new TKC80 on the front but the rear is the standard tyre (more road orientated) hopefully that wont be too much of a problem this weekend.

Quasievil - can I book in a ride on your BMW when you get it!!!

Hopefully at worst i will have the same but a shop up here has promised me a TKC rear so will see if they come thru..........

[Crisis management]

Wait for the BMW800 GS, its out late next month at your dealers as a demo bike, sales cannot start until November (apparently)

From what I have read this will be a awesome machine capable in most areas for its intended purpose, ie a mile munching adventure tourer

RRP is around $18k (I think)

Im planning on getting one!!

Good suggestion Quasi, the reviews look ok from the couple I have read but I'm not sure about your pricing. Aussi pricing is $16750 & ORC which is nearer 20k here.
Wait & see probably....

[young1]

Hopefully at worst i will have the same but a shop up here has promised me a TKC rear so will see if they come thru..........

Now you have got me worried. However last year it was wet thru the Motu and up to the sheep station and the tyres were fine. When we rode through the forest it was not steep so my rear tyre should be okay!!

[tri boy]

Hopefully at worst i will have the same but a shop up here has promised me a TKC rear so will see if they come thru..........

If you get really stuck for a tyre mate, I got a half worn TKC 130/80/17 in the shed we could shoe the tiger with if it fits your rim.
PM me if you want to use it.:yes:

[jezzaNZ]

P.S. I think it was us trying to keep up with you much of the time.
P.P.S Are you sick of the Adv S yet?
P.P.P.S It really is too tall for you ya know
P.P.P.P.S :weep:[/QUOTE]

Nah not thinking of selling it until the 690 Adv arrives on the scene. Don't worry Ryan you can have fist dibbs on it if your still in the market!

Its fine to ride as long as I wear my 80's platform boots when I'm in the real tight stuff!!!! Only problem is that I cant get the silver glitter off them!!!!

How is your route planning for my ride down to the adv rally in Central in Feb 09 going?

Jez

PS has Al got those platics fixed yet?

[cooneyr]

Nah not thinking of selling it until the 690 Adv arrives on the scene. Don't worry Ryan you can have fist dibbs on it if your still in the market!

Its fine to ride as long as I wear my 80's platform boots when I'm in the real tight stuff!!!! Only problem is that I cant get the silver glitter off them!!!!

How is your route planning for my ride down to the adv rally in Central in Feb 09 going?

Jez

PS has Al got those platics fixed yet?

El needs to come home before he can fix the bike - busy boy at the moment. Wifey and I took care of it on Sunday morning for him though :D Went for a tootle around inland canty to see what life was like two up on a bigger bike. She is hooked so I have even more permission (had a permission before but no still have no money) for a 950. Got to finish masters and saving at same time, then will just see what happens.

I'll sort out a route to and from Central once I get the masters finished, I should be free come September.

Cheers R

[4skins]

I faced a similar question to yours this time last year. 950 Adv or 990 Adv?? I bit the bullet and bought the 990 and have no regrets. Like the advertising says, they're 100% road and 100% off-road and I cannot understand why anyone would buy a pure road bike. The 990 has quite a few refinements over the 950 (the seat being a biggy) that make it worth stretching to.

Providing you're tall enough (6 ft+), have a higher than average skill level, can afford to buy the tyres and still have a lot of youthful 'hoon' element left in you, step up to the mark brother - you won't regret it.

[young1]

Maybe rename this thread;

Why shouldn't I buy a KTM 950 Adventure.

As the advert says "Just do it"!!

[NordieBoy]

Just mod a DR650.

How hard could it be?

The front wheel is a keeper.

[Big Dave]

Vege and Oscar both tell me that a 950 is 'Too much bike for you, Sunshine. You don't need 100 ponies on the dirt'.

The message isn't a condemnation of the bike at all, just the observation that it's for advanced players.

We have the new GS800 over at KR now. After a week with the Cross Country 650 Single I'm very keen for a fang on it, but damn it's still GS ugly up front. KTM weird.

[young1]

We have the new GS800 over at KR now. After a week with the Cross Country 650 Single I'm very keen for a fang on it, but damn it's still GS ugly up front. KTM weird.

The GS800 hmmm. Any idea on the pricing in NZ?

[Big Dave]

It's red and black and has a funny front mudguard. :whistle:

[4skins]

Vege and Oscar both tell me that a 950 is 'Too much bike for you, Sunshine. You don't need 100 ponies on the dirt'.


It'll be there when you're ready to step up to it Big Boy.

[Big Dave]

It'll be there when you're ready to step up to it Big Boy.

Buells got 103 and slicks and I do 'OK'. Just not as fast as those coonts.

[rok-the-boat]

Sell the BM, and get another 400 for the wife.

[spsduc]

Here's my 2c worth.
I have a KTM 990s and I am stoked. The s is the taller version. I'm 6'3" or thereabouts. I would say it depends on your skill and type of riding. I have done two South Island Safaris on mine and did pretty much all the off road options with out trouble. As long as it's dry you are fine. The suspension is unreal on these things. Greasy mud should be left for real trailbikes with full knobblies. I am lucky as I managed to score a second set of wheels like Ruralman suggests, so have the best of both worlds with tyre choice.
My riding consists of back roads including as much gravel as possible. These things are awesome for that kind of riding. They also make a great road bike and a good rider can scare the hell out of sports bikes on twisty roads.
As far as BMW goes they just don't smoke my tyres. My KTM puts a grin on my face every time I ride it and thats why I ride bikes. Hell I've even done a couple of track days on mine!
As far as reliability goes the earlier ones had a couple of small issues which will have been well sorted out by now.
I have 11000ks on mine without a glitch and I have 3 mates with them also (2 990+1 950)
In summary if you want to go trailriding buy a trail bike, if you want to go adventure riding, test ride a 950/ 990 but be prepared with your cheque book as you will want to own it:)

[young1]

Here's my 2c worth.
I have a KTM 990s and I am stoked. The s is the taller version. I'm 6'3" or thereabouts. I would say it depends on your skill and type of riding. I have done two South Island Safaris on mine and did pretty much all the off road options with out trouble. As long as it's dry you are fine. The suspension is unreal on these things. Greasy mud should be left for real trailbikes with full knobblies. I am lucky as I managed to score a second set of wheels like Ruralman suggests, so have the best of both worlds with tyre choice.
My riding consists of back roads including as much gravel as possible. These things are awesome for that kind of riding. They also make a great road bike and a good rider can scare the hell out of sports bikes on twisty roads.
As far as BMW goes they just don't smoke my tyres. My KTM puts a grin on my face every time I ride it and thats why I ride bikes. Hell I've even done a couple of track days on mine!
As far as reliability goes the earlier ones had a couple of small issues which will have been well sorted out by now.
I have 11000ks on mine without a glitch and I have 3 mates with them also (2 990+1 950)
In summary if you want to go trailriding buy a trail bike, if you want to go adventure riding, test ride a 950/ 990 but be prepared with your cheque book as you will want to own it:)

An excellent summary!

[buzzard]

I have 20,000kms on my '06 990. Almost all of it on road including a big tripround the south island last year for the Bert Munro. I use it most days to commute on and its great. You sit up high have great visibility and when you want to give it some welly it has plenty there to give. The handlebars and protectors are high enough to go over the wing mirrors of most cars so filtering is very easy, and its such a big bike that it gives most of the cage drivers the shits when (if) they see you.

The only complaint i have is that the windflow around the screen is a little noisy and the batteries cost a fortune at the moment ($450).

Overall if you have one of these you will not need any other bike, but as the previous poster said, get your cheque book ready because they are not cheap.

[ducatijim]

The GS800 hmmm. Any idea on the pricing in NZ?


Yeah guys, its listed on a dealer site here for a shade under 20K + ORC.....makes the 'fully focused' Kt look more attractive for only a few more pingers, eh?:niceone:

[Dazza]

Just do it :sunny:

[dino3310]

going buy reputation the GS donkey will out live the ktm

[Dazza]

going buy reputation the GS donkey will out live the ktm Reputation ?:whistle:

[Tony W]

Just do it :sunny:

IT LOOKS AS IF MY HEART IS CORRECT IN ITS PERCEPTION ONCE AGAIN !

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FELLOW RIDERS FOR YOUR INPUT AND EVALUATIONS.

2009 IS ALL SET TO BE THE YEAR OF THE KTM FOR ME !!!:yes::done::scooter:

[Dazza]

IT LOOKS AS IF MY HEART IS CORRECT IN ITS PERCEPTION ONCE AGAIN !

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FELLOW RIDERS FOR YOUR INPUT AND EVALUATIONS.

2009 IS ALL SET TO BE THE YEAR OF THE KTM FOR ME !!!:yes::done::scooter:Good decision that man, & when your sick of it you can sell it to me @ a much reduced rate P/T(I'd really like one in my stable aswell), my Super Duke is just about to turn over 50,000k's & going as strong as ever ;) Just re-read you post, that's like 5mths away, how the hell can you hang out that long once you've made your mind up ?Alot more sensible than me !!!

[_Shrek_]

IT LOOKS AS IF MY HEART IS CORRECT IN ITS PERCEPTION ONCE AGAIN !

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FELLOW RIDERS FOR YOUR INPUT AND EVALUATIONS.

2009 IS ALL SET TO BE THE YEAR OF THE KTM FOR ME !!!:yes::done::scooter:

a good choice (990) Tony I like them as well but hate the colour :laugh: but as my wife pillions she thinks the KTM is to hard & tall (broberly cos she's 5ft 1") i'll stick with the duck coz of the k's I do & is a great all rounder especially now that i put nobblys on for the winter :wari: