KTM990 Adventure vs BMW1200GS

[deanohit]

I think this sums up the original question.

[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.

Nice definately says it all !

[NordieBoy]

I think this sums up the original question.

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

[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. 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 compare

And after all that, it would still be a BMW...

[Oscar]

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

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?

Any ole 950?
What if it's Simo Kirssi riding the HP2?

[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

[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!!

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.